Duane Below and Adam Wilk ready for Spring Training – MLB News
According to a leading sports website, Detroit Tigers are all set for the upcoming season. Although Spring Training does not start until February 20, the players have already started to train with Tigers’ coaching staff.
Tigers' left handed pitcher Duane Below is also reported to be in Lakeland to train to for Spring Training. According to sources, the starter has been residing in Lakeland since December 4 to take advantage of an amazing training facility.
Below made his Major League Baseball debut against Oakland Athletics in 2011. Allowing only one run in five innings, he showed glimpses of his talent. The lefty thrower will be looking to make the most of his available opportunities during 2012 season to become a permanent member of Tigers’ pitching rotation.
In an interview, Below stated that he is ready for 2012 season. The pitcher is a leading candidate for the job opening on Tigers’ roster. Since Tigers’ pitching lineup is filled up with right handers, General Manger Dave Dombrowski has decided to add a lefty pitcher as a fifth starter.
Earlier the Tigers were looking to seal a deal with Jacob Turner. However, since the two parties failed to reach an agreement, the Tigers are likely to pick someone from their own squad.
"Jim and Jonesy and Dave will make that call," Below said following his morning tune-up, a reference to Leyland, pitching coach Jeff Jones and Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski. "My job is to be ready and to get outs down here."
Adam Wilk is the other lefty pitcher, the Tigers are considering for the fifth starting position.
"We're not gonna be scared up there," Wilk said, speaking of Detroit. "We're all young, and we're all competitive. And that internal competition will be good. It'll bring out the best in all of us."
"And I've got to throw strikes with everything (pitch) I have," he further added.
Wilk announced himself in great style last season as he struck-out four batters and gave up just one unearned run in 3.2 innings on his MLB debut. He will be looking to perform consistently this season to impress team manager Jim Leyland.
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