Perhaps the most intriguing stories of Spring Training are the young phenoms raising eyebrows and forcing teams to make tough decisions about their rosters. We're definitely seeing that in Lakeland with the Tigers.
Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry are getting fans excited, injecting some youth and hope into a spring that initially didn't seem like it would have many stories worth following. The flip side of such players making the team, however, is the veteran talent that will have to be cut loose to accommodate them on the roster.
For the Tigers, that's not going to be an easy decision, as the two pitchers most likely to go in such a scenario - Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson - are owed a combined $42 million on their remaining contracts. Far less likely, though still in the realm of possibility (as was rumored last week), is Gary Sheffield being cast aside for a younger position player like Jeff Larish, Brent Clevlen, or Clete Thomas.
That brings us to this week's poll question:
Which big contract will the Tigers cut loose by Opening Day?
Of course, your comments on the subject are also welcome. You can find the poll on the right sidebar below the FanPosts block. Or you can click here to vote. And if you have suggestions for future poll questions, shoot me an e-mail.
I was having trouble thinking of a question last week, so it ended up as kind of a goof. But with possible injuries and some disappointing performances down in Lakeland, I could feel a twinge of worry and decided to go with that. I'm just glad only 9% of have considered jumping out the window, regarding the Tigers.
Which AL Central rival had the best offseason?
23% Royals
55% Indians
16% Twins
4% White Sox