The Tigers are serious about winning this year and they will be contenders. The agressive off season moves they made strengthened the team and are calibrated to help produce a winning team. Signing Magglio Ordonez was a good move and they added power hitter and catcher Victor Martinez. They strengthened their relief pitching with Joaquin Benoit. Relief pitcher Joel Zumaya and infielder Carlos Guillen are looking good coming off of injuries last year. The team retained Brandon Inge and Johnny Peralta solidifying the left side of the infield.
Their middle of the lineup is the best in the majors with Victor Martinez batting third, Miguel Cabrera batting cleanup and Maglio Ordonez batting fifth.
Taking Phil Coke out of the bullpen and putting him in the starting rotation with Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello may prove to be a smart move. Coke was a starter with the Yankees in 2008 and 2009. The bullpen looks good with set up man Joaquin Benoit, Joel Zumaya, Ryan Perry and Jose Valverde and if they can come through along with the rest of the bullpen the Tigers will have an awesome team.
There is no question that Tiger President, CEO, and General Manager Dave Dombrowski has put together a talented team that should bring exciting baseball to Detroit this summer and fill the stands with fans. Get ready for a fun summer. -Harry Katopodis
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