Palmer, at 36, makes one last comeback try.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Publication: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

Publication Date: 28-FEB-05

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service

Byline: Gene Guidi

LAKELAND, Fla. _ Dean Palmer's last few seasons in the major leagues were really nothing more than a series of comeback attempts.

Neck and shoulder injuries robbed the once-feared slugger of his power as well as his ability to make throws. He played a total of only 87 games in his last three years with the Tigers after signing a five-year, $36-million free-agent contract.

Now healthy after sitting out a year, Palmer is attempting the ultimate comeback _ from retirement to a spot on the Tigers' 25-man roster.

When asked about Palmer's chances, manager Alan Trammell said, "He's something of a longshot. If he does make the team, it will have to be as someone who can play at third and first base."

Palmer, 36, knows he faces a tough task. But he figures he has nothing...

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