There hasn’t been a lot of hope for Tiger fans that last few years. At this time last year, we were able to look back at the worst season that an established franchise has ever had. Anything, including a 72 win season, would be a dramatic improvement.

This year, thing’s are a little different. There’s hope. Last year, the Tigers seemed to establish a foundation that they’ve now built on, and while they’re not the odds on favorite to win the AL Central, they shouldn’t be the doormat of the league either. Here’s the long list of things I’m hoping for……

I hope that the seasons Brandon Inge, Omar Infante, and Carlos Guillen had weren’t flukes, but the beginning of trends.

I hope Wilfredo Ledezma and Jeremy Bonderman live up to the hype of being potential aces in the rotation.

I hope the combination of Urbina and Percival are comparable to the combination of Aurelio Lopez and Willie Hernandez in 1984.

I hope the second half that Carlos Pena can be stretched out over an entire season.

I hope future Hall of Famer Ivan Rodirguez has a few more Hall of Fame season left.

I hope Bobby Higginson has one more great season left in the tank.

And finally, I hope Magglio Ordonez can prove everyone, including myself wrong and be worth the money the money we’re paying him.

It may be snowing outside, but this heart is warm because pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland tomorrow.

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