MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Biggest Question Marks Surrounding Detroit Tigers Heading Into 2015

5 Biggest Question Marks Surrounding Detroit Tigers Heading Into 2015

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into next season, it is looking like the Detroit Tigers are going to have a strong chance to contend for their fifth consecutive AL Central crown. Sure, the Tigers might have a little bit of a new look, but it appears that they are shaping up to be a very good ball club. As with most any team, however, they do have a few uncertainties. Without further ado, here are the five biggest question marks surrounding the Tigers heading into 2015.

5. The Catching Position

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5. The Catching Position

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Given Alex Avila's recent concussion issues, there is some uncertainty surrounding the catching position heading into 2015. Of course, the Tigers have the young James McCann, who they appear to have very high hopes for, but he remains unproven at the big league level. Last year's backup, Bryan Holaday, may also be in the mix, but he was worth -0.2 fWAR in 2014. Hopefully everything will work out, but this area will be a bit of a question mark.

4. Lack Of A No. 2 Hitter

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Lack Of A No. 2 Hitter

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With the departure of Torii Hunter, the Tigers may have a bit of a problem at the top of their order. While it appears likely that Rajai Davis would lead off with Ian Kinsler batting second against left-handed pitching, Kinsler is most likely the best option to bat leadoff against right-handed pitching. The problem, however, is the issue of who will bat second against RHP. The best options as of right now might be Anthony Gose or Jose Iglesias.

3. Center Field

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3. Center Field

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After the Tigers dealt Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners last July, the team was arguably left without a true center fielder. While Davis did do a decent job, he was not exactly a natural. Now that the Tigers have Yoenis Cespedes in left field, it appears that the plan is to go with a platoon of Davis and the slick-fielding, light-hitting Gose in center. It remains to be seen how well the duo will be able to hold down the fort.

2. The Starting Rotation

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2. The Starting Rotation

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Due to the fact that they have already traded Rick Porcello and will most likely lose Max Scherzer to free agency, the Tigers' starting rotation is a bit of a question mark heading into 2015. Sure, they still have David Price, but Justin Verlander is coming off of two consecutive down seasons, and Anibal Sanchez spent a couple of stints on the DL in 2014. It remains to be seen how newcomers Shane Greene and Alfredo Simon will fare as well.

1. The Bullpen

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Bullpen

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One of the Tigers' biggest weaknesses in 2014 was their bullpen, which posted a 4.29 ERA, good for the fourth-worst mark in all of baseball. The Tigers have made few changes to their bullpen other than picking up Joakim Soria's option and acquiring Alex Wilson. To put it simply, the Tigers will need closer Joe Nathan to be better in 2015, and it would also be great if Joel Hanrahan and Bruce Rondon could make triumphant returns.

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