Tiger Geist

Couple of home runs today have Detroit 2-2 in the grapefruit league, which of course means absolutely nothing.  Here’s the good and the not so good through four games:

• Between Bonderman’s injury, Dontrelle Willis’ inconsistency, and Nate Robertson’s Nate Robertson-ness, we see why Detroit traded for Edwin Jackson.
• Edwin Jackson doesn’t appear to suck.
• Brandon Inge’s early success (4-6) is important for one reason:  It gives him the confidence to keep working on his new batting mechanics.  We’ve seen how the old way worked.
• Gary Sheffield played.
• Carlos Guillen may be new (again) to the outfield, but he seems to be adjusting well and showing solid instincts.
• Its hard to get too excited or too down on the pitchers;  too many are pitching “out of position”.  Starters aren’t used to relieving, etc.

Other thoughts:

• Jeff Larish has a sore neck that is keeping him out a few games;  with Miguel Cabrera (and Carlos Guillen) heading to the WBC, there will be plenty of at-bats for him.
• A little foreshadowing?  Brent Clevlen hasn’t gotten a start yet, with Ryan Raburn getting a start, and Curtis Granderson getting the other three in center.  Clevlen has played well defensively, but it doesn’t appear Leyland will do him any favors on winning a spot on this team.  Sunday was the last game before the WBC squads get together, so all of the outfielder’s playing time should increase.
• Could Mike Hessman play his way onto this squad?  Doubtful.  But I don’t think he makes it back through waivers — I think San Francisco could use him at third, allowing Pablo Sandoval to move back to first.  A few of the San Francisco sports writers have talked about the Giants’ desire to make that move (Sandoval to first), though Ishikawa is lighting it up through four games.
• Not sure how it will play out, but the front office seems to have done a better job stocking the bullpen this year in case there are some injuries.
• Number:  $29.5 million.  That is the 2009 combined salaries of the three players who, at this point, the Tiger’s are unsure on their status for 2009.  Bonderman ($12.5), Robertson ($7), and Willis ($10).  Leyland may not be sweating it, but Mike Illitch has to be worried.

Quick What Ifs:

• What if Willis and Robertson aren’t the top 12 pitchers?  What if they aren’t the top 15?  Could Detroit conceivably cut them and just eat their contracts?
• What if Detroit possibly trimmed their payroll to put themselves in position to eat some contracts?  That would be wishful thinking.
• What if Brandon Inge’s new hitting style really makes him a decent hitter?  What if he hits .275?  Wouldn’t he have wasted millions of dollars by refusing to adjust it years ago?