Detroit Tigers are almost set for 2011 spring training session – MLB News
Along with St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers are one of the favourites to win the World Series title this season. Last season, Mike Ilitch’s Detroit Tigers did a remarkable job to win the American League Central title. However, losing their way in the playoffs, they failed to reach the World Series.
The failure caused the team management to make several changes in the Tigers’ hitting and pitching lineups. To power the hitting unit, General Manager, Dave Dombrowski signed a $214 million deal with one of the best hitters in the game; Prince Fielder. The contract was the fourth largest in the American baseball history and it will provide the Tigers with the required depth and consistency in the hitting lineup.
Fielder displayed some high quality hitting skills last season to secure another 100 RBI and 30 home runs season. His batting average of .299 was also quite decent. With the addition of Fielder, the Tigers can prove to be real threat for other strong teams in Major League Baseball.
Following Tigers-Fielder, Miguel Cabrera has also been asked to perform the third base duties this season. Although many believe that he doesn’t have the agility and athleticism to be effective at the 3B position, the right handed striker wants to show the baseball world he can play any position.
Tigers’ pitching line-up is also full of big names. Justin Verlander, the Tigers’ ace, posted a sensational season in 2011, which also won him the 2011 WXYZ Newsmaker of the Year Award a few days ago.
The flame throwing starter secured 24 wins with 250 strikeouts last season and he will have a crucial role to play in 2012 as well. Dave Dombrowski will be hoping to sign another veteran pitcher before the spring training session. According to a leading baseball website, the General Manager has been in talks with players’ agents.
However, if the Tigers are unable to find the right pitching option in next couple of weeks, they will go into the regular season with the people they have. Tigers’ fans are also waiting to see their heroes return to the field and give them something to cheer about.
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