Leyland sets Tigers rotation for season.

February 29, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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The Detroit Tigers are ahead of the ball as manager Jim Leyland announced his starting rotation. Opening day without a doubt is Justin Verlander with Jeremy Bonderman starting in game two. The surprise comes after that, many would think newly acquired Dontrelle Willis would follow as the teams #3 starter. NOPE! Kenny Rogers will be taking that role, with Willis or Nate Robertson following. Whichever doesn’t start then would obviously be rounding out the rotation.

Like I said most would of expected Willis to take the 3 spot, especially with him pitching in between Verlander and Rogers this spring. But according to Leyland, this just sets Willis up better to start the teams 4th or 5th game. I agree with Leyland that Dontrelle should start off in the back end of the rotation. He’s coming off a horrendous season and has to kind of prove himself against the much tougher American League lineups. I’m sure if Willis proves himself in the first half of the season, Leyland would adjust his rotation at the All-Star Break.

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