MLB Preview Day 10, Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera had a monster 2010 season, leading the AL in 2 of the 3 triple crown stats.

2010 Record- 81-81, 3rd place AL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Miguel Cabrera, .328 (1st AL), Miguel Cabrera, 38 HR (3rd AL), Miguel Cabrera, 126 RBI (1st AL), Justin Verlander, 18 Wins (4th AL), Justin Verlander, 3.37 ERA (11th AL), Justin Verlander, 219 K (4th AL)

Key Additions: Joaquin Benoit (RHP), Victor Martinez (C), Brad Penny (RHP)

Key Losses: Jeremy Bonderman (RHP), Johnny Damon (OF), Adam Everett (SS), Gerald Laird (C), Bobby Seay (LHP), Armando Galarraga (RHP)

2011 Projected Record- 85-95 wins, 2nd place AL Central
Manager- Jim Leyland (6th year, 424-387)
Best Player- Miguel Cabrera
Best Pitcher- Justin Verlander
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Austin Jackson
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Daniel Schlereth

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Austin Jackson, CF- .285/4 HR/55 RBI
Magglio Ordonez, RF- .295/16 HR/65 RBI
Victor Martinez, DH- .305/20 HR/85 RBI
Miguel Cabrera, 1B- .325/36 HR/120 RBI
Brennan Boesch, LF- .260/15 HR/60 RBI
Carlos Guillen, 2B- .255/10 HR/55 RBI
Brandon Inge, 3B- .235/18 HR/50 RBI
Jhonny Peralta, SS- .265/15 HR/65 RBI
Alex Avila, C- .260/8 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Justin Verlander- 18-8/3.40 ERA/230 K
Max Scherzer- 15-9/3.60 ERA/195 K
Rick Porcello- 14-10/3.95 ERA/120 K
Brad Penny- 8-10/4.80 ERA/90 K
Phil Coke- 5-9/5.20 ERA/70 K
Jose Valverde- 2.85 ERA/30 Saves

Team Outlook- In 2010, the Tigers spent a large portion of the year in first place before fading in the second half of the season.  The team added Victor Martinez in the offseason, upgrading the lineup, a lineup that's success will depend upon Miguel Cabrera's play this season.  I see this lineup as one that has several holes in it, and is very weak outside the 3-4 combo in Martinez and Cabrera.  The rotation is headed by Justin Verlander, and also have Max Scherzer, who finished the 2010 season on a good note, and Porcello should have a bounceback year after a sophomore slump last season.  The back has issues, but should get some help when prospect Jacob Turner comes up during the season.  The bullpen will once again have Valverde anchoring, and made a big signing in Joaquin Benoit.  This is a team that should compete for the wildcard and possibly the division title, time will tell as to what they actually do in 2011.