2007 Detroit Tigers season
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Tigers
2007 season
ended with the Tigers finishing runner-up in the AL Central Division
. They failed in winning the Wild Card, a task which they achieved in 2006
, and going on to win the AL Pennant
.
After a trip to the 2006 World Series
that ended with a defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals
, the Tigers started the offseason by trading pitchers Humberto Sanchez
, Kevin Whelan
, and Anthony Claggett
to the New York Yankees
for outfielder
and designated hitter
Gary Sheffield
. Plus, they re-signed players from the previous season's team; first baseman
Sean Casey, second baseman
Omar Infante
, outfielder Craig Monroe
, left-handed starting pitcher
Nate Robertson
, and right-handed relief pitcher Fernando Rodney
all returned with the Tigers for the 2007 season.
for the 2007 season, setting a new single-season home attendance record for the team. The previous record had been 2,704,794 customers at Tiger Stadium in 1984. At the end of the season, the Tigers had sold over 3,000,000 tickets for 2007.
had one of the best season by a Detroit Tiger batter in the past 60 years. Magglio's records and accomplishments in 2007 include:
The one Tiger hitting season in the past 60 years that exceeds Ordonez's 2007 season is that of Norm Cash
in 1961. In 1961, the AL MVP award was given to New York Yankee slugger Roger Maris
who hit 61 home runs.
's contract, keeping him on the roster through at least the 2008 season. The Tigers could have bought out the option for 3-million dollars and allowed him to become a free agent
.
On October 10, the Tigers returned Rule 5 draft
ee Edward Campusano to the Chicago Cubs
. Campusano spent the entire 2007 season on the 60-day disabled list
.
Relief pitcher Joel Zumaya
was injured while at his off-season home in California
. While moving boxes during the October 2007 California wildfires
, a large box fell on Zumaya, separating his shoulder. Zumaya had surgery to correct the problem and is currently rehabilitating the shoulder.
On October 29, first baseman Sean Casey filed for free agency
, on the first day players could do so. The team's management had already informed Casey that he would not return to the lineup the following season.
The same day, the Tigers acquired shortstop
Edgar Rentería
from the Atlanta Braves
, in exchange for pitching prospect Jair Jurrjens
and outfielding prospect Gorkys Hernandez
. The move paves the way for current shortstop Carlos Guillén
to move to the vacant spot at first base.
On October 30, utility infielder Neifi Perez
filed for free agency. He had not played since July 5 after being suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
On November 12, veteran closer Todd Jones was re-signed to a one-year, seven-million dollar contract.
The same day, the Tigers received outfielder Jacque Jones
in a trade with the Chicago Cubs
for utility man Omar Infante
.
On November 30, Kenny Rogers agreed to a one-year, 8-million contract to return to the Tigers. Rogers represented himself in contract negotiations after firing agent Scott Boras
on November 17. The contract contains performance bonuses based on how many innings Rogers pitches in 2008. The team also signed free-agent pitcher Francisco Cruceta
to a one-year deal.
On December 5, the Tigers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins
, with starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis
and third-baseman Miguel Cabrera
arriving from Florida. The Tigers send in exchange backup catcher Mike Rabelo
, top outfielding prospect Cameron Maybin
, top pitching prospect Andrew Miller
, and three other minor leaguers. The same day, the Tigers swapped pitchers with the Colorado Rockies
, acquiring Denny Bautista
for prospect José Capellán. Also, the Tigers sent minor-league slugger Chris Shelton to Texas
for outfielder Freddy Guzman
.
The Cabrera trade would make current third-baseman Brandon Inge
expendable. Inge asked management for a trade, but the team was unable to make a deal. Inge's four-year, 24-million dollar contract, signed before the 2007 season, was partly to blame. Inge would eventually drop the matter and accept the role as a utilityman.
On December 6, the Tigers selected minor-league pitchers Juan Cedeño
from the Washington
organization and Ben Fritz
from the Oakland
organization in the Rule 5 Draft
. The Tigers lost minor-league pitchers Randor Bierd
, Corey Hamman and Jose Fragoso.
On December 29, the Tigers and Dontrelle Willis
signed a three-year, 29-million dollar contract extension.
