2009 Detroit Tigers

Prediction: 84-78

Catchers: Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird: Underwhelming. They are holding the spot for Dusty Ryan.

1b: Miguel Cabrera: MVP Candidate
2b: Placido Polanco: One of the best in the league
SS: Adam Everett: Massive defensive upgrade over last year
3b: Brandon Inge: Upgrade over last year at this time; won his job back

INF: Ramon Santiago: Can he have another year like last? He was great last year in a reserve role.

LF: Carlos Guillen: Solid offense, but a defensive liability. Skills may be deteriorating.
CF: Curtis Granderson: Might be the team's MVP.
RF: Maggs: Solid. However, he is showing signs of age. Let's hope it does not hit all at once.

OF: Marcus Thames: Solid power off the bench
DH: Gary Sheffield: Horrible year last year. Is he done?

SP: Justin Verlander: Was last year a fluke?
SP: Jeremy Bonderman: Needs to produce this year.
SP: Dontrelle Willis: Last year was a train wreck. Can he rebound?
SP: Armando Galaraga: Please no sophomore slump
SP: Edwin Jackson: Could be a surprise. If he continues to improve.

P: Nate Robertson: Needs to improve like almost the entire staff.

RP: Bobby Seay: The bullpen's MVP last year
RP: Joel Zumaya: Will he return to 2006 form or was he a Mark Fidrych?
RP: Fernando Rodney: Headcase
RP: Brandon Lyon: Which Lyon will show up?

If the pitching returns to form, then the Tigers will contend. However, another year of injuries and implosions and Detroit could lose 90 games. The defense will be vastly improved with Everett and Inge playing the left side for a whole year. However, the outfield might be an adventure. 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger if everything goes well in 2009.