OFFSEASON OVERVIEW: Coming off a trip to the World Series, Detroit looked to keep the same core of guys that were on that team while adding a few players to make the team more complete. Their biggest move of the offseason was the trade that allowed them to acquire Gary Sheffield. Granted, Sheffield is past his prime, he still is the power threat that the Tigers lacked in the middle of their lineup last season. Giving up top pitching prospect Humberto Sanchez may prove to be costly down the line, but the Tigers now that their time is now. The team was very quiet outside of the Sheffield trade as shown by only making two other moves the rest of the winter. They retained first baseman Sean Casey who will continue to be their everyday guy. They also signed veteran Jose Mesa who will add some depth and experience to an already talented bullpen. The Tigers also did not lose many players from their American League Championship team. The one player who may be missed is reliever Jamie Walker, but he was only a middle man in the bullpen and will most likely not be too difficult to replace. The Tigers addressed their one need this offseason, power, and by still keeping most of their players, they have themselves in solid shape for next season. OFFENSE: The balanced Detroit lineup that a took a trip to the World Series last season will look very similar in their defense of the American League crown. Possibly its biggest question lies at the top with lead off hitter Curtis Granderson. There is no question that the center fielder has the bat to hit there, but he has shown that he lacks patience and decision making skills at times. Also setting the table will be the reliable and underrated Placido Polanco who will also handle duties at second base. The heart of the lineup should be very dangerous with designated hitter Gary Sheffield, right fielder Magglio Ordonez, and first baseman Sean Casey most likely getting the majority of the RBI chances. What makes the Tigers lineup so productive is that their bottom of the lineup can at times be as strong as the top. Veteran leader and catcher Ivan Rodriguez will most likely hit at this part of the order, and despite his age, he is still the type of hitter that opposing pitchers fear. Also, the Tigers talented shortstop Carlos Guillen will be at the back end, and his perennial .300 average makes him one of the tougher outs at the end of the lineup in the league. Rounding out the order will be Craig Monroe, who can provide some extra pop, and the steady Brandon Inge. Reserve outfielder Marcus Thames should also see plenty of at bats this season off the Tigers bench.
PITCHING: One of the biggest surprises last season was how well the Tigers pitching staff performed. Their success was the main reason why they experienced such a drastic turnaround. Once again the veteran Kenny Rogers will head the staff. Rogers doesn't rely on striking people out, so the Tigers should not be concerned about him declining with age. The real staff ace is Jeremy Bonderman. He has gotten better every year in the majors and could take the final step this season to becoming a star. The young Justin Verlander will sit in the middle of the rotation, and his combination of 100 mph fastballs and off speed pitches should show that his Rookie of the Year was no fluke. At the bottom of the rotation are Nate Robertson and Mike Maroth. Usually both these guys are dependable and good enough to give their team a chance to win. Along with a solid rotation the Tigers also have a strong bullpen. Their closer once again will be Todd Jones. Rather than using speed, Jones is just a crafty pitcher who manages to get guys out. If he does however falter now that he is towards the end of his career, the flame throwing Joel Zumaya will be waiting in the wings as the team's closer of the future. Along with Zumaya, Fernando Rodney has a great young arm, and together they make up the best set up tandem in baseball. The newly acquired Jose Mesa and Wilfredo Ledezma will also eat up some innings for the Detroit bullpen.
X-FACTOR: In a lineup that has tremendous talent throughout, it is essential that men get on base to created RBI opportunities for the middle of the order. After last season, there have been some doubts whether Curtis Granderson can do that as a lead off hitter. Last season he struck out 174 times and had an on base percentage of .335. Numbers like those will not allow him to keep the top spot in the order in 2007. It's crucial that he can put up better numbers because a consistent Granderson that bats first would be part of the ideal lineup for Detroit.
BEST CASE SCENARIO: Sheffield regains his old form, both Bonderman and Verlander become elite starters, Granderson shows that he can be a lead off hitter, and the Tigers can recapture the magic from last season. This would not only result in a trip to the World Series but also with a win there.
WORST CASE SCENARIO: Age catches up with Rogers, Sheffield, and Jones, Verlander suffers the sophomore slump, Zumaya experience more arm trouble, and many Tigers show that 2006 was their career year. If this is what happens in Detroit, there would be a slip back into mediocrity for the Tigers.
-David Cassilo
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