Enemy Lines

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Tigers

"This club is in serious trouble. It's in for a lot of problems, and it doesn't have many marketable players to trade. There's not a lot of ability in the farm system....

Other than Jeff Weaver, the rotation is below average. Nate Cornejo is a nice-looking pitcher, but he's not really ready to contribute at the major league level. He has outstanding movement and an outstanding sinker, but they're asking too much of him....

Getting the ball to Matt Anderson and Danny Patterson will be a project. Anderson is as much improved from a year ago as anybody. Patterson's biggest problem is that he needs another setup man to go along with him because he's not as durable as he used to be....

Brandon Inge is definitely the Tigers' best catch-and-throw guy behind the plate, but they want to send him down to learn how to swing the bat. Having him up would be a disservice to him....

Mitch Meluskey looks healthy [after shoulder surgery]. He can swing the bat well from both sides....

Dmitri Young is probably the most misunderstood player in the American League. People look at the goatee and the big hair and don't realize he's hard-nosed and loves to play the game. He's a super teammate who makes everyone around him better. He will bring a lot of heart....

Bobby Higginson is a plus player defensively, but Robert Fick will be a risk in rightfield. He's definitely an offensive guy who will get some protection in the lineup from Wendell Magee."