5 Reasons Why the Tigers Will Win the AL Central

The Detroit Tigers have been a roller coaster ride during the 2011 season.  At times, they have both hit and pitched well enough to beat any team in the Majors.  Other times, they have struggled both at the plate and on the mound. 

With some recent acquisitions and some more steady play, the Tigers are poised for a great AL Central race, which will result in their first division championship since joining the AL Central in 1998.  Here are 5 reasons why this will happen.

1. Miguel Cabrera

He may struggle at times, but Miguel Cabrera is still one of the most feared hitters in the game.  There is no question that the Tigers will need his big bat down the stretch. 

If the one through three hitters can set the table for Cabrera, he has a chance to bring in runs each and every time he steps to the dish.  He may have a lot of pressure on him to succeed, but he will produce when it matters most. 

2. Justin Verlander

It goes without saying, but Verlander has been the best pitcher in baseball during 2011.  He has a chance to pitch a no-hitter every time he toes the rubber.  Having an ace that can give you that type of game every five days is critical to a playoff team.  Verlander gives the Tigers that chance, and as long as they continue to hit and score runs, Verlander will continue doing what he has done so well this season—win.

3. Wilson Betemit and Delmon Young

In his very first at-bat against his former team, Delmon Young did exactly what the Tigers brought him to Motown to do: Hit a home run. 

This may turn out to be one of the biggest trades during the season for any team in the hunt for a playoff spot.  He may have struggled this season, but Young has the potential to be a great player for many years to come for the Tigers.  He will give the Tigers a potent bat in the third spot of the lineup down the stretch.

Wilson Betemit is another acquisition that will provide a huge payoff this season.

The Tigers made a trade for him right before the deadline, but he has been sitting on the bench much more than necessary.  Betemit has been swinging a hot bat recently, and while is defense can sometimes be lacking, there is a lot to be said for a career .280 hitter near the back-end of the lineup.  Betemit will provide some pop at the bottom of this Tigers lineup, which will prove to be pivotal near the end of September.

4. Scherzer, Penny, Fister and Porcello

This rotation has the potential to be one of the best in the league. 

When they are pitching well, they are hard to beat.  Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello have been dominant at times, but have struggled a bit recently.  Doug Fister got a win in his first appearance as a Tiger, but was roughed up by Baltimore a few nights ago. 

Brad Penny is sometimes shaky, but he is a veteran pitcher with a strong arm.  While all of these pitchers usually give up three to four runs an outing, they always give the Tigers a chance to win on any given night.  With the lineup Detroit is currently featuring, this rotation should be plenty to give the Tigers an edge against anyone. 

These pitchers will prove to be invaluable come late September. 

5. Alburquerque, Benoit and Valverde

The bullpen will be an important asset for the Detroit Tigers in their quest to win the AL Central.  A surprising season from Al Alburquerque has given the Tigers the strikeout pitcher they ached for after Joel Zumaya was put on the DL for the year. 

The acquisition of Joaquin Benoit, while stressful at times, seems to be paying off.  He has pitched very well recently, which bodes well for the Tigers as their lead in the division has shrunk to two games. 

Jose Valverde has been everything the Tigers hoped he would be after signing him a year and a half ago.  He is on pace to reach 45 saves or more, and because of this, the Tigers have the opportunity to bring a closer to the mound that almost guarantees a win no matter how many runs they lead by.

If other bullpen members like Daniel Schlereth, David Pauley, Duane Below and Ryan Perry can start having success as well, the Tigers will have a fantastic bullpen to fall back on the rest of the way.