Remember when the Tigers were counting on Jeremy Bonderman to be a stalwart in their starting rotation this season and Jim Leyland had either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson -- possibly both -- penciled in as the team’s leading left hander?
        Remember when Carlos Guillen was going to play left field most of the time and people were talking about Joel Zumaya as the Tigers’ possible closer?
        Well, we’re still waiting.
        And the Tigers are still in first place.
        However, as welcome as Tuesday night’s muscle-flexing 9-7 win over Seattle was, it didn’t mask the fact that these Tigers have some glaring deficiencies -- in large part due to injuries.
        The much-awaited return of Guillen, who is now on rehab assignment, could be only days away. But when, or even if, the Tigers will get Bonderman, Zumaya, Willis or Robertson back is anybody’s guess.
        Bonderman has begun throwing off the mound. But, so far, only for five minutes at a time. It will probably be September, at the earliest, before he is ready to try to pitch again.
        Willis remains on the disabled list with his anxiety disorder. Nobody, least of all Leyland, is willing -- or able -- to discuss the details of that situation. And the Tigers will owe Dontrelle $12 million next year, whether he is on the team or not
        Robertson would dearly love to get back his job as a starter. But right now, he is merely playing  long toss in the outfield following elbow surgery. And, as you might imagine, Leyland’s confidence in Nate isn’t exactly sky-high.
        Zumaya has told Leyland he is not ready to pitch at the present time. “He’s hurting,” the manager said. “At some point, there will probably be a decision made about how we go about getting it right.”
        That hardly sounds encouraging.