Catching up with three ex-Tigers: Miller, Maybin, Pena

Catching up with three ex-Tigers: Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin and Carlos Pena

FREE PRESS STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES • February 23, 2008

• Former Tigers left-hander Andrew Miller is in Marlins camp, hoping to replace new Tiger Dontrelle Willis in Florida's rotation.

Miller was one of six players, along with outfielder Cameron Maybin and catcher Mike Rabelo, acquired in the December trade that sent Willis and third baseman Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers.

"He's throwing in the mid- to upper-90s on both sides of the plate," Rabelo said of Miller. "His pitches sink and cut, and he throws across his body. He's deceptive. He's big. I'm just glad I'm catching him and not trying to hit."

• Maybin is earning raves in Marlins camp.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez describes Maybin as having the speed to be a leadoff man but with the power to be a run producer. "His potential is off the charts," Gonzalez told the Miami Herald. "And I think his character and makeup will allow him to do that."

Where Maybin will be Opening Day isn't certain. "There are some in the organization who want him to start in Double-A (Carolina)," Gonzalez said. "But some say bring him up right now. We'll do what's best for him."

• Former Tigers first baseman Carlos Pena is hoping to duplicate his 2007 season for Tampa Bay, where he set team records with 46 home runs and 121 RBIs.

"Last year was a magical year, no doubt about it," said Pena. "But this year there is a blank canvas in front of me, and I intend to paint a beautiful picture."

Get your Tigers tickets

The Tigers will resume the sale of full-season plans Monday. New 27- and 41-game mini-plans are also still on sale. Instead of Opening Day tickets, however, the 27- and 41-game plans are being offered with an additional game against the Red Sox or Yankees. Tickets are available at the Comerica Park box office, online at www.tigers.com, or by calling 866-668-4437.

Compiled from Free Press staff reports and news services

Miss those guys....
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There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971

Hard to believe they move around so much!
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There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971

are we the breakout team? Smile

_________________
There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971

oh yea!!!! Tigers gonna be great in 2008!!!!!

tiger

_________________
There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971