DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - It’s a big week down in Lakeland, Florida, where the Tigers are getting ready to play their first grapefruit league game of the spring this Friday.

Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson has high hopes for the season — especially with the addition of Torii Hunter and the return of Victor Martinez.

“I think it was big going into last year. I just sense that it’s even bigger going into this year with the changes the Tigers have made and coming off a season where they made it to the World Series,” said Dickerson.

Dickerson said fans who haven’t yet had a chance to see the Tigs play at Joker Marchant Stadium should consider heading down.

“It’s a beautiful ballpark, and, to me it almost doesn’t need any fixing up or additions. But I love the fact that they’re continuing to make it better because it’s a great spot to watch a game,” said Dickerson.

“I just think there’s something about the start of a baseball season, I think because spring is in the air from the north — especially the northern cities — and it gives fans that thought that, you know, the warmer weather’s ahead and baseball’s ahead, and it’s a good feeling,” he said.

The Tigers face the Atlanta Braves on Friday. They’ll play their first home game in Lakeland Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Get spring training ticket information here. Check out the broadcast schedule at this link.