With Polanco's impending departure from wearing the Old English D, I need a new jersey. Polly was very much my player in that few others followed him with fanatiscism and I rarely saw a Polanco jersey in the wild. So I turn to the BYB gang for advice as to who will be on my back for the next four years when I'm sporting that D. Verlander/Cabrera/Inge/Granderson are out because they're either too popular or may not last too long on the Tigers. I'm considering a Porcello jersey but it might be a bit too early for that. However the prospect pool is always a dangerous place to go for a jersey shirt let alone a real jersey, so I'm not sure who else I could don with any kind of hope it'll last me a couple of seasons.

So, suggestions?

Carlos Guillen signs a ball while on rehab in Lakeland, Florida (via Lakeland Local)

Carlos Guillen has given us something we haven't had yet this offseason: a distraction from game 163 and a story for everyone to write about and obsess over. Jason Beck wrote for MLB.com about Guillen's issues concerning his position with the Detroit Tigers and just a few days later Jim Leyland responded that if Guillen produces, he'll get his wish. Beck elaborated on the issue in an interview to 1130 AM WDFN in Detroit, saying Guillen had been upset since September.

In light of this potential rift, I thought now would be a good time to look into Guillen's 2009 numbers, reflecting on the type of player he's been in the past and if we can expect an improvement in 2010. Read on for the full review.

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I bought tickets to ALDS game three back when we had a nice shot at making it. I don't hold season tickets, and got an email the day after game 163 saying I'd get my money back via the method I paid (debit card, in my case). Haven't seen it yet. Phone calls don't seem to be getting me anywhere, only that the money is "coming". So, I'm wondering, has anyone else seen their money back?

[Editor's Note: Promoted from the FanPosts. John Kmiecik will be doing this throughout the offseason. You can read his work at 2100 Woodward.]

Magglio Ordoñez takes a swing May 29th at Baltimore (via Keith Allison)

Magglio Ordoñez was, at times, the hottest topic debated among Tigers fans this season coming to a head when his 2010 contract option vested on September 15th. As far as I've been able to tell most Tigers fans have come to terms with Ordoñez being a part of the 2010 Tigers; the roar in June about his poor performance and impending option virtually gone by the time it actually vested.

Ordoñez' first half was uncharacteristic of him; his second half became the Ordoñez we all remember from the 2006 ALCS; watching that clip still makes my arm hair stand on end and bring a tear to my eye. Read on for the full review.

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[Editor's Note: Promoted from the FanPosts.  John Kmiecik will be doing this throughout the offseason.  You can read his work at 2100 Woodward.]

Brandon Inge during batting practice August 25th via Tigers superfan Allison Hagen

Brandon Inge is, without a doubt, a fan favorite in Detroit. With the organization since 1999 (entering the bigs in 2001) Inge is the longest-serving member of the squad. Inge was one of the most popular Tigers during the "Who's Your Tiger?" marketing campaign run by the Tigers for a few season. He also continuously scored well in FSD's player of the game text message polls no matter what his day at the plate or in the field may have gone.

Off the field Inge is a regular visitor to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI where he regularly visits to talk with the kids there. TBS did a story about his efforts, especially how he helped touch the lives of two particular boys. Read on for the full review.

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As I stare at the 2009 MLB post-season in utter disbelief, the big question immediately after game 163 for me was what the hell just happened? and it's still in my head. In order to answer that question, I'm doing a season review of the key players for the Tigers. I'm defining "key player" as a fielder that had played in at least 20 games or a pitcher that had logged at least 30 innings. Sorry folks, no full-blown Matt Treanor (hitless as a Tiger) or Chris Lambert (14.85 ERA in 2009) reviews.

The first Tiger up is the huge fan favorite, Brandon Inge. If there's anything you'd like to see covered, please post in the comments and I'll see if I can work it in.