Coop Scoop

Hens manager Phil Nevin with Tigers during playoff run

Mud Hens manager Phil Nevin has been with the Tigers as Detroit makes its push for a berth in the World Series.

Click here to read a story from the Detroit Free Press about Nevin and what he has learned since joining the Tigers at the end of the Mud Hens season.

Mud Hens chat -- Wednesday, May 4 at noon

Reading room: Opening Day, 2011

Here are stories, photos and more from the Mud Hens' 2011 home opener against Columbus on April 14, 2011 ...

First, here is the game story I wrote about the two losses to the Clippers.

I also wrote a notebook that featured rehabbing Indian Grady Sizemore, but also talked about Ryan Perry and his rehab program with the Hens, as well as a few other notes.

Here is a column written by The Blade's Dave Hackenberg about Timo Perez and what opening day means to the veteran outfielder.

The Blade's Daniel Neman wrote a feature about all of the activity surrounding the ballpark on opening day.

Here is a collection of photos by The Blade's photo staff of the game against the Clippers.

And here is a photo gallery of people and things going on outside the white lines.

Here is a link to my in-game blog written during the doubleheader against the Clippers.

And finally, here are the post-game "Hen Eggs" to wrap up the contest.

Enjoy!

More news for Opening Day

Here is more information as Opening Day draws near ...

Click on this link if you would like to take a look at the chat The Blade hosted this morning. Click on the "comment" link below to add your thoughts about future Mud Hen chats.

Click on this link to get YOUR copy of The Blade's pocket guide for going to a Mud Hens game!

The Columbus Clippers, the Hens' opponent at Fifth Third Field today, will have a couple of "ringers" in the lineup. The Clippers are reporting that OF Grady Sizemore and IF Jason Donald will be in the Clippers lineup today. Both are rehabbing from injuries.

Click here if you want to read the story in today's Blade about why the Mud Hens are having a doubleheader on Opening Day.

Click on this link to read about some moves that will affect the Mud Hens' roster today.

Getting ready for Opening Day 2011

As we get ready for the Mud Hens' 2011 season opener at Louisville Thursday, here are links to a bunch of stories involving the roster, new manager Phil Nevin, and Fifth Third Field ...

Happy Birthday, Fifth Third Field: As the Mud Hens prepare for their 10th season at Fifth Third Field, here is a look at what the ballpark has meant to the organization.

New manager Phil Nevin: The Mud Hens' new manager demands that his players respect the game of baseball.

Final roster, rotation, lineup set: Here is a story from the main section of the paper where Nevin talks about his opening day lineup, the rotation, and more.

A few updates to the roster: The Mud Hens' roster has changed a few times since it was first announced. Here is a link to Hens roster, Version 4.0.

Meet the Mud Hens: Here is a pdf that includes short biographies on the Hens' coaching staff and players.

The opposition: What are the prospects for the Mud Hens' International League rivals? Here's a thumbnail look at the other 13 IL teams.

Ready to eat? Here is a short story about some of the new food items the Hens will offer at Fifth Third Field this year, and here is a pdf that shows the different food venues, and what foods you can find at each one.

What else is happening? Once you scroll past the roster, you can find the Mud Hens' 2011 day-by-day schedule and the schedules promotions for the coming season.

Enjoy!

Reading room: Possible Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the recent spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote about Will Rhymes and the consistency he has shown at the plate during his minor-league career. ... Beck also wrote about how Adam Wilk has used a unique superstition in his rise up the pro ladder.

John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Will Rhymes and his confidence in his ability to do the job at second base for Detroit. ... Lowe wrote that Detroit manager Jim Leyland may have sent them to Toledo, but he believes the four players -- Fu-Te Ni, Scott Sizemore, Clete Thomas and Robbie Weinhardt -- are major leaguers. ... Andy Dirks talked about his chances of making the Tigers' Opening Day roster.

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News wrote about Brayan Villareal and his aggressive style of pitching. ... Tom Gage talk about manager Jim Leyland and the final roster decisions that will be announced soon. ... Henning wrote about LHP Casey Crosby, who has thrown in the high-90s but also battled arm problems.

Dick Scanlon of the Booth Newspapers wrote about Will Rhymes earning the starting second base job when Scott Sizemore was optioned to Toledo. ... Steve Kornacki wrote about some of the interesting stories surrounding the Tigers this spring. ... Kornacki also wrote that manager Jim Leyland knows he is going to break some hearts when the final roster cuts are announced this weekend.

Enjoy!

Reading room: Possible Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the recent spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote how Danny Worth shows his toughness when he plays second base. ... Alden Gonzalez wrote about how the outfield competition is shaking out (make sure you vote in the poll on the left-hand side of this page after your read it!). ... Beck wrote about Robbie Weinhardt and how his confidence is growing this spring. ... Jonathan Mayo put together this list of the Tigers top 10 prospects.

