Lineup notes: Mike Rivera gets the start and catcher tonight, and Jacob Cruz will be starting in place of Robert Fick in right field. If Robert can play, he’ll DH tonight, otherwise Mitch Meluskey will play.
Year: 2002
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Tom Gage has a well written piece in the Detroit News.
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Contract negotiations have ended for Fick. He was hoping to sign a two year deal. Also, he’s got a bum hamstring and will be limited to DHing on Tuesday.
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ESPN.com’sPower Rankings have the Tigers starting the season at 25 and predict a 72 win season.
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Barring a stiff summer-long breeze to left field, the Tigers won’t have a 40-homer slugger at Comerica Park, though a 100 RBI man would be welcome. Instead of star power, Detroit’s strength comes in numbers from a lineup stacked with hitters who can drive the ball into the gaps and punish pitchers in clutch situations.
Well, lets hope they can.
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as far as calling a game, he does a good job, and he always comes up to you after innings and makes sure we’re on the same wavelength.
If Weaver is getting along with Rivera, this can only be a good sign. Also, a catcher who can call a good game will be a huge asset this year. Last year we kept hearing from Warthen and Garner about poor pitch selection, yet they always let Inge/Fick/Cardona call most of the pitches.
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Associated Press Tiger Preview
There’s definitely a new-and-improved atmosphere around the Tigers, but even so, some of them wonder whether that will last if this turns out to be a ninth straight losing season. -
SportingNews.com: Elements of Hardball: Intensity
Weaver throws a lot of smack for a pitcher with a career record of 33-43 and a 4.57 ERA. But his combination of sinker, fastball and overhand curve are good enough that he could develop into a legit ace.