OPENING DAY

The Detroit Tigers’ 2008 season brings hope, new faces

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Noah Shepardson and Trisha VanKoughnett

Dubbed the “Electric Company” by the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers have a charged lineup of big hitters and swift fielders for 2008’s opening day and fans have taken notice.

“I dream of this day every year,” Giovanni Massobrio said. “It’s like Christmas, only better,” the 20-year-old Massobrio said.

The Tigers’ gave quite a gift to fans this year, too. The acquisitions of third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis added a boost to a team already poised for the World Series.

"This is probably the greatest lineup in the last 25 years that this town has seen," closer Todd Jones said in an interview with the Flint Journal.

Todd Jones has played with the Tigers for eight of the 108 home openers, so he understands the importance of this season.

“All I can say is I’m stoked for a huge season this time around,” said the 22-year-old Detroit native Matt Kubik.

Kubik has been hooked on the Tigers since he was a child.

“I know they’ve had their ups and downs, but this is the year,” Kubik said. “We had our run last year, and it was close, but with the lineup we got this year, I think it’s safe to say I have higher expectations.”

The Tigers won the American League last year, and reached the World Series in 2006. With other acquisitions such as shortstop Edgar Renteria, the Tigers hold a payroll only second to the New York Yankees.

“I got season tickets for them (the Tigers), and I better get my money’s worth!” Kubik explained amidst laughs.

The Tigers are opening the 2008 season with two consecutive 3-game series against the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox respectively.