Grapefruit League Gamethread: Astros at Tigers, 1:05 p.m.
Houston Astros
at Detroit Tigers
When: 1:05 p.m.
Where: Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
Media: FS Detroit / MLB Network
Tigers lineup:
TBA
Pitching: Dontrelle Willis starting. Brad Thomas, Ryan Perry and Robbie Weinhardt scheduled for relief.
Astros lineup:
TBA
Pitching: Felipe Paulino to start. Ex-Tiger Brandon Lyon scheduled for Grapefruit League debut. Also set: Chris Sampson, ex-Tiger Shane Loux, Wesley Wright and Gary Majewski.
This is probably a big game for Willis, as he shows us if he can continue the success.
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277 comments
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Comments
I'm so happy that this game is on FSN Detroit.
I need to go run to the store to get ready for it.
Lineups from the box score
DETROIT:
1. Jackson, CF
2. Damon, LF
3. Ordoñez, RF
4. Larish, 1B
5. Guillen, DH
6. Laird, C
7. Casto, 3B
8. Sizemore, 2B
9. Everett, SS
Dontrelle Willis is pitching
HOUSTON
1. Bourgeois, CF
2. Matsui, 2B
3. Pence, RF
4. Lee, DH
5. Blum, 1B
6. Feliz, 3B
7. Castro, C
8. Manzella, SS
9. Sullivan, LF
Felipe Paulino is pitching
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
C'mon Dontrelle!
Coming into today, I’d give Willis the slight edge for the #5 spot over Bonderman, with Robertson clearly being the most consistent of the three right now, and my no-brainer for the #4 spot.
I hope Bondo and Dontrelle can make it a difficult decision for Jim… in a good way.
A lifelong Tigers fan
D-train
actually looked like a big league pitcher there. Outside corner, inside corner, changed speeds, movement on fastball. I just hope he’s not hurt. eek.
The artist formerly known as Granderson28
During the commercial break, I keep seeing a brief shot of three Tigers standing around a desk in a studio, and then a local commercial cuts into it
I wish they’d let me see the end of it so I know what it’s for.
Just says "the Tigers are back on FSD"
not missing anything. It’s guillen, miggy and maggs
The artist formerly known as Granderson28
C'mon Dontrelle
I like what I see 4 batters into the game. lol
The artist formerly known as Granderson28
Great Control Today.....
….hitting both sides the plate and with movement
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
Don't tease me bro
Don’t tease me Dontrelle. This better not be a fluke.
The artist formerly known as Granderson28
thank goodness for Twitter
I can’t watch the game or really post here, but at least I can get updates so I know the score and inning. Yay!
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
by Baroque on Mar 18, 2010 1:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well.....
….Willis is doing a great job hitting both sides of the plate
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm not getting a lot of studying done right now
Baseball is just so much more interesting than Renal Pathophysiology
2 for 2
with an RBI on a nice piece of hitting
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
The Texas outline is there now.
I think it used to be just the star.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally random question
Does anybody know if the Tigers use Red Wing One for their seasonal travel or do they charter?
Don't Panic!
I believe they use Red Wing One unless the Tigers and Red Wings are both on the road at the same time
Then the Tigers charter (I think)
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
No K's for D-Train
But hey, he’s got more groundouts than flyouts.
President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.
and hes hitting the corners.....
….insdie and outside…..looks really good
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm still reserving judgment
Because that seems to work. Now I’m going to go reserve a nap.
President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.
by David Tokarz on Mar 18, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
no he actually put the bat on the ball
fly outtot center
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Flyout to center
Made fairly good contact, though
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlos Lee
says Dontrelle is not throwing that hard but confirms what Bennie has already told us: moving the ball in and out well
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
howdy folks
this is providing some good distraction in computer class for the next ten minutes. then i can go home and watch the game? is it on FSD?
I Like Pie
Yerp
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
There goes the perfect game!
Sorry
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Through Three
but he’s likely done
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Horrible thought, but
anyone else have thoughts creeping into their heads that Dontrelle’s affectations of injury on the mound are all in his head – intentional or not?
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
Of course they are . . .
As Sparky once said, “Trammell has got to learn that pain doesn’t hurt.” It’s always all in everyone’s head. :)
Dontrelle's head is alot
more complicated than most!
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
ROD ALLEN IS FULLA CRAP!
“Dontrelle earns himself a spot in the rotation if he pitches well today”. What a load!
