While everyone is talking about the daunting 3-4 punch that the Tigers will boast starting in April with Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, we can't overlook the real reason they have a real shot to win the World Series. Their ridiculous pitching staff leaves American League teams shaking where they stand based on potential and actual production.
The 1971 Orioles may have some company in the near future. As we all know the 71' O's had four 20 game winners. They were Mike Cuellar, Jim Palmer, Pat Dobson and Dave McNally. This was the first and only time in history that this was done. Interestingly enough, I can say without laughing that the Tigers rotation as is has a great shot at accomplishing this feat. Let's take a look at why...
We all know what Justin Verlander brings to the table. The reigning AL Cy Young and MVP. He captured both of these awards and let everyone know that the best pitcher in baseball resides in the Motor City. Although he only won 18 games, I expect him to improve on that total with an improved offense. I think he is a lock for twenty wins this year.
We talked about the certainty of the rotation but moving on to the young guys. Porcello, Scherzer and Fister together form 3 of the best young arms in the league. I am basing my bold prediction that they can win 20 games in the future based on their potential. They all have enough innings under their belt and big league experience to move into the conversation of being in their 'prime'. They all have shown glimpses of greatness but this may be the year they finally put it all together. It's refreshing to watch a guy like Doug Fister receive the run support he has been lacking in Seattle and actually racking up wins. I still scratch my head as to why Seattle shipped him off for practically nothing.
We can not forget about young Jacob Turner who will try his hand in the rotation this year after being toted as Detroit's top pitching prospect. He has been perfecting his craft and is projected to start the year as the 5th starter for this explosive Tiger team. What a perfect way to get introduced to the big leagues pitching to about 6 runs for support every night.
While it is more unlikely than likely that 4 starters in a rotation will ever win 20 games again in one season, do not count these guys out. If anyone CAN do it, it's Detroit. They have the big arms and lively bats for the run support. They will feast on inadequate offenses and teams in their own division. They should already start stitching the 2012 American League Central Division Championship banner, that's how lopsided this division is. Offenses beware, this rotation is daunting.
The 1971 Orioles may have some company in the near future. As we all know the 71' O's had four 20 game winners. They were Mike Cuellar, Jim Palmer, Pat Dobson and Dave McNally. This was the first and only time in history that this was done. Interestingly enough, I can say without laughing that the Tigers rotation as is has a great shot at accomplishing this feat. Let's take a look at why...
We all know what Justin Verlander brings to the table. The reigning AL Cy Young and MVP. He captured both of these awards and let everyone know that the best pitcher in baseball resides in the Motor City. Although he only won 18 games, I expect him to improve on that total with an improved offense. I think he is a lock for twenty wins this year.
We talked about the certainty of the rotation but moving on to the young guys. Porcello, Scherzer and Fister together form 3 of the best young arms in the league. I am basing my bold prediction that they can win 20 games in the future based on their potential. They all have enough innings under their belt and big league experience to move into the conversation of being in their 'prime'. They all have shown glimpses of greatness but this may be the year they finally put it all together. It's refreshing to watch a guy like Doug Fister receive the run support he has been lacking in Seattle and actually racking up wins. I still scratch my head as to why Seattle shipped him off for practically nothing.
We can not forget about young Jacob Turner who will try his hand in the rotation this year after being toted as Detroit's top pitching prospect. He has been perfecting his craft and is projected to start the year as the 5th starter for this explosive Tiger team. What a perfect way to get introduced to the big leagues pitching to about 6 runs for support every night.
While it is more unlikely than likely that 4 starters in a rotation will ever win 20 games again in one season, do not count these guys out. If anyone CAN do it, it's Detroit. They have the big arms and lively bats for the run support. They will feast on inadequate offenses and teams in their own division. They should already start stitching the 2012 American League Central Division Championship banner, that's how lopsided this division is. Offenses beware, this rotation is daunting.
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