Projected batting order Gene Kingsale, LF Andre Torres, CF Bobby Higginson, RF Dmitri Young, 3B Carlos Pena, 1B Dean Palmer, DH Omar Infante, SS Ramon Santiago, 2B Brandon Inge, C Rotation Mike Maroth, LHP Jeremy Bonderman, RHP Adam Bernero, RHP Nate Cornejo, RHP Gary Knotts, RHP Bench Damion Easley, 2B Eric Munson, DH Shane Halter, SS Bill Haselman, C Travis Chapman, 3B Bullpen Matt Anderson, RHP (CL) Steve Sparks, RHP Franklyn German, RHP Jamie Walker, LHP Julio Santana, RHP Wil Ledezma, LHP Complete Tigers roster  ESPN's Take Q: What positive strides (if any) do you see the Tigers making this year? No question, manager Alan Trammell, bench coach Kirk Gibson and the rest of their coaching staff will bring more to the table in terms of professionalism and effort than we saw in Detroit last year. They will demand it, and those are the things they will try to pass on to the young players on the roster. They have been through the battles and have the rings to prove it. -- Tom Candiotti Why can't Bobby Higginson bounce back? Long an underrated player who can hit for average and some power, and even steal a base, Higginson is again slated to hit in the middle of the Tigers order, such as it is. If healthy, he has top-50 outfielder value. It's hard to recommend any Tigers starting pitcher, but Matt Anderson appears healthy and ready to close, much to the chagrin of Franklyn German owners. Anderson had a high ERA two years back, but saved 22 straight games. If healthy, he's a legit closer. -- Eric Karabell Preston Larrison, RHP A second-round pick in 2001, Larrison hasn't pitched above Class A but joined Bonderman in challenging for a spot in the starting rotation. He went 7-3 with a 1.25 ERA in his last 12 starts at Class A Lakeland a year ago. If he gets off to a fast start this year in Double-A, it will be tough for the Tigers to ignore him.

Manager: Alan Trammell  Home: Comerica Park (40,000)  '02 record: 55-106  Team page | Schedule | Offseason moves

Catcher: Brandon Inge Solid defensive catcher but an easy out, batting .194 over 174 major-league games. Inge is strong and can drive the ball but struggles to make contact. He's an excellent athlete and should make steady improvement but isn't likely to become a significant offensive player. First Base: Carlos Pena Rookie season was a disappointment statistically, but he brought an impressive presence to the Tigers' rebuilding program. Held his own against left-handers but hit only .230 with one homer every 24 innings against right-handers. He should benefit from the reduced dimensions of Comerica Park. Second Base: Ramon Santiago The availability of two young middle infielders in Santiago and Omar Infante gave Alan Trammell a chance to deliver a loud message, which he did by benching veteran Damion Easley. Santiago played 63 games at shortstop last year but is learning on the fly at second. His strengths are range and speed. Third Base: Dmitri Young Young is in good shape and projects to have a productive season. The biggest question is where he plays as he could also wind up as a regular in left field or at DH. A switch hitter who had only one homer in 54 at-bats from the right side, he could benefit greatly from the reduced dimensions of Comerica Park. Shortstop: Omar Infante Young Venezuelan hit .302 in Double-A two years ago and more than held his own in September, batting .333 in his first stint in the majors. He's a fluid fielder and has a strong arm. A take-charge guy who could become a Rookie of the Year candidate. Left Field: Gene Kingsale Switch hitter acquired from San Diego in a trade, Kingsale played well in spring training to force his way into the lineup. He's with his fourth organization in three years. He'll improve the Tigers' outfield defense and could be a valued addition if he repeats the .350 on-base percentage he had last season. Center Field: Andres Torres Torres was given a shot early last season but was overmatched at the plate. He's climbed through the system despite a career .263 average in the minors and is under the gun to show he belongs. He needs to improve his bunting and strike-zone judgment as his speed is perhaps his best asset. He had 67 stolen bases in 2000 and 44 last year. Right Field: Bobby Higginson Yet another veteran who hopes for a comeback season under manager Alan Trammell. He's the only player to hit 30 homers under the original dimensions at Comerica but had only 10 in 119 games last year. That included only one homer in 133 at-bats against lefties. Designated hitter: Dean Palmer A healthy spring training has the Tigers excited about Palmer, who has played only 61 games over the last two seasons. He could become trade fodder with a strong first half, especially if he shows he can still play third base. No. 1 Starter: Mike Maroth Maroth might be a fifth starter candidate elsewhere but solidified his standing with the pitching-thin Tigers by going 14-11 last season between Triple-A and the big leagues. He beat Arizona in his second big-league start, giving him a boost of confidence. He walked only 2.5 per nine innings during his rookie season. No. 2 Starter: Adam Bernero Undrafted after pitching at tiny Armstrong Atlantic State, Bernero reached the big leagues in his second pro seasons but hasn't been able to stick there. This will be his fourth season and second chance in the rotation. He has struggled against left-handed batters, who hit .321 off him last year with a homer every 22.4 at-bats. No. 3 Starter: Steve Sparks This could be closing time for the veteran knuckleballer, who is guaranteed $4.5 million this season with an option for 2004. He made 30 starts the last two years but had a 5.52 ERA last season, the highest of any qualifier. Led the AL with eight complete games in 2001 but had only three last year. No. 4 Starter: Jeremy Bonderman Along with Carlos Pena and Franklyn German, Bonderman was acquired from Oakland in the three-team trade that sent Jeff Weaver to the Yankees. A first-round pick in 2001, he has only 157 minor-league innings and will pitch this season at age 20. He's considered a future ace but must be handled with care. Bullpen: Franklyn German, Jamie Walker, Julio Santana, Wil Ledezma German, a converted starter, has 49 starts in his two years as a reliever and could supplant Matt Anderson as the closer at some point. He and Walker will serve as the primary setup men for now. Ledezma, a Rule 5 pick from Boston, hasn't pitched above Class A but was impressive during spring training. Closer: Matt Anderson Missed much of last season with a torn muscle below his shoulder but appears back on track. His combination of a high-90s fastball and nasty knucle-curve have made him a favorite of scouts, but he's converted only 23 of 33 career save opportunities. He must throw more strikes as he's walked 5.5 per nine innings in the big leagues.

-- Phil Rogers, ESPN.com

Record: 55-106 | Finish: 5th in AL Central | Results | Statistics: Batting | Pitching Offense (AL rank) Defense (AL rank) 575 runs (14th) Home: 270 runs (14th) Road: 305 (13th) 864 runs allowed (11th) Home: 393 (9th) Road: 471 (14th) 2002 Stats Leaders   Average: Randall Simon, .301 Runs: Robert Fick, 66 On-base pct: Bobby Higginson, .345 Stolen bases: George Lombard, 13 Wins: Mark Redman/Steve Sparks, 8 Saves: Juan Acevedo, 28 Home runs: Simon, 19 RBI: Simon, 82 Slugging pct.:Simon, .459 OPS: Simon, .779 ERA: Redman, 4.21 Strikeouts: Redman, 109