After two promising seasons which ultimately ended up in disaster, missing the post-season again, the Tiger’s need a number of players to step up if they want to make a push for the playoffs in 2011. No, it’s not easy to make the post-season in baseball and a lot of things have to go right for a team in order to do so. It seems like with the really good teams, the ball always bounces their way. Injuries are also a concern and you can only hope you don’t get hit to hard. Other than that, it all comes down to talent…And the Tiger’s have it. But, there are some questions.
Success in the MLB always starts with starting pitching. As of now, Detroit has 2 solid starters heading into spring training. Justin Verlander is with out a doubt, one of the best pitchers in the game. Even though Verlander’s strikeouts were down a little last year, he did have the best season of his career statistically. JV had a career low 3.37 ERA last year. Verlander will be the rock at the top of their rotation for years to come, so I wouldn’t worry about Justin, he’s money in the bank.
After briefly being sent down to the minors last season, Max Sherzer proved to be the pitcher the Tiger’s had hoped he’d be. Sherzer had a break out season, with career high’s in innings pitched (195), strikeouts (184) and ERA (3.50). Sherzer’s vicious fastball and devastating slider made him almost unhittable at times. He averaged over 6 strikeouts per outing and had performances where he struck out 14 and 11. He’s only 26 and seems to be in the prime of his career. He’s only going to get better and from what he showed last year, I think Sherzer will be a solid #2 for the Tiger’s this season.
What about the other 3 spots? Rick Porcello, Phil Coke and Brad Penny are the other pitchers projected to be in the starting rotation. It is crucial that these 3 guys pitch well for the Tiger’s if they are going to compete for the Central Division Title. But, each of these guys have questions entering the season.
Rick Porcello’s rookie season was a pleasant surprise for the Tiger’s on 2009. He pitched 170 innings, posted 14 wins and had an ERA under 4.00. And who could ever forget the amazing performance he had against the Twins in the 2009 “play-inn” game. But, last season Porcello regressed a bit. After beginning the season in the starting rotation, Porcello got knocked around for the first couple months and found himself down in the minors by June. After his stint in the minors, he did begin to return to form. Over his last 10 starts of the season, he went 6-3 and lowered his ERA a full run per game. Porcello is still very young and has much room to improve. The Tiger’s will need that improvement to start this season.
Phil Coke was one of the Tiger’s best pitchers last year…coming out of the pen. Coke never threw more than 2 innings in game last year. To his credit, he did pitch a lot of innings out of the pen and was actually drafted by the Yankees as a starting pitcher, so he did once pitch as a starter. Coke will be the only lefty the Tiger’s will roll out there, so it is key that he pitches well. Coke has a mid to high 90’s fastball and has an excellent curveball, but will he be able to sustain his stuff over extended innings? Will he be able to throw the innings expected from a starting pitcher? These are all questions that will soon be answered. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Finally, we come to Brad Penny. 5 years ago, Penny was in his prime and looked to be one of the better young pitchers in the game. Penny’s best seasons were with the Dodger’s in 06’ and 07’ where he combined for 32 wins. That was also the last time he pitched close to 200 innings. Since his career best year in 07’, Penny hasn’t pitched more than 130 innings in a season and has combined for only 96 IP over the past 2 seasons due to injury. The Tiger’s took a chance on Penny and hope that he can return to being the pitcher he once was. He’s only 33, so he should have a couple good years left. It will all come down to if he can stay healthy. The Tiger’s are Penny’s 5th team in 5 seasons and if he pitches well, Detroit might just become home.
If Detroit is going to contend for the Division Title or a playoff spot this season, the starting rotation will have to lead the way. The potential is there, but will it happen? Only time will tell…
Go Tigers!!!
P.S. just a little something I learned.
Did you know? Carlos Guillen is set to make $13 million this year. WOW!!
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