On January 16, 2008, the Tigers avoided arbitration with Nate Robertson
and signed him to a three-year, 21.25 million dollar contract. He would have been a free agent after the 2009 season. The following day, the Tigers avoided arbitration with outfielder Marcus Thames
, signing him to a one-year, $1,275,000 contract. On the 18th, the team was able to avoid arbitration with all of their eligible players by signing Miguel Cabrera
to a one-year, 11.3 million dollar contract. Reliever Bobby Seay
was given a one-year, $780,000 contract.
On February 4, center fielder Curtis Granderson
signed a 5-year, 30.25-million-dollar contract extension, keeping the speedy lead-off man on the roster through at least 2012. There is a team option for 2013.
On February 5, the Tigers completed another trade with the Texas Rangers, sending Class-A Lakeland
and Class AA-Erie
outfielder Michael Hernandez in exchange for minor league right-hander Armando Galarraga
.
On March 25, the Tigers finalized a long-term contract for Miguel Cabrera
. Cabrera signed an eight-year, 152.3 million-dollar deal, which is the biggest in Detroit Tigers history.
* Player released or traded. Stats only reflect games with Tigers.
Players in Bold qualify for Batting Title.
* Player released or traded. Stats only reflect games with Tigers.
* Player released or traded. Stats only reflect games with Tigers.
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
2007 season
2007 Major League Baseball season
The 2007 Major League Baseball season, began on April 1 with a rematch of the 2006 National League Championship Series; the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets played the first game of the season at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, which was won by the Mets, 6–1...
ended with the Tigers finishing runner-up in the AL Central Division
American League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...
. They failed in winning the Wild Card, a task which they achieved in 2006
2006 Major League Baseball season
In , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
, and going on to win the AL Pennant
2006 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CaliforniaOakland was 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, while Detroit turned four double plays...
.
After a trip to the 2006 World Series
2006 World Series
The 2006 World Series, the 102nd edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, began on October 21 and ended on October 27, and matched the American League champion Detroit Tigers against the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals won the Series in five games, taking...
that ended with a defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, the Tigers started the offseason by trading pitchers Humberto Sanchez
Humberto Sánchez
Humberto A. Sánchez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball...
, Kevin Whelan
Kevin Whelan
Kevin J. Whelan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball.-Professional career:...
, and Anthony Claggett
Anthony Claggett
Anthony Paul Claggett is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-Career:...
to the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
and designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
Gary Sheffield
Gary Sheffield
Gary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
. Plus, they re-signed players from the previous season's team; first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Sean Casey, second baseman
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
Omar Infante
Omar Infante
Omar Rafael Infante [in-FAHN-tay] is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently on the Miami Marlins...
, outfielder Craig Monroe
Craig Monroe
Craig Keystone Monroe , nicknamed "C-Mo," is a Major League Baseball outfielder who most recently played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Professional career:...
, left-handed starting pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Nate Robertson
Nate Robertson
Nathan Daniel "Nate" Robertson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher who currently pitches in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Florida Marlins:...
, and right-handed relief pitcher Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Rodney throws a fastball in the mid to upper-90 miles per hour and a changeup in the low 80s.-Minor leagues:...
all returned with the Tigers for the 2007 season.
Regular season
As of July 18, the Tigers had sold 2,712,393 tickets at Comerica ParkComerica Park
Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
for the 2007 season, setting a new single-season home attendance record for the team. The previous record had been 2,704,794 customers at Tiger Stadium in 1984. At the end of the season, the Tigers had sold over 3,000,000 tickets for 2007.
Roster
| 2007 Detroit Tigers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (infield) (pitching) (bullpen) (third base) (hitting) (first base) |
||||||
Season Highlights
- On June 12, PitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Justin VerlanderJustin VerlanderJustin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
threw a no-hitterNo-hitterA no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
against the Milwaukee Brewers2007 Milwaukee Brewers seasonThe 2007 Milwaukee Brewers season marked the 25th anniversary of the Milwaukee Brewers winning the American League Championship and the 50th anniversary of the Milwaukee Braves winning the World Series. During the offseason, the Brewers re-signed free agents Bill Hall and Chris Capuano...
