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We'll know very soon if the Detroit Dynasty of the last 10 seasons is coming to an end. There was some major retooling done, not all by choice.

John Bateman, Detroit's starting catcher since 1969, left for San Diego and a 3 year, $16.5 million dollar deal. The Tigers immediately made a knee jerk reaction, acquiring Dave Parker from the Padres to protect against losing Bobby Bonds. But the Tigers may have dealt too much, parting with DH/3B Eric Soderholm, he of 143 RBI in 1977.

Bobby Bonds did come back into the fold, taking home just under $61 million over the next 7 years. Parker will DH, replacing Soderholm in the order.

The next move the Tigers made was to replace Bateman behind the plate. Former Tiger reserve Jim Campanis, beaten out by Ken Suarez a couple of seasons ago, now will team with Suarez in handling the pitchers.

Lou Pinella was added to replace Frank Ortenzio at first. The Tigers wanted to avoid having 2 light bats in the order, and one is guarateed behind the plate for now.

Detroit's top draft choice, #26 overall, was spent on another catcher, Steve Nicosia. Tiger management hopes that Nicosia will be the regular backstop in 1979.

Soon, we'll see if Detroit remains worthy of reports, or if they've just slid back into the pack.