Tigers add some bite with prized acquisition of Fielder
The Detroit Tigers were runaway winners of the AL Central last year, thanks in large parts to AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander and AL Batting Champion Miguel Cabrera.
The off-season, however, turned sour with the news that All-Star catcher and first baseman Victor Martinez would be out for the season following an ACL tear. How did the Tigers react? By inking big man Prince Fielder to a nine year deal worth well over $200 million. The three time All-Star leaves Milwaukee after 230 homers, 656 RBIs and 996 hits since debuting in 2005. Other than the signing of Fielder it was very much a case of ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’ for GM Dave Dombrowski as veterans Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen were the only notable departures.
Elsewhere last season, almost every full-time position player put up good numbers, with veteran Brandon Inge being the main exception. In his eleventh season as a Tiger, the 34 year old hit just .197 and three homers, and could move to second base in order to keep playing. On the pitching side, Jose Valverde was a perfect 49 of 49 on save opportunities, although the starters behind Verlander were far from convincing. Imagine just how good the Tigers can be if 80% of their rotation don’t give up a run every two innings like last year?
IN : Colin Balester (RP – Washington), Octavio Dotel (RP – St.Louis), Prince Fielder (INF – Milwaukee), Jerad Head (OF – Cleveland), Gerald Laird (C – St.Louis), Eric Patterson (OF – San Diego), Matt Young (OF – Atlanta)
OUT : Wilson Betemit (INF – Baltimore), Enrique Gonzalez (RP), Carlos Guillen (INF), Magglio Ordonez (OF), Brad Penny (SP – Japan), Ryan Perry (RP – Washington), David Purcey (RP – Philadelphia), Will Rhymes (INF – Tampa Bay), Brad Thomas (RP), Joel Zumaya (RP – Minnesota)
Catchers : With the injury to Victor Martinez, Alex Avila becomes the undisputed starter at catcher. The 25 year old won a Silver Slugger Award and an All-Star appearance last year after batting .295 and hitting 82 RBIs. Gerald Laird has been signed to back-up Avila and has been a perfect understudy throughout his career. The 32 year old previously had a two year spell in Detroit before leaving for St.Louis last year. Omir Santos had a 22 at bat spell in the bigs last year and would likely be next on the depth chart.
Infielders : At the corner infield positions, the Tigers have over 500 HRs of power in Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. The former has moved from first to third to accommodate the marquee signing. The duo are averaging a combined 70 homers and over 225 RBIs per 162 games thus far in their respective careers. It would take a brave man to bet against them putting up similar numbers in the years to come. Surely the best 3-4 combo in the game. It’s not as if their infield partners Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Rayburn are slouches either, with the ‘lesser’ duo combining for 35 dingers last year. Peralta hit a career best .299, while Rayburn may get the second base job by default as a versatile outfielder by nature. Brandon Inge and Ramon Santiago provide plenty of experience off the bench, with Inge’s 1399 appearances in a Tigers uniform more than double that of any other player on the roster. Danny Worth provides super utility back-up.
Outfielders : The departure of Magglio Ordonez will allow for a young outfield that features Austin Jackson in centre along with Brennan Boesch and Andy Dirks. The speedy Jackson disappointed at the plate last year but stole 22 bases and has speed in abundance, while Boesch showed improvement during an injury curtailed year. Delmon Young may get the nod in left field, however he appears the most likely to DH. His midseason trade from Minnesota appeared to provide the spark he needed as he hit twice as many homers in a Tigers uniform despite appearing in fewer than half the amount of games. There is certainly no shortage of depth in the outfield at Comerica Park with lefties Don Kelly and Clete Thomas available. Thomas, however, hasn’t appeared in the Majors since 2009, while Kelly played in 112 games last season. Such is the versatility of some Tiger players that Rayburn and Worth are also genuine options. Three outfielders have been brought into the organisation from elsewhere on non-roster invites. Jerad Head, Eric Patterson and Matt Young will be looking to push all the way for a roster spot, but the career Minor Leaguers look destined for Triple-A spots at best.
Designated Hitter : As mentioned above, Delmon Young could be the starting DH, but, as appears to be the norm now, teams seem to have a DH rotation. With the likes of Fielder, Cabrera and Inge all capable of hitting home runs, it could be a case of the DH being used in whichever way manager Jim Leyland feels will give his side the best tactical advantage. Ryan Rayburn is also an option if he loses out on the second base job to Inge.
Starting Pitchers : The Tigers rotation clearly starts and ends with Justin Verlander. The reigning AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner is coming off a 24-5 season and recorded his best ever ERA of 2.40. Having pitched 250.1 innings last year, is there a worry that the 29 year old could burn out? Elsewhere, Doug Fister will be hoping to continue where he left off, having gone 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA in 10 starts following his trade from Seattle. Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are certainties for the rotation too, but for the Tigers to go one further and claim the AL Pennant, both pitchers will need to improve on mediocre seasons. The final spot is up for grabs with 20 year old Jacob Turner and young lefties Andrew Oliver and Drew Smyly the trio who will be given the longest looks. Turner struggled in his three starts last year, while Oliver is 0-5 with a 7.11 ERA in his MLB career. Smyly appears the most intriguing with the prospect recording a measly 1.18 ERA at Double-A last season.
Relief Pitchers : No prizes for guessing who the closer will be this year. Jose Valverde was perfect last season in 49 save opportunities and currently lies just eight short of 250 career saves. Joaquin Benoit, Al Alburquerque and Dan Schlereth had impressive seasons and will be returning as vital parts to the bullpen. They will be ably supported by the man of many clubs, Octavio Dotel. The 38 year old will make Detroit his 13th MLB team and 10th since signing for the Yankees in 2006. Despite his inability to call a place home, Dotel’s 3.74 career ERA in a little under 700 appearances is testament to his skill. Phil Coke has found it difficult to find a role since his departure from the Yankees and may even be considered for the rotation, having started 14 games last season, but, whatever role Jim Leyland finds for him, he needs to start producing the goods after a poor season. Collin Balester, Duane Below, Matt Hofman, Brayan Villareal and Adam Wilk lead a pack of young and inexperienced group fighting a roster spot. Below appears to have the best shot following a respectable showing last year in limited time, while he also has the versatility of being able to spot start for injured starters. Chris Bootcheck is an experienced non-roster invite that has the potential to force his way into Jim Leyland’s thoughts.
PREDICTION : Quite possibly the easiest division to predict following years of close races. Unless something absolutely ridiculous happens, the Tigers will coast this division. They have by far the strongest line-up in the division and they have the best pitcher in the game. The rest of the rotation is a worry, and the bullpen isn’t as strong as it could be, but even so, I don’t see the Tigers finishing anywhere but first place.
