Ordonez hopes to rebound from broken ankle
Share This Story
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP)
Magglio Ordonez knew his season was over as soon as he broke his right ankle sliding into home plate against Toronto last July 24.
''When you snap your ankle, there's no way you are coming back by the end of the season,'' Ordonez said after the Detroit Tigers finished practice on Monday. ''Since then, all I had to do was work to get back to this year.''
Ordonez was batting .303 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs in 84 games. He had 12 homers and 59 RBI before the injury. He led the Tigers with 28 homers and 139 RBIs in 2007, and he said he can put up similar statistics.
With Victor Martinez signed as a free agent during the offseason, manager Jim Leyland said the 3-4-5 spots in his batting order are set as long as first baseman Miguel Cabrera makes it back into the lineup. Cabrera hasn't reported to camp after his DUI arrest last week.
Leyland expects a top season from the 37-year-old Ordonez.
''He looks great so far, great,'' the manager said. ''With those guys at the heart of the order, we have a great track record, and Magglio is going to drive in more runs than ever.''
For Ordonez to top his career-bests, he'll need help at the top of the order. Austin Jackson should be a lock to hit leadoff, and one of Leyland's big challenges is to find a No. 2 hitter.
''With Magglio at the three spot, he can know in runs, I promise you that,'' Leyland said. ''He's ready to play and I am not concerned with him at all.''
Ordonez said the ankle feels fine and he's ready to put last season behind.
''I feel fine and I can tell you that we are going to be a great team if everybody stays healthy,'' Ordonez said. ''The lineup looks great, and I just want to get going.''
Detroit was 81-81 last year, then declined his $15 million option before agreeing to a $10 million, one-year deal.
''We are just going to take it easy with him and have him ready,'' Leyland said. ''We won't rush him, but I expect him to have a career year.''
NOTES: 2B Scott Sizemore who was the Tigers opening day starter before splitting time between Detroit and Triple A Toledo after suffering a right groin strain, is 100 percent according to Leyland. ... Although prized pitching prospects Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner have been turning heads, Leyland said it was ''highly doubtful'' that they would open the season in Detroit. ... Leyland said OF Clete Thomas, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, was 100 percent and ready to compete for a roster spot.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: UFC Octagon vixen arrested
Report: UFC Octagon vixen Arianny Celeste arrested. -
Report: Vick event sparks backlash
A seemingly innocuous visit from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick caused ... -
No way Celtics can hang with Heat
Celtics advance to East finals, but Heat have nothing to worry about. -
Franchitti wins Indy 500
You don't want to miss the Indy 500 action. -
Report: Matt Forte's knees a concern
One key reason the Chicago Bears are yet to offer a long-term deal to running back Ma...
MLB Videos
MLB on FOX: LAA/SEA recap
Posted: May 27, 2012
MLB on FOX's Victor Rojas and Eric Byrnes recap the Angels' 5-3 win over the Mar...
MLB on FOX's Victor Rojas and Eric Byrnes recap the Angels' 5-3 win over the Mar...
MLB on FOX: CHC/PIT recap
Posted: May 27, 2012
MLB on FOX's Bob Brenly and Kenny Albert recap the Pirates' 3-2 win over the Cub...
MLB on FOX's Bob Brenly and Kenny Albert recap the Pirates' 3-2 win over the Cub...
MLB on FOX: Salty lifts Red Sox past Rays
Posted: May 27, 2012
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal talks with Jarrod Saltalamacchia after Boston's wi...
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal talks with Jarrod Saltalamacchia after Boston's wi...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.