2011 Detroit Tigers MLB Preview (2010: 81-81, third place in AL Central)
With his rough-and-gruff attitude, Jim Leyland is one of the best managers in Major League history. So when his celebrated first baseman and last year’s American League MVP runner-up Miguel Cabrera had off-the-field issues at the beginning of spring training, it was understood that it would be taken care of. So far in spring training, it looks like it has.
The Tigers are in tough spot— tons of talent surround a great coach, but in a division that has two teams that are built the same (power hitting with a solid, if unspectacular, starting line-up). To lose Cabrera would be a huge loss and a possible demotion to the bottom of the division. However, a productive Cabrera, mixed in with a possible resurgence of Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez could put them over the top.
Pitching-wise, the Tigers are as solid as most in the American League Central, even with their middle-of-rotation man Jeremy Bonderman taking the year off with what some suspect is a dead arm. Justin Verlander is a true ace, with more strikeouts over the past two years than anyone not named Tim Lincecum. Max Scherzer had a bumpy road leading into the American League after his trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but rebounded to finish the season nicely. Rick Porcello, Phil Coke and Brad Penny finish out the rotation, and if they hold the line for the Tigers, and Guillen and Ordonez come through, the Detroit Tigers could be a team on the rise in 2011.
2010 Detroit Tigers MLB Preview:
The Detroit Tigers consistently have some of the hardest flamethrowers and hottest bats in Major League Baseball, and the 2010 season is no different. Nothing gets fans off their feet in the late innings like the sight of franchise player Miguel Cabrera standing in the batter's box with the game on the line. He's only 26 years old, but the power hitting third baseman has already made four All-Star teams, won the World Series and captured the American League home run title.
It seems like the AL Central division always comes down to the last game of the season, but the Tigers have made some adjustments to improve their chances down the home stretch this year. Proven closer Jose Valverde joined the team this year, hoping to close out the low scoring games that sizzling ace Justin Verlander starts. Additionally, after last year's impressive World Series performance with the New York Yankees, centerfielder Johnny Damon has signed on with the club.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the 2010 Detroit Tigers season will be seeing what young prospects pitcher Rick Porcello, second baseman Scott Sizemore and outfielder Austin Jackson can do with their opportunities to become household names.
2009 Detroit Tigers MLB Preview:
The plan for the 2009 Detroit Tigers is to climb out of the AL Central basement and return to their spot at the top of the division. For the 2009 Tigers to do that they will need to get solid pitching from the likes of Justin Verlander and timely hitting from players like Adam Everett, Carlos Guillen and Miguel Cabrera. If Detroit pulls off that combination then the fans in Motown will be cheering a potential pennant winning baseball club.
2008 Detroit Tigers MLB Preview:
The Detroit Tigers are one of the most exciting teams to watch in baseball this season. They've proven themselves to be unpredictable in recent years, winning a Wild Card berth and the ALCS in 2006, and then not quite making the playoffs in 2007. With the leadership of Ivan Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera, Kenny Rogers, and Gary Sheffield to name only a few, the Tigers look incredibly talented. Comerica Park in downtown Detroit will be teeming with Tiger fans looking for their team to revisit the World Series and this time bring home the title.