Threat Level: 9
Why the Tigers will be good: The one-two punch of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer is tough to top, Miguel Cabrera is the best pure hitter in the game (the guy did sign a contract worth $292 million!), and they upgraded at closer by signing Joe Nathan. Perhaps their lineup isn’t as good as others in the AL, but it will make due and their rotation is strong. First year manager Brad Ausmus will look to continue the success that Jim Leyland had with the Tigers, and perhaps Ausmus can bring the city of Detroit it’s first World Series title since 1984. Some people are expecting the Tigers to take a step back in 2014. I see them staying right where they are, and that’s at the top of the Central division.
Major Acquisition: Ian Kinsler
In the rare star-swap, Kinsler was traded straight up for Prince Fielder. Then, early in Spring Training, Kinsler was quoted as saying he hopes the Rangers go winless and that GM Jon Daniels is “sleazeball.” With this type of chip on his shoulder, it should be interesting to see how he plays this season, especially on his trip back to Texas.
Projected Lineup
1. Ian Kinsler 2B
2. Torii Hunter RF
3. Miguel Cabrera 1B
4. Victor Martinez DH
5. Austin Jackson CF
6. Alex Avila C
7. Nick Castellanos 3B
8. Don Kelly LF
9. Andrew Romine SS
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Justin Verlander RHP
2. Max Scherzer RHP
3. Anibal Sanchez RHP
4. Rick Porcello RHP
5. Drew Smyly LHP
Closer
Joe Nathan RHP
Yankee Killer: Miguel Cabrera
Cabrera’s numbers against the Yankees are insane. In 46 games, he has 18 home runs and 44 RBIs and has an astounding .373 batting average. In 2013, Cabrera hit .478 in 6 games against the Yankees. In the 3 games at Yankee Stadium in 2013, he was 7-13 (.538 batting average!) with 3 home runs. Incredible/fake.
Tiger Killer: Derek Jeter
Jeter has a .326 career average against the Tigers in 139 games. He has 74 RBIs and 113 runs as well. Jeter must miss the days when the Tigers played in Tiger Stadium, as he had a .360 average at that old venue in 22 games. Says a lot that a player still playing in 2014 has played in 22 games at Tiger Stadium, which saw its last season pass  by in 1999. What a gem of a stadium though.
When They Play The Yankees:
IN NY: 8/4-8/7.
IN Det: 8/26-8/28.