Just disregard Nate Robertson? Just disregard the fact that Willis has been THE worst starting pitcher in his league for the last three years in a row? Ignore the fact that we have a couple weeks until opening day? Ignore the fact that Willis hasn’t gone more than three innings this spring?
F#$% #%FF!
I think he said "on the team" not "in the rotation"
Besides, if Nate were pitching today, he’d probably say the same thing.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Dontrelle is either in the rotation or out
He doesn’t have the temperment to relieve – in my opinion anyway
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Miner's Spring Performances . . .
. . . have probably made the decision-making process easier. Bonderman, Robertson and Willis have all pitched better than him this spring, and unless something changes, whichever of the three who doesn’t make the rotation ought to get the long reliever spot.
Zach has an option left...
and so does Zoomer. The Tigers should not hesitate to use them. Just cuz these guys have been around forever doesn’t mean they can pitch like crap and keep a job. Several pitchers in the pen have struggled, and I could see moving one or two down to make room.
But starting pitchers converting to the pen isn’t an automatic thing. In fact, Miner is one example of a pitcher that did relatively well in the rotation, in two significant stints, but never adapted well to bullpen duty, particularly that long relief role that JL keeps trying to force him into. The theory is sound- sinker ball pitcher comes in with runners on when the starter runs into a jam, tosses a few two seamers up there, gets out of it. Hasn’t worked in reality.
Bondo, Nate, or Willis converting to bullpen duty is no automatic thing. There’s still two weeks to go, and a lot can happen. Injuries, implosions, anxiety disorders, lotsa stuff. These things have a way of working themselves out.
The proper consideration . . .
. . . might not be which 2 of the 3 would be best in the rotation, but which of the 3 can relieve.
nates earned it too.....
….he said that earlier…..he said those 2 guys are ahead for the two spots
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
The point is- NOTHING has been earned at this point
and won’t be until we see some six inning performances.
well thats not going to happen for either.....
…..in the spring.
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus youve got....
…..to have 2 leaders for the 2 pots at any point dont you?
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
BTW- I'm happy for Willis and the Tigers
but Rod is putting WAAAAY too much stock in a couple of three inning stints.
how's the defense been?
I’ve seen the offensive stats, but I don’t recall any word on his defense
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from what ive heard its been what he expected
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd call it solid but not outstanding
but its hard to really tell with so many non-starters playing – and all over place
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Good .... by almost all accounts
Rod, among others, have raved about his ability in the “harsh” florida conditions
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
very solid D
he looks like he knows what he’s doing out there. He gets a good jump, a good read, has a strong, accurate arm (not as good as Cletus’s arm), and he can run like the wind. As much as I liked Curtis, I don’t think we’re losing anything defensively.
I think most commentators
are only cautiously hyping Laird. I know I am, but we can always hope. And, there’s always that every-other-year theory with Gerry.
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
It doesn't seem like Laird is having that great a spring to me
Still, if he follows his track record of hitting well every other year, I’ll be satisfied. For some reason, Tiger fans seem to believe he’s always been a bad hitter and will continue to do so.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
On the odd years,
he had over 400 at-bats. His playing time was limited in his better years. That’s why I think he and Avila should platoon about evenly.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Avila's gotta get better at throwing out runners for that to happen
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
From what I've heard, it isn't his throwing ability that's in question,
but his footwork, pitch-blocking, and game calling that need refinement. His caught stealing numbers were excellent in the minors.
He seemed about average in that regard last year.
27% isn’t bad.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Deservedly, though?
Laird should’ve gotten the Gold Glove.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Gold Glove awards have always been affected by offensive numbers.
Based on defense alone, it probably should have been Laird. But G$ certainly didn’t help his case with his anemic hitting.
Those Tiger marketing people ....
….. all those Inge highlights in the tickets commercial ….. they know what the fans like, i guess
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
Rick Porcello's got a good amount of face time as well
Is it just me or are those commercials a little sappy?
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I got a regular season ticket flier in the mail this week.
There’s a full-page picture of Inge on the front and tiny little pictures of the Venezuelan “Big 3” on the back.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Larish
has incredible plate discipline, has pop from the left side of the plate, and has hit extremely well every level he’s played. He also has taken some time to adjust at each level. His problem is that he needs a position. He should be playing 3B in Toledo every game. He may be a better option there than anything DD can find on the FA market next winter.
I'm not really up on the business side of the game,
but what does it mean that Larish is not on the 40 man?
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Not much, at this point
there was some concern about losing him when they took him off, but they didn’t.
What it means...