, winning the game 4-0. This was the first no-hitter by a Tiger since Jack MorrisJack MorrisJohn Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
did it in 1984 and the first ever thrown at Comerica ParkComerica ParkComerica Park is an open-air ballpark located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball's American League, replacing historic Tiger Stadium in 2000....
.
- Five players, second only to Boston'sBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
six, represented Detroit in the 2007 MLB All-Star Game. Carlos GuillénCarlos GuillénCarlos Alfonso Guillén is a Major League Baseball second baseman and switch-hitter....
, Magglio OrdóñezMagglio OrdóñezMagglio José Ordóñez Delgado is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right fielder. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers . Ordóñez is six feet, one inch tall and weighs .-Professional career:...
, Plácido PolancoPlácido PolancoPlácido Enrique Polanco is a Major League Baseball player who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies and has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. He is a third baseman, but in the past has played second base and shortstop...
, Iván RodríguezIván RodríguezIván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
and Justin VerlanderJustin VerlanderJustin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
joined American League manager Jim LeylandJim LeylandJames Richard "Jim" Leyland is a Major League Baseball manager, currently with the Detroit Tigers.He led the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship in 1997, and previously won three straight division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates...
in the All-Star game.
- On July 6, Neifi PérezNeifi PérezNeifi Neftali Pérez is a Major League baseball player who most recently played for the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , San Francisco Giants , and the Chicago Cubs...
was suspended 25 games by MLB for a second positive test for a banned stimulant. He subsequently tested positive for a third time and was suspended on August 3 for 80 games.
- On August 17, highly-touted prospect Cameron MaybinCameron MaybinCameron Keith Maybin is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres. He was the tenth pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft by The Detroit Tigers. He was consistently ranked as the Tigers top minor league prospect while in the organization.-High school:Maybin played high school...
made his major league debut in New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
against the YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
playing left-field.http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154268&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det
Curtis Granderson
- On August 7, 2007, Granderson became only the second player in franchise history to have at least 30 doubles, 15 triples, 15 home runs, and 10 stolen bases in a single season when he hit a double in a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The other Tiger to accomplish this feat was Charlie GehringerCharlie GehringerCharles Leonard Gehringer , nicknamed “The Mechanical Man,” was a German-American Major League Baseball second baseman who played 19 seasons for the Detroit Tigers...
in 1930. Granderson hit his second inside-the-park home run in his first at bat against the Yankees on August 26, 2007.
- On September 7, 2007, Granderson became the 6th member all-time of baseball's exclusive 20–20–20 club20–20–20 clubThe 20–20–20 club is a term coined by sportswriters that describes a fairly exclusive group of Major League Baseball players: those who have reached the 20 double, 20 triple, and 20 home run plateaus in the same season...
. Granderson joined the 20–20–20 club with Kansas City's George Brett (1979), Willie MaysWillie MaysWillie Howard Mays, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his...
of the New York Giants (1957), Cleveland's Jeff HeathJeff HeathJohn Geoffrey Heath was a Canadian left fielder in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Cleveland Indians. He was one of the American League's most promising power hitters of the late 1930s and early 1940s, twice leading the AL in triples, and batting at least .340 with over...
(1941), St. Louis' Jim BottomleyJim BottomleyJames Leroy Bottomley was born in Oglesby, Illinois and grew up in Nokomis, Illinois. Nicknamed "Sunny Jim" because of his cheerful disposition, he was a left-handed Major League Baseball player. He also served as player-manager for the St. Louis Browns in 1937.-Career:As a first baseman for the...
(1928), and Frank Schulte of the Chicago Cubs (1911).
- On September 9, 2007 Granderson stole his 20th base of the season and joined Willie Mays and Frank "Wildfire" Schulte as the only players in major league history to reach 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a season. Schulte was the first to accomplish the feat in 1911 while playing for the Chicago Cubs and Mays did it in 1957 with the New York Giants. Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies would later that year accomplish the same feat.
