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Up next: Rays vs. Tigers

7:15 p.m. today

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SCOUTING REPORT: The Tigers are coming off their eighth-consecutive losing season but have more talent than at this time last season. First baseman Dmitri Young was the most significant offseason addition, signing a four-year deal worth $28.5-million in February. He has hit .300 or better in each of the past four seasons and provides additional power (21 homers in 2001). Shortstop Shane Halter had a tremendous spring and will open as a starter for the first time in his career. The Tigers are without third baseman Dean Palmer, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list while he continues to strengthen his surgically-repaired shoulder. Palmer is expected to return this weekend. Craig Paquette, who hit .282 for St. Louis last season, will start at third until then. The pitching staff has two proven starters in Jeff Weaver and Steve Sparks and a solid closer in Matt Anderson, who saved 22 games in 2001. The Tigers finished spring training with a 16-15 record. The pitching staff ranked fourth among AL teams in ERA (4.39) and the offense batted a combined .273. Fielding continues to be a concern. The Tigers made 16 errors in their final six spring games.

CONNECTIONS: Rays catcher John Flaherty and shortstop Chris Gomez spent time in Detroit and were involved in the same trade to San Diego in 1996. Bullpen coach Glenn Ezell was the Tigers roving minor-league catching instructor before being hired by the Rays.

2001 SEASON SERIES: The Tigers won four of six against the Rays last season, but Tampa Bay leads the series 18-17. Detroit has won eight of 18 at Tropicana Field, including the first in Rays history on March 31, 1998.

WHO'S HOT: Shortstop Shane Halter ranked second among AL hitters in average (.439) and third in hits (29) during the spring.

WHO'S NOT: Coming off a 2001 season in which he hit .277 with 17 homers and 77 RBIs, leftfielder Bobby Higginson batted .238 with two homers and seven RBIs in 23 spring games.

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