Jim Leyland's pre-game press conference was filled largely with talk of the Tigers pen with just a little over two weeks left in camp.

The main topic was Fernando Rodney.  Leyland said that at this point it is unlikely that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.  "I'm not going to push the envelope with him.  As the minutes go by, it's less likely that he'll be ready, " Leyland said.  "We're only going to take him if he is 100% ready to go."

Regardless, the Tigers will have only two left handers is the pen.  Bobby Seay and Tim Byrdak are on the team and barring injury, that's all for the lefties.

Denny Bautista continues to impress this spring.  His numbers are outstanding (8ip 3h 0r 3bb 8k), but his ability to throw strikes has opened some eyes.  Control has been an issue in his career, but his stuff has never been questioned.  As Leyland said today, "If he can throw three pitches for strikes, he'll be in the big leagues longer than I will manage."

No matter how the pen shapes up, Leyland pointed out the fact that if his starters can give him even 1/3 or 2/3 innings more in a game, it would be a big factor.