DETROIT (WWJ) – It’s time to play ball. Monday is the first day for pitchers and catchers to work out in Lakeland, Florida for the Detroit Tigers. The newest Tiger, Prince Fielder, is already in camp.

WWJ Newsradio 950′s Greg Bowman says fans and players are expecting great things from the team this season.

The experts are already picking the Tigers as the team to beat in the American League especially with the addition of superstar Prince Fielder.

Although Tigers’ broadcaster Dan Dickerson says everyone remembers 2008 when the Tigers were considered a lock to win the World Series but then finished last.

“I will say there are a few guys from that ’08 team they remember that everyone said,’Oh, you’re going to score a 1000 runs and win a 100 (games),’ they won 74 games,” said Dickerson. “They know, they know that they have to go out and win it, and Jim Leland is very good about making that point. Dave Dombrowski has talked about it and I think because these guys have been there before, they can handle the expectations.”

Opening day at Comerica Park is April 5 against the Boston Red Sox.

Check out the weather here and in Lakeland - just to let you know Spring is not too far away.