Detroit Tigers' 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training

By Brad Faber

Over the offseason, the Detroit Tigers have made a flurry of exciting moves and should be in a terrific position to rebound from a very disappointing 2015 campaign. However, as with any team, Detroit still has a few question marks. Here are the Tigers’ five biggest weaknesses going into 2016 spring training.

Detroit Tigers\' 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training
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5. Center Field

Center Field Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Although offense may not be a major concern given the Tigers' power-packed lineup, Cameron Maybin and Anthony Gose will need to play better defense this year. In 2015, Gose had minus-12 defensive runs saved while Maybin had minus-16.

5. Center Field

Although offense may not be a major concern given the Tigers' power-packed lineup, Cameron Maybin and Anthony Gose will need to play better defense this year. In 2015, Gose had minus-12 defensive runs saved while Maybin had minus-16.

4. Lack Of Left-Handed Hitting

Lack Of Left-Handed Hitting Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers have only one left-handed hitting regular in switch-hitter Victor Martinez. They do have Gose and will most likely have switch-hitters Andrew Romine and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the bench, but facing tough righties may still be a problem.

4. Lack Of Left-Handed Hitting

The Tigers have only one left-handed hitting regular in switch-hitter Victor Martinez. They do have Gose and will most likely have switch-hitters Andrew Romine and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the bench, but facing tough righties may still be a problem.

3. Final Bullpen Spots

Final Bullpen Spots Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers seem to have five bullpen spots filled with Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy, but that still leaves a couple of open spots. They have several talented, albeit largely unproven arms to choose from.

3. Final Bullpen Spots

The Tigers seem to have five bullpen spots filled with Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy, but that still leaves a couple of open spots. They have several talented, albeit largely unproven arms to choose from.

2. Uncertainty In The Rotation

Uncertainty In The Rotation Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Adding Jordan Zimmermann clearly helps, but the Tigers' rotation still has uncertainties. Justin Verlander's resurgence needs to continue, Anibal Sanchez needs to rebound and Mike Pelfrey and youngster Daniel Norris need to solidify the 4-5 spots.

2. Uncertainty In The Rotation

Adding Jordan Zimmermann clearly helps, but the Tigers' rotation still has uncertainties. Justin Verlander's resurgence needs to continue, Anibal Sanchez needs to rebound and Mike Pelfrey and youngster Daniel Norris need to solidify the 4-5 spots.

1. Health

Health Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Of all of the things that negatively impacted the Tigers last year, health may have been the biggest. They will simply need key players such as V-Mart, Jose Iglesias, Sanchez, Verlander and Miguel Cabrera to stay healthy this year.

1. Health

Of all of the things that negatively impacted the Tigers last year, health may have been the biggest. They will simply need key players such as V-Mart, Jose Iglesias, Sanchez, Verlander and Miguel Cabrera to stay healthy this year.

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