MLB Playoff Predictions: Can Detroit Tigers Win the American League?

There are approximately a dozen games left in the MLB regular season. Playoff predictions are starting to come in and the Philadelphia Phillies are being touted as the favorite.

But don't forget about the Detroit Tigers.

Just two weeks ago, many were predicting the White Sox might pass the Tigers for the AL Central crown. However, the Tigers have mauled the White Sox in the past two series, winning all six games.

Now, on the back of Justin Verlander, the Tigers have a legitimate shot to win the World Series. The Tigers are strong in all areas and are getting hot at just the right time.

First, the Tigers have excellent pitching. To succeed in the playoffs, a team needs two aces. Obviously, Justin Verlander is their ace, sporting a 23-5 record and Cy Young probability.

However, Doug Fister and Max Scherzer are proving to be solid pitchers as well. Fister is 8-13 with a 3.06 ERA, but since joining the Tigers he is 5-1.

Scherzer is 14-8 with a 4.27 ERA, but he has the what it takes to dominate a game like Verlander. If Fister and Scherzer can keep this momentum, the Tigers have the foundation needed to succeed in the playoffs. 

And let's not forget Jose Valverde. He's posted a 2.48 ERA with 44 saves in 44 save opportunities. If Valverde comes into the game, the Tigers are going to win. This ability to close will be crucial to Detroit's success in close postseason games.

Beyond pitching, the Tigers can also hit.

Austin Jackson has proven to be a solid leadoff hitter, while Brennan Boesch and Ramon Santiago have hit well in the two spot. Furthermore, the addition of Delmon Young has added more pop to the lineup.

The main engines of the lineup are Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. Cabrera is putting together another MVP-caliber season with a .333 batting average, 26 home runs and 97 RBI. Martinez is also having a solid season with a .325 batting average and 94 RBI.

Jhonny Peralta and Alex Avila are also having excellent seasons at the plate, hitting .303 and .301, respectively.

Finally, the Tigers are peaking at the right time with the playoffs quickly approaching. They have won 12 of their last 13 games and have clinched the AL Central. As a result, the Tigers appear to be World Series contenders. They have the pitching and hitting needed to win in the postseason.  

Furthermore, while contenders like the Red Sox are struggling, the Tigers are white hot, so look for their confidence to play a role in the playoffs.