Tigers Invite Palmer, Others

One year after announcing his retirement, the Detroit Tigers have invited Dean Palmer to spring training. Palmer manned third base for the Tigers until neck and shoulder injuries forced him into retirement.

Palmer was a power hitter that played the field well. He was missed immensely when he was hurt and has tried several times to make a come back. He was never successful. Will this season be any different? It is Doubtful.

Among the other invites were Nelson Cruz, Craig Dingman, Seach Douglass, John Ennis, Andrew Good, Matt Roney, Mike Bynum, Doug Creek, Brandon Harper, Sandy Martinez, Mike Rabelo, Michael Rivera, Maxim St. Pierre, Tony Giarratano, Jack Hannahan, Mike Hessman, Kevin Hooper, Alexis Gomez.

Nelson Cruz was with the Tigers in 2000. He had a 3.07 ERA with a 5-2 record. I remember him as a good pitcher with speed and movement on his pitches. Michael Rivera was cut from the team in favor of Brandon Inge a couple years ago. I wouldn't expect to see Rivera make the team and Cruz, who saw only one good season, is doubtful at best.

Spring Training starts February 17 for pitchers and catchers, and February 21 for everyone else. The Tigers open their season against the Royals on April 4.