As I was exploring the internet this afternoon, a rush of excitement came over me. I'm beginning to realize that the MLB season is not that far off and as a Tigers fan, I can't remember a team in Detroit with this much potential.
I was two years old when the Tigers won their last World Series. I grew up loving Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson and Jack Morris. Yet, I was far too young to understand what was really happening when these stars were in their prime in Detroit. I do remember Tram and Sweet Lou towards the end of their career and Gibby and Jack winning World Series games for other teams, but all I really know of the great early '80s Tigers teams come from reading about their greatness. Or watching videos like this:
Now it's 2008, and I have a feeling inside my gut that the same kind of greatness Detroit enjoyed in '84 will be seen again. Just a quick glance at our projected lineup and I think, "Damn, there are no holes." Edgar Renteria batted .332 last season, and Jim Leyland will probably bat him 7th!
Between Miggy Cabrera's added pop to an already solid lineup or the consumption of innings and electric charm that Dontrelle Willis brings as our new 4th starter, there is plenty to be optimistic about.
Sure, there are issues. Can Jeremy Bonderman figure out how to get through first innings unscathed? Can Kenny Rogers' 44-year old body endure another icy Detroit spring? Will the loss of Zumaya put too much pressure on Grilli, Rodney, and Jones? Plenty of questions that are too early to answer.
What we do know is that we have speed, contact, average, and power hitters. We have a true ace in Verlander, with a couple young power pitchers and a couple cagey veterans. We have experience in the bullpen and we're led by the sharpest manager alive. Watching Detroit baseball in 2006 was one of the best times of my life. Now it's our time to finish it off and go all the way.
Are you excited?
I sure as hell am.
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