
Steady as always was Miguel Cabrera, Cabrera hit .344 (which led the American League last season) with 30 HR and 105 RBI in the middle of the lineup. This production was due in large part to the protection offered from recently arrived Victor Martinez, who hit .330 with 12 HR and 103 RBI behind Cabrera.
The pitching took a huge step forward behind MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. Verlander dominated hitters last season, going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA, 250 Ks in 251.1 innings and a miniscule .92 WHIP. Behind Verlander, there was Doug Fister who stepped up late for the Tigers after being acquired from Seattle via trade. Fister started 11 games for the Tigs in 2011, going 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA and he stabilized the rotation a little behind Verlander.
Key Offseason Moves:
Signed C Gerald Laird
Signed 1B Prince Fielder
Acquired RP Collin Balester from Nationals for RP Ryan Perry
Signed RP Octavio Dotel
Let Go: 2B Carlos Guillen, OF Magglio Ordonez, 3B Wilson Betemit, RP Joel Zumaya, 2B Will Rhymes, SP Brad Penny
Projected Lineup:
1. CF Austin Jackson
2. RF Brennan Boesch
3. 1B Prince Fielder
4. 3B Miguel Cabrera
5. LF Delmon Young
6. C Alex Avila
7. SS Jhonny Peralta
8. DH Ryan Raburn/Don Kelly
9. 2B Ryan Raburn/Ramon Santiago/Brandon Inge (Position Battle)
Projected Rotation
1. Justin Verlander
2. Doug Fister
3. Max Scherzer
4. Rick Porcello
5. Jacob Turner/Duane Below/Andy Oliver (Position Battle)
Bench
Ramon Santiago
Don Kelly
Gerald Laird
Andy Dirks
Bullpen
Closer: Jose Valverde
Setup: Joaquin Benoit
Setup: Octavio Dotel
MR: Daniel Schlereth
MR: Phil Coke
LR: Collin Balester
LR: David Pauley
Comment