LAKELAND, Fla. -- Manager Jim Leyland admitted Friday he wasn't in the best of moods, but the reason for his, well ... somewhat short replies had more to do with what was on Leyland's mind than with the questions thrown his way.

He had wrestled last night with roster decisions he had to make, and for him, cutting a player isn't the most pleasant job of managing a Major League team. In a way, he was like putting some man's dream on hold -- or killing it altogether.

"It's always a bad day for a manager," he said. "I haven't done this in a while."

What Leyland did, like it or not, was trim the Tigers roster at Spring Training to 45 players. Detroit optioned right-handers Eulogio De La Cruz, Preston Larrison, Humberto Sanchez and Jordan Tata, infielders Tony Giarratano and Kody Kirkland and outfielder Brent Clevlen to Double-A Erie.

The Tigers also assigned right-handers Tim Crabtree and Colby Lewis, catchers Mike Rabelo and Danilo Sanchez and infielder Kevin Hooper to Minor League camp.

"We sent down six or seven -- I don't know what the number -- legitimate prospects," Leyland said.

In a way, he saw that as good news, because it spoke to the quality of talent the Tigers have in their farm system. But it wasn't fun, which is why he twisted and turned Thursday night over making the cuts.

In addition to prospects, the Tigers released right-hander Matt Mantei from his Triple-A Toledo contract. Leyland said Mantei wasn't ready to compete for a job. Mantei told Leyland that he'd take some time to weigh his future.

"I wouldn't speculate what might happen," Leyland said.

He did speculate on what might be next in Tigers camp. With 20 players too many for his Opening Day roster, Leyland has more decisions to make. Leyland expects more cuts next Thursday, an off-day for the Tigers.

Un-Classic ending: Think Leyland was surprised that the U.S. team got bounced from the World Baseball Classic? Well, think again.

Not that he expected that to happen, but the fact it did wasn't a shock to him. Leyland didn't think the U.S. team went into the ballgame as prepared as it should have been.

"I don't really put a lot of stock in the outcome right now," he said. "But at the same time, you wanna credit the teams that are moving on."

Leyland said the rules might have altered the outcome, though he pointed out that everybody played under the same rules.

"[The U.S. team] got beat," he said. "But to be honest with you right now, that's the farthest thing from my mind -- the fact that we got beat. I'm worried about getting the Detroit Tigers ready for 2006."

Classic words: Reliever Todd Jones returned Friday after spending the past couple of weeks with Team USA. During his time in the Classic, Jones did an Internet journal for The Detroit Free Press.

Jones wrote this about the U.S. team: "The U.S. lineup is full of middle-of-the-order hitters. So when we've had guys on base and needed someone to shoot the ball through the hole, that's not something any of these guys are usually asked to do."

Eyes on Tigers: Deric McKamey, a baseball analyst for a number of publications, rated two Tigers prospects among his top 100 in baseball. In his book Minor League Baseball Analyst, he listed pitcher Justin Verlander and outfielder Cameron Maybin as players to watch in the Tigers organization.

The question is: The Tigers have had just one player win the Triple Crown. Who was that player?

Waiting for Rodriguez: Leyland said he's not expecting Pudge Rodriguez back from the World Baseball Classic until Sunday, which Leyland doesn't see as a problem.

Leyland said he'll need to get Rodriguez and others who played in the Classic more at-bats, and to help with that, has set up a camp game for Sunday morning. Look for Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Perez to get a healthy share of at-bats there.

Quote 'em: "I understand people who boo us. It's like going to a Broadway show, you pay for your tickets and expect to be entertained. When you're not, you have a right to complain." -- Former Tigers manager Sparky Anderson

Did you know: Dale Alexander is one of just 17 players to have 200 or more hits in their rookie seasons in the bigs. In 1929, Alexander banged out 215 hits, but he wasn't the only Tigers rookie to reach 200 hits that season. Roy Johnson had 201 hits to join Alexander in that elite club.

And the answer: Not known as a home-run hitter or power hitter, Hall of Fame outfielder Ty Cobb, 22 at the time, showed both those talents and a keen batting eye in leading the American League in home runs (9), RBIs (107) and batting average (.377) in 1909.

Odds and ends: Carlos Guillen left Friday's game in the top of the fourth inning with stiffness in his lower back. "I didn't wanna take any chances," Leyland said. "I don't think it's anything at all. ... But I'm not gonna take any chances." ... The Tigers wore green baseball caps in honor of St. Patrick's Day. ... Before the game, the Tigers honored Triple-A Toledo for winning the International League championship in 2005. ... The Tigers went into their game Friday against the Twins leading the American League in hits (193) and homers (33). ... Outfielder Craig Monroe is making progress in his rehab from a shoulder injury. "He's doing good," Leyland said. "He wanted to throw from the outfield today, but I wouldn't let him." Leyland said he's anxious to see what Monroe can do. ... Jones picked up his first save of the Grapefruit League season with a scoreless ninth.

What about Woodyard? Leyland had good things to say about right-hander Mark Woodyard, somewhat of a long shot to make the Opening Day roster.

His work in Spring Training got good reviews from Leyland, though he didn't anoint Woodyard with a roster spot.

"I'll put it to you plain and simple," Leyland said. "If he can manage the strike zone, he can be a helluva pitcher."

Coming up: Verlander will start the game Saturday against the Dodgers in Lakeland at 1:05 p.m. ET. He will face right-hander Chad Billingsley. Left-hander Wilfredo Ledezma and right-hander Jason Grilli will also see action.