Magglio Ordóñez
Magglio OrdóñezMagglio Ordóñez
Magglio José Ordóñez Delgado is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right fielder. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers . Ordóñez is six feet, one inch tall and weighs .-Professional career:...
had one of the best season by a Detroit Tiger batter in the past 60 years. Magglio's records and accomplishments in 2007 include:
- His .363 batting averageBatting averageBatting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
was the highest in Major League Baseball. He finished the season as the AL batting champion, and is the first Tiger player to accomplish the feat since Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
in 1961. The last Tiger to hit for a higher average was Charlie GehringerCharlie GehringerCharles Leonard Gehringer , nicknamed “The Mechanical Man,” was a German-American Major League Baseball second baseman who played 19 seasons for the Detroit Tigers...
in 1937. - His 54 doubles was the most in Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. It is the most by a Tiger since George KellGeorge KellGeorge Clyde Kell was an American baseball third baseman who played for the Philadelphia Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , and Baltimore Orioles in the American League, who went on to become a baseball broadcaster for 40 years.-Playing career:In college, Kell...
hit 56 in 1950. - His 139 RBIs was the highest by a Tiger since Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
had 140 in 1961. Colavito is the only Tiger batter with more RBIs than Ordóñez in the past 60 years. - On August 12, 2007, Magglio hit two home runs in an eight-run second-inning of an 11-6 win over the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, becoming the second batter in Tigers' history to achieve this feat; Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
had done so on April 17, 1955 in a 16-0 win over the then-Kansas City Athletics. - Ordóñez had an on base percentageOn base percentageIn baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
of .434. Only two other Tiger batters in the past 60 years have hit for a higher on base percentage: Tony PhillipsTony PhillipsKeith Anthony Phillips is a former Major League Baseball utility player who had an 18-year career from to . He played regularly at three infield positions, primarily as a second baseman, but also had significant time as a shortstop and third baseman...
in 1993 (.443) and Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
in 1961 (.487). - Only one Tiger in the past 60 years has had a higher slugging percentage than Magglio's .595: Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
in 1961 had a slugging percentage of .662.
The one Tiger hitting season in the past 60 years that exceeds Ordonez's 2007 season is that of Norm Cash
Norm Cash
Norman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
in 1961. In 1961, the AL MVP award was given to New York Yankee slugger Roger Maris
Roger Maris
Roger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
who hit 61 home runs.
2007-08 offseason events
On October 9, 2007, the Tigers announced that they were picking up the 13-million-dollar, fifth-year option on Iván RodríguezIván Rodríguez
Iván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
's contract, keeping him on the roster through at least the 2008 season. The Tigers could have bought out the option for 3-million dollars and allowed him to become a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
.
On October 10, the Tigers returned Rule 5 draft
Rule 5 draft
The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
ee Edward Campusano to the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. Campusano spent the entire 2007 season on the 60-day disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
.
Relief pitcher Joel Zumaya
Joel Zumaya
Joel Martin Zumaya is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher known for his record-breaking fastballs.-Baseball career:...
was injured while at his off-season home in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. While moving boxes during the October 2007 California wildfires
October 2007 California wildfires
The October 2007 California wildfires were a series of wildfires that began burning across Southern California on October 20. At least 1,500 homes were destroyed and over 500,000 acres of land burned from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.–Mexico border...
, a large box fell on Zumaya, separating his shoulder. Zumaya had surgery to correct the problem and is currently rehabilitating the shoulder.
On October 29, first baseman Sean Casey filed for free agency
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
, on the first day players could do so. The team's management had already informed Casey that he would not return to the lineup the following season.
The same day, the Tigers acquired shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Edgar Rentería
Edgar Rentería
Edgar Enrique Rentería Herazo , nicknamed "The Barranquilla Baby," is a Colombian professional baseball shortstop. He throws and bats right-handed. Previously, he has played for the Florida Marlins, the St...
from the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, in exchange for pitching prospect Jair Jurrjens
Jair Jurrjens
-Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu....
and outfielding prospect Gorkys Hernandez
Gorkys Hernández
Gorkys Gustavo Hernández is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization currently assigned to their triple A Indianapolis Indians of the International League....
. The move paves the way for current shortstop Carlos Guillén
Carlos Guillén
Carlos Alfonso Guillén is a Major League Baseball second baseman and switch-hitter....
to move to the vacant spot at first base.
