Spring arrives this week.
The click-clack, click-clack of metal cleats striking the sidewalk as the Tigers migrate toward the back fields in Tiger Town.
Fans lining up behind the fence, snowbirds on vacation and retirees sporting the Old English D, begging for autographs.
Feeling the warm sunshine and watching bullpens and hearing the sounds coming from the batting cages and sensing the return of optimism — always, the optimism, even after last year’s disaster.
A new baseball season is oh, so close.
The Tigers’ pitchers and catchers will report to Lakeland, Fla., this week with their first official practice Friday.