Detroit Tigers: 5 Reasons Why They Will Win the 2013 World Series


1 of 6

5 Reasons Why the Detroit Tigers Will Win it All

detroit tigers
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

It's that time of year again for Detroit Tigers fans. It's time to see their favorite team make a run at their third World Series appearance in the past seven seasons. Since Jim Leyland took over managerial duties in 2006, the Tigers have seen success in four seasons, making it to the league championship game three times, winning the American League pennant twice.

This year, the tigers have won yet another Central Division title and look well on their way to make a serious run at a World Series. Miguel Cabrera continues to reign supreme in baseball -- earning the distinction of best hitter in baseball and one of the best hitters on the past decade.

It's going to be interesting to see this team take advantage of their well-rounded overall standing. They have one of the best, if not the best, pitching staffs in baseball along with an extremely scary lineup. If Johnny Peralta returns to the team for the playoffs, this team will be very hard to stop. Leyland has set one of the best lineups and with Peralta coming back, possibly, he could be a great addition to the outfield. No, that's not a typo -- they are thinking of playing the veteran shortstop in the outfield in order to keep the slick-fielding Jose Iglesias at the position through the postseason.

Playoff matchups have yet to be completely set with three games left in the regular season, but come Sunday night, we will know who this team faces in round one.

Detroit is looking for better luck in the playoffs, or World Series I should say, as the Tigers have lost in the October Classic by a combined 8-1 games in their last two appearances.

Here are five reasons why they won't lose this year.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].

2 of 6

They Have Been There Before

experience
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Having been to the World Series in two of the past seven seasons and the American League Championship series for the past two years, this team knows what it takes to get back and win. They were a bit tight last season in the Series while the San Francisco Giants were as loose as could be. That was the main difference -- and the Tigers finally realize that.

3 of 6

Veteran Leadership Galore

veteran leadership
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Torii Hunter, Victor Martinez, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder are just a few of the many veteran leaders to be sprinkled across the roster. With veterans on the team, especially those who have been to the World Series before, the Tigers have an advantage over the other teams to make the playoffs.

4 of 6

Winning for Mike Illitch is Priority No. 1

illitch
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Owner Mike Illitch has put a wealth of pieces on this team that has given it the best chance to win a title. Each year, he adds more and more to the puzzle in hopes of winning a title before it's too late. I know last year they wanted to win for him and this year I can imagine the desire to win for Illitch has grown.

5 of 6

Miguel Cabrera

cabrera
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

I can't imagine anyone will want to pitch to Cabrera in the postseason and it's easy to see why. The big guy is hitting .345 with 44 homers and 137 RBI this season. Oh, and his .430 on-base percentage isn't too shabby, either.

6 of 6

Best Rotation in Baseball

rotation
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

When you have Justin Verlander as your third-best pitcher on the season, you know your rotation is pretty good. Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer have had Cy Young-worthy years for this team and Doug Fister and Rick Porcello are probably the best fourth and fifth starters in baseball.


Around the Web

ZergNet
Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties
=