George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Adam Wilk and Charlie Furbush throwing well in an outing against Baltimore. ... Sipple also wrote about Casper Wells and his bid for a roster spot in Detroit. ... Sipple wrote that Detroit manager Jim Leyland believes Cale Iorg will play in the majors if he learns to hit better. ... Sipple also wrote about Clete Thomas also being in the running for a roster spot as an outfielder. ... John Lowe wrote that Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was impressed by Wilk.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News wrote about the bid Danny Worth is making to earn a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster. ...  Gage wrote about Daniel Schlereth bouncing back from his early injury to bid for a spot on the roster. ... Lynn Henning wrote about Cale Iorg and his unique route to the verge of the major leagues. ... Henning also wrote about the collection of top pitchers the Tigers have near the top of the organization.

Steve Kornacki of the Booth Newspapers speculated that the play of Danny Worth may overtake Ramon Santiago in the battle for a back-up infield spot. ... Kornacki also wrote about how Brennan Boesch is improving his defense to become an everyday player for the Tigers. ... Kornacki also wrote about several relievers bidding for spots in the Tigers' bullpen, namely Al Alburquerque and Brayan Villareal. ... Dick Scanlon wrote that, as of March 18, Leyland has not made his final decisions on the Tigers' roster.

Enjoy!

Reading room: Possible Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote how Andrew Oliver and Jacob Turner gave the Tigers a glimpse of what the future may look like when they started against one another in a simulated game. ... Tigers manager Jim Leyland talked about how the injury to Joel Zumaya has opened up opportunities for other pitchers to make the Tigers' roster. ... LHP Fu-Te Ni has captured the attention of the Tigers with his strong spring.

George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press wrote about the camp game where young prospects Andrew Oliver and Jacob Turner both pitched. ... Shawn Windsor wrote about Danny Worth needing to hit to earn a spot on the Tigers' roster. ... Windsor also wrote about how Jim Leyland is starting to pare down the Tigers' final 25-man roster.

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News wrote about how Casper Wells is hitting well in an attempt to earn a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster. ... Henning then takes his guesses at who will make Detroit's 25-man roster. ... He also wrote about a good outing for relievers Fu-Te Ni and Al Alburquerque. ... Henning also wrote a story handicapping the race for outfield roster spots. ... He also wrote about how, when the Tigers talk about a future with pitchers Andrew Oliver and Jacob Turner, that the future might happen this season.

Steve Kornacki of the Booth Newspapers wrote about Ryan Strieby looking to find a position to play in Detroit, since Miguel Cabrera figures to block him at first base.

Enjoy!

Reading room: Former Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote about Andy Oliver and his first start of the spring (also includes notes on Brennan Boesch and others). ... He also wrote about Charlie Furbush after his first spring appearance.

John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Jim Leyland saying Andy Dirks is in the running for a spot on the Tigers' roster. ... Lowe also wrote about Jacob Turner's first start this spring (and Toronto manager John Farrell's impressions of the start). ...  And Freep columnist Michael Rosenberg asks if Andy Oliver and Charlie Furbush are ready for the majors.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News wrote about Brennan Boesch working on his outfield defense. ... Lynn Henning of the Detroit News wrote about how Scott Sizemore says he's feeling healthy as he competes for the starter's job at second base.

Dick Scanlon of the Booth Newspapers also wrote about Brennan Boesch bouncing back from last year's second-half struggles. ... Steve Kornacki of the Booth Newspapers wrote about Duane Below trying to earn a spot on the Toledo pitching staff. ... Kornacki also wrote about Robbie Weinhardt and the impressive start to his spring.

Enjoy!

Reading room: Former Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote about Robbie Weinhardt and what he needs to do to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster. ... Beck also wrote about the possibility Daniel Schlereth is ready to claim a role in the Tigers' bullpen. ... Beck's notebook included Andy Oliver starting an exhibition game and how Luis Ortega has caught manager Jim Leyland's eye. ... Beck also wrote about Scott Sizemore working to get a second shot at the second base job.

John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Andy Oliver and the work he's doing to become a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Tigers.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News wrote about Max St-Pierre and how he overcame alcoholism to get a shot in the big leagues last season. ... Gage also wrote about Australians Chris Oxspring and Brendan Wise joining Brad Thomas getting a chance to pitch for the Tigers.

Steve Kornacki of the Booth Newspapers also wrote about Luis Ortega and the impression he is making this spring. ... Kornacki also wrote that Charlie Furbush is among the candidates to fill the long reliever role in the bullpen.

Enjoy!