Is Eddie Bonine now in the mix?

As Detroit Free Press’ Jon Paul Morosi points out, Eddie Bonine has been a man possesed this second half of spring training. We saw at points last season that the former minor league rule v pick has the stuff to pitch in the majors. In his first two major league starts, he pulled out impressive wins.

Unlike most starters, Bonine has a quick knuckler that can fool hitters. As a reliever this spring, he has been throwing it more often and harder. Can he really be an option coming out of Lakeland? Why not.

With Jeremy Bonderman likely to miss a start, Nate Robertson continuing to struggle, and Dontrelle Willis fighting anxiety, Bonine gives someone in the pen who could possibly fill in as a starter (see Tim Wakefield). With Zach Miner now back into the hunt as a starter, Bonine could bring to the pen a guy who could throw multiple innings and kepp the game close if he enters the game down a couple runs.

Projected to go 7-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 213 starts, Bonine isn’t a flash of David Price or a young Rick Porcello, but he does bring some versatility that could “hold down the fort” while injuries figure themselves out.

News and Notes:

• The Tigers sent Kyle Bloom back to the Pirates after struggling in the second half of spring ball.

• Willie Horton shared his thoughts on the whole Dontrelle Willis Situation.

• Mike McClary of Daily Fungo and the Detroit Tigers Podcast has two great podcasts up on the website. Check out his latest talk with the great Rob Neyer (great writer, check out his pitcher guide and latest Book of baseball legends) and a rebroadcast with the late George Kell.

Opening Day is only a week away! The Tigers will take on the Jays. Stay tuned as Motor Cit Bengals gets back on track to start the 2009 season.