Countdown to Opening Day: #1 Detroit Tigers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#1 Detroit Tigers: Welcome to Detroit Rock City, State, & Universe

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Austin Jackson
RF Torii Hunter
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Victor Martinez
SS Jhonny Peralta
LF Andy Dirks
C Alex Avila
2B Omar Infante

PROJECTED ROTATION
Justin Verlander
Max Scherzer
Anibal Sanchez
Doug Fister
Rick Porcello

BULLPEN

Closer: Phil Coke

Set-up: Joaquin Benoit

Top Prospect: Nick Castellanos (OF)

When a team can make a sound argument for having the best hitter and best pitcher in baseball you know they have a good team. Led by American League 2012 MVP Miguel Cabrera and 2011 MVP Justin

Verlander the Tigers are battled tested and ready to take over.
After being swept in the World Series by the Giants last October they went out and added Torii Hunter to an already to strong lineup. They also bring back Victor Martinez, who missed the entire year with an injury. Add in a constantly improving lead-off hitter in Austin Jackson and you are looking at one tough lineup for opposing pitcher's to navigate.
And this is not your typical American League offensive powerhouse. They can pitch too. Verlander is joined in the rotation by Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez, Doug Fister and Rick Porcello. All five of those right handers seem to be get better each season.
The only downfall to this team may be the ninth innings. They have talented relievers, but none they are willing to name their closer. Jose Valverde could not do it in the postseason and refuse to bring him back. They would rather go with a committee.
No closer is not quite a small problem, but nothing a July trade cannot fix. The Tigers want to be peaking in October - and they looked poised to do so.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - It turns out Miguel Cabrera or Justin Verlander will not be MVP this
season. Instead Max Scherzer wins the Cy Young, Prince Fielder takes the MVP award and the Tigers flirt with 110 wins. Phil Coke gets the first shot at closing and never falters. No worries, no problems, just a parade in October around Comerica Park.

REAL TALK - They are the clear cut pick to win the World Series and most experts probably feel foolish not to select them to do make the Fall Classic. However, when you have THIS much talent it is foolish to not have a establish closer in the ninth inning. All the "I's" need to be dotted and "T's" need to be crossed when you have a good to chance to win it all. Get a damn closer Detroit!

Breakout: Austin Jackson (OF)

Bust: Alex Avila (C)
Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Rick Porcello (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (1st in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 96-66 (1st in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the MLB PREDICTIONS**