  Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 529 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106 |
Spring training starts today with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp in Lakeland, so it is time for our annual Tiger prediction thread. I feel pretty good about the direction of this team. 2005 was a little disappointing, but I don't think it hurt the overall improvement of the team. My team breakdown: The lineup looks great. With all of the starters coming into camp healthy, there are very few weak spots from top to bottom. The inexperience of Granderson and Logan may leave the team without a solid starter in CF, and I still would like to see Inge put together a solid full season at 3B, but outside of that, the lineup looks great. With a healthy team, and improved coaching, I expect the Tigers to be in the top 5 scoring teams in the league. The defense has been a problem for years, but we should see an improvement here. Guillen and Polonco should be a very good DP combo, and Inge should show some improvement after playing his first full year at 3B. I don't expect the Tigers to be a great defensive team, but they should be respectable. The bullpen is still a little questionable, but Jones should give some stability to the closer spot. I think the effectiveness of the bullpen will be determined by Rodney and German. Both of these guys look to have what it takes, and this is the year for both of them to step up and become solid setup/closer players. I expect the Tigers bullpen to be middle of the pack. We shouldn't see tons of blown saves, but don't expect a 7th inning lead to be an automatic win. The starting pitching is the Tiger's X factor. Barring major injuries, the rotation should be decent. Kenny Rogers will probably get about 15 wins, Moroth will probably get a few less than KR, but we pretty much know what we will see from both of them. We should see a better year from Robertson, considering that he had no run support and pitched much better than his record showed last year, and he also has a full year of starting experience under his belt. The other 2 starters will be the players that make or break this team. Bonderman and Verlander are both touted as future all-stars, and the 2006 season will hinge on how much these guys improve. My prediction is 83-79, with the Tigers fighting the Twins for third place in the AL Central. The Tigers could have a shot at the playoffs if Bonderman and Verlander both have breakout years, but I'm not going to bet on that happening. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 488 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123 |
The coaching change will make a big difference. My gut says the new coaching staff will make the Tigers a much improved defensive team. Hiting I'm not worried about. That will improve from last year. Watch for hitters like Pudge and Young to break out of last year's slump and have great years. I hold out hope, even optimism for our starting rotation. There's a lot of potential there. KR will prove to be a smart addition, especially from the experience angle. My biggest worry is the bullpen. I know Jones is supposed to be the man, but I still can't shake the memory of him blowing a 9th inning save midway through the 2001 season. That would have put the team over .500 and kept a lot of momentum going. Instead the team crashed and burned after that game. I really hope something like that doesn't happen again. But overall, I'm optimistic for this team. I say 10 games over .500 and chasing a wildcard spot. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 432 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 209.69.165.10 |
.500 pretty much gets you a good shot at the playoffs. The Tigers still have to prove they can play without getting injured. Also, the starting rotation, although looking it's best in some time, doesn't look like it can hang with a full schedule. Competitive in the first half, falling off in the second. Same as usual. 75-86. | ||
Ddmoore54 Member Username: Ddmoore54 Post Number: 280 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 69.242.220.249 |
78-83 I feel the central division is too tough this year for them to finally be able to break .500 | ||
Udmphikapbob Member Username: Udmphikapbob Post Number: 101 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 206.81.45.34 |
April's going to be a brutal start, and a tough test of what this team is made of. 4-game set in Texas after opening in KC, they get the White Sox and Indians as the first homestand, then a 9-game west coast swing at Oakland, Seattle, and whatever they're calling the Angels these days. Then they come home to face the Twins. If they can survive that, they'll do well...I'm saying 85 wins. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 900 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
Fearless AL Central prediction for 2006: 1. Chicago 97-65 2. Minnesota 90-72 3. Cleveland 88-74 4. Detroit 78-84 5. Kansas City 50-112 | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 494 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.248.252 |
Is Bonderman healthy? Wondering if he fully recovered from his injury last year. | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 274 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
80-81. 1 rainout game not made up. Someone marking these down?? | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 449 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.120 |
The improved coaching will get them at least 5 more wins, the improved line up will get them 5 wins, and IF the starters continue to develop, another 5 wins. So I say 86-76 with a third place in the Central | ||
Super_d Member Username: Super_d Post Number: 696 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 69.246.119.28 |
One thing is for sure the Tigers always had home field advantage at the Old T'__ but at Comerica Canyon, there is no such monster! The Tigers pitching staff is not as solid as Chicago, Cleveland, or Minnesota in their division, which adds up to more losses than wins.... So with that in mind, optimistically I'll say.... 75-87. super d(motordetroit) | ||
Ltrain Member Username: Ltrain Post Number: 72 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.94.56.43 |
I just ordered my 21 gamer and can't wait for the start of the season. Strengths- Improved clubhouse. Granderson ready to take over CF to solidfy OF. Rogers impact on young staff. Solid closer in Jones. Weaknesses- Plate dicipline. Middle relief. Uncontrollables- Ugly April schedule. Tough division gets even better. Injuries I see them 3rd but over .500. 84-78. I think Minnesota drops below them with Chicago and Cleveland leading the way. | ||
