2012: 88-74 1st in AL Central
Anyone who doesn’t think Detroit is going to win the AL Central is crazy. But for any of you who are still on the face about the Tigers in 2013, let me hit you with some knowledge.
1) Victor Martinez: Everyone was up in arms when Martinez went down and was going to miss the 2012 season. But guess what, the Tigers won the AL Pennant without him. So adding Martinez to a lineup that already has Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera is downright terrifying.
2) Offseason Signings: First, Detroit goes out and adds Torii Hunter, who will provide a spark at the top of the lineup and a quality defender in right field. Second, they resigned Anibal Sanchez, so Detroit will have the rotation that got them to the 2012 Fall Classic for the entirety of the 2013 season. In a nutshell, Detroit’s pitching alone will get them into the playoffs.
3) Bullpen: Carlos Rondon is perhaps the next Aroldis Chapman. He possesses a triple digit fastball (meaning he can throw it over 100 mph), and filthy secondary pitches. The only weakness Detroit had in 2012 was their inability to close games in the postseason with Jose Valverde as their closer. Now with Rondon, Detroit is now a seemingly flawless team.
If those three facts didn’t make you hop on the Tigers’ bandwagon, just remember they have Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera. I don’t know what else to say about this team other than they are my pick to win the AL Pennant; yeah the Angels got Hamilton and the Blue Jays are a legit contender, but the Tigers pitching staff and lineup will be no match for the American League.
Prediction: 101-61 (AL Central Champions, American League Champions)
-Hayden Carter
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