7 Things Tigers Fans Can Be Thankful For

As we lump our leftover Turkey onto sandwiches and curse at those out shopping at 4 AM, let’s take a moment to count our blessings, at least as Tigers fans. Like the relatives we ate turkey with yesterday this group isn’t perfect, but it’s our group, and there is something to be said for that. And while it’s fashionable to pick apart rather than look on the bright side, today we’ll look at 7 things Tigers fans can be thankful for this year. Why 7? I figure one thing for each day we’ll be eating leftover turkey.

So in no particular order….

Young Pitching

Scouts, player personnel folks and writers alike will tell you the long term prospects for a teams success lay in the quantity and quality of its’ young pitching. With Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson (for now) and Rick Porcello already in the big league rotation and Ryan Perry and Joel Zumaya (hopefully) in the bullpen the Tigers have a pile of arms age 26 and under. Add in up and coming minor league arms like Casey Crosby, Jacob Turner and the rest and the future of the Tigers pitching staff appears bright.

Curtis Granderson hasn’t been traded yet

While the reports of his imminent relocation continue to swirl Tigers fans can take note that as of now all these stories are just that, stories. As of today Curtis is still a Tiger, and that’s a good thing. While he may not be the prototype leadoff hitter many hope he would be, he is a tremendous defensive center fielder with power and speed. He not only stays out of trouble, he’s a hell of a good guy, loves being here and is quite the snappy dresser to boot.

The return of Tom Brookens

While saying goodbye to Andy Van Slyke wasn’t easy, saying welcome back to the mustacheioed third sacker from the ‘84 team is fun. After a few impressive years managing in the Tigers farm system Brookens will take over as first base coach for the Tigers. His experience on the field and in the dugout should benefit this team, especially the infielders. He kind of looks like a young Sparky Anderson, maybe he’ll follow in those big footsteps someday.

Comerica Park

The Tigers organization had the fortune of good timing when it came to the building of a new ballpark. Had the voters of this state been asked to pony up millions upon millions for construction in this economy the Tigers might find themselves playing home games at local high school fields instead of a big, beautiful home at Montcalm and Witherell. The COPA is a wonderful ballpark, sure the seats in the upper deck aren’t as close to the field as in Tiger Stadium, but no poles, no obstructed view and a full view of the skyline make up for that. The statues in left center are spectacular reminders of greatness past. All in all the Tigers have a state of the art facility that allows fans and players to enjoy and excel.

The emergence of Alex Avila

I remember when Matt Nokes burst on the scene. It might have been my first man crush. This feels a bit like that. Avila is young, strong, smart, loves the game and has the potential (there’s that dangerous word again) to become a staple in this lineup for years to come. We got a hint of his talent this past season, and a whiff of the struggles he might encounter to be fair, but he has the skill set to be a big league catcher without question. Now we’ll have the opportunity to watch him develop and grow in the Old English D.

Opening Day

I know it’s a few months away, with a winter between now and the next installment, but Opening Day in Detroit is an unofficial state holiday and is always worth being thankful for. It has been my pleasure to attend the home opener every year since 1981, a streak that will continue for as long as I’m still breathing. Regardless of expectations, predictions and the like – on Opening Day there is hope. Everyone is in first place. There is a sweetness in the air knowing baseball is back in Detroit, it’s a feeling I struggle to describe and cherish being a part of.

And Finally….

Ernie Harwell

I think this one requires no explanation.

Please accept my apologies for my absence, I assure you all I’ll be bringing you my thoughts in on the Tigers regularly once again from this point on. Many thanks to the folks at Fanball for sticking with me during this difficult time.

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