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Detroit Tigers Links: So long Bergy, Moncada in Lakeland and more (VIDEO)

By Matt Pelc |

When Detroit Tigers’ fans become annoyed with the depth of their teams bench, it is often asked “what are you looking for?”

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If a player is good enough to start, he’ll start. There are no All-Stars that come off the bench or only play 2-3 times per week. Perhaps Tigers’ fans are remembering an era ago when their top bench player every year from 1984 to 1992 was Dave Bergman. Sadly, Bergy passed away at the too young age of 61 on Monday.

Bergman played first base and outfield most of his time in Detroit. He started his fair share of games, but was used in spots where starters needed a blow or to come in for late innings.

For fans of the 1984 team with the stars of Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, Lance Parrish, and Darrell Evans seemingly always mashing the ball, the most memorable at-bat of the regular season may have come off Bergman’s bat. Watch the video below as he stays alive and then hits a three-run walkoff shot. This was an at-bat that manager Sparky Anderson called the “best” he’d ever seen.

Our final two links look at a sought-after Cuban teenage trying out for the Tigers and predicting bullpen roles.

‘Sad day’: 1984 Tiger Dave Bergman dies at 61 – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Since a diagnosis of bile duct cancer in May 2012, the former Detroit Tigers first baseman — a key member of the 1984 World Series championship team — has spent the better part of three years battling the disease.Today, that fight came to an end.Bergman has died, at the age of 61.“It is with heavy hearts we extend our condolences to the family of Dave Bergman,” the Tigers said in a released statement. “Dave was as spirited as a person as he was a player. He will forever hold a special place in Tigers history for the versatile roles he played and his significant contributions as a member of the 1984 World Champion Tigers. We will miss seeing ‘Bergie’ at the ballpark and in the community.”

Moncada worked out for Tigers in Lakeland – Beck’s Blog, Jason Beck

Add the Tigers to the growing list of teams with a level of interest in Cuban teenage talent Yoan Moncada. The team brought in the 19-year-old switch-hitting infielder for a workout last week in Lakeland.Lynn Henning of the Detroit News first reported Sunday the Tigers had seen Moncada work out privately. MLB.com later confirmed the Tigers had brought him in to work out for team officials at the the Tigers’ Spring Training complex. Moncada also worked out for the Rays last week down the road at Tropicana Field.Moncada had a showcase last month in Guatemala before scouts from most Major League clubs. Moncada established residency in the Central American country and has been heading to the states. MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reports Moncada has also worked out for the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Rangers and Brewers, with the Cubs, Phillies and Cardinals also interested.

Predicting Bullpen Roles For the Detroit Tigers In 2015 – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

Although the Detroit Tigers were able to hold on long enough to win their fourth consecutive AL Central crown in 2014, their bullpen was an issue all season long. The Tigers’ relievers posted a 4.29 ERA last year, which ranked fourth-worst in MLB. Without further ado, here is one way manager Brad Ausmus‘ bullpen may shake out in 2015.

Next: It's time for Tigers to retire #1, #3, #47

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