Peanut_breath Member Username: Peanut_breath Post Number: 127 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 66.73.225.162 |
The World Series comes through Detroit in October '06. Prepare yourselves | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3540 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93 |
82-80. Two games over thanks to a deceptively good start, a midseason slump and a fiaml push in August. The fianl push in August comes from Leyland kicking ass all across the team making people show him why he shouldn't tell Dombrowki to trade their sorry asses. | ||
Rustic Member Username: Rustic Post Number: 2057 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 130.132.177.245 |
81 wins (+-2). It will be a dull year which will seem exciting due to underperforming last season. Tigers have a looong road ahead in their division. CHI ain't going anywhere anytime soon, CLE has turned their rapid decline around and MIN seems to overacheive once every 3 years or so. It is gonna take years before the tigers compete for the top spot in their division. In terms of the wildcard, well with NY, BOS, CAL and OAK it is difficult to imagine the second place team from the Central taking the WC unless they win in the mid 90's. DET isn't capable of 95+ wins anytime soon. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 512 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140 |
82-80. In the hunt all year long... | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1201 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94 |
I say that the central DOES NOT live up to expectations. The Indians will be about as good as last year, and Chicago will not be able to keep it up. With some victories in important series, we'll be able to assert ourselves and break some psychological barriers. I think that the Twins will underperform and we'll be left with a lot of parity. 86-76 sounds good to me (and will be good for 4 games behind the champs, the Sox)...it will be fun through the whole season. | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 517 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.212.169.194 |
90 wins. | ||
Chemak Member Username: Chemak Post Number: 48 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 130.101.48.82 |
34 year old Rodriguez, 32 year old Young and Ordonez all beginning the down slope of their careers. Polanco and Guillen at their peak (30). Shelton should improve (26). Inge (29) never had/never will have a peak. I predict either Jones or Rogers is out with injury for a major part of the season. Bullpen is weak to begin with. rotation is unproven. overall - 69 wins. AL central is best division in the game. | ||
Blaw82 Member Username: Blaw82 Post Number: 99 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.146.144.64 |
I'm thinking it might be another rebuilding year for us! I'm just hoping Leland smokes in the dugout like the Leland of old!!! | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 908 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
You have a death wish for Leyland? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 3714 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.223 |
The Tigers WILL LOSE, LOSE, LOSE!!! At least most fans will see a good ball game. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 140 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 206.208.94.60 |
101-61 | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 6767 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.24 |
162-0 or 83-79. I feel it. This year we will break the 500 mark. | ||
Tigers2005 Member Username: Tigers2005 Post Number: 88 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.61.252.136 |
I don't see this team being much better than last years. They will get to 80-76 and lose 6 straight to finish 80-82. But I'll be there, just like I am every year. I can't wait for opening day. April 10 is right around the corner. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1760 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
Anywhere near the .500 mark and I think I'll be happy. They were dancing oh-so close with it last year only to spin out of control and burn as the season wore on. | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 500 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.248.252 |
Well, I have it on pretty good authority that they will land right on the button at 82-82. You don't believe me? < What is my post number!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MTD-crossing a threshold | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 518 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.212.169.194 |
Okay, Deuce... 90 Wins and a Pennant Race. | ||
Xd_brklyn Member Username: Xd_brklyn Post Number: 105 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.247.162.168 |
Under .500 again this year. It will then be 13 straight seasons under the halfway mark...and they will still be the number four sports team in Detroit. (At least when the Lion's lose their fans still get frustrated.) Other fun facts: "In Ilitch's 13 full seasons as owner, his club hasn't climbed back over .500 since his first." from www.baseballamerica.com " At the end of the bitter 2003 season, the Tigers, who had the second most wins in the history of the American League through the 1993 season, and boasted the best winning percentage after the Yankees, had fallen in stature. Once a proud franchise, Detroit saw their all-time winning percentage drop an amazing 12 points in a decade, from .519 to .507, slipping below the red Sox and Indians in the all-time standings." from www.onlineseats.com also from the same source: "Collect your tickets from an on-line ticket vendor to avoid the huge rush for tickets. " | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 506 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.40.89.238 |
Any new thoughts on wins and losses?? I like the infield a lot, hopefully Inge improves his offense a bit - need more from a 3rd Baseman. Outfield could be good if Monroe continues to improve, Maggs doesn't get hurt, Granderson or Logan turns into a starter and the other turns into a good 4th outfielder. Starting pitching I think will be surprisingly good and will turn into a strength. Relief pitching is shaky. Hopefully, out of Jones/Rodney/German/ someone will be a closer. Long relief looks OK. | ||
Czar Member Username: Czar Post Number: 2948 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 129.137.162.44 |
75-87 | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1242 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.220.230.150 |
They should win 80-85 games. They were a 75-79 win team last season and a 5-6 game improvement is not far-fetched. | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 911 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 204.39.224.204 |
