Charlie Klein
Key Additions:
Max Scherzer (SP)
Austin Jackson (OF)
Phil Coke (RP)
Daniel Schlereth (RP)
Jose Valverde (RP)
Johnny Damon (OF)
Key Departures:
Edwin Jackson (SP)
Curtis Granderson (CF)
Placido Polanco (UTIL)
While looking at the Detroit Tigers 2010 roster, I have a hard time diagnosing just how good this team will be. It certainly has the potential to win the division this season, but I ultimately have my doubts at a few positions. There are too many players on this team who have something to prove this season. Now, you may be wondering, what's so bad about that? Aside from that being a motivational tool, it does not do a team all the much good, because it shows what little reliable production they really have. And the Tigers are no exception.
The Tigers are going to start with two rookies in their starting nine on Opening Day. Granted, Austin Jackson is supposed to be a fantastic prospect and Scott Sizemore has the same last name as perennial All-Star Grady Sizemore. But, unlike Jason Heyward, neither of those two have been lighting up spring training.
And then there are the veterans that have to prove they can still play quality baseball in the Major Leagues. Carlos Guillen is three seasons removed from hitting above .300 and Magglio Ordonez, while hitting .310 last season, saw his power numbers drop considerably. Combine the uncertainty in the lineup with whether the Tigers have enough pitching depth beyond Verlander and Porcello and one has the recipe for third place.
Projected Starting Nine
1. Austin Jackson (CF)
2. Johnny Damon (LF)
3. Miguel Cabrera (1B)
4. Magglio Ordonez (RF)
5. Brandon Inge (3B)
6. Carlos Guillen (DH)
7. Gerald Laird (C)
8. Scott Sizemore (2B)
9. Adam Everett (SS)
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Justin Verlander
2. Rick Porcello
3. Max Scherzer
4. Jeremy Bonderman
5. Nate Robertson
Best Reliever: Joel Zumaya
Closer: Jose Valverde
Predicted Finish: Third in the AL Central
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