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February 26, 2006^11:07am
The Olde English Ds^127
Monroe hopes for breakout season in 2006
www.mlive.com/newsflash/business/index.ssf?/base/sports-16/114082465398600.xml&storylist=mibusiness
Tigers
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New Tigers manager Jim Leyland knows Monroe is a good player, but more importantly, he thinks Monroe will continue to get better.

"Craig has quietly gotten better each year and he will continue to do so," said the 61-year-old Leyland.  "He's a very good player and on the verge of being a great player. I think he's got that type of capability."

Monroe's numbers have continued to escalate over his first three seasons in the big leagues.

Monroe had a fine rookie year in 2003 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs, although he hit just .240. However, he followed that with a great sophomore season, raising his average to .293 for the year with 18 homers and 72 RBIs.

Last season, Monroe achieved career highs in games played (157), at-bats (567), runs (69), hits (157), total bases (253), doubles (30), RBIs (89) and stolen bases (8) for the Tigers. Monroe's 89 RBIs were the most for a Detroit player since Bobby Higginson's 92 RBIs in 2000.

How pathetic is it that the Tigers have not had a 100 RBI hitter this millenium.  Do other people think Monroe will have a break-out year?  He is past the magic age, but has continued to improve each year.  How good can he be?  A season hitting around .290 with 25 HR and 90 RBIs would be nice.

OE