Tom Brookens Quotations

When I played for him at Evansville, I wasn't the only one who thought the next stop for him would be managing the Tigers.

He's pitched well for us and I think he's the right man to step forward and pitch for us. We got him where we want him ? coming out of the gate in the first game.

There's not a situation that can come up that he hasn't been through and can't give you advice on. It'll be a tremendous loss for the Tigers' organization. These kids listen to him and learn a lot from him.

I've always appreciated that. But frankly, I thought it wouldn't be long before I was playing for him and we'd both be in Detroit. Then the Sparky (Anderson) thing happened, and Jim kind of got lost in the shuffle.

You never know what to expect in your first year. It all boils down to your players. They performed and did a great job. We had some nice ballplayers and some kids that have a chance to move up in the organization.

It seems like it was a while coming. But we're more comfortable here and feel like we're going to win each game.

It's certainly not the ideal situation, but we have good arms in the bullpen. We have some guys who can step up.

They are trying to find their niche. Most of these pitchers coming out of college were starters. It's an adjustment for them.

It's no different at any level. You goes as far as your pitching takes you. ... What hurt us in the playoffs was not having Vasquez healthy. He was 7-0 and that's tough to lose guys like him.

His biggest problem isn't his arm ? he has a great arm. His problem is his inconsistency. One time he looks good, the next time he fails to get it over the plate. If it's 3-1 or 3-2, hitters will rip you. He has to do it today, then do it five days from now.

He's another player out of a big-time program. We need to wait and see what he does at the next level. He has major-league power. He has to improve a little defensively with quickness, but he's a good player.

The guys became more comfortable with the surroundings. We played Tri-City and Lowell early, so we weren't getting beat by anybody who wasn't good.