On October 30, utility infielder Neifi Perez
Neifi Pérez
Neifi Neftali Pérez is a Major League baseball player who most recently played for the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , San Francisco Giants , and the Chicago Cubs...
filed for free agency. He had not played since July 5 after being suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
On November 12, veteran closer Todd Jones was re-signed to a one-year, seven-million dollar contract.
The same day, the Tigers received outfielder Jacque Jones
Jacque Jones
Jacque Dewayne Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who currently is a free agent-Early life:...
in a trade with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for utility man Omar Infante
Omar Infante
Omar Rafael Infante [in-FAHN-tay] is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently on the Miami Marlins...
.
On November 30, Kenny Rogers agreed to a one-year, 8-million contract to return to the Tigers. Rogers represented himself in contract negotiations after firing agent Scott Boras
Scott Boras
Scott Boras is an American sports agent, specializing in baseball. He is the founder, owner and president of the Boras Corporation, a sports agency based in Newport Beach, Calif. that represents roughly 175 professional baseball clients, including many of the game's highest-profile players...
on November 17. The contract contains performance bonuses based on how many innings Rogers pitches in 2008. The team also signed free-agent pitcher Francisco Cruceta
Francisco Cruceta
Francisco Alberto Cruceta is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher and former starting pitcher for the Samsung Lions in the Korea Baseball Organization.-Los Angeles Dodgers:...
to a one-year deal.
On December 5, the Tigers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
, with starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis , nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American professional baseball pitcher. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter...
and third-baseman Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
arriving from Florida. The Tigers send in exchange backup catcher Mike Rabelo
Mike Rabelo
Michael Gregory Rabelo is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Rabelo grew up in the city of New Port Richey, Florida, and attended Ridgewood High School...
, top outfielding prospect Cameron Maybin
Cameron Maybin
Cameron Keith Maybin is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres. He was the tenth pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft by The Detroit Tigers. He was consistently ranked as the Tigers top minor league prospect while in the organization.-High school:Maybin played high school...
, top pitching prospect Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller (baseball)
Andrew Mark Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-College:...
, and three other minor leaguers. The same day, the Tigers swapped pitchers with the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, acquiring Denny Bautista
Denny Bautista
Denny M. Bautista is Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. He also played in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Francisco Giants.-Florida...
for prospect José Capellán. Also, the Tigers sent minor-league slugger Chris Shelton to Texas
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
for outfielder Freddy Guzman
Freddy Guzmán
Freddy Antonio Guzmán is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.-Baseball career:...
.
The Cabrera trade would make current third-baseman Brandon Inge
Brandon Inge
Charles Brandon Inge is an American professional baseball infielder for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
expendable. Inge asked management for a trade, but the team was unable to make a deal. Inge's four-year, 24-million dollar contract, signed before the 2007 season, was partly to blame. Inge would eventually drop the matter and accept the role as a utilityman.
On December 6, the Tigers selected minor-league pitchers Juan Cedeño
Juan Cedeño
Juan Cedeño is a Dominican Republic baseball pitcher in the New York Yankees organization.The Boston Red Sox signed Cedeño as an international free agent in 2001. He played organization from 2002 through 2005, until he was traded with Chip Ambres to the Kansas City Royals for Tony Graffanino. He...
from the Washington
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
organization and Ben Fritz
Ben Fritz
Benjamin Scott Fritz is a minor league baseball player who was a first-round selection in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft who is currently in the Chicago White Sox organization...
from the Oakland
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
organization in the Rule 5 Draft
Rule 5 draft
The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
. The Tigers lost minor-league pitchers Randor Bierd
Randor Bierd
Randor Bierd is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent.Bierd was originally signed by the Detroit Tigers as an undrafted free agent on June 3, ....
, Corey Hamman and Jose Fragoso.
On December 29, the Tigers and Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis , nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American professional baseball pitcher. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter...
signed a three-year, 29-million dollar contract extension.
On January 16, 2008, the Tigers avoided arbitration with Nate Robertson
Nate Robertson
Nathan Daniel "Nate" Robertson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher who currently pitches in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Florida Marlins:...
and signed him to a three-year, 21.25 million dollar contract. He would have been a free agent after the 2009 season. The following day, the Tigers avoided arbitration with outfielder Marcus Thames
Marcus Thames
Marcus Markley Thames is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers....
