Now that spring training is all but over, it's time to fire up the concern-o-meter to see what the team's chances look like headed into the games that really count.
It's pretty clear what the trouble will be ... pitching. Just about every pitcher they've got has had his share of trouble this spring, either with injuries or just the regular ol' inconsistent performances. It's troubling that Tim Brydak was kicked out just days before the season was set to start -- just hours after newspaper reports claimed his job was safe for 2008. Newcomer Dontrelle Willis has been very shaky, and probably is putting too much pressure on himself. The Wall Street Journal, of all papers, ran a story on Jeremy Bonderman's first inning struggles. Who knows what to expect out of the old timers, Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones. Justin Verlander hasn't been all that great either. About the only guy that has been under the radar has been Nate Robertson. With all that blah-blah-blah... put the pitching concern meter at about 7 out of 10 as the team heads to the great white north.
About the only concern out of the position players has been Curtis Granderson's broken finger -- and that's not a big deal because they can plug Brandon Inge in centerfield since he's yet to be traded. I kinda feel bad for Inge - but to me, the best interest of the Tigers is to keep Brandon around this year and just plug him in someplace in about 60-70 percent of the games. So my concern-o-meter for the everyday players sits at about 2 for injuries and some unrest with Inge's situation.
Overall, my concern-o-meter sits at about 5. The first 40 games will be a real test for this team - if they can win more than say 22-23 of those 40, get Granderson back, keep Inge productive and happy, and somehow stabilize the pitching (especially the bullpen), it'll be a good sign. If they struggle and only start about .500 or worse... they'll be searching for some big time help in the pitching department.
It's hard to deny that the Tigers have struggled in the spring games. And although they mean absolutely nothing ... it sure would have been nice to have been hearing about more wins, less injuries, and better pitching.
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