SB Nation's 2010 MLB Previews: Detroit Tigers, Sights Set On Success

By Kurt Mensching of Bless You Boys

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Introduction

Let's first dispense of a meme that I think Tigers fans are getting sick of hearing and reading, because it's just not true.

Early in the offseason, someone in the media came up with the idea that the Detroit Tigers were going to be in cost-cutting mode this offseason. Like every urban legend, it was based on a kernel of truth. Of course the Tigers had to cut their salary. I mean, just look at how much they're spending! And besides, the Michigan economy stinks.

Not that it was an original thought to this offseason. Ever since Miguel Cabrera signed a contract that pays him about $20 million a year, some in the media have had this idea the Tigers couldn't afford him and would soon trade him. (No, Bill Simmons, you can't have him.) Why they'd sign him to a deal worth $160 million and immediately trade him, I don't know. Before that, national "experts" were crowing the Tigers would hold a "fire sale," probably before the season was even 25 percent completed in 2009.

How'd that go?

I bring this up because despite all evidence to the contrary, some people continue to insist the Tigers have been inconsistent in their offseason plans to "reduce their budget."

In November, Tigers CEO, President and General Manager Dave Dombrowski was quoted by MLB.com's Jason Beck saying:

"We're not having a fire sale."

Before the winter meetings, Dombrowski told Knobler:

"We're going to continue trying to win in 2010."

Dombrowski had this to say to Beck after the big offseason trade:

"The reality is, no matter what, we needed to make some adjustments. In almost any scenario, it's a necessity. But it's also one of those where we're in a very good situation with a quality owner that projects to have a really solid payroll as we go forward. But at some point, adjustments needed to be made, and this was the time to do it for us."

So, while everyone continues to point out the Tigers traded All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson's $5.5 million salary to the Yankees only to add Johnny Damon for $8 million, it was never about saving money this season. It was always about setting up the team for the future while continuing to compete in a weak American League Central in the present.

So that's what they did by trading for four cost-controlled players, including three pretty good, major-league ready prospects. The other big move of the offseason, letting Gold Glove second baseman Polanco walk, made way for the Tigers' top positional prospect to make his MLB debut.

We can certainly argue whether all the moves will work out -- and we do.

But we can't say Dombrowski or the Tigers were inconsistent about their offseason plans.

They did exactly what they said they'd do.

Position Players

While Granderson and Polanco may be gone, in their places debut well-hyped rookie Austin Jackson, who prowls the outfield just as well as his predecessor, and rookie Scott Sizemore, whose bat was too strong to keep in the minor leagues for another season.

Of course, what manager Jim Leyland has decided to do with the two is counterintuitive (or maybe the word I'm too nice to say is counterproductive). The better-hitting Sizemore will start lower in the lineup to avoid putting too much pressure on him. Meanwhile Jackson will take over as the leadoff hitter, despite the fact he has never had a major league at-bat, either. This is either genius or insane. I'm leading toward the latter.

The lineup that will likely debut on April 5th, barring any injuries or late-spring trades:

Austin Jackson, CF
Johnny Damon, LF
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Carlos Guillen, DH
Brandon Inge, 3B
Gerald Laird, C
Scott Sizemore, 2B
Adam Everett, SS

And if the manager continues to make decisions like he has since arriving in Detroit, that lineup will be written onto the card about five times all season.

One reason is that there are too many right-handers. The only two lefties are Damon and the switch-hitting Guillen. So being intermixed in the lineup off the bench are a bunch of lefties, highlighted by utility infielder Ramon Santiago, also a switch hitter. And …? Well, it's too early to tell. Possibly superutilityman Don Kelly makes the team. Maybe outfielder Clete Thomas does. And almost certainly backup catcher Alex Avila will be with the Tigers.

Admittedly, this lineup is not going to score a lot of runs. But it probably doesn't have to, because the team is stacked with solid defenders behind good pitching.

Rotation

The Tigers' ace Justin Verlander needs no introduction. Nor does 21-year-old Rick Porcello, who announced himself to any remaining doubters by striking out eight Twins in about five innings of work in the AL Central-deciding Game 163 last season. And when you get right down to it, most people know the high potential of Max Scherzer, who came over in the big offseason trade. The former first-round pick struck out more than a batter per inning during his first full major league season.

Of course, it's not quite so pretty behind that. But fortunately the Tigers aren't playing in the AL East, either. With Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson all trying to bounce back, the Tigers may or may not have decent, innings-eating pitcher behind the top three. Two of the three, or possibly Armando Galarraga or Eddie Bonine, should fill out the rotation. Right now it's easy to be pessimistic about that bunch, but if one of the five can put together an average season, the Tigers are sitting pretty there.

Bullpen

The bullpen has the potential to be pretty good. With Jose Valverde joining the team as closer, Joel Zumaya throwing well in spring training and Ryan Perry hopefully showing improvement as he enters his second season, the late innings should be a bit less stressful this season for Tigers fans. As well, the lefties Phil Coke, Bobby Seay and Fu-Te Ni should give Detroit the opportunity to battle the AL Central's strong left-handed hitters. Zach Miner rounds out the bullpen as the long man.

In The System

I know a lot of people will want to know when left-handed starter Casey Crosby is going to make his pitching debut. Maybe he gets a spot start this year, but I wouldn't put high odds on it. He's more likely to be battling for a rotation spot next March than anything.

In the meantime, Detroit has plenty of arms in the minors in case anyone in the bullpen stumbles. Lefty Daniel Schlereth is said to have closer potential, but will have to work on his command more. Robbie Weinhardt is a nice right-handed arm and closed out the championship game in the Arizona Fall League.

For lineup help, Ryan Strieby carries a big bat and can help the Tigers score some runs, but he has no real position to field, other than first base. And that one isn't going to open up any time soon, national experts. Left-handed batting outfielder Brennan Boesch should make his debut at some point, too. He is a capable corner outfielder with a nice bat, too.

Miscellaneous

The only other offseason change to note is the exit of first base / outfield coach Andy Van Slyke. He has been replaced by Tom Brookens. This will not likely result in any notable changes on the field, but it's important because of the possible implications heading forward. Brookens was already the rising star among minor league coaching personnel, as he worked his way up through the managing ranks. He led Double-A Erie last year. He is likely the successor to Jim Leyland, who is signed through 2011.

Conclusion

I don't care what Vegas thinks of the Tigers' chances of winning the World Series, and I don't know what Vegas thinks about Detroit's' chances to win the AL Central. Setting those numbers is as much about enticing bettors as anything. But I think Detroit is going to be right in the thick of a three-team race. It should be an exciting season for fans of the White Sox, Twins and Tigers.

And if anyone tells you the Tigers are going to have a fire sale in May, just stop listening. They don't know what they're talking about.