2011 MLB Team Preview: Detroit Tigers
Hard to believe, as many of us watch the snow fall outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; teams have started reporting to 2011 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.
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Tigers Calender
FEB. 1-18, 2011 – Salary arbitration hearings
FEB. 14, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
FEB. 19, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for non-pitchers and catchers
FEB. 26, 2011 – Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players
The squeaky wheel doesn’t always get the grease. Every year, the Tigers and their fans make a bunch of noise about how good they’ll be. But, more often than not, Detroit falls short of expectations. After 86 wins in 2009, the Tigers slipped to 81 last season. Is this team trending up or down?
DETROIT TIGERS
World Series odds: +2500
The Tigers may not be the deepest team out there but they have a few elite talents in both the offensive and pitching department. Few hitters are better than Miguel Cabrera, who would be building a case as the greatest right-handed hitter in MLB history if it weren’t for Albert Pujols.
Think that’s hyperbole? Look at Miggy’s stats. He’s 27 years old and already has seven straight 100-RBI seasons; 33 homers or more in six of his seven full seasons; and a .313 lifetime average. He’s simply amazing. While Cabrera has battled alcoholism off the field, it never seems to stop him from playing great.
He has a new partner in crime this season: Victor Martinez. V-Mart’s power numbers have slipped from their lofty Cleveland days but he’s still one of the top three or four offensive catchers in the game. He’ll be a big help.
The rest of Detroit’s lineup mixes up-and-comers and creaky vets. Austin Jackson, acquired in the Curtis Granderson deal, was an outstanding leadoff man as a rookie last season, though his poor plate discipline could lead to a sophomore slump. The Tigers also hope Ryan Raburn and Brennan Boesch can put it all together for a full season.
Do Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen have anything left? We’ll see. Ordonez seems more likely to remain a solid major-league contributor this season since he’ll probably get the most starts at DH. 
The Tigers’ pitching staff isn’t perfect but it has some very exciting guys leading it. Justin Verlander is a legit ace who can strike out 10 guys every time he takes the hill. Joining him is the high-upside Max Scherzer, who really came into his own as 2011 progressed. How much potential does Scherzer have? You can’t name many other pitchers who can strike out 14 batters in 5.2 scoreless innings, which Scherzer did in one start last season.
While I do think No. 3 starter Rick Porcello is overrated, he’s still just 22 years old. The sinkerballer can get better.
I like the look of Detroit’s bullpen this season. Jose Valverde is a shaky closing option but the Tigers have plenty of insurance. Joaquin Benoit was lights-out with Tampa last season and would probably be first in line should Valverde falter in the ninth. Joel Zumaya is an injury waiting to happen but is electric when (rarely) healthy. Phil Coke looks like an intriguing swing man this season, a guy who may start or may pitch in relief.
2011 OUTLOOK
There’s reason for optimism in Detroit this season. The Tigers have enough high-impact hitters and pitchers that they can contend for the Central crown if only a handful of other guys elevate their play. Still – I think the deep Chicago White Sox are the much safer bet to win the division. Detroit has no margin for error. An injury to Cabrera, Martinez, Verlander or Scherzer would be enough to derail its season.
Prediction: 2nd, American League Central
