Van Slyke likes new Tigers lineup

Woo-hoo!...The toughest lineup to come out of Detroit since The Bump-N-Uglies!

While the Tigers were second in the A.L. in batting average (.287) and runs (887) in 2007, critics of the Tiger offense point to the lack of drawing walks and speed. Detroit was just 12th in bases on balls and sixth in steals. Van Slyke said the addition of Cabrera and outfielder Jacque Jones from the Cubs will bolster the walk totals, and as for speed, it’s a trait few teams possess in the power-hungry American League.

“I’m not worried about the stolen bases,” he said. “Home runs as part of the evolution of the game. It’s like when (former Baltimore Oriole manager) Earl Weaver used to wait for the three-run homer.”

Van Slyke said it’s a lineup that has power and can hit for average and even if it doesn’t produce more walks, it’ll take queasy pitchers deep into counts, leading to early departures for starting pitchers and ultimately overworked bullpens.

“You can’t guarantee anything, but we’re in a position like the Yankees,” he said.“We’re expected to win. And that’s not bad pressure, that’s good pressure.”