The Detroit Tigers have left a sour taste in the mouth after being swept in the World Series by the San Francisco Giants. Many minor changes are going to be made, but there will be some changes that need to happen if the Tigers hope to not only the reach the World Series, but win it. Some moves have already been made, so I will break them down as well.
Coaching staff: The entire coaching staff remains intact after Jim Leyland re-signs for one more year. Hitting coach Lloyd McClendon also returns after interviewing for the managerial position with the Miami Marlins. McClendon is a key coach for the Tigers to retain because of the work he did to improve Austin Jackson at the plate, improving the centerfielder's batting average by about 100 point. He will be the key in the further development of players such as Quentin Berry, Andy Dirks and Alex Avila.
Starting pitching: The starting rotation is pretty well set, other than the Tigers should re-sign Anibal Sanchez. There is a small hole on the fifth spot in the rotation. Either the Tigers will open up a position like they did last year for the fifth role between Rick Porcello, Drew Smyly and Casey Crosby. If not, it wouldn't hurt to take a look at several free agent starters such as Zack Greinke or Dallas Braden. Or, look to trade for others such as Dan Haren or David Price. A trade for David Price is more or less a pipe dream of mine, but it sure would be nice wouldn't it?
Infielders: Clearly the weakness in terms of defense. I disagree with the Tigers picking up the club option on short stop Jhonny Peralta. With Miguel Cabrera being put at third base, that leaves a very weak left side of the infield with the combination of Cabrera and Peralta, who aren't the fleetest of foot on the hot corner. I would like to see the Tigers sign short stop Stephen Drew away from Oakland, but with Detroit picking up the option on Peralta, that idea is more than likely eliminated. Fans will have to deal with Prince Fielder bumbling around first base for a couple more years until they convert him to the designated hitter. Omar Infante stabilized the second base position, but didn't fix the issues. He will very well be the starter come spring training, but the Tigers should sign another second baseman to push him and become depth. Placido Polanco is available, and although he is 37, the second base position has been hurting since he left in 2010.
Outfielders: Is a position of strength, even though there is now a search for another corner outfielder after letting Delmon Young go and the possibility of Brennan Boesch not returning. Delmon Young's release is another early move I disagree with, because it wouldn't hurt to give him one more year and put him in left field with his playoff resume the last two seasons in Detroit. Sure his defense isn't the greatest, but unlike the infield, there is talent on defense in the outfield with Austin Jackson and Andy Dirks. But now that Young is gone and perhaps Boesch as well. Josh Hamilton is the first name that comes to many people's eyes, but he is too expensive (thank Prince Fielder's contract for that one) and it is very unlikely the Tigers would win a bidding war with the Rangers and the Yankees for Hamilton's services. Maybe Ichiro? Highly unlikely because of his age and I see him going back to Seattle among others. Keep an eye on names such as B.J. Upton, Shane Victorino, Nick Swisher and Torii Hunter. Even though both Upton and Victorino are centerfielders, they could move to left field with Austin Jackson patrolling center.
Bullpen: The bullpen will remain intact from last year with the exception of a closer. Jose Valverde was shown the door after following his stellar 2011 performance with a poor 2012. Names to keep an eye on are Rapheal Soriano, who recorded 42 saves for the Yankees last season midseason, along with other names such as Jonathan Broxton, Ryan Madson and Brett Myers. If Drew Smyly does make the rotation, the Tigers should also bring in a left handed reliever to go with Phil Coke.
No telling on whether the Tigers take any of these routes, but each seems fair in accordance to their needs and the markets for these free agents.
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