, signing him to a one-year, $1,275,000 contract. On the 18th, the team was able to avoid arbitration with all of their eligible players by signing Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
to a one-year, 11.3 million dollar contract. Reliever Bobby Seay
Bobby Seay
Robert "Bobby" Michael Seay is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 2001 to 2004, the Colorado Rockies in 2005, and the Detroit Tigers from 2006 to 2010.-High school:Seay is a graduate of Sarasota High...
was given a one-year, $780,000 contract.
On February 4, center fielder Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
signed a 5-year, 30.25-million-dollar contract extension, keeping the speedy lead-off man on the roster through at least 2012. There is a team option for 2013.
On February 5, the Tigers completed another trade with the Texas Rangers, sending Class-A Lakeland
Lakeland Tigers
The Lakeland Flying Tigers are a minor league baseball team based in Lakeland, Florida.Home games are played at Joker Marchant Stadium; opened in 1966 and renovated in 2003. The park, which also doubles as the Detroit Tigers spring training home, seats 8,500 fans...
and Class AA-Erie
Erie SeaWolves
The Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball club....
outfielder Michael Hernandez in exchange for minor league right-hander Armando Galarraga
Armando Galarraga
Armando Antonio Galarraga is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Galarraga made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers on September 15, 2007...
.
On March 25, the Tigers finalized a long-term contract for Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
. Cabrera signed an eight-year, 152.3 million-dollar deal, which is the biggest in Detroit Tigers history.
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timo Pérez Timo Pérez Timoniel M. "Timo" Pérez is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Detroit Tigers organization.-Hiroshima Toyo Carp:... |
29 | 90 | 35 | .389 | 0 | 13 |
| Magglio Ordóñez Magglio Ordóñez Magglio José Ordóñez Delgado is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right fielder. He has played for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers . Ordóñez is six feet, one inch tall and weighs .-Professional career:... |
157 | 595 | 216 | .363 | 28 | 139 |
| Plácido Polanco Plácido Polanco Plácido Enrique Polanco is a Major League Baseball player who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies and has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. He is a third baseman, but in the past has played second base and shortstop... |
142 | 587 | 200 | .341 | 9 | 67 |
| Ryan Raburn Ryan Raburn Ryan Neil Raburn is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Detroit Tigers. Though primarily an outfielder, Raburn can also play third base, second base, first base, and catcher.... |
49 | 138 | 42 | .304 | 4 | 27 |
| Curtis Granderson Curtis Granderson Curtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player... |
158 | 612 | 185 | .302 | 23 | 74 |
| Carlos Guillén Carlos Guillén Carlos Alfonso Guillén is a Major League Baseball second baseman and switch-hitter.... |
151 | 564 | 167 | .296 | 21 | 102 |
| Sean Casey | 143 | 453 | 134 | .296 | 4 | 54 |
| Ramón Santiago Ramón Santiago Ramón D. Santiago is a Major League Baseball shortstop. He has spent most of his major league career at shortstop, but has also played a significant amount of time at second base... |
32 | 67 | 19 | .284 | 0 | 7 |
| Iván Rodríguez Iván Rodríguez Iván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher... |
129 | 502 | 141 | .281 | 11 | 63 |
| Omar Infante Omar Infante Omar Rafael Infante [in-FAHN-tay] is a Major League Baseball utility player who is currently on the Miami Marlins... |
66 | 166 | 45 | .271 | 2 | 17 |
| Gary Sheffield Gary Sheffield Gary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:... |
133 | 494 | 131 | .265 | 25 | 75 |
| Mike Rabelo Mike Rabelo Michael Gregory Rabelo is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Rabelo grew up in the city of New Port Richey, Florida, and attended Ridgewood High School... |
51 | 168 | 43 | .256 | 1 | 18 |
| Marcus Thames Marcus Thames Marcus Markley Thames is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.... |
86 | 269 | 65 | .242 | 18 | 54 |
| Brandon Inge Brandon Inge Charles Brandon Inge is an American professional baseball infielder for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed.... |
151 | 508 | 120 | .236 | 14 | 71 |
| Mike Hessman Mike Hessman Michael Steven Hessman is a third baseman who plays for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League... |
17 | 51 | 12 | .235 | 4 | 12 |
| Craig Monroe Craig Monroe Craig Keystone Monroe , nicknamed "C-Mo," is a Major League Baseball outfielder who most recently played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Professional career:... * |
99 | 343 | 76 | .222 | 11 | 55 |
| Neifi Perez Neifi Pérez Neifi Neftali Pérez is a Major League baseball player who most recently played for the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , San Francisco Giants , and the Chicago Cubs... |
33 | 64 | 11 | .172 | 1 | 6 |
| Cameron Maybin Cameron Maybin Cameron Keith Maybin is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres. He was the tenth pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft by The Detroit Tigers. He was consistently ranked as the Tigers top minor league prospect while in the organization.-High school:Maybin played high school... |
24 | 49 | 7 | .143 | 1 | 2 |
| Brent Clevlen Brent Clevlen Brent Aaron Clevlen is a Major League Baseball outfielder who currently plays in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.-Personal life:Clevlen graduated from Westwood High School in 2002.-Major leagues:... |
13 | 10 | 1 | .100 | 1 | 0 |
Players in Bold qualify for Batting Title.
