from Chris McCosky of the Detroit News,

The boss made his first appearance of the spring Saturday....

“I am excited about our vision and our plan and how it’s being executed,” he said. “I am very optimistic and I like the forward momentum of our club. I feel good about it.”

He certainly understands, though, the fans may be less enthused. After back to back 98-loss seasons and the prospect of another year of non-contention ahead, the impatience level is climbing.

“I have the same sense of impatience,” Ilitch said. “I am a fan, first and foremost. I want to see our team be a great team, a playoff team and ultimately, a championship team. But I think the key for all of us is to make sure we are very disciplined in following the right path to that success.

“I think we are doing exactly that.”

Ilitch said the Tigers rebuilding plan mirrors the plan his father, the late Mike Ilitch, implemented in building the Red Wings run of Stanley Cup championships and the long run of success the Tigers enjoyed from 2006 through 2014.

“I feel we are making progress,” Ilitch said. “I feel like we have a great plan. I know it’s a great plan because I’ve personally seen it at the professional sports level in two different sports. This is the right way to build a championship team.

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added 2:16pm,