"Some people might not forgive us for last year," Leyland said Thursday at Comerica Park.

"But most people will give us the benefit of the doubt. That won't go on forever."

Leyland noted that 1,000 Tigers fans turned out to see some members of the team Wednesday in Grand Rapids at the West Michigan Whitecaps' Winter Banquet.

Later that night, 600 people attended a team function in Maumee, Ohio.

Last year, fans were excited at the Winter Caravan about the possibility of returning to the World Series.

This year, Leyland says they ask, "What are you going to do about (last year)?"

"We broke a lot of hearts last year," Leyland added, "but we won a lot of hearts in 2006."

Now they have to win them back. Leyland, who did not receive an extension entering the final year of his contract, realizes his future with the Tigers is at stake.

Verlander getting early work

New pitching coach Rick Knapp has been working with starter Justin Verlander in Lakeland, Fla.

He is trying to help Verlander regain the form that helped him go 35-15 in his first two full seasons before stumbling in 2008. He was 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA last season.

"This is the best time to make changes," said Knapp, who has watched videotape of Verlander and other Detroit hurlers.

"His arm was away from his head a bit (in his delivery). He needs to be able to stay in that pitching line better. He's coming along great and looks awesome."

Verlander, who is trying to break the muscle memory reactions that come with the bad habits he acquired last season, said his fastball "has a life on it that I haven't seen in a while."

"I was tight last year and now I'm stretching it out," Verlander said. "I was tight last year, and that might have led to bad habits. My arm angle had changed a little bit."

Larish could make team

Third baseman/first baseman Jeff Larish has impressed Leyland with his disciplined approach, left-handed hitting and his ability to play the outfield.

"Larish is one of the candidates fighting for the 25th spot," Leyland said. "He'll be strongly considered to be the 25th man on the team." The trade of left-handed hitting outfielder Matt Joyce to the Rays for starting pitcher Edwin Jackson also improves Larish's chances of making the team.

Rogers still undecided

Kenny Rogers, 44, still has not said whether he will return for a 21st season. He pitched the past three seasons for the Tigers, but currently is a free agent and contemplating retirement.

Leyland added that Rogers "doesn't want any fanfare" in regard to possibly retiring. When asked if Rogers might not want to attend spring training, Leyland acknowledged that could be the case.

Rogers has not returned several e-mails from Booth Newspapers inquiring about his future.