Leyland motivated by clubhouse chemistry

LAKELAND, Fla. (WXYZ) - On paper, they look great.

On the field, time will tell.

On the inside, Jim Leyland says his team is the most close-knit group it can be.

"We're blessed. We get cooperation from all our players. That's one of the nice things about managing this team," Leyland said Monday.

Tigers pitchers and catchers reported to Lakeland for the first official workout Monday. Leyland was motivated by the focused bunch's approach. The Tigers manager said their attitude allows him to wake up with excitement ahead of a busy day at the ballpark.

"It makes it a lot more fun when you got guys you know aren't gonna cause problems, they're gonna go along with the program. That type of thing," he expanded.

Prince Fielder, getting his first taste of the team's comraderie, noted how important it will be for he and his new slugging teammate, Miguel Cabrera, to feed off of each other's energy.

"Whenever you see an MVP type player in front of you, it's always motivation because you see the greatness every night," Fielder said.

Fielder was repeatedly asked to compare hitting in a lineup with his former Milwaukee teammate Ryan Braun and new partner in crime, Cabrera.

"I'm sure with Miguel it's going to be the same thing," he said of the potency.

Cabrera was beaming with excitement as well.

"We like to do the same thing. We like to work hard. The expectations are high," Cabrera said.

And that's where this team likes them to be.

"Last year, everybody counted us out," reliever Phil Coke said.

"Go ahead, count us out again this year. Go ahead."

When it was brought to Coke's attention that most fans of the game are in fact, counting the Tigers in the mix for title contention, he echoed his manager's sentiments.

"We still have to go work everyday."

Brad Galli is a Sports Reporter for WXYZ in Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli