By Trevor Utley
So here we are at numero uno! The runner-up in last year's ALCS will be the best regular season team in the Major Leagues this year. They have the two time reigning MVP and the 2012 Triple Crown winner in Miguel Cabrera, newly christened as the league's highest paid player ever. They have two of the last three AL Cy Young Award winners in Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer (playing for a megadeal bigger than the $24 mill. a year deal he turned down already) as well as Anibal Sanchez who pitched to a 2.57 ERA last year. They have made the playoffs three straight years. They just can't get over the hump come October. So, they decided to shake it up. They traded Prince Fielder after just two seasons for Texas' Ian Kinsler, a player whose game is made for Comerica Park. The second baseman had spent his whole career in Texas but now hopes that his former mates go 0-162 according to an ESPN interview. He won't get his wish on that front but he'll get to play in a park quite conducive to his affinity for hitting doubles. Kinsler wasn't the only big name to land in Detroit this offseason from Texas. Joe Nathan will close games for the Tigers in 2014 and even at 39 is putting together superb campaigns. Getting to Nathan may be a bit of an issue though. The Tigers' middle relief is suspect to put it gently, with Al Alburquerque as its best option. Drew Smyly, the top lefty out of the pen (6-0, 2.37 ERA) in 2013 will move to the rotation. I think the deficits in their bullpen will be shielded however by the fact that the starters will go far into games, lessening the burden on new manager Brad Ausmus. The lineup and defense took a big hit in Spring Training with the loss of Jose Iglesias, who came over in a trade from Boston last year, due to stress fractures in both legs. This will put more stress on rookie Nick Castellanos on the left side of the infield who is more known for his bat than his glove. Alex Gonzalez will try to replace the slick fielding Iglesias. The outfield corps received a speed overhaul with the signing of Rajai Davis. The former Blue Jay stole 45 bases last year in only 108 games. He'll join Torii Hunter and Austin Jackson in the spacious Comerica outfield. Victor Martinez will continue to rake as a designated hitter and cleanup man for the second best offense in the Majors. All in all, I think the Red Sox are a better team than the Tigers but in the putrid AL Central they'll put together the only 100 win season in the Majors this year. Will that lead to a World Series title? You're just going to have to keep reading to find out!
PREDICTED RECORD: 100-62
PREDICTED ALL-STAR REPS: Miguel Cabrera, first baseman; Justin Verlander, starting pitcher; Joe Nathan, relief pitcher; Victor Martinez, designated hitter
AWARD WINNERS
PREDICTED RECORD: 100-62
PREDICTED ALL-STAR REPS: Miguel Cabrera, first baseman; Justin Verlander, starting pitcher; Joe Nathan, relief pitcher; Victor Martinez, designated hitter
AWARD WINNERS
AL MVP- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
After twice running up to Miguel Cabrera, the Angels' playoff appearance puts Trout over the top.
After twice running up to Miguel Cabrera, the Angels' playoff appearance puts Trout over the top.
NL MVP- Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
I think this is the year the 24 year old breaks through and puts himself into the upper tier of National League hitters.
I think this is the year the 24 year old breaks through and puts himself into the upper tier of National League hitters.
AL CY YOUNG- Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Verlander will bounce back from a subpar 2013 to win his second Cy Young Award.
Verlander will bounce back from a subpar 2013 to win his second Cy Young Award.
NL CY YOUNG- Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Did you expect anything else from me?
Did you expect anything else from me?
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees
The Japanese import will beat out Boston's Xander Bogaerts in a close vote after winning at least 14 games.
The Japanese import will beat out Boston's Xander Bogaerts in a close vote after winning at least 14 games.
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds
The centerfielder will become the first person since Vince Coleman in 1987 to steal 100 bases in a season if given the playing time.
The centerfielder will become the first person since Vince Coleman in 1987 to steal 100 bases in a season if given the playing time.
Image Credits: Tigers logo (sportslogos.net); Trout, Freeman, Verlander, Kershaw, Tanaka, Hamilton (espn.com)
RSS Feed
