Systemax302
Forum Member
Well in the spirit of the 2013 College Basketball Thread and 2013 College Football Megathread I've decided its only right to start a 2013 Tigers thread being that pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training in Lakeland today.
I think without a doubt we have the strongest starting rotation in the AL, probably all of baseball if Scherzer and Sanchez can perform at the same level they did last year. I also expect Smyly to get the 5th spot in the rotation, gotta have at least one lefty in your rotation in my opinion. I'm very excited to see the kid Rondon pitch and hopefully at some point this season take over the closers role if he's ready and able to handle the pressure. All I've heard is glowing reports about Rondon's power fastball (99-102) and above average secondary pitches. Lord knows we don't need another closer throwing one pitch like Valverde did pretty much all season.
I also can't wait to see our lineup and the kind of run production we're gonna get this season with the addition of Torii Hunter and of course having Victor back in the DH spot behind Prince. Hunter's addition to the team will also give us one of the best outfields in the league. Jackson in center, Torii in right, and I assume a combination of Dirks, Garcia, and maybe even Castellanos can get into the lineup this year and play some outfield as well. Talk about covering some ground, nothing is gonna be dropping in that outfield unless its hit like a rocket, even in Comerica. I don't really know where/how/if Berry will fit into the lineup this season, especially if Castellanos has a strong showing in Spring Training.
Only thing I wish we could improve upon at this point is the lack of speed in our infield. Miggy and Prince are obviously slow at the corners, Infante is a solid player, but with average speed at best at 2nd base, and Peralta isn't going to make any ranging plays at short either. I really wish we could get a faster SS who can cover some ground to help out Miguel and maybe make a play behind 2nd base once in a while.
Well that's all I've got for now, I know its a little early for some to talk baseball, but I'm a sports junkie and a HUGE Tigers fan, can't wait for the season to start so I can take in some games down at Comerica again.
Well thanks for reading, I'm just dying to talk some Tigers as you can see. Feel free to join in the discussion and offer up your thoughts or predictions for the season, I know there's gotta be some other Tiger fiends out there besides myself. :icon_bigg
I think without a doubt we have the strongest starting rotation in the AL, probably all of baseball if Scherzer and Sanchez can perform at the same level they did last year. I also expect Smyly to get the 5th spot in the rotation, gotta have at least one lefty in your rotation in my opinion. I'm very excited to see the kid Rondon pitch and hopefully at some point this season take over the closers role if he's ready and able to handle the pressure. All I've heard is glowing reports about Rondon's power fastball (99-102) and above average secondary pitches. Lord knows we don't need another closer throwing one pitch like Valverde did pretty much all season.
I also can't wait to see our lineup and the kind of run production we're gonna get this season with the addition of Torii Hunter and of course having Victor back in the DH spot behind Prince. Hunter's addition to the team will also give us one of the best outfields in the league. Jackson in center, Torii in right, and I assume a combination of Dirks, Garcia, and maybe even Castellanos can get into the lineup this year and play some outfield as well. Talk about covering some ground, nothing is gonna be dropping in that outfield unless its hit like a rocket, even in Comerica. I don't really know where/how/if Berry will fit into the lineup this season, especially if Castellanos has a strong showing in Spring Training.
Only thing I wish we could improve upon at this point is the lack of speed in our infield. Miggy and Prince are obviously slow at the corners, Infante is a solid player, but with average speed at best at 2nd base, and Peralta isn't going to make any ranging plays at short either. I really wish we could get a faster SS who can cover some ground to help out Miguel and maybe make a play behind 2nd base once in a while.
Well that's all I've got for now, I know its a little early for some to talk baseball, but I'm a sports junkie and a HUGE Tigers fan, can't wait for the season to start so I can take in some games down at Comerica again.
Well thanks for reading, I'm just dying to talk some Tigers as you can see. Feel free to join in the discussion and offer up your thoughts or predictions for the season, I know there's gotta be some other Tiger fiends out there besides myself. :icon_bigg
