Verlander officially tabbed for Opening Day
If there was any doubt left over whether Justin Verlander would start on opening day, that was erased Friday. Leyland confirmed it's official, then downplayed any significance to it.
"It's more of a happening than a game," Leyland said. "You've got all the politicians out, but I don't get into that, really. I'm preparing for the game."
On the one hand, Leyland said it was clear that Verlander deserved the honor. On the other hand, he went out of his way to point out that an opening-day assignment doesn't elevate one pitcher over anyone else.
"We feel like we have five solid starters when they're healthy. They all can't pitch on opening day."
Well, technically, they could. But then you'd have to find a sixth starter to pitch the second game of the season.
Other than that, Leyland said he's "pretty optimistic" about Fernando Rodney's recovery and "very optimistic" about Joel Zumaya's recovery. On Zumaya and his return, that means Leyland thinks he could be back sooner than people expect. Rodney said this morning he was feeling good, but obviously he isn't throwing at this point.
For a spring training game, today is a pretty good pitching matchup. Verlander starts opposite Roy Hallday, then Nate Robertson follows and Rick Porcello will make his spring training debut.
My "source" tells me the problem is the fault of the US Consulate Service and not really an issue with Cruceta.
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Raburn contiunes to impress.
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Raburn 3 x 3 so far and Curtis goes yard against a tough southpaw.
Nice!
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Good deal for JV.
Dan, nice to hear about our boy Raburn! Always like him, even watching him down in Toledo over the years!
You know, I have been thinking. We brought up the idea before about getting together, all us regular posters, for a Tigers game this season. With how tickets are going to sell, maybe we would be better off by first shooting for a Mud Hens game to go to and take it from there...
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Hey Ty--do they still do those fantasy broadcasts like they did a few years ago?
Not sure if I will be able to make comerica this year (I have never been there) but I am catching (don't worry pudge, I don't mean that kind of catching) the Tigers at yankee Stadium for 3 at end of April and beginning of May.
Never been to Yankee Stadium and thought I better do it now or forever hold my peace!
Porcello did a nice job today too. Verlander was real good.
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SI Article:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/02/29/scoop.friday/index.html?eref=writers
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Dan - in Toledo? btw, nice article on MCab...that's big bucks but I think his really big YEARS are still ahead of him and would love to keep him in the Old English D for years to come!
Sounds like a good day for JV and RP as well, nice pitching boys!
Go Tigers!!!
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It's nice to see you all back for the spring- I enjoy reading all of your posts throughout the season!
Being familar with immigration law, I'm not exactly sure what the hold up is with Cruceta. A drunk driving conviction doesn't make you inadmissible to the United States. However, a controlled substance conviction will. I'm wondering if the immigration officials are holding the steroid offense akin to a controlled substance offense (offense as opposed to a conviction), which may make it more difficult to obtain a visa. Not sure really - just thought I'd throw my two cents in about it.
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Congratulations, deadhead. You're the first person to have a post killed from the blog. I don't care if you didn't use a four-letter word, that stuff won't fly here. I can't believe I'm spending time out of my Friday night doing this.
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Wiles, I couldn't agree with you more, drunking driving when you actually could kill people other than yourself, is deemed a less serious issue than steriod use. I am not condoning his steriod use, but come on that just doesn't make sense?? I am going to assume that the person in charge of issuing such things is a fan of some of our major competition??? HA HA
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thats fine jason. of course i wasn't trying to offend you, as you post very good information about whats going on with the tigers.
but a blog is a blog at the same time, opinions are opinions, and i didn't say anything that should be considered offensive to anyone. just a point of view.
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True, deadhead, and I don't want to discourage you from posting. There was nothing vulgar about your post. The problem is that when this gets into an immigration issue or a nationality issue, it's going to get touchy. I've seen other blogs get a little nasty on issues like this and I'm going to try to stop that before it gets out of control. I'd just rather have that stuff discussed on other forums.
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