1. he had to clear waivers to be taken off the roster, and he did. Any club could have had him for the $ 50K waiver fee, but they all passed. That is an indication that he has little trade value, if any. He’d have to stay on the claiming team’s roster if he was claimed. That part is in the past, but just an indication of where he stands.
2. they have to clear a spot on the roster to add him back before he gets to play in the majors.
Not really everyday. He'll be platooned with Santiago.
If he’s not hitting again, he might not keep his platoon role either. He hit .207 with a .535 OPS after the All-Star break last year. Dlugash could get a chance to replace him if he starts off strong in Toledo.
Clete's problem
Clete has one big problem, and that is he’d be essentially the sixth OF’er on the roster, counting Raburn and Guillen. With some health concerns surrounding Inge and Sizemore- and they’re more concerned than they’re letting on, Kelly has a big advantage in the race for the 25th man, as long as he continues to get on base. Over .400 OBP at Toledo last year for Donnie. We could use some of that.
He was the 6th OF last year too.
Granderson
Thames
Ordonez
Guillen
Raburn
It’s a hard strategy to sell again because we didn’t win the division last year with 6 OF’s.
My vote, if I had one, goes to Don Kelly. This could be Kelly’s last chance to make a major league roster. I’d like to keep Clete around in Toledo just in case someone gets injured.
Kelly will be #25
IMHO
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlos and Thames were injured much of the season
Raburn didn’t make the opening day roster, but was called up pretty early.
Clete was called up in May when Carlos went on the DL.
He was sent back down in June, and Kelly was called up.
Kelly was designated and Clete was called back up in July.
When Guillen was activated, Josh Anderson was let go.
There are four bench players at any given time. Clete was one of them. JL almost always carries at least two backup MIDDLE infielders. He even carried three during the World Series.
Honest mistake with Everett on deck
but it led to really bad analysis of Sizemore
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone remember a couple years back when every FSN reporter mixed up Ryan Raburn and Mike Rabelo?
It seemed like one of them got called by the wrong name every single night.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I definitely remember that.
They tried to claim they looked the same, but they weren’t even close.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Imagine what will happen if Scherzer and Schlereth are both on the team
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
To be honest,
right after the trade, I couldn’t keep them straight
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Oops again . . .
Announcers won’t have this problem, becasue they’’ll remember Scherleth’s dad.
Same first 2 letters
We don’t love Rod for his clarity …….. any time you think Rod may not be up to the job, listen to a Diamondback’s broadcast
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I like watching those when the D'Backs are losing
When they win, Mark Grace and Daron Sutton tend to get really obnoxious. Mark Grace’s “play dumb” routine is pretty annoying.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
They spend more time
on none-baseball matters than watching the game
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought Perry might have just started to use a change-up,
but he used it a whopping 3% of the time last year.
Wow, that's the fourth homer Perry has given up this spring.
He hasn’t walked anyone this spring, though.
Mario
was wondering the same thing?
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
would have been funnier if he just kept going
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Perry gone
wow ….. should HE be worried about his performance thus far this spring
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
He's only had the one REALLY bad outing
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Though this one won't look pretty if Brad Thomas doesn't strand these runners
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
He did
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Up until that outing against the Mets, he hadn't even allowed a baserunner
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I stand corrected
I hope
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
6 straight balls from Thomas. Crikey.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I hate when the umpire expands the strike-zone on 3-0.
It happens far too much in the regular season.
Is it just me and my kids
or is anyone else gonna miss Rod & Mario saying “Seay-Lyon” ???
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
According to the Houston Announcers....
Now Batting Tasker Wells
now thats a sweet name.
Tasker shall be my first child.
My Music: Some Sorta Giant
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
middle name?
Wells?
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I shant reveal me real name...
but all together it sounds sweet.
My Music: Some Sorta Giant
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
Magglio interview with Rod....
just awesome.
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I'll say this...
something looks funny to me about his throw.
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My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
Just saw the Jays realeased Fien
Wonder why nobody wants poor Casey. Let’s pick him back up! haha… no seriously though, I feel bad for him
me, as well
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if there's any precedent for this.
Potentially four clubs in one off-season.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know about the MLB...
but Quentin Richardson jumped between a lot of teams in the NBA during the off season.
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Remember Virgil Vasquez?
Last offseason, the Red Sox claimed him off waivers from the Tigers, then the Padres claimed him from the Red Sox, then finally the Pirates claimed him from the Padres, and I think he’s still with Pittsburgh.
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he pitched against us as a Pirate earlier in the month.
