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Tigers Prized Prospect Porcello Makes Appearance Against Panama

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The Associated Press

Published: March 4, 2009

LAKELAND - Rick Porcello's inexperience showed. So did his talent.

The prized prospect made his first spring training start for the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, working out of trouble in two scoreless innings during a 9-3 loss to a Panama team that's getting ready for the World Baseball Classic.

The Tigers' top choice in the 2007 amateur draft, Porcello started 24 games last season at Class-A Lakeland. He struck out three batters Wednesday but also walked two, gave up a hit and had to pitch out of a first-inning jam.

Detroit manager Jim Leyland wasn't throwing around many accolades afterward, but Porcello appeared to be happy just getting through his first start at the big league level.

"I was just happy to be throwing again," Porcello said. "I wanted and needed to compete. I am not paying attention to making the team, just focusing on the season no matter where I end up. I can't afford to worry about anything else."

The 20-year-old Porcello went 8-6 with a 2.66 ERA at Lakeland last year and was selected the team's pitcher of the year.

He came into camp this year as a long shot to make the Tigers, but with Jeremy Bonderman's shoulder keeping him on the shelf for the next two weeks and the spotty performances of Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis this spring, Leyland said he isn't ruling anyone out of the rotation when the team goes north.

"I like Porcello and I like him a lot," Leyland said. "That kid can pitch and he's going to be in the majors soon. He's going to be a great one someday, I just don't know when."

Porcello's fastball has never been in doubt, but he said he came to spring training to work on his curveball. He had already pitched in relief once this spring and is trying not to concentrate on whether he'll be spending the season in Detroit or the minors.

"I am trying to block it all out," Porcello said. "There are things I can't control. The biggest thing is to stay on an even keel and remember that it is a long season and a lot of things can happen."

Leyland said he was impressed by Porcello's maturity and cool, calm demeanor on the mound. Even with runners in scoring position in the first inning against Panama, Porcello was able to settle down and retire the side.

"I was excited and I am always excited to pitch," Porcello said. "I walked a few guys, told myself to stop rushing, and to find a way out of the jam."

On a curveball, Porcello struck out Julio Zuleta to end the threat. It was with the curveball he's been working on all spring since new pitching coach Rick Knapp told Porcello he needed an extra pitch.

Panama jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the fifth inning, rocking Chris Lambert for all six runs, sparked by doubles from Ruben Rivera, Javier Castillo and Angel Chavez. Concepcion Rodriguez added a two-run single.

The Tigers came back with three in the bottom half off Gilberto Mendez, but managed only one base runner the rest of the way.

Tigers rookie Clay Rapada allowed three more runs in the eighth.

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