Former 'Caps Contributing in Tigers Pennant Race
Published on August 14, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - With Jair Jurrjens scheduled to make his Major League debut for the Tigers Wednesday, he will join many former Whitecaps that have played a part in the Tigers pennant race this season.
The Tigers continue to tap into their loaded minor league system this season more than in recent years while they continue to compete for the AL Central. Jurrjens, who played for West Michigan in 2005, will be the 10th former Whitecap to play for the Tigers this season after going 7-5 with a 3.20 ERA with Double-A Erie.
Along with Brandon Inge, Joel Zumaya, Fernando Rodney and Omar Infante, who have been with the Tigers the past couple of seasons, the Tigers have called up plenty of new talent. Newcomers such as Mike Rabelo, Ryan Raburn, Jordan Tata, Virgil Vasquez and Eulogio De La Cruz have all contributed so far in the Tigers 2007 campaign.
"This season more than any other years shows the commitment and confidence the Tigers have in their minor league system," said Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki. "It's another exciting feature that Whitecaps fans enjoy by watching players at Fifth Third Ballpark and get to the Majors in Detroit sooner than later."
Raburn and Rabelo have been big surprises for the Tigers this season. Rabelo took advantage of Vance Wilson's injury in spring training and has been with the Tigers since Opening Day, hitting .267 (31-for-116) with eight doubles, two triples, 10 RBIs and 10 runs scored while serving as a backup catcher to Ivan Rodriguez.
Raburn cashed in on a stellar season at Triple-A Toledo by hitting .292 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs for the Mud Hens before being promoted to Detroit and is hitting .349 (22-for-63) with five doubles, three home runs, 14 RBIs and 15 runs scored in 21 games for the Tigers. Raburn and Rabelo both played for the Whitecaps in 2002-03.
For more information on former Whitecaps, contact the Whitecaps PR Department at 616-784-4131. And don't forget to order your tickets for the two-game series with the South Bend Silver Hawks on August 16-17 online at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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- Former 'Caps Contributing in Tigers Pennant Race - West Michigan Whitecaps
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