Threat Level: 10
The Tigers struggled most of last season and were benefitted by a poor September by the White Sox in route to winning the division, but they were not a fluke to end up in the World Series. They have reigning MVP and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, who just may be the game’s best hitter. Their one through five hitters may be only second to the Angels in the AL and their rotation has good depth, as they will boast 5 quality starters, including 2011 MVP winner Justin Verlander. The team’s weak-point is closer, as rookie Bruce Rondon, who has not been great in the spring, is going to start the season as the team’s closer. They may struggle at that position all season, but I still expect them to win the division.
Projected Lineup
1. Austin Jackson CF
2. Torii Hunter RF
3. Miguel Cabrera 3B
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Victor Martinez DH
6. Andy Dirks LF
7. Jhonny Peralta SS
8. Alex Avila C
9. Omar Infante 2B
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Justin Verlander RHP
2. Max Scherzer RHP
3. Doug Fister RHP
4. Anibal Sanchez RHP
5. Rick Porcello RHP
Closer
Bruce Rondon RHP
Yankee Killer: Miguel Cabrera
To say Cabrera likes hitting against the Yankees would be an understatement. He has a .356 career average with 15 home runs and 37 RBI’s in 40 games against the Yankees. He has a .383 average with 7 home runs and 16 RBI’s in only 13 games at the new Yankee Stadium. At the old stadium, he hit .409 in 6 games. Coming off an MVP season, Cabrera will again be looking to pound the Yankees, a team he feels comfortable playing against.
Tiger Killer: Alex Rodriguez
In 128 games against the Tigers, A-Rod has a .337 batting average with 36 home runs and 116 RBI’s. He also has 3 triples against Detroit, which is tied for first for most triples against one team. A lot of this success has to do with his numbers from hitting at the now demolished Tiger Stadium, where he hit .373 in 16 games there. Rodriguez is a shell of his former self, but he did .375 with 3 home runs against Detroit last year in only 6 games, so he still enjoys playing them.
When They Play The Yankees:
IN NY: 8/9-8/11.
IN DET: 4/5-4/7.
