Tigers Pitching Staff could be pretty special this season

General manager Dave Dombrowski's gamble that Brad Penny can give the Tigers an injury-free season might be like ice-fishing during the spring as temperatures rise.

Replacing under-performing Armando Galarraga, traded Monday for two minor league pitchers, with Penny leaves Detroit thin on starting pitching should the newly signed two-time 16-game winner get hurt or should Phil Coke's move from the bullpen to the rotation not turn out as expected.

The Tigers believe Coke, who started several seasons in the minors before becoming a reliever when he reached the majors, will have no trouble extending back to at least five or six innings per start.

"I do expect at least 28 to 30 starts each from Coke and Penny for our staff to be fully sucessful" Tigers pitching coach Rick Knapp said. The bullpen can be very special with additions of Joaquin Benoit and Joel Zumya, who has been said to be in great shape with his pitching arm coming towards spring training. You can"t forget about the closer Jose Valverde.

Happy you still keep covering the tigers. We as the fans are there! So ready for Opening Day. The Pitching staff reminds me of 1984's staff