4 weeks away!!!

The Detroit Tigers will have their pitchers and catchers report in 4 weeks. On February 14th, those players will start working with new pitching coach Rick Knapp. Knapp comes from the Minnesota Twins, where he was the minor league pitching coordinator. He's helped some of the Twins prospects reach the big leagues. Knapp has his work cut out for him because some major pieces of the pitching staff have serious issues.

As far as starting pitching goes these guys are a good bet to be in the rotation, Justin Verlander, Armando Galaragga, Jeremy Bonderman, and Edwin Jackson. The fifth spot will likely be filled by either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson. Verlander needs a big year. Knapp has discovered some minor flaws in his delivery and hopes to correct it. Bonderman is coming back from a serious injury. If Knapp can get him back healthy and finally give him a 3rd pitch to go along with his fastball and slider, watch out. Galaragga was a rock last year. As consistent as they come. Edwin Jackson comes over from the Rays will a strong arm. He had a breakout season last year, and hopefully he keeps it up. Finally Robertson and Willis are trying to rediscover how to pitch. For both of those guys getting in better shape was key. They've done that, now working on their mechanics will be their only issue.

If any of these guys fail or get injured the Tigers could move Zach Miner into the rotation. Chris Lambert and Eddie Bonine will be in Toledo if a spot start is needed. And if he's ready, top prospect Rick Porcello could push his way to Detroit. I think he needs another year in the minors, but cream rises to the top.

The bullpen was a mess last year, and the Tigers have yet to address the problems. If they sign a closer like Brandon Lyon or Jason Isringhaussen the bullpen will look different, but for arguments sake let's say they don't sign anyone. Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Zach Miner, and Bobby Seay would be the only locks going into spring training. If Rodney can keep his head straight and throw strikes he will be the closer, with a hopefully healthy Zumaya and Seay as set up men. Miner would be your long relief guy, but his sinker can get hitters out late in the game also. Veteran Juan Rincon was brought in for a tryout this spring. If he has the stuff, I would think they would want his veteran presence in the pen. Freddy Dolsi was okay at times last year, but I'd like to see him close in Toledo. He has to get ready for pressure situations, and closing games there would give him that. Whoever loses out between Robertson and Willis would give Jim Leyland another lefty in the bullpen, but Clay Rapada, Macay McBride, Rule V pickup Kyle Bloom, and Fu-Te Ni from Tawain are also options. Lastly, the Tigers have some young arms who are ready to break into the big leagues. Ryan Perry, Casey Fien, and Rudy Darrow all have talented arms, but might also need more time in the minors. Fien would probably be the most ready, and could actually have a chance this spring to make the team.

So here's what the pitching staff would look like if I had the final say.

Starters

1. Verlander

2. Galaragga

3. Bonderman

4. Jackson

5. Willis

Relievers

Rodney

Zumaya

Seay

Miner

Robertson

Rincon

Fien

This staff is middle of the pack at best in the American League, but Knapp could push it towards the front with proper management and key adjustments.