Projecting the Detroit Tigers' 2015 Opening Day Roster
The countdown is on. It is now single-digit weeks until the 2015 MLB regular season begins. With the bulk of this offseason’s business completed, it’s time to forecast who will (and won’t) make the cut for the Detroit Tigers’ 25-man roster.
Overall, most of the position players and each of the starting pitchers seem to be pretty set in stone. However, the race for positions in the bullpen will be something to watch as we head into spring.
Of course, there is no certainty that Detroit won’t complete another transaction or two during the waning weeks of the offseason. Also, rehabilitating players—as well as the risk of injuries—could also have implications on how the team shapes up.
But, as things sit right now, let’s see who projects to be in the home dugout on April 6, and who will be plying their trade in the minors.
Position Players
1 of 3
All appears set for Detroit’s starting nine if everybody is healthy. But that remains a big "if." There is lingering concern about first baseman Miguel Cabrera’s recovery from ankle surgery.
Tigers’ head trainer Kevin Rand recently told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press that he does not expect Cabrera to be ready for spring training on February 24. Tigers fans will have their fingers crossed that he heals in time for April.
In the event of Cabrera being unable to start the season, manager Brad Ausmus has mentioned that catcher Alex Avila could be an option at first.
Speaking to James Schmehl of MLive.com, Ausmus said: "Alex is a possibility. I would prefer that he catch than play first, but if we're in that type of situation where Miggy isn't ready, it'll give us another option."
These unwanted circumstances would shake up the Tigers roster and perhaps compel them to carry a third catcher.
Jose Iglesias’ readiness for April also remains an X-factor. Stress fractures to both shins cost him the entire 2014 campaign, but according to Rand, per Fenech: "He's basically right on schedule with the program that they outlined for him. If everything comes back OK, then hopefully he will be cleared to be able to start spring training."
The other point of conjecture on the roster will be the reserve infield spot. Andrew Romine spent the entire 2014 season with the big club, while the other contender, Hernan Perez, got a September call-up after five months at Triple-A Toledo.
Only one of these men will be chosen, and it is worth noting that Perez has no more minor league options left.
The following is how Detroit will look with a healthy Cabrera and Iglesias.
Starters
CF—Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis (platoon)
LF—Yoenis Cespedes
RF—J.D. Martinez
1B—Miguel Cabrera
2B—Ian Kinsler
3B—Nick Castellanos
SS—Jose Iglesias
C—Alex Avila
DH—Victor Martinez
Bench
C—James McCann
IF—Andrew Romine
OF—Tyler Collins
OF—Rajai Davis/Anthony Gose
Missing out
IF—Hernan Perez
OF—Steven Moya
C—Bryan Holaday
Starting Pitchers
2 of 3
The rotation is shaping up much differently to 12 months ago. Back then, the Tigers had arguably the best starting quintet in baseball.
This season, Detroit will have to survive without its former ace Max Scherzer, as well as the steady Rick Porcello.
Replacing them are newcomers Shane Greene and Alfredo Simon. They will support a strong top three of David Price, Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez.
Simon is the weakest link in the chain. His post-All-Star Game numbers were pretty bleak with the Reds last year: 3-7 with a 4.52 ERA. He needs to pitch better than that in the American League, where he also has to deal with a designated hitter.
There is still a possibility that Detroit may acquire an outsider and push Simon to the bullpen. James Shields remains on the market, and Jon Morosi of Fox Sports recently tweeted that Shields' agent had been in touch with the Tigers.
A deal for the former Royals ace would tip the Tigers over the luxury tax threshold, making this move unlikely. But it is worth watching.
Rotation
1. David Price
2. Justin Verlander
3. Anibal Sanchez
4. Shane Greene
5. Alfredo Simon
Missing out
Kyle Lobstein
Relief Pitchers
3 of 3
The competition for bullpen places will create some intriguing battles this spring. This can only be a good thing for the Tigers, whose relievers have struggled to support their starters for seemingly aeons.
Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria and Al Alburquerque are locks to make the team. After this trio, no less than a dozen pitchers will audition for the last four places.
As Tom Gorzelanny can also fill in for spot starts, he should pip the less experienced Kyle Lobstein as long reliever. One of the remaining spaces will go to a lefty, meaning that either Ian Krol or Blaine Hardy will join the relief contingent. Whoever performs best in March gets his ticket stamped to Motown.
Bruce Rondon sat out all of last season following Tommy John surgery. Head trainer Kevin Rand is optimistic about Rondon being ready for Opening Day, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press: "He looks like he's going to be on track. He's been working hard, and hopefully he's given himself a real chance to be ready to come out of the chute."
If the hard-throwing righty looks sharp enough in the spring, he should get the nod.
Joel Hanrahan (100 career saves), Josh Zeid (48 career games) and Alex Wilson (44 career games) have the most MLB experience among the others. However, Hanrahan has not pitched since May 2013 and may need more seasoning in the minors.
If certain candidates have an outstanding spring, then there may be some surprises on Opening Day. However, the following scenario seems most likely.
Relievers
Joe Nathan (closer)
Joakim Soria
Al Alburquerque
Tom Gorzelanny
Ian Krol
Bruce Rondon
Alex Wilson
Missing out
Blaine Hardy
Joel Hanrahan
Josh Zeid
Kyle Lobstein
Angel Nesbitt
Buck Farmer
Kenny Faulk
Joe Mantiply
Jose Valdez
All stats courtesy of MLB.com.
Hit me up on Twitter: @jdunc1979
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