Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
If the 2012 postseason proved anything, it’s that elite pitching wins championships. Despite their superior offense, the Detroit Tigers were no match for the talented arms of the San Francisco Giants. Detroit took their six runs over the four-game World Series sweep to mean that they needed to further bolster their lineup. They will have some new additions to make them one of the top offenses in the league, featuring several top fantasy baseball players.
You can’t talk about the Detroit lineup without first mentioning reigning Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera has always been one of the most gifted players in the league with his smooth, short swing. It culminated in his first MVP award and a league-leading .330 average, 44 home runs and 139 RBIs. Coincidentally, there is no longer criticism over his work ethic as he has become the most consistent hitter in baseball.
The biggest reason for Cabrera’s leap from greatness into the history books may have been the man hitting behind him. Prince Fielder added tremendous power to the middle of the lineup, hitting 30+ home runs for the fifth consecutive year. The intangible was that the threat of Fielder looming on deck which forced pitchers to go after Cabrera with strikes.
To augment this matter, the return of Victor Martinez will provide that same type of support for Fielder. Martinez missed the entire 2012 season due to a serious knee injury. He is starting to advance in age, but the luxury of the DH will help prolong his production. In his first season with Detroit, Martinez hit .330. This means that the 3-4-5 hitters in the Detroit lineup are all building off of .310 averages or better.
The rest of the Detroit lineup boasts quality from top to bottom. Torii Hunter came in during free agency after batting .300 for the first time in his esteemed career. Hunter will combine with Austin Jackson and his .377 on-base percentage to set the table for the big bats in the middle.
Now, you can’t talk about the Detroit pitching staff without first mentioning former MVP, Justin Verlander. Verlander followed up his MVP/Cy Young season by posting a 17-8 record with a 2.64 ERA and a league leading 239 strikeouts, modest by his standards.
Beyond Verlander, Detroit returns the same rotation that combined for the ninth-best staff ERA in 2012. With the departure of Jose Valverde, Detroit has a void at closer. The first opportunity to close will be given to rookie, Bruce Rondon. He has the makeup of a successful closer, having been known hit 100 MPH on the gun. He has also been dominant over his minor league career ,with a 1.29 ERA and 65 saves over the past three seasons.
Detroit’s top five fantasy hitters: 1.Miguel Cabrera, 2. Prince Fielder, 3. Austin Jackson, 4. Victor Martinez, 5. Alex Avila
Detroit’s top three fantasy pitchers: 1 Justin Verlander, 2. Max Scherzer, 3. Doug Fister
Detroit projected record: 96-66
Stay tuned over the next month while I preview one team each day in preparation for the 2013 baseball season.
