Pitching is not a problem for Detroit Tigers in 2012 – MLB News
Last season, Detroit Tigers displayed some high quality baseball skills to win the American League Central title. It will be fair to say that everybody in the team performed consistently to help the Tigers achieve their desired goals during the regular season. Although the Tigers were outplayed in the postseason, their overall effort in 2011 was quite satisfactory.
Tigers’ general manager Dave Dombrowski wants the team to make it all the way in 2012. Having spent millions of dollars to power the Tigers’ pitching and hitting rotations, the GM has his eyes set on World Series title this season. Presence of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder in the batting lineup certainly gives the Tigers an edge over their competitors in American League Central division.
Detroit's pitching was also quite outstanding last season. Justin Verlander was the leader of the pack as he earned an emphatic 24-5 win-loss record. For his consistent performances, he was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Year. However, it will be interesting to see if he can match his last season excellence. If Verlander is not as dominant as he was in 2011, Tigers' pitching will be vulnerable.
Verlander will be supported by the likes of Max Scherzer and Doug Fister in the pitching department. Although Scherzer can be inconsistent at times, he has the ability to perform under pressure. If Verlander fails to live up to expectations, the Tigers will rely on him to deliver the goods. Fister, on the other hand, has been out of form for the last few seasons and he will have a point to prove this season.
Tigers’ Number four starter Rick Porcello can also prove to be an asset in pitching department. Porcello earned 14 superb wins last season. However, there is definitely a room for improvement in his ERA considering his 4.75 average last season.
The Tigers are in talks with Jacob Turner for the fifth starting position. If the deal is finalised, Mike Ilitch’s team will have one of the strongest pitching line-ups in Major League Baseball. Tigers' Manager Jim Leyland will be looking to get the best out of their pitching line-up in the upcoming Spring Training session.
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