Matt_the_deuce yuo mean 81-81 there are not 164 games. I predict 79-83 | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 536 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.248.252 |
Yes, you are correct. 81-81 my bad.  | ||
Llyn Member Username: Llyn Post Number: 1450 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206 |
"162-0 or 83-79. I feel it. This year we will break the 500 mark." lol - clearly you have your finger on the pulse of the team jt1. I say we win more games than lose. I think I'll go with the experts... 83-79. ...but what I really want to know is that sportsnut itsjeff's opinion... | ||
Jqls Member Username: Jqls Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.43.81.255 |
Yes Tigers will break the dreaded 500 mark. I also believe there might be a possibility that they may sneak into the playoffs either this year or next. Just need a little more pitching and some fans. So come on out guys, buy your packages and enjoy a game at one of the nicest stadiums in baseball. | ||
Marcnbyr Member Username: Marcnbyr Post Number: 633 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.13.13 |
80-82 They will have a good year, with marked improvement in all areas. Unfortunately, within what is now the toughest division in baseball it won't be enough. They will still be stuck in 4th place, behind the Indians (who will win division), the White Sox, and the Twins. They will be in the hunt for most of the season, then fall away in late August/early September because of their pitching. I don't see the rotation or Todd Jones lasting a whole year pitching at a contending level (Bonderman and Jones will be OK, maybe Robertson too...I'm worried about Marothe and whoever the 5th starter will be). One caveat though...If their pitching does hold up (read career year for Maroth, breakout by Verlander and consistency from Jones) then they will go 87-75, and finish in 3rd ahead of the Twinkies. All in all, I expect them to be very competitive with improved defense, better hitting fundamentals (moving runners over, driving them in) and smarter baserunning-all due to Jim Leyland's influence. Polanco's stats will come down a bit and end up closer to .300 but still on the plus side. It will be evened out though by a slight rebound from Pudge (.290, 20, 70). They will have one of the top offenses in the AL, but as always the success of the team depends on the pitching staff. | ||
Goat Member Username: Goat Post Number: 8177 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.71.56.18 |
82-80. | ||
River_rat Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 29 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 207.67.146.67 |
75-87. You read it here first. Aging arms will tire in the hot summer. the river rat | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 540 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106 |
Aging arms? Maroth and Robertson are both 28, and Bonderman and Verlander are both 23. The addition of a veteran starter and reliever give the Tigers some much needed experience to an otherwise young pitching staff. If the pitching fades late in the season, it won't be due to the old ages of the pitchers. | ||
Emuhurons Member Username: Emuhurons Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 24.192.22.139 |
81-81 | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1882 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
The only aging arms they have are with Todd Jones & Kenny Rogers. Beyond that all they have are relative youngsters. I think injuries will play a major key as to how the young pitchers will do later in the season. I'm hopeful but they Tigers are possibly playing in one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball now. | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 559 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.40.89.238 |
I saw a prediction on the Fox Sports website - 2nd place in the Central Division! | ||
Chemak Member Username: Chemak Post Number: 51 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 130.101.48.82 |
They are already having injury problems (Young and Monroe). I think that will continue and just kill them all year long... | ||
Norm Member Username: Norm Post Number: 66 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 138.88.225.190 |
They will be no better than last year. ALl the other teams in the Central have improved and the Tigers made few changes to their roster outside of a new manager and Rogers and Jones, both past their prime. | ||
Babycombo Member Username: Babycombo Post Number: 83 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.43.45.252 |
First team in MLB history to go 162-0. | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 89 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
Lucky Buyer's Report: Who has Opening Day Tickets? | ||
Panson Member Username: Panson Post Number: 787 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Panson raises his hand. | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 90 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
Hey Panson, me too, where you at? | ||
Panson Member Username: Panson Post Number: 788 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Row 7, 217 | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 299 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.143.24 |
104-58 | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
138 here. will be best ones yet | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 92 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
congratulations anyway, entrance to the riot is the key | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 901 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
The Tigers will go 12games over .500.That's right, you saw it here first. Will be spending lots of time at the Copa with the boys this year. I am sure they will love it. | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
I sure hope you're right B_m...I always enjoy the optimism in March. We'll see if it's still there in the summertime. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 909 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
While I loved Trammel as a player, he was soft as a manager. Leyland has what it takes to begin a turnaround for a team like the Tigers. The tigers need to implement Integrity, dedication and come to the field with a team attitude. I think that Leyland can motivate the team with these traits and it will make them better. | ||
Rugbyman Member Username: Rugbyman Post Number: 30 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 24.210.104.116 |
83-79. Just having Leyland in the dugout gives us at least