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Sports See other Sports Articles Title: Tigers pitchers and catchers report - early in some cases LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -Edward Campusano stood in front of his locker and ripped open plastic bags, removing his Detroit Tigers workout gear in an empty clubhouse. "I'm ready for my opportunity,'' said the left-handed reliever, who will compete for a roster spot. "I am the first one here.'' That appeared to be true early Thursday as the American League champions' pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. But Lakeland resident Justin Verlander has had company during informal workouts in recent weeks. "I think that's a really good sign,'' said Verlander, last season's AL Rookie of the Year. "After losing in the World Series, I think we're ready to work even harder because we want the ultimate prize this season.'' The Tigers are bracing for higher expectations and increased attention this spring after snapping a 12-season losing streak and advancing to the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 1984. Manager Jim Leyland has said he will not subject his players to pitchers' fielding practice on Friday - the first day pitchers and catchers work out in Tigertown - because he doesn't want to draw more attention to the World Series record they set with five errors. Verlander understands delaying the inevitable drills won't stop them from being chronicled closely. "There will be a lot of cameras around the PFP mound out there,'' he said. Like all baseball teams, the Tigers are optimistic about their chances this year. Unlike past years, they have evidence to back up their hope. Detroit made it to the postseason for the first time since 1987 and knocked off the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics before losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games. The Tigers are trying to avoid a letdown, bringing back almost all their 2006 players and adding nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield to fill their glaring need for a designated hitter. Detroit had just two key free agents. It re-signed one, first baseman Sean Casey, and lost the other, Jamie Walker, when Baltimore gave the left-handed setup man a $12 million, three-year deal. Walker's departure freed one spot in the bullpen. Campusano hopes the job is his by the time the season begins April 2 at home against Toronto. The Tigers acquired the 24-year-old reliever from Milwaukee after it selected him from the Chicago Cubs in the winter meeting draft. In the minors last year, Campusano went 2-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 25 saves in 44 games. He struck out 71 and limited opponents to a .188 batting average. "I had a problem with my elbow last year, but I feel good after throwing in the bullpen yesterday and two times last week,'' he said. "I'm happy to be here and I hope I stay here.'' Campusano is competing for a job along with a handful of players, including left-hander Joey Eischen. The 36-year-old has a 11-9 record with a 3.67 ERA in 324 games over 10 major league seasons. Eischen had season-ending surgery last June to repair a torn rotator cuff. The only other pitching-related question seems to involve Mike Maroth. Leyland has said the crafty lefty will be the No. 5 starter, if he's healthy. Maroth, who began 2006 with a 5-2 record and 2.18 ERA, struggled late last season after returning from elbow surgery. "I've been throwing and I haven't had any problems whatsoever,'' he said. "I'm positive that I am healthy. "Especially early, I don't want to overdo it. Really, the only thing I have to prove is that I'm healthy and I don't even think that's a concern.''
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#1. To: SmokinOPs (#0)
Jim Leyland is a Saint in this state. About all Michigan has left is our Tigers. Go git'em Tigers!!!] Thank you for posting!
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