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yorman Bazardo Yorman Bazardo Yorman Osorio Bazardo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Florida Marlins:... |
11 | 23.2 | 2 | 1 | 2.28 | 15 |
| Justin Verlander Justin Verlander Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball.... |
32 | 201.2 | 18 | 6 | 3.66 | 183 |
| Kenny Rogers | 11 | 63.0 | 3 | 4 | 4.43 | 36 |
| Jair Jurrjens Jair Jurrjens -Childhood:Jurrjens grew in a quiet neighborhood called ´Kura Piedra´ pronounced in Dutch as ´Steenkoraal or Stenenkoraal´, and was always active in baseball. His older brother, Carl Jr., also played baseball.Jurrjens speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu.... |
7 | 30.2 | 3 | 1 | 4.70 | 13 |
| Chad Durbin Chad Durbin Chad Griffin Durbin is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He has also played with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians of the American League and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies of the National League... |
36 | 127.2 | 8 | 7 | 4.72 | 66 |
| Nate Robertson Nate Robertson Nathan Daniel "Nate" Robertson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher who currently pitches in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Florida Marlins:... |
30 | 177.2 | 9 | 13 | 4.76 | 119 |
| Jeremy Bonderman Jeremy Bonderman Jeremy Allen Bonderman is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher who currently is a free agent. Bonderman is six feet and two inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed... |
28 | 174.1 | 11 | 9 | 5.01 | 145 |
| Mike Maroth Mike Maroth Michael Warren Maroth is a former American Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Born in Orlando, Florida, and after attending the University of Central Florida, the left-handed Maroth made his Major League debut in for the Detroit Tigers.-Early career:A third-round pick in the draft, Maroth... * |
13 | 78.1 | 5 | 2 | 5.06 | 28 |
| Andrew Miller Andrew Miller (baseball) Andrew Mark Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-College:... |
12 | 64.0 | 5 | 5 | 5.63 | 56 |
| Jordan Tata Jordan Tata Jordan Arthur Tata is a retired major league starter/reliever. Tata made his major league debut, April 6, 2006 against the Texas Rangers in a 10-6 win. For college he attended Sam Houston State. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds... |
3 | 14.0 | 1 | 1 | 7.71 | 8 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W= Wins; L= Losses; SV = Saves; HLD = Holds; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | HLD | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Seay Bobby Seay Robert "Bobby" Michael Seay is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 2001 to 2004, the Colorado Rockies in 2005, and the Detroit Tigers from 2006 to 2010.-High school:Seay is a graduate of Sarasota High... |
58 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 2.33 | 38 |
| Zach Miner Zach Miner Zachary Charles Miner is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently in the Kansas City Royals organization. He bats and throws right-handed.-Atlanta Braves:... |
34 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 3.02 | 34 |
| Tim Byrdak Tim Byrdak Timothy Christopher Byrdak is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Mets. His previous major league experience came from to , when Byrdak played for the Kansas City Royals, an injury-plagued stint with the Baltimore Orioles, and one year with the Detroit Tigers.After playing for... |
39 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3.20 | 49 |
| Todd Jones | 63 | 1 | 4 | 38 | 0 | 4.26 | 33 |
| Fernando Rodney Fernando Rodney Fernando Rodney is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Rodney throws a fastball in the mid to upper-90 miles per hour and a changeup in the low 80s.-Minor leagues:... |
48 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 4.26 | 54 |
| Joel Zumaya Joel Zumaya Joel Martin Zumaya is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher known for his record-breaking fastballs.-Baseball career:... |
28 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 4.28 | 27 |
| Jason Grilli Jason Grilli Jason Michael Grilli is an Italian-American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball... |
57 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 4.74 | 62 |
| Wilfredo Ledezma Wilfredo Ledezma Wilfredo Jose Ledezma is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates... * |
