Detroit Tigers 2009 Preview

on 03 14, 2009

Detroit Tigers 2008 Review:

Last year was a nightmare for Tigers fans. After completing a trade prior to 2008 that brought in Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Tigers looked poised to make a definite run at the World Series, or at least the playoffs. That proved to be incorrect, as the Tigers managed to get through one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. With a record of 74-88, the Tigers finished dead last in a surprisingly mediocre AL Central division. Despite solid offensive contributions from Miguel Cabrera, Placido Polanco, Curtis Granderson and Magglio Ordonez, the Tigers’ bats struggled to off put the inconsistency from a pitching standpoint that plagued the Tigers all year long. Justin Verlander went into 2008 with expectations of being an ace type pitcher, but thoroughly disappointed Detroit fans finishing with an 11-17 record and a 4.84 ERA. Armando Galarraga was a rare bright spot for the Tigers’ pitching staff in 2008. The rookie finished with a 13-7 record and an impressive 3.73 ERA, something the Tigers will need to see more of if they want to have any thoughts of competing for a spot in the post-season in 2009.

Detroit Tigers 2009 Preview:

The 2009 ball club very much resembles the team that struggled through 2008, and that’s why you can expect the records to be very similar. The offense looks to be formidable once again, but the Tigers are going to find out once again that pitching wins games. Assuming that Verlander returns to his dominant self and Galarraga can duplicate his rookie season success, the Tigers still have many questions pertaining to their starting rotation. Jeremy Bonderman is coming off shoulder problems that hindered his performance in 2008, making it a stretch to expect much from him. And then there is Dontrelle Willis. Willis was nearly shipped to Boston in the off-season, but he will remain a Tiger for now and try to get back to being a respected pitcher. Projected closer Brandon Lyon had nearly a 9.00 ERA after the All-Star break pitching for Arizona in 2008, he’ll try to anchor a shaky bull-pen that is going to need to step it up in order for Detroit to compete in the upcoming season.

Detroit Tigers Surprise Player of 2009:

After being selected in the first round of the 2007 MLB draft, Rick Porcello should get an opportunity to flash his ace potential in 2009. The Tigers have been said to prefer to bring Porcello along slowly, but there have been internal talks of bringing him in as a 5th starter early in the season. With Bonderman and Willis in the rotation, Porcello will more than likely be called upon to help eat up innings for what should be a struggling staff. Porcello was drafted out of high school, and with a deal that totaled $11.1 million dollars, he became the highest-paid player out of high school ever…2009 should give him a chance to justify that contract.

Detroit Tigers Projected 2009 Record:

4th place in the AL Central with a record of 75-87.

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