The Detroit Tigers have won four straight AL Central titles, but they were swept by the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS and lost star pitcher Max Scherzer to the Washington Nationals. Detroit is still expected to make a return to the postseason - but will they? Here are some bold predictions for the Detroit Tigers in 2015:
1) Justin Verlander will have a bounce back year
Verlander went just 15-12 last year with a 4.54 ERA, which is a far cry from the guy the Tigers expect and need him to be. His strikeout rate was the lowest since his rookie year and his velocity decreased - something he can only do so much to get back. However, he was coming off of core muscle surgery and is determined to prove that he still has his best stuff.
2) The Tigers will struggle on offense
Miguel Cabrera has carried Detroit's offense for most of the past few seasons, but he is coming off of foot surgery and it will probably take some time before he feels like himself again. Victor Martinez is also recovering from surgery (knee), and is due for some regression now that he's 36 years old. The Tigers need someone else to step up to help Cabrera and Martinez, and I don't think they have that guy.
3) Detroit will finish second in the division and miss the playoffs
The Kansas City Royals emerged as a force during last year's run to the World Series, and they seem poised to take over the AL Central. That will leave the Tigers fighting for a wild card spot, and while they'll be competitive, I think offense will regress to a point where they miss the postseason.
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