Test of Detroit Tigers’ bouncebackability – MLB Featured
Winners of 2011 American League Central Division title, Detroit Tigers will be very frustrated with the kind of start they have made to their 2012 regular season campaign.
The Tigers did give some reasonable performances early on this season and they were expected to improve their game play with each passing game but that has not turned out to be the case.
Showing great composure, fighting abilities and determination, the Tigers won nine of their first twelve games and it seemed they will continue their excellent form throughout the season to make it to the playoffs. However, things went wrong for them completely
after they lost to Texas Rangers 1-3 in a four game series and they have not been able to recover their form since them.
Manager Jim Leyland and General Manager Dave Dombrowski have a lot to think about to change the course of Tigers’ destiny. Leyland and company have managed to win just 11 of their last 31 games and they suffered series sweep against Seattle Mariners and
Minnesota Twins.
There is no denying the fact the Tigers have enough resources to trouble even the best teams in Major League Baseball. Some of the dealings the GM finalised during the offseason were expected to have a significant impact on the results but the Tigers have
not live up to their immense potential so far.
Prince Fielder was acquired from Milwaukee Brewers for a record $214 million nine year deal. Fielder was absolutely brilliant last season when he hit 100 plus RBI’s with 38 home runs to help the Brewers secure some epic wins.
However, he has not been able to deliver the goods on regular basis this year. The left handed hitter has managed just .285 average with 7 home runs and 25 RBI’s this season and he will have to up his game considerably to help the Tigers achieve their desired
goals.
“He’s a special kid. He’s fearless. He plays with passion. He plays with desire. He understands that you step on the field and give your best effort, and you don’t cry about it after that … he’s a real baseball player,” Former Brewers manager
Ned Yost.
In Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers have one of the most dynamic hitters in the game. Cabrera played first base last season to give terrific results. He had 100 plus RBI’s with 30 home runs in 2011, which helped the Tigers make it to the post season but since
moving to the third base, the striker has struggled to play his A game. He is averaging .306 in 2012, which is considerably less than his career average. It will be interesting to see if he can turn things around after the All Star Break.
Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander has looked in terrific touch this year. His record of 5-1 with an impressive 2.14 ERA suggests that he is in excellent form. He was named the American League Most Valuable Player last season when he went 24-5 with 250 strikeouts.
However, relievers will have to play a more dynamic role to assist him.
“He’s exceptional. He understands instruction well and is able to apply it in game situations,” Dombrowski said.
Fans have great expectations from this team and considering the depth and quality in Tigers’ lineup, it will be a great disappointment if they fail to make it to the World Series finals.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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