By George B. Eichorn
Ah, the crack of the bats and pounding of the mitts are sure signs of spring. The Detroit Tigers have opened training camp in sunny Lakeland, Florida. Everything is perfect in the baseball world.
Spring training is the annual ritual where all Major League Baseball teams have a perfect record. The Tigers – worst in the American League last season with 114 losses, look to improve under the helm of manager Ron Gardenhire and his staff. They cannot get any worse, can they?
“The future, the light at the end of the tunnel, is getting a little brighter, said general manager Al Avila at the team’s Winter Caravan in Detroit last month.
While Comerica Park remains locked, cold and snow-covered, the TigerTown complex in central Florida specifically Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium — is busier than ever with the big-league camp and dozens of minor league players working out at adjacent club diamonds. This is the 84th camp held there by Detroit. Opening Day is March 26 – earliest on record for the Tigers.
There will be several roster battles in Lakeland. Third base is between Jeimer Candelario and Dawel Lugo. The backup catcher to newcomer Austin Romine (New York Yankees) is another battle to watch as Grayson Greiner, Eric Haase (from Michigan) and youngster Jake Rogers fight it out.
The future appears hopeful for the long-suffering Tigers Nation with 19 of Detroit’s top 30 prospects (per MLB Pipeline) in training camp, featuring 10 of the club’s top 11 future stars.
Many eyes will be fixed on pitchers Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Tarik Skubal, Joey Wentz and Bryan Garcia get a look. It’s likely most will end up on the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A) roster to start 2020 yet time will tell. Youngsters Rogers, Riley Greene, Daz Cameron, Derek Hill, Willi Castro and Isaac Paredes are also vying to make lasting impressions.
Watch the progress of veteran newcomers first baseman C.J. Cron and second baseman Jonathan Schoop, both over from the Minnesota Twins, and starting pitcher Ivan Nova, from the Chicago White Sox. Shortstop Jordy Mercer is a non-roster invitee and competing with Niko Goodrum and Harold Castro (Detroit Sports Media Association Tigers Rookie of the Year) for a starting job.
Starting hurlers will likely be Matthew Boyd, Jordan Zimmerman, Spencer Turnbull and Daniel Norris. Matthew Fulmer is out until July in all probability as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The only “for-sure” relief pitchers entering camp are Joe Jimenez and Buck Farmer so there’s keen competition in the bullpen.
Fox Sports Detroit has 10 telecasts and WXYT-FM (97.1) 20 broadcasts. Grapefruit League game tickets are available yet go fast. Email springtraining@tigers.com or visit tigers.com/springtraining for prices and availability.
