Vina Not Ready

Detroit Tigers second baseman Fernando Vina will not be ready for Sprint Training. Vina, bothered by patella tendinitis in his knee, chose rehab instead of surgery last summer. Vina was first injured running to first base on May 8, 2004. He returned a few days later, only to go on the disabled list shortly after.

Vina will be 36 years old when he returns. There is also no guaranty that he will return at this point. He also faces a potential shut-out from the starting lineup by Omar Infante. Infante did a fine job filling in. He batted .264 with 55 RBIs and 16 homeruns.

"We're not counting on him from a health standpoint," President and GM Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday. "In all likelihood ... I know he is not going to be ready [for the start of the season]." Dave Dombrowski declined to go into further details about Vina returning. Vina has one more year remaining on his contract, which the Tigers have insured.

Expect Omar Infante to make another case for him staying at second base. If he can post the same type of numbers as he did last year, he might find himself in a nice secure position for a while. The Tigers seem more focused on improving third base and the outfield. Omar could run away with second base if he hits well.