2011 Detroit Tigers Predictions
The Detroit Tigers have finished runner-up in the AL Central three of the last five years, but they are optimistic that 2011 will bring their first division title since 1987. The Tigers believe the additions of free agents Victor Martinez and Joaquin Benoit will get them over the hump in what figures to be a tight division race. Baseball odds makers have listed the Tigers at +2500 to win the 2011 World Series.
Pitching: The Tigers’ starting pitching staff is headed up by perennial Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander, who went 18-9 with a 3.37 ERA in 2010. Few pitchers in the game have the ability to make batters look as foolish as Verlander. His nasty slider is a perfect compliment to his 100 mile per hour heat.
Max Scherzer gives the Tigers another guy who can flat out bring it. The ace-in-waiting went 12-11 with a 3.50 ERA last season. Rick Porcello endured a sophomore slump, going 10-12 with a 4.92 ERA, but the Tigers believe he can right the ship.
Phil Coke faces the difficult task of converting from the pen to the starting rotation, which makes him a question mark at this point.
Andy Oliver and Brad Penny will also challenge for a spot in the rotation.
The Tigers may have overpaid for Benoit, considering they will be using him in the eighth, but he shores up the bullpen nonetheless. Jose Valverde will get the ball in the ninth following a 26-save campaign. It will also be interesting to see how the Tigers use the oft-injured Joel Zumaya.
Lineup: First baseman Miguel Cabrera looks like a pretty good pick for AL MVP following a season in which he hit .328 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He’s joined on the infield by third baseman Brandon Inge, shortstop Jhonny Peralta and second baseman Will Rhymes. Carlos Guillen could see the bulk of the action at second if he is fully recovered from microfracture knee surgery, but Rhymes, who hit .304 in 54 games last season, is expected to get a shot.
Peralta is about as solid as they come, a 15-home run, 80-RBI guy who fields his position well. The Tigers showed loyalty to Inge by giving him a new two-year deal. Now, they’re hoping he will pay them back by improving on his 2010 numbers (.247, 13 home runs, 70 RBIs).
Austin Jackson and Magglio Ordonez have their outfield spots sewed up while Brennan Boesch may have to fight for his. Jackson finished runner-up in the 2010 AL Rookie of the Year race, hitting .298 with 181 hits and 27 stolen bases. Ordonez continues to be one of the game’s premier hitters, but his health has been a concern in recent years. He’s good for 20 jacks and 90 RBIs if he can play 150 games. Boesch appeared to be headed for AL Rookie of the Year honors until he endured an unprecedented second half collapse. He hit .342 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs before the All-Star break but only .163, 2 and 18 after.
Martinez was Detroit’s prized offseason signing. The Tigers will likely choose to put him in the DH slot half the time to get the most out of his bat. He hit .302 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs for Boston. Alex Avila will spend time behind the plate as well.
Prediction – 3rd Place AL Central: I’ve picked the Tigers to finish a close third behind Minnesota and Chicago but won’t be at all surprised if they find a way to take the division. The Tigers are listed at +160 to win the AL Central.
