Don't Underestimate the Detroit Tigers

Describing the 2008 Tigers as an utter and complete failure would be an understatement. Many analysts were embarrassed by their prediction that the team could complete for the World Series last year.     

I’m predicting the Detroit Tigers will compete for the Word Series 2009.  

Here's how a team that looked so bad in 2008, going from division favorite to cellar-dwelling jokes in about 10 games, will turn it around and get back on top.

The 'Pen

Closers are becoming overrated, and maybe unnecessary. Only five guys in the American League last year garnered over 35 saves, with F-Rod in L.A. leading the way with 62.  

Brandon Lyon steps into the Tigers’ closer role, taking over for the likable and heart-attack inducing Todd Jones. Lyon is a strike throwing, pitch-to-contact, guy that should do well in spacious Comerica Park.  

The real lift this year is coming from a healthy Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney. When either of these two come rolling into a tight game with some swagger and 100 mph fastballs, a lot of pressure comes off the rest of the squad.  

Defense

Hockey fans are familiar with the plus/minus stat. Plugging the light, so light as to almost be non-existent, hitting Adam Everett in at shortstop will be a net gain.  

I’ll trade away the three runs a week from a usual A.L. nine hitter, in exchange for the fifteen outs a week that Edgar Renteria couldn’t reach last year.

The always impartial Jim Leyland said Everett might be the best defensive shortstop in the league, and I always believe Jim Leyland.

Add in Brandon Inge making his usually stunning, athletic plays at third base and you’ve got yourself a dang-fine left side of the infield. Just wait to see what a difference this makes.

AL Central

Competing for the World Series implies that you survive in your own division. The A.L. Central just doesn’t look all that scary to me.  

An Eric Wedge managed Indian team that doesn’t include C.C. Sabathia: Not that scary. The Kansas City Royals, despite finishing ahead of Detroit last year: Sorry, not impressed yet.  

The Metrodome is scary for the Tigers, but light hitting Twins are not.  We will all rejoice on Sept. 20, following the last Tiger game in that horrible dome. 

It only took 89 wins for the White Sox to take the division last year. If the Tigers can get out in front of Chicago, before Jenks comes in, I don’t see much of a problem there either.

The Start

Good starts are important.  Coming out of the blocks 0-10 is bad.

Only six of the first 18 games are in Comerica Park this year. Road stretches are tough, but so is early April in Detroit. The Tiger offense should get a good chance to warm up in places like Toronto and Seattle. 

Don’t get too caught up hanging on every piece of news coming out of the Grapefruit League. The improvements made by the Tigers this year are for real, and it will be a great summer.