Detroit Tigers Season Preview-- By
Nick Barnowski,
FYI Sports Fans™.comAfter going 95-67 last season and making it to the World Series, the Detroit Tigers are looking to go the extra step this season.
The key to a winning team starts with the Front Office. The Tigers have a great owner in Mike Ilitch, who is committed to winning. Also, President & GM Dave Dembrowski also is committed to make the Tigers a baseball powerhouse.
GM Dembrowski provided the Tigers this winter with a big bat. Gary Sheffield. Although shoulder problems widdled him last year, Sheff hit .298 with 6 home runs (in 36 games). The Tigers think he will produce like he did a couple years ago.
Another thing that's a plus for the Tigers is that skipper Jim Leyland will have this team under control. Last year Leyland was the major difference in turning this team around.
On the offensive side, the Tigers have plenty of it. The key to the offense in shortstop Carlos Guillen. Guillen can be the Tigers most productive hitter when he's healthy. Also, Placido Polanco can be a dangerous hitter. The Tigers don't really have a big home run hitter. But that changes this year with the addition of Sheffield. I expect Sheff to hit 30-35 home runs this year. Also, Magglio Ordonez should hit about 25 home runs. The only downsides are that catcher Pudge Rodriguez and first baseman Sean Casey are on the decline. Expect the Tigers to score lots of runs this year . . .
Switching to pitching, the Tigers have the best staff in the league. Last years Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander will probably start Opening Day. Verlander went 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA en route to the ROY. The Tigers hope his are doesn't wear out after pitching 200+ innings last year. Also on the staff is playoff hero Kenny Rogers. The Tigers also have Mike Maroth, Nate Robertson, and Jeremy Bonderman to complete the Tigers rotation.
In the bullpen, it all starts with the middle relief. Joel Zumaya is the glue that holds it together. He is a monster, with 100+ MPH heat. The Tigers just hope he doesn't hurt his arm from playing "Guitar Hero" again. Then, Todd Jones, who had 37 saves last season, comes into close the game. I think they will call up Andrew Miller to take Jamie Walker's place.
This season, the key is pitching. I expect the Tigers to finish first in the Central Division, and have the best record in the league (100-62).