Manager Jim Leyland has set his pitching rotation up to start the 2008 season.  Justin Verlander will be the opening day starter followed by Kenny Rogers.  After Rogers you will see Jeremy Bonderman in the third slot and then Dontrelle Willis holding down the fourth spot.  Nate Robinson will more then likely be the fifth starter in the rotation.

It was believed that Leyland wanted to split up Verlander and Rogers with Willis, but he setteled in with pitching the D-Train in the fourth spot to start off the season.

What do you think Tigers fans?  Are you happy with that starting rotation?

The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Mets in the first spring training major league baseball game of 2008.  The Tigers used a four spot in the 7th inning for their big inning as they went on to beat the Mets 4-2.

Magglio Ordonez’s infield single leading off the second inning was Detroit’s only hit through the first six innings, until Mike Hessman tripled off the center-field fence with one out in the seventh. Marcus Thames doubled him in, then Wilkin Ramirez’s two-run single put the Tigers ahead. Brandon Inge, who replaced Curtis Granderson in center field, had an RBI single and a walk.

Jeremy Bonderman pitched two innings for the Tigers pretty much just throwing fastballs and gave up two runs on four hits.  Location is the big thing that the pitchers are trying to find at this point in spring training.  That is why you didn’t see Bonderman throwing any of his offspeed pitches today.

Jason Grilli and Zach Miner each threw two innings of scoreless ball while Larrison, Byrdak, and Bautista, each threw one inning of scoreless baseball.  Larrison picked up the win as well.

The Tigers spring training record now stands at 1-0.

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Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has released his batting order that he plans on using during the 2008 season.  One suprise you will probably see is Miguel Cabrera batting in the 5th spot, but when you have a stacked offense, you are going to have a few suprises like that.

Leyland will use a lineup of: CF Curtis Granderson, 2B Placido Polanco, DH Gary Sheffield, RF Magglio Ordonez, 3B Miguel Cabrera, 1B Carlos Guillen, SS Edgar Renteria, C Ivan Rodriguez and LF Jacque Jones. Marcus Thames is expected to start over Jones versus lefties.

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The Detroit Tigers have locked up Curtis Granderson through the 2013 season.  Granderson and the Tigers agreed on a new contract extension on Monday.  The extension will pay Granderson $1 million this year, $3.5 million in 2009, $5.5 million in 2010, $8.25 million in 2011 and $10 million in 2012.  They pay could go up based on all-star performances and post season awards.

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