The Detroit Tigers begin the 2015 MLB season in less than one week.
On April 6, the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins to kickstart their 115th season in the American League. Pitching ace David Price will lead Detroit at Comerica Park as they attempt to retain the Central Division crown for a record-tying fifth straight year. Only the Cleveland Indians, who topped the division from 1995 to 1999, have dominated this AL Central longer than the current Tigers.
Despite their strong grasp on the division, the Tigers will certainly have their work cut out for them this year. The emergence of the Indians, Royals and White Sox will make this one of the tightest divisions in the game.
There is also a feeling that Detroit may be coming back into the pack. Last year’s AL Division Series exit was their worst finish to a season since 2010. In 2015, FanGraphs predicts that Detroit will drop down to 84 wins and be succeeded by the Indians as division champions.
Despite the detractors, wresting AL Central supremacy away from Detroit will be no easy task. This is a club still committed to winning at almost any cost.
The Tigers’ continued tinkering this past offseason, including the additions of Yoenis Cespedes and Anthony Gose, shows their willingness to adapt to the times. In an era of pitching dominance, Detroit’s hitting lineup is now arguably the finest in the league. With David Price, Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez featuring in the starting rotation, they look pretty formidable there too.
Still convinced the team is in decline?
Read on to see why the prevailing mood in Detroit should be one of optimism as the season draws closer.