Detroit Tigers hoping for a strong Spring Training session – MLB News
Detroit Tigers were outstanding last season as they made the most of available opportunities. Securing the American League Central Division title, Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland executed his strategies to perfection. However, despite surpassing expectations during the regular season, the Tigers were unable to deliver the goods in the playoffs. Tigers’ hitters failed to post decent totals against quality pitching attacks, which disappointed their fans big time.
However, Tigers’ general manager Dave Dombrowski has his eyes set on the World Series title now. To strengthen his team’s pitching line-up, he has made some great moves this offseason. Undoubtedly, the Tigers are the favourites to win the American League Central title but they will face the real challenge in the postseason when they face strong teams such St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees.
Having signed a $214 million deal with Prince Fielder, things are looking great for Tigers in hitting department. Fielder displayed some high hitting skills last season to make a name for himself. He is one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball right now. His batting average of .299 with 120 home-runs and 120 RBIs suggests that he is in commanding form. Although many baseball writers and analysts are convinced that Fielder-Tigers agreement can prove to be the worst deal of this offseason, Fielder has other ideas.
The left handed striker has a great love and passion for the game. Above all, he wanted to play for the Tigers since his childhood. It is the place where his father Cecil Fielder changed the course of his career. The upcoming Spring Training will be of great importance for Fielder as if he can perform consistently, he will shut his critics up. Tigers’ general manager Dave Dombrowski will also have high expectations from him. He wanted to sign on Fielder a long time ago but due to shortage of funds, he had to wait until the end of 2011.
Earlier this year, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, who was brilliant last season, announced that he will be missing the entire next season due to an ACL tear. Martinez’s injury allowed the Tigers to acquire Fielder on the fourth largest contract in history of the game. Following Fielder signing, the Tigers asked their former first baseman Miguel Cabrera to move to third base, a position he might struggle to adapt.
Cabrera’s critics believe that he is too heavy to perform third base duties effectively. Having put on a great amount of weight in the last few seasons, he might struggle to get to some of the difficult balls in left field. However, the talented Cabrera is very optimistic about his new role. According to sources, he has been training hard to lose unwanted weight. Cabrera’s performances in Spring Training could play a key role to help Jim Leyland choose his final hitting combination.
Tigers’ fans are also desperate to see the star players getting back on to the field. The owner Mike Ilitch, who has spent his money lavishly, will be hoping for huge return on his investments. The Tigers will also have an excellent opportunity to cheer up some of their disappointed fans. With Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander in their lineup, they will be force to reckon with in 2012.
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