MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers

2010 Record: 81-81

Offense:
Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Austin Jackson, CF- .285/4 HR/55 RBI
Magglio Ordonez, RF- .295/16 HR/65 RBI
Victor Martinez, DH- .305/20 HR/85 RBI
Miguel Cabrera, 1B- .325/36 HR/120 RBI
Brennan Boesch, LF- .260/15 HR/60 RBI
Carlos Guillen, 2B- .255/10 HR/55 RBI
Brandon Inge, 3B- .235/18 HR/50 RBI
Jhonny Peralta, SS- .265/15 HR/65 RBI
Alex Avila, C- .260/8 HR/45 RBI

I like this line up but it hinges on the fat, drunk toad Miggy. If he can go back to putting up MVP type stats they will be great. He will provide protection to Victor which will go very far. Magglio is a year older, but he can produce, I know the projections say only 65 RBIs, but I see that more around 80. Also if young Austin Jackson can build on his good year last year that will be a dangerous threat and a cheap way to get runs at the top of the line up.

Pitching:
Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Justin Verlander- 18-8/3.40 ERA/230 K
Max Scherzer- 15-9/3.60 ERA/195 K
Rick Porcello- 14-10/3.95 ERA/120 K
Brad Penny- 8-10/4.80 ERA/90 K
Phil Coke- 5-9/5.20 ERA/70 K
Jose Valverde- 2.85 ERA/30 Saves

I like Verlander, I like Scherzer, but the rest of the rotation is a giant question mark. Rick Rocello regressed a lot last year and we saw how Brad Penny could potentially be in the AL. Although Brad is one of my favorite players of all time, I just don't see him having an era under 5. Phil Coke is an interesting choice as well, I could see him being a break out guy or I could see him being a complete bust. Either way if Penny or Coke start struggling then Jacob Turner will get his chance.

Overall:
A strong team for sure and should have a better year then last year, but I don't think it will be enough to overthrow the White Sox or Twins.

85-77