Rick Porcello isn't the only Single-A pitcher from last season who could make a big impression in Spring Training, according to Jon Paul Morosi.
The Tigers may take a long look this spring at left-hander Jonathan Kibler, who like Porcello spent all of last season at Class A.
As with Porcello, Kibler, 22, is much more likely to start the regular season in the minor leagues and become a candidate for a midseason call-up when a spot starter is needed. But some people in the organization are very high on him and believe he could move quickly through the system.
In 23 starts last season in West Michigan, Kibler posted a 14-5 record and 1.75 ERA, with 126 strikeouts and 32 walks in 154.1 innings. After finishing his college career at Michigan State in 2007, he pitched five games with the Tigers' Gulf Coast League rookie team.