Scouting Report from the Drummer Dude: The Roaring Detroit Tigers

NOTE: As of this posting, Detroit comes out of the gate strong with a 5-2 record and boasting 1st in American League Central Division

Scouting Report from The Drummer Dude from Homer

When you think of the Detroit Tigers these days you think of Miguel Cabrera chasing his second triple crown; that is the highest batting average, number of home runs, and runs batted in (RBI) over a full regular season. Looking at Miguel’s preseason numbers he is on track compared to his 2012-preseason stats when he achieved his first triple crown. Miggy is also injury free at the moment. Last year he was bothered by injuries. This winter Miggy underwent major core muscle surgery and arrived at spring training with focus and drive. 

The 2014 Detroit Tigers have a new look with the loss of some notable losses due to the letting go of eight free agents. Overpaid Prince Fielder is out no doubt due to his lack lustered post-season performance of the years freeing up some cash to keep MVP Cabrera and Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. Jhonny Peralta is no longer, after being suspended for 50 games towards the end of the season to doping charges by the MLB. 

 Also, gone are Doug Fister and Joaquin Benoit. A welcome loss is the closer Joaquin Benoit. Remember David Ortiz batting a homer out of the park? Set up man Jose Veras is also gone. Above all this there is a new manager in town, Brad Ausmus, replacing Jimmy Leyland. Brad is a rookie himself, having left baseball for three years before returning to manage a MLB team. Wow, he is only 44 years of age. He is noted for carrying a catcher’s glove everywhere and does not allow smoking in the clubhouse. He also noted for being cryptic regarding every decision he makes, similar to Jimmy Leyland. The new look for the team puts Ian Kinsler in at second base, a former All Star and perhaps a better defensive player than Omar Infante. With Miggy taking over first base from the loss of Prince, rookie Nick Castellanos will take the third base. The young wildcard is talked about rookie of the year. Time will tell. 

 The bullpen took a big hit with the loss of Fister. Drew Smyley moves into the rotation now and Joe Nathan will replace Benoit as the closer. The bullpen is a wide-open guess as to how it is going to fare through the season. Starters include the injury plagued Justin Erlanger, who threw a perfect game in spring training after core muscle surgery in January. And yes he and Kate Upton are dating again. 

Max is back along with Anibal Sanchez, Rick Procello, and Drew Smyly. Look for Luke Putkonen to step up and play a larger role this season. Victor Martinez back and healthy and expected to play the full season as DH. The outfield remains solid with Torii Hunter, Andy Dirks (out until June with a back injury), and Austin Jackson. Alex Avila returns to catcher along with Bryan Holiday from the Reds. 

Detroit looks weaker this year on paper, but so do the other AL Central teams. Expect them to take the AL Central and we will all see how the post-season drama plays out come September. Play ball!