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Andy Dirks: 'It Takes A Whole Team'

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Anyone who thinks Tigers' outfielder Andy Dirks doesn't know his place on the team has to think again.

Dirks fielded questions on Tigers home Opening Day Friday about the player contributions expected this season.

"We got all the big-name guys and everybody knows them, but it takes a whole team to win a lot of baseball games, and that's what guys like me are here for," Dirks said, laughing.

Dirks revealed himself as a big fan of Matt Tuiasosopo, saying, when reporters asked about the "unknown element" of this year's team: "He had a great spring. If he continues to do what he's done he could be a very big asset for our ball club."

Manager Jim Leyland compared the excitement of Opening Day to another special day -- the opening of deer hunting season. And Dirks seconded that comparison.

"That's a good comparison, nobody gets a good night's sleep right before any opening day," Dirks said. "We're just excited and ready to go today, the weather looks beautiful, get some fans out in the stands and get some adrenaline going."

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