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As expected, Ralph Garr walked. The Tigers signed 35 year old Kevin Collins to fill the slot. Coliins regularly hit 30 or more homers each season with Cleveland, and with the strong supporting cast in Detroit, just may have his biggest season to date.

The bigger problem for the Tigers is that Floyd Bannister defected to the Expos. The Tigers are going to plug Gene Garber back in behind McIntosh, Zachry, Gowell, and Lemongello, so they won't be hurting as badly. Still, Bannister's loss makes the future look even more bleak.

For 1982, Steve Nicosia has been promoted to full time starter, up from platoon status. Tim Blackwell, a free agent at the conclusion of 1982, will become the reserve.

Also, 22 year old SS Lenny Faedo is waiting for the promotion over aging Tony LaRussa.

It will remain interesting to see how much the old guys have left in the tank. Nicosia is the only starter under 30.