MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Things Detroit Tigers Must Do To Win the AL Central In 2015

5 Things Detroit Tigers Need To Do To Win The AL Central

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014 under first-year manager Brad Ausmus, the Detroit Tigers won their fourth consecutive AL Central crown. Heading into 2015, given the lofty expectations that have been set for this club, it appears that their goal will be to make it five straight years. In an improved division, however, they may have their work cut out for them. Here are five things the Tigers must do in order to become AL Central champions once again.

5. Stay Healthy

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5. Stay Healthy

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Tigers were bitten hard by the injury bug early on, losing Andy Dirks, Jose Iglesias and Bruce Rondon in Spring Training. While Dirks is no longer with the organization, Tigers fans are hopeful that Iglesias and Rondon will be key contributors in 2015. Of course, there are also currently concerns about the health of superstar Miguel Cabrera, and it would be a major blow to the Tigers if he misses a significant amount of time.

4. Play Better Defense

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4. Play Better Defense

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According to Fangraphs, the Tigers' defense had a -42.2 Def rating and a -6.9 UZR/150, ranking 11th and 13th in the AL respectively. The Kansas City Royals, the Tigers' biggest challengers who ultimately made it to the World Series as a Wild Card team, had a 74.8 Def rating and a 9.0 UZR/150, which ranked first and second respectively. To put it simply, the Tigers are going to need to flash more leather in 2015.

3. Play Better At Home

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3. Play Better At Home

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In 2014, the Tigers had a winning record at home, going 45-36. However, they had an identical record on the road, and it was the worst record they have had at home since rising to the top of the AL Central in 2011. For the record, the Tigers went 50-31 at home in both 2011 and 2012 and then went 51-30 at home in 2013. Playing better at home will be important if they wish to retain their stranglehold on the division.

2. Play Well Against The Division

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2. Play Well Against The Division

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One of the things that helped the Tigers hang on to the division in 2014 was the fact that they played so well against the Royals, posting a record of 13-6. Obviously, it will be important for the Tigers to play good baseball against the teams in their own division in 2015 as well.

1. Have A Better Bullpen

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Have A Better Bullpen

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Tigers' bullpen posted a 4.29 ERA that ranked fourth worst in baseball. If Tigers relievers continue to struggle, it could be the flaw that sinks this team in a now much tougher division. The Tigers need Joe Nathan to pitch better than he did last year, and they will need Joakim Soria to pitch like the guy they traded for as well. Triumphant comebacks from Bruce Rondon and Joel Hanrahan would also be huge.

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