Unless the Mayans were correct in predicting the end of the world in just five days, there will be another baseball season in 2013. For this reason, the Tigers organization can use their poor World Series performance as motivation to set the stage for next season. Tigers need to eat, and fortunately, these Tigers are hungry. Not only is Detroit's roster inspired to improve upon last season, but it is also stacked with star power...even more so than last year's team. The Tigers are re-amped and reloaded. Letting Delmon Young go marks the team's only significant loss to a position player. The Tiger's additions to their roster arguably make this loss go unnoticed and negligible. The biggest plus: Victor Martinez. Martinez missed all of last season due to an ACL tear, but the team reports that V-Mart, a career .303 hitter, is back and ready to go. The part-time designated hitter, part-time catcher hopes to build off of what he did in 2011, where he batted .330 (good for fourth best in the American League) and had the best year of his career. The infusion of his bat into the lineup should add power, average, and confidence to a Detroit team that was already steadfast in all such areas. Martinez's name in the lineup makes the Tigers batting order great on paper. Tori Hunter's addition into the lineup, moreover, makes the Tigers lineup appear dominant on paper.
Four time all-star Tori Hunter is coming off an impressive season, in which he batted .313 and hit 16 dingers over the fences of various MLB ball parks. He should find success at the number two hole for Detroit, batting behind Austin Jackson and in front of American League MVP and triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Nevertheless, It is not simply his bat that will make a difference, but his intangibles as well. Now at age 37, all Tori wants to do is win. Therefore, his teammates and his fans can expect him to do the little things. He first made a name for himself by his defensive prowess in the outfield, where he's been known to make leaping catches over the fence, complete highlight diving grabs, and even gun people down. His defense is consistent. He brings the necessary effort and mindset on a daily basis. Always doing the little things, he is also an excellent base runner and is still very capable of stealing bases. His skill set, attention to detail, and veteran leadership should be embraced by Tiger fans. His presence alone makes the Tigers roster excitingly dangerous.If the Tigers don't limit themselves to playing on paper, and instead bring it every day on the field, they should be making a return trip to the World Series. Their potent lineup will most likely be granted a great deal of help. Verlander leads a staff that is eager to continue their recent success. Fister, Scherzer, and recently signed Sanchez are also all capable of being top tier pitchers in this league. They have definitely given manager Jim Leyland confidence. Detroit has both the offense and the imperative defense to make a return trip to the big stage. Perhaps this is the year they get over the hump for the first time since 1984. Perhaps this is the year the Tigers restore the roar in the D.
