Detroit earned their first-ever AL Central title last year thanks to an impressive 95-67 record. They fell short of the World Series, losing to the Rangers in the ALCS, but the addition of Prince Fielder in the offeseason makes this team one of the favorites to contend for a championship run in 2012. Here are our MLB predictions for Detroit's projected starting rotation and closer situation.
Projected Rotation
Justin Verlander (RHP) - In 2011 Verlander became just the 10th player in MLB history to win both the Cy Young and MVP in the same season. He earned both awards by going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. He is the undisputed Ace of this staff and is again one of the favorites to win the Cy Young in 2012.
Doug Fister (RHP) -At the trade deadline last year, the Tigers landed Fister from the Seattle Mariners and they simply can't wait to see what he can do in a full season in Detroit. In just 10 starts with the Tigers, he went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.
Max Scherzer (RHP) -Scherzer's numbers dipped a bit last year, as he saw his ERA jump from 3.50 in 2010 to 4.43 in 2011. But despite that, he was still able to win 15 games for the Tigers. What hurt him the most was that he gave up 29 home runs, but that seems to be more of a fluke instead of a trend moving forward. Expect him to go back to his usual self and improve his ERA this season.
Rick Porcello (RHP) - Despite posting a 4.75 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, he still managed to win 14 games last season. Even if his numbers are a little unconventional, he has come up with 38 wins in just three big league seasons. And with Porcello turning just 23 in December, it is safe to assume that the kid is only getting started.
Jacob Turner (RHP) - The Tigers are expecting Turner to nab the last spot in the rotation. The team is extremely high on its most heralded prospect. Although the 20-year-old posted a high 8.53 ERA in three starts last season, many still believe that he was what it takes to the AL Rookie of the Year in 2012.
Projected Closer
Jose Valverde (RHP)-Valverde was one of the most dominant closers in the game last year and one of the primary reasons the Tigers had so much success. He convered 49 of 49 save opportunities while posting a 2.24 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. There is no reason to expect he won't save at least 40 games again in 2012.
Projected Rotation
Justin Verlander (RHP) - In 2011 Verlander became just the 10th player in MLB history to win both the Cy Young and MVP in the same season. He earned both awards by going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. He is the undisputed Ace of this staff and is again one of the favorites to win the Cy Young in 2012.
Doug Fister (RHP) -At the trade deadline last year, the Tigers landed Fister from the Seattle Mariners and they simply can't wait to see what he can do in a full season in Detroit. In just 10 starts with the Tigers, he went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.
Max Scherzer (RHP) -Scherzer's numbers dipped a bit last year, as he saw his ERA jump from 3.50 in 2010 to 4.43 in 2011. But despite that, he was still able to win 15 games for the Tigers. What hurt him the most was that he gave up 29 home runs, but that seems to be more of a fluke instead of a trend moving forward. Expect him to go back to his usual self and improve his ERA this season.
Rick Porcello (RHP) - Despite posting a 4.75 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, he still managed to win 14 games last season. Even if his numbers are a little unconventional, he has come up with 38 wins in just three big league seasons. And with Porcello turning just 23 in December, it is safe to assume that the kid is only getting started.
Jacob Turner (RHP) - The Tigers are expecting Turner to nab the last spot in the rotation. The team is extremely high on its most heralded prospect. Although the 20-year-old posted a high 8.53 ERA in three starts last season, many still believe that he was what it takes to the AL Rookie of the Year in 2012.
Projected Closer
Jose Valverde (RHP)-Valverde was one of the most dominant closers in the game last year and one of the primary reasons the Tigers had so much success. He convered 49 of 49 save opportunities while posting a 2.24 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. There is no reason to expect he won't save at least 40 games again in 2012.
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