I wrote this post on
March 26th on a blog [I quickly gave up on] the link is here, it seemed like a good
idea at the time:
15 reasons the Tigers will win the World
Series
I’ve spent my entire life as a Tigers fan. I grew up wearing a
Cecil Fielder jersey. Through the ups and downs I’ve rooted for them as
much as I root for the ever struggling Lions. Even through the Fall of Jose
Valverde I stayed on his bandwagon.
Even after being swept by the Giants in 4 last
year’s World Series here are 15 reasons the Tigerswill win it all this season.
1. The Tigers have made back to back ACLS appearances, falling
short in 2011 and winning in 2012. This was a first in franchise
history2. Since 2006 The Tigers have had 3 playoff appearances,
with 2 resulting in World Series appearances.
2. At the all star break in 2012 the Tigers were 3 games
under .500. Whenever the Tigers have trailed for the division lead at the
break, they’ve gone on to make a playoff berth.
3. Off-season acquisitions. The Tigers acquired OF Torii Hunter in the offseason,
as well signed Anibal Sanchez to a 5 year/$80 million deal and catcher Brayan
Pena to a one year deal.
4. Pitching. The Tigers finished the 2012 ranked 3rd in
the AL in pitching behind Tampa Bay and Oakland. They posted an ERA of
3.75 and a batting average of .256. The rotation has 5 strong pitchers in
Verlander, Sanchez, Scherzer, Fister and Smyly. While its rumored that
Rick Porcello could be traded, he may have a break out year if the Tigers elect
to not trade him.
5. Justin Verlander. Since his MVP title in 2011 he leads
the MLB in innings (489 1/3), wins (41), strikeouts (489), ERA+ (166), and
opponent batting average (.205). He is second only to Clayton Kershaw in
ERA (2.52) and OPS (.578). No pitcher works harder than Justin
Verlander. During the past 5 seasons no pitcher has made more starts
(168) or averaged more pitches per start (112.6). Also his number of innings
pitched (1203 1/3) ranks second only to CC Sabathia. A 2011 AL CY Young winner,
he finished second in votes for 2012. In 2012 he was ranked first (in the
AL) in IP (238.1), SO (239), and CG (6). He was ranked second in ERA (2.64) and
WHIP (1.06), 4th in W (17) his weakest ranking was 5th at W% (.680)
6. Victor Martinez. Even with the addition of power
hitting Prince Fielder in the lineup, the Tigers had a lower BA in 2012 (.268)
then in 2011 (.277) when Martinez was in the lineup.
7. Torii Hunter. He replaces Delmon Young, let’s be fair though,
Young has always played great against the Yankees, he even hit .313 with a .907
OPS last offseason. However, Hunter is clearly better overall. Last season he
hit .313 with an .817 OPS. Far better than Young’s .267 and .707 OPS regular
season stats. Young was generally in the lineup because he fared well against
lefties, batting .308 with an .833 OPS, 7 home runs and 26 RBI. However,
once again Hunter fares better against lefties, batting .340 with an .868
OPS, 4 homers and 14 RBI. Not to mention on the field Hunter is a 4x all-star,
has won 9 consecutive golden gloves and a silver slugger award.
8. Closers. While the Tigers haven’t solidified the closer
role, they have Coke, Rondon, Benoit and Albuquerque as strong relievers.
With Valverde no longer on the roster the Tigers should take a chance in giving
someone like Brian Wilson a one year contract to strengthen arguably the
weakest part of their roster. Rookie Rondon throws a fastball that sits in the
upper 90s to lower 100s range, and arguably could become the next Craig Kimbrel
if he were to strengthen one of his off speed pitches, not only in velocity but
in its control
9. Prince Fielder. Of hitters who had at least a 10%
walk rate, there were only 2 hitters in baseball that had a better walk rate than
strikeout rate- Joe Mauer and Prince Fielder. He’s missed one game the last 4
years…ONE GAME. While it could be argued he is prone to some sort of injury,
the man shows up to play. His .951 OPS in the past four seasons ranks 4th best
in the majors.
10. Miguel Cabrera. The first triple crown winner in 45
years. He’s had 9 straight years with at least 100 RBI. He’s a 7 time all star,
and has placed in the top 5 for AL MVP votes in the last 4 seasons. He’s posted
30 home runs in at least 8 different seasons. He also has a lifetime
batting average of .318
11. Max Scherzer. He finished the season second in strikeouts in
the AL (231) behind teammate Justin Verlander. He led the AL in strikeout rate
(11.1 per 9 innings). He also finished the 2012 season with career high wins
(16) and win percentage (.696).
12. Austin Jackson. In 2012 he won the Wilson Defensive
Player of the Year Award, he also finished the season ranked 5th in R
(with 103). He had career high walk (10.9%0 and strikeout (career-low 21.7%)
rates. He hit his first .300 season, drove in 103 runs scored and had a .377
on-base percentage.
13. All-stars: The Tigers sent 3 to the All -Star game last year
and added Torri Hunter into the mix who is a 4 time all-star himself.
14. Back to Back AL MVPs in Justin Verlander and Miguel
Cabrera. In the last 4 seasons both have been in the top 5 for AL MVP in
votes.
15. Jim Leyland. As a manager he has 6 Pennants and 2 World
Series Title. He also has been manager of the year 3 times.
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