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5 Reasons For Detroit Tigers Fans To Be Optimistic About 2016

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In 2015, the Detroit Tigers finished in last place in the AL Central with a record of 74-87, bringing their string of four consecutive division titles to a screeching halt. Over the offseason, Detroit made a number of exciting additions, but there are a few who still have doubts about the Tigers’ ability to rebound. That being said, here are five reasons why Tigers fans should actually be optimistic about the team’s chances to compete this upcoming season.

5. Brad Ausmus Has Another Year Of Experience Under His Belt

Brad Ausmus Has Another Year Of Experience Under His Belt Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It came as a bit of a surprise when it was announced that Brad Ausmus would be returning for his third season as the Tigers' manager, but with experience comes wisdom. Perhaps Ausmus will show he has what it takes to lead the team back to prominence.

It came as a bit of a surprise when it was announced that Brad Ausmus would be returning for his third season as the Tigers' manager, but with experience comes wisdom. Perhaps Ausmus will show he has what it takes to lead the team back to prominence.

4. Powerful Lineup

Powerful Lineup Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Despite finishing in last place in the AL Central, the Tigers led all of MLB with a .270 team batting average last season. Now, they have added another potent bat in Justin Upton to join Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, J.D Martinez and Victor Martinez.

Despite finishing in last place in the AL Central, the Tigers led all of MLB with a .270 team batting average last season. Now, they have added another potent bat in Justin Upton to join Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, J.D Martinez and Victor Martinez.

3. Revamped Bullpen

Revamped Bullpen Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Most would agree that the Tigers' bullpen has recently been a big Achilles heel. Going into 2016, the relief corps actually looks promising with Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson, Blaine Hardy and two spots to be determined.

Most would agree that the Tigers' bullpen has recently been a big Achilles heel. Going into 2016, the relief corps actually looks promising with Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson, Blaine Hardy and two spots to be determined.

2. Justin Verlander/Jordan Zimmermann 1-2 Punch

Justin Verlander/Jordan Zimmermann 1-2 Punch Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Although many have questions about the 3-5 spots in the Tigers' rotation, the resurgent Justin Verlander and newly-signed Jordan Zimmermann could potentially become a world-class 1-2 punch.

Although many have questions about the 3-5 spots in the Tigers' rotation, the resurgent Justin Verlander and newly-signed Jordan Zimmermann could potentially become a world-class 1-2 punch.

1. Potentially Better Luck In The Health Department

Potentially Better Luck In The Health Department Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
In 2015, the Tigers dealt with injuries to key players such as Verlander, Cabrera and V-Mart. There are still a few health concerns going into 2016, but it would take quite a bit of bad luck for the injury bug to bite that hard once again.

In 2015, the Tigers dealt with injuries to key players such as Verlander, Cabrera and V-Mart. There are still a few health concerns going into 2016, but it would take quite a bit of bad luck for the injury bug to bite that hard once again.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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