Today’s MLB preview is on a team that has dominated its division for some time. Penciling the Detroit Tigers atop the AL Central has been a safe choice lately. But that doesn’t appear to be the case this season. The Tigers are looking as though they could be declining, while the rest of that sector is showing signs of catching up.
The Tigers still have some superstars on the roster. But injury issues and age are entering the picture and this year’s edition of the Tigers has some definite question marks.
Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are truly great hitters, but health issues are now a consideration for both guys. Max Scherzer is now pitching for the Nationals, and while his skills had diminished a bit, Torii Hunter’s positive presence will be missed.
This still going to be a good lineup. As long as Miggy and VMart can log in the neighborhood of 140 games each, those should be 140 games where Detroit will maintain a very feared middle of the lineup. Ian Kinsler is unlikely to here get back to his Rangers level production, but he’s still solid. JD Martinez enjoyed a monster breakout in 2014 and should be strong again. Yoenis Cespedes should be fine with what’s he’s got surrounding him in the Tiger batting order.
That’s the good news. Here’s the rest, and this is where the problems begin. Alex Avila is a decent enough catcher but this guy’s concussion issues are becoming a concern. Jose Iglesias is a defensive whiz at shortstop but he’s another player who has to prove he can stay on the field, and he is off a full season of inactivity. Nick Castellanos needs to deliver more than he did last year. Center field looks to be like an eventual platoon and it can’t be considered a plus area.
The pitching is more worrisome. David Price is a legit ace, so no problem there. But Anibal Sanchez is clearly not an automatic to pitch all season with no DL detours, and Justin Verlander might no more than a #3 starter at this point. The back end of the rotation is ultra-shaky with Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene, and there’s not much behind that duo.
The Detroit bullpen has become the most glaring problem on the team for a couple years now, and I believe that remains the case heading into the new season. If the Tigers can’t repair the bullpen leakage, it’s very possible this liability will have a ripple effect on the entire team.
I’m not projecting a Tigers collapse, but I also have a difficult time seeing how they can get back to the 90 win plateau. The oddsmakers apparently have the same viewpoint as the O/U for this team is down substantially from where it’s been. I think the number is right about where it should be, and therefore have no call as far as a wager goes. But I do think this might be the year the Tigers get knocked out of the AL Central penthouse.