I think one of the biggest keys for the Tigers this season is the back end of their starting rotation performing well enough that Phil Coke doesn't have to be moved from the bullpen.
What I liked best about the Tigers' season-opening victory Monday was the way they were able to use Coke and Ryan Perry in setup roles. It allows Joel Zumaya to get his feet wet in a longer role, and maybe he will get stretched out more and develop his off-speed pitches. It allows the Tigers to do a lot with situational left-handers, too.
If Cokes goes into the rotation, that perfect balance will be thrown out of whack.

Random Thoughts

- Anybody notice Curtis Granderson is tied for the American League lead in home runs, and Placido Polanco leads the National League in RBI? I love early in the season when the stats are skewed.

- Honestly, I can believe all the "MSU got jobbed" talk. Thought the Spartans were above that. It's sooooo Michigan of them. The Spartans had dozens of opportunities to take over that game against Butler. One non-call wasn't the difference. Here's the bottom line: They just didn't get it done. So pleeeeasssse - can the Spartan Nation stop whining like they are all Lloyd Carr at one of his Monday press conferences?

Transcript from my live chat today at theoaklandpress.com http://tinyurl.com/ybbu4uw