The next week or so could tell about the Detroit economic climate and which way the Tigers plan to go with the bullpen plans for this season.
If season-ticket sales are slow, not to mention sales for Domino's Pizza and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, it could induce the club to make do with what it has in a bullpen that was among the worst in baseball last year. That might seem like entering the 100-meter dash with tendinitis in both knees, but the Tigers might feel as if they have enough talent on hand to gamble.
Detroit does have hard-throwing right-hander Joel Zumaya coming back, although the organization knows counting on that is a gamble in itself. But he does have a history of success.
Right-hander Fernando Rodney has shown he can function as a closer, it's just that he's never done it on a prolonged or consistent basis.
The Tigers also believe the strength of their minor league system is relief pitching.
They have several candidates, such as right-hander Freddy Dolsi, who has the stuff but lacks the experience, along with minor league right-handers Rudy Darrow (a rare side-armer who throws in the mid-90s) and Casey Fien.
The rocket arms are the four top draft choices who made their pro debuts last summer. They don't project to make it to the big leagues until late 2009 or later.
Detroit might have to gamble that one of them will show enough to be able to help by midseason.
