LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2013 — The Detroit Tigers are the defending American League Champions after an 88-74 season. The Tigers didn’t have many needs going into winter, but they did need a closer after parting ways with Jose Valverde.
However, Valverde remains a free agent and the Tigers are still in need of a closer. The hope was for Bruce Rondon to take the job, but he has not had a very good spring, to say the least.
Miguel Cabrera AP/Orlin Wagner
The Tigers may choose to stick with Rondon, but a closer by committee situation seems to make sense for now.
With their strong rotation and even stronger offense, the lack of a closer will not keep them from winning the AL Central pennant again in 2013, but it may hinder their post-season exploits.
Projected payroll: $145,425,000
Notable Players Out: DH Delmon Young, C Gerald Laird, RHP Jose Valverde
Notable Players In: RF Torii Hunter, C Brayan Peña
Prospect Watch: OF Avisail Garcia and LHP Casey Crosby
Jose Valverde AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Highlight Hitter: 3B Miguel Cabrera (ZiPS 2013 Projections: .318/.395/.561 35 HR/96 R/112 RBI)
Highlight Pitcher: RHP Justin Verlander (ZiPS 2013 Projections: 17-8, 3.09 ERA, 9.03 K/9, 238.1 IP)
Projected Lineup: C Alex Avila, 1B Prince Fielder, 2B Omar Infante, 3B Miguel Cabrera, SS Jhonny Peralta, LF Andy Dirks, CF Austin Jackson, RF Torii Hunter, DH Victor Martinez
Projected Rotation: RHP Justin Verlander, RHP Doug Fister, RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Rick Porcello
Projected Closer: RHP Bruce Rondon? (Possibly a closer by committee or a free agent yet to be signed)
Manager: Jim Leyland
Projected 2013 Finish in AL West: 1. Detroit Tigers 2. Kansas City Royals 3. Cleveland Indians 4. Chicago White Sox 5. Minnesota Twins
Kevin J. Wells writes about Major League Baseball and punk rock music. Follow him on Twitter @WellsOnBaseball
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
