It’s hard to believe becoming American League champions can title a season as a disappointment, but that is what happened with the Detroit Tigers in 2012. After already having the best hitter/pitcher combination in Major League Baseball, with Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander, the Tigers added another star, first baseman Prince Fielder. Heading into 2012 with three of the best players at their respective positions, the Tigers seemed to be everybody’s choice for World Series Champion. When they took a four-game sweep to the San Francisco Giants, Tigers fans called the whole season a disappointment. Heading into 2013, the same expectations are there, and in the eyes of a Tigers fan, a World Series Title is a must this year.
Without making any big moves, the Tigers enter this season with an already better lineup then last, thanks to the return of Victor Martinez. V-Mart was the last big addition to Detroit before Fielder, and a key to their success in 2011. As the designated hitter, he finished 3rd in the American League in batting average. Although no big moves happened this offseason, the Tigers made an intriguing signing in outfielder Torii Hunter. Hunter is a four time all-star and nine time gold glove winner. He figures to take the role of former Tiger Delmon Young, in right field. Hunter brings well-needed experience to a young outfield.
Only one major problem seems to be ahead for the Tigers this year, while perhaps two other good problems will be here as well. The good would be that they do not have a 5th starting pitcher to fill their rotation. This has been a negative problem heading into the past couple seasons, but this year it occurs because they have six solid starting pitchers. With the 2012 addition of Anibal Sanchez, the rotation is as strong as it’s been in recent years. The sixth spot is a toss-up between Drew Smyly and Rick Porcello, both young pitchers. Porcello has been linked to many trade rumors, but it seems likely that the Tigers will start out Smyly in Triple-A Toledo, and trade Porcello midseason. The other positive problem is filling the outfield. Right now Austin Jackson is the only locked starter they have. The other two spots will be rotated through new addition Torii Hunter, Andy Dirks, Brennan Boesch, Quintin Berry, and also rookies Nick Castellanos and Avisail Garcia. Hunter and Dirks have proven themselves, while Boesch has had an up and down career, and Berry and Garcia came on hot, late last year. Castellanos has been the highest Tigers prospect for the past couple years and is finally ready for the big leagues. Castellanos was drafted in the first round as a 3rd baseman, but with the addition of Prince Fielder, which transitioned Cabrera to 3rd base, the 20-year-old rookie has been playing left field. In four starts this Spring Training in the outfield, Castellanos is leading the Tigers with a .667 batting average with two RBIs. It looks as if he will stay in the minors for now, due to the large amount of outfielders the Tigers already have.
Unlike the outfield, the infield is set. Detroit puts up the best corner position players in the league, with Triple-Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. They look to bat three and four again this year, but instead of Delmon Young trailing them, the much better hitting Victor Martinez will bat fifth. In the middle infield, the Tigers enter the season with Jhonny Peralta once again, and an old familiar face Omar Infante. Infante came back to Detroit in the same trade that brought in Anibal Sanchez last year, and helped Detroit out in their weakest position at second base.
The negative problem the Tigers have this year is finding a closing pitcher. After having a great 2011, Jose Valverde made a laughing stock out of himself in 2012. It seemed as if every time Valverde entered the game, he either gave up the win or got taken out before he could. Detroit fans came to a point of actually booing Papa Grande when he entered the game. Jim Leyland lost confidence in his closer, and the Tigers decided not to bring him back for 2013. Not bringing a closing pitcher in in the offseason means the Tigers will look within for a new one. Candidates are Phil Coke, who filled the role in the playoffs last year and did an excellent job doing so, Joaquin Beniot, Octavio Dotel, or rookie Bruce Rendon. Right now it looks like Coke or Rendon will get the nod.
With no major losses, the addition of Torii Hunter, a full season with Sanchez, Infante and Berry, and a healthy Victor Martinez, the Detroit Tigers enter this season as World Series favorites once again. Anything less will be a disappointment.