Detroit Tigers not American League Central favourites - MLB News
Detroit Tigers had a forgettable time in May 2012 as they suffered series sweep to Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians. After losing to the Indians 0-3 in a three game series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, the Tigers have moved to third place
in the American League Central Division standing table.
Jim Leyland and company were expected run away with the AL Central title this season. Considering the Tigers have some of the best hitters and pitchers in their lineup, most of the National writers had declared the Tigers as the favourites to win their division
title. However, after seeing them flattened by their arch rivals on Thursday evening, the analysts will be extremely worried about their wrong predictions.
Manager Jim Leyland and General Manager Dave Dombrowski made some expensive moves during the offseason, which included a $214 million deal with Prince Fielder.
"We've got to find our groove, and we've got to find it quickly," Verlander said following a 2-1 loss to first-place Cleveland. "We're a good team. We know that. I think, because we know we're good, maybe it's a little easier to sit back and say, 'OK, it's
early. We'll find it.' At some point, it's not early anymore. You're going to have to make adjustments to find it as a team.""You can look at every aspect of our team and find the need for more consistency," Verlander further added answering a question.
Undoubtedly, Fielder is one of the most powerful and dynamic hitters in Major League Baseball right now but he has not been able to deliver the goods since joining the club as a first baseman.
The left hander will have to work extremely hard to find his lost form to put things on the right track for the Tigers. Even Justin Verlander, who was named the AL Most Valuable Player last year, has struggled to win games for the Tigers.
The starter has provided the Tigers with a solid start on regular basis but the offence will have to score more consistently to give Tigers a chance to win the AL Central division title this season.
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