DETROIT -- The question was about Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila and the improvements he has made to the roster this offseason. The answer designated hitter Victor Martinez gave was all about Tigers owner Mike Ilitch.

The smile on Martinez's face showed his appreciation for Ilitch just as much as his words did.

"We have to be so proud and honored to have the owner we have," Martinez said. "We all owe Mr. Ilitch a trophy, a ring. There's nobody in the whole city -- nobody -- that deserves it more than he does. What he's been doing year after year and year after year and people talking, 'oh, time is running out on this team,' and 'the window is closing,' and this and that. He keeps helping it. He keeps helping keep the hopes of the fans alive. As a player, what else can I ask for?"

During a media session at Comerica Park to kick off the annual winter caravan, Martinez also spoke of his gratefulness to Tigers fans for filling Comerica Park and said they play a major role when it comes to setting the mood for the team.

"They really do have a lot of influence," he said. "They do. They really do. It's not the same when you come here and play (with nobody in the stands). You're just playing the game. It's a way different thing when you walk in from the clubhouse and you walk down and you walk out and you see a full house.

"You get chills. You're like, 'It's 6:30? Let's start playing the game right now.' "

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