I never knew he was claimed by the Sox and Padres in the mean-time.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, this guy's pretty good, right?
Ehh, guess not. See ya.
Hey, this guy’s pretty good, right?
Ehh, guess not. See ya.
Hey, this guy’s pretty good, right?
Ehh, guess not. See ya.
Hey, this guy’s pretty good, right?
Ehh, guess not. See ya.
Poor Casey.
jinx
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
by JerseyTigerFan on Mar 18, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
A foul ball landed in a cart of glass beer bottles.
A few of them shattered.
by StringTheory on Mar 18, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Man .... 3:00 already
Why can’t they start these games at 12:00? Gotta go get the kids from school.
GO TIGERS !!!!!
Rooting for Tiger stripes, not pinstripes
hey all
i finally got home from class. TIGERS ON TV. SPRING IS HERE!!!!
and oh look, chris shelton!
I Like Pie
Trust me, I've made worse Freudian slips than that
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok, I keep missing the name...
Who is the other guy in the booth?
My Music: Some Sorta Giant
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
I was looking at Gonzalez warm up in the reflection on my computer monitor and I was wondering "Who's the lefty?"
by SabreRoseTiger on Mar 18, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
with the plethora of Tigers lefty relievers...
it’s easy to just assume he is a lefty thrower.
My Music: Some Sorta Giant
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
i know it's spring training
but even in the inning i’ve been here for, i don’t agree with the ump’s strike zone. anyone else feel he’s been a little odd at times?
I Like Pie
the umps are training as well...
trying out different strike zones and such.
Gotta appear partisan after all.
My Music: Some Sorta Giant
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
i didn't see willis pitch
but mario said that he was pitching with obvious pain? is he injured?
also, who the hell just misplayed that in the outfield?
I Like Pie
I believe that was "put on a tee"...
to be technical.
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Wow!
I was fully prepared to log in to look at the box score today at 3:24PM and see that Dontrelle had given up six runs in one inning.
Who would have seriously thought that they’d have such a legitimate competition for the #4 and #5 spots this late in the spring?
Matt Millen's MMA Promoter
The guy is full of surprises.
5 years ago. I never thought he’d win 22 games either. He’s like a wild stallion that can’t be broken.
Well, I gotta go to work now
I suppose I’ll catch the rest of it on the replay tonight. See y’all later!
Did I make it in time for some game?
Where are we? What’s going on?
Thanks!
I knew I didn’t need to follow those first 8 innings!
looks like you showed up just in time!
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tie, eh?
Didn’t see the score after it got to 3-1…scoreboard checks reserved for college basketball today
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dang irish losing already
i had them in the sweet 16. at least villanova pulled out a win
I Like Pie
Talking about calling it a tie if Tigs don't score
According to Astros broadcasters. Can they do that?
what is this, the All Star game???
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wow, i realized i just typed "wills" instead of "wells"
but i think don kelly willed us to win with his clutch single to start the rally
I Like Pie
I was wondering if they used Dontrelle as a pinch runner or something
Never mind that he started the game, and wasn’t eligible to come back in….after all, it’s spring training…
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Excellent! We win!
I would like to point out that this was all entirely dependent on my tuning in.
Hey! What about me?
I did, after all, show up at the same time :p
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So I ran my finger through a deli slicer...
and it has been very painful to talk to you guys.
So now I must say good bye.
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ouch
try not to do that again, mmmkay?
seriously, hope it was a minor nick rather than what I’m imagining….
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technically theres a chunk of my pinky missing...
and this is my second time doing this but this wound didn’t gush blood like the last one.
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Galarraga Optioned to AAA
+1
From MLB: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100318&content_id=8828124&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Matt Millen's MMA Promoter
Armando just got voted off the island, eh?
Or just got told that “You are the weakest starting pitching link….goodbye!”??
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by ahtrap on Mar 18, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wikipedia already updated
apparently, the contributer is a little excited
On March 18, 2010, Galarraga was optioned optioned to the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate Toledo
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I Think the Tigers should give willis can get the spot….I mean we already paid so much for him and he looks good now,so lets give him a chance and see how does!!!…and I believe he will do a good job
Not only that...
but give him the #4 spot. His confidence is so fragile, that it may be a big deal to him to see himself there instead of in the #5 hole… and as far as I know, the actual difference is meaningless.
Matt Millen's MMA Promoter
So appease his Diva complex?
Bah. Make him #5 where he belongs so he knows he’d better keep his ass motivated.
Don't Panic!

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