Detroit Looks to Repeat as American League Champions, but Will the New York Yankees Get in Their Way?
In 2006, the Detroit Tigers had a 95-67 record. The Tigers then went on to win the American League and play in the World Series.Detroit was a young team. With the exception of a few older players, each Tiger should be as good or better than in last season. The Tigers added a big bat in Gary Sheffield. Detroit acquired Sheffield by trading Humberto Sánchez, a promising pitching prospect who has had some injury problems, along with two other pitching prospects.
With essentially the same team as last year, plus Sheffield, expect the 2007 Detroit Tigers to win 90+ games again, and to battle with the New York Yankees for the right to represent the American League in the World Series.
Starting Pitcher Detroit Tigers Preview
The Detroit Tigers pitching staff that had the best ERA in the MLB last season will again be the key to the Tigers success in 2007.
Jeremy Bonderman - One of the better pitchers in the league, people forget that Bonderman is only 24 years old. Bonderman won 14 games in 2006, and should improve on that in 2007.
Kenny Rogers - Kenny Rogers is getting older, and most likely he's running out of pine tar. Rogers won 17 games in 2006, but probably will be closer to 15 in 2007.
Justin Verlander - 24-year-old Justin Verlander won 17 games in 2006, his first season as a Major Leaguer. He throws the ball consistently over 100 miles per hour. Some are concerned whether Verlander will be able to handle 200 innings. If his durability holds up, Verlander could be even better in 2007.
Nate Robertson - Nate Robertson had a 3.84 ERA in 2006. He is strong for a #4 pitcher, despite going 13-13 last season.
Mike Maroth - Maroth was injured for much of 2006, pitching in only 13 games in the regular season. He's probably a better pitcher than Zach Miner, who was the #5 starter last season. The Tigers will enjoy having his arm back in the rotation.
Key Relief Pitcher Detroit Tigers Preview
Comments
Agreed. Rogers will be out for awhile now, but I think the Tigers will be fine. There's just so much pitching to go around on that team.
No, you're right. I debated that actually. I chose not to because the lineup is so similar to last year's lineup, but I think you're right, I should have.
I wish you had gone into more depth with the Tigers batting lineup. Sheffield was a great addition but all Tigers fans know that the team needs it's "glue" players like Placido Polanco, who is always there for big hits, and Carlos Guillen, arguably our MVP last season, to stay healthy and preform big. This article really doesn't tell me anything an average fan wouldn't know about the team. Not to be overly critical, it is just a suggestion to build your season previews off of.
Very informative.
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