If you were ready to write off Michael Hollimon for at least half of the 2009 season because of his injured shoulder, you might want to re-evaluate those assumptions.

Tagging along with the Tigers' Winter Caravan, Jason Beck spoke with Hollimon in Toledo, who said that shoulder was at "90-95 strength" and able to handle "baseball activities" in his workouts back in Texas.  Things are going so well, apparently, that he plans to report to Lakeland a couple of weeks before Spring Training.

Not only would this be good in terms of providing infield depth against injury in 2009, but if Placido Polanco ends up not returning to the Tigers for 2010, Hollimon could be a front-runner to replace him at second base.  And having a full season to further develop his skills could go a long way toward determining that.

One more bit of possible good news: Beck also mentioned that Clete Thomas is recovering from his elbow injury ahead of schedule.  The Cult is pleased.