On a team that features an all-star line-up, Ryan Raburn is the Tigers super-utility guy. Last season, the 26-year-old Raburn saw action at second base, third base, and all three outfield positions, hitting .304/.340/.507 in 49 games. Raburn shared a few thoughts after Sunday’s game against the Pirates in Lakeland.
David Laurila: How is spring training going for you so far?
Ryan Raburn: It’s going great. Any time you’re healthy and can play, it’s a plus.
DL: Do you have any specific goals for the 2008 season?
RR: Just trying to improve on everything and have another quality season — see what happens and where it takes me.
DL: After beginning last year in Triple-A, you came up in July and got a chance to show people what you can do. How was last season for you?
RR: It was great. From start to finish — I had a good spring, which started me off, and I carried it off all year. Just to be able to go to the big leagues and have some success, and help a team try to win; that was a great feeling.
DL: You did have a few big league at-bats prior to last season. How different was it coming up last year, given that you had already gotten your feet wet?
RR: I was a little more confident than I was in years past. The first time up there, you always know you could play, but in the back of your mind you wonder, “Can I compete with these guys up here?” My confidence is higher now, and I just carried that from Triple-A to the big leagues and had a little success.
DL: When you look around the Tigers clubhouse, you see all-stars everywhere. What is that like?
RR: It’s awesome, you know. It’s a pleasure to be in camp and be around all of these guys and see them perform. It’s great to play with them, because some of these guys will be in the Hall of Fame some day. As a fan of the game itself, it’s a real pleasure.
DL: Playing time is hard to find on a team as talented as this one, but your versatility should help to get you into the line-up from time to time.
RR: I’m just trying to do anything I can to help the team win, so any position they want to put me in — that’s fine by me. Playing time will be a little slim with the talent we have, but when they do call on me I’ll try to do what I can to help us win.
DL: Where has the team had you defensively this spring?
RR: Mainly second base and the outfield. I’ve played a lot more second base this spring than last year. Overall, I’m just trying to get my at-bats, get my work in, and be ready for the season.
DL: Have you been behind the plate at all?
RR: I’ve done a little work back there, and in a couple of days we should be doing a little more. But right now catching is kind of a work in progress. It’s nothing major yet.
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