Detroit Trio emailed Lynn Henning, Det News tigers columnist questions on the future, here they are.

DetroitTrio: will the Tigers be buyers or sellers in this off season? LH: the Tigers will be buyers, hoping to trade a few expendable parts. They are concerned about the bullpen, centerfield, right field, third base, and starting pitching. DT:What position will they go after? DT: predict an opening day lineup. LH: Any attempts at listing an opening-day lineup would be premature. You might as well use the end of last season's lineup until probable trades and acquisitions are being made. DT: When do you see Verlander coming up to the big leagues? LH: Verlander will probably be up late in 2006. No sooner, perhaps later. DT: Do you think the Tigers will be in position to make a realistic playoff run next season? LH: The Tigers aren't likely to be a playoff team for the next few seasons, although changes in their lineup could make them a surprise player in 2005. But that's being optimistic.