23 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4.79 | 24 |
| Aquilino Lopez Aquilino Lopez Aquilino López Roa is a starting pitcher for the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization... |
10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5.19 | 7 |
| Macay McBride Macay McBride Joseph Macay McBride is a former Major League baseball relief pitcher.- High school :McBride attended Screven County High School in Sylvania, Georgia, and made his mark as a power pitcher with a fastball in the low 90s... |
20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6.11 | 13 |
| José Capellán | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6.43 | 12 |
| Eulogio de la Cruz | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.75 | 5 |
| Virgil Vasquez Virgil Vasquez Virgil Matthew Vasquez is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization.-Amateur career:... |
5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8.64 | 7 |
| Clay Rapada Clay Rapada Clayton Anthony Rapada is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball.-Career:... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11.57 | 4 |
| José Mesa José Mesa José Ramón Nova Mesa [MAY-sah] is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. His nickname was "Joe Table," the literal translation of his name in the English language.... * |
16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 12.34 | 9 |
Farm system
- Class AAA: Toledo Mud HensToledo Mud HensThe Toledo Mud Hens are a minor league baseball team located in Toledo, Ohio. The Mud Hens play in the International League, and are affiliated with the major league baseball team the Detroit Tigers, based approximately 50 miles to the north of Toledo. The current team is one of several...
(International LeagueInternational LeagueThe International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
; Larry ParrishLarry ParrishLarry Alton Parrish is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and right-handed batter who played with the Montreal Expos , Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox...
, manager) - Class AA: Erie SeaWolvesErie SeaWolvesThe Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball club....
(Eastern League; Matt WalbeckMatt WalbeckMatthew Lovick Walbeck is a former right-handed Major League Baseball catcher who played from to for the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Anaheim Angels and Philadelphia Phillies...
, manager) - Class A: Lakeland TigersLakeland TigersThe Lakeland Flying Tigers are a minor league baseball team based in Lakeland, Florida.Home games are played at Joker Marchant Stadium; opened in 1966 and renovated in 2003. The park, which also doubles as the Detroit Tigers spring training home, seats 8,500 fans...
(Florida State LeagueFlorida State LeagueThe Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
; Kevin Bradshaw, manager) - Class A: West Michigan WhitecapsWest Michigan WhitecapsThe West Michigan Whitecaps are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, that plays in the Midwest League. Their home games are played in Comstock Park, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.-Franchise history:...
(Midwest LeagueMidwest LeagueThe Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
; Tom BrookensTom BrookensThomas Dale Brookens is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , and Cleveland Indians...
, manager) — LEAGUE CHAMPION - Class SS-A: Oneonta TigersOneonta TigersThe Oneonta Tigers were a minor league baseball team located in Oneonta, New York. They were members of the New York - Penn League. The Tigers were the Short-Season A classification affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and played their home games at Damaschke Field...
(New York-Penn League; Andy Barkett, manager) - Rookie: GCL TigersGulf Coast TigersThe Gulf Coast Tigers are the Rookie Level minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The team plays in Lakeland, Florida, at Joker Marchant Stadium. The team is composed mainly of players who are in their first year of professional baseball either as draftees or non-drafted free agents from...
(Gulf Coast LeagueGulf Coast LeagueThe Gulf Coast League is a minor league baseball league which operates in Florida. It is a Rookie League, with a season running from mid-June to late August. The season is 60 games long and teams in the league are divided into three divisions, East, North and South...
; Benny Castillo, manager)