Lets Go Tigers

Opening day is like no other. You've been waiting for months in anticipation, waiting to watch the new guys on your team -- waiting for a game that counts.

I started my day off with a nice breakfast, French toast. I normally don't eat breakfast but today was special. After I gobbled up the last bite I decided to turn on the television and watch some baseball, pre-game -- none, hmm. Well it was only 8:30.

If anyone is out there, some things are bothering me. I guess I don't understand why Tiger fans are worried about the Tigers. I mean this is a strong team.

There hasn't been too much disagreement about the offense, outside of the Cabrera contract jabs and him playing in a different league but the offense, top to bottom will be good.

The problems come when pitching is brought up, mostly the bullpen (what team is happy about their bullpen?). This is what the Tigers have:

STRIKE ONE -- THE CABRERA CLUB: Jayson Stark talks more about Miguel positioned to win an MVP award. Unfortunately it's a ESPN Insider report. He talks about the players who have been a top MVP candidate twice before the age of 24. Cabrera is one, the others make up a nice list.

Albert Pujols ('01, '02, '03)
Hank Aaron ('56, '57)
Al Kaline ('55, '56)
Mickey Mantle ('52, '55)
Stan Musial ('43, '44)
Vern Stephens ('42, '44)
Bob Feller ('39, '40, '41)
Ted Williams ('39, '41)

STRIKE TWO -- THE TIGERS CONNECTION: Within the short list, Stark mentions Al Kaline. Stark reports that Kaline said it doesn't see that happening, because Cabrera is way better than he was.

Jayson Stark: MVP?

The Tigers announced this morning that they have unconditionally released left-hander Tim Byrdak.

From Yesterday: "Right now, he's on the team," manager Jim Leyland said. "You can speculate until the cows come home, but as we speak, Tim Byrdak is on this team." O'REALLY.