MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Detroit Tigers & Pittsburgh Pirates

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#10.

PROJECTED LINEUP
3B Josh Harrison
RF Gregory Polanco
CF Andrew McCutchen
LF Starling Marte
2B Neil Walker
1B Pedro Alvarez
SS Jordy Mercer
C Francisco Cervelli

PROJECTED ROTATION
Gerrit Cole
Francisco Liriano
AJ Burnett
Charlie Morton
Vance Worley

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Mark Melancon
Set-up: Tony Watson

Top Prospect: Tyler Glasnow (P)

BREAKOUT - The Pirates are expected to be in the playoff hunt after back-to-back successful seasons. In order the club to take another step players around former MVP and last year's batting champ Josh Harrison will need to step up. I look for Gerrit Cole to take another step forward. He has a chance to be one of the best pitchers in the National League, and even challenge Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw for the Cy Young Award.

SPRING STORYLINES - In Bradenton this Spring people are looking closely into the hearts of the Bucs. Its too early to tell if the Pirates are just a good team, or if they have what it take to bring a title to the Steel City. McCutchen needs help in the order, in order to get that done.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 88-74 (2nd in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 90-74 (2nd in NL Central)

#9. 

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Anthony Gose
2B Ian Kinsler
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
RF JD Martinez
LF Yoenis Cespedes
3B Nick Castellanos
C Alex Avila
SS Jose Iglesias

PROJECTED ROTATION
David Price
Justin Verlander
Anibal Sanchez
Alfredo Simon
Shane Greene

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Joe Nathan
Set-up Man: Joakim Soria

Top Prospect: Steven Moya (OF)

BREAKOUT - The majority of this team is past the point of a breakout campgain. They have been one of the best teams in the American League for a better part of the decade. Not sure how much shortstop Jose Igleasias will actually hit, but he will definitely stay in the lineup for his defense. After missing all of last year, look for this former Boston farm hand to be in the gold glove conversation and sure up the Tigers defense.

SPRING STORYLINES - We talk about it every spring and once again the back of the Tigers bullpen is the question mark. They thought it was sured up with the acquisition of Joe Nathan, but it looks like he only has so many bullets left. The division is getting harder and the stars like Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera are getting older. They better find a way to win and fast, or it will be time to rebuild before they get their championship.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (1st in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 90-72 (2nd in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Marlins and Mariners