mccann isnt even close to mlb ready, 2-3 yrs away atleast...i would guess, the catching depth chart would be avila, laird, santos, brantley, holaday, mccann

Agree with you on Oliver. I was at the game today. The gun said Oliver hit 100 in the 8th inning. Probably a mistake, but he was very impressive. Strieby's shot in Detroit (and probably in MLB) has come and passed. He can join Kevin Witt and Mike Hessman as minor league legends

Its Andy for #5. Turner needs another year in the minors, but I sure hope they dont trade him. Smyly is the real deal, but also not ready. Crosby is all show and no go. Below will make it as a spot starter and reliever. Wilk is just plain not good enough. Just my humble opinion.

I agree with Oliver in that 5th spot. It's time for him to step up.

I think that Collin Balester is a nice surprise.

Balester was a disappointment in Washington as Perry was in Detroit. Both had major problems with control and attitude. I see where Perry has blamed the coaches in Detroit for always trying to change him.

Balester kind of looks like Perry on the mound...big, tall, power pitcher. Let's hope a change of scenery helps them both.

How's Perry doing in Washington's camp? I havn't paid attention.

I don't think Turner has hurt his trade value. Tigers have no intention of trading him IMHO. He's still only 20 y/o. I think he can easily pitch in Toledo all year and get it down. I won't be surprised if we don't see him in Detroit this year.

I really want to see Oliver make it. I think he's better than Miller who looks like he's finding a spot at the back of the Red Sox rotation. Oliver's time is now. I'm rooting for him.

I like Below and Wilk too, but Oliver is the power arm guy. We like those. It would really be nice to see a LH'er who can bring a 95+ fastball right after Porcello or Fister's starts.....and just in front of Verlander. Makes the rotation kinda funky if you ask me.

I'd would do it. 5 solid starters and a good bullpen........

I wouldn't trade Turner for Garza. It didn't take Turner to get Fister.

Comments on

<yours>

Based on what I read RR and DY have been doing well. Turner is not reducing his value yet, but soon will be if he keeps getting tagged some. I'd think if he's not in the running for the 5th spot, he'll go out on the first cuts (this week ???) For if he is not going to make the team, no sense to keep exposing him.

Oliver's lines look good. I still like Below for the 5th more.

Patterson, like Oliver, hasn't sold me yet either. Both Dirks and Patterson are both climbing the depth chart though, seemingly at the expense of Donny K.

G Money hasn't played nearly enough to be thought as a "bust"

<mine>

I still think Marte is getting a job on this team from day one. Barring an injury, I think he'll be up all year

<now>

It's starting to get later in the spring. Things begin to count on the field soon.

I hope I have not offended anyone with my opinions.

I see Below an an "eh" choice. Oliver has a bigger upside.

You may be right on Marte. He was impressive in a brief role last year.

<Marte>

He twas on my list of "who will make the team" thread, way back in January.

But.....that is just my opinion, and it might offend somebody.

:)

Marte with another scoreless inning today, working around a walk and a Striby error.

LOCKS
Valverde (getting hit hard now, wonder if he's just working on something. Keep an eye on this)
Benoit
Dotel
Coke

All but locks
Schlereth looking good as well, probably has the 5th spot
Balester looking like he has that 6th spot locked up in the pen.

One spot open.

Hoffman, Marte, Villarreal, Bootcheck looking good but Below is looking more and more destined for the BP as the longman.

ROTATION competition

Oliver
Wilk
Smyly - Only in 3rd due to age and lack of experience.
Below
Crosby
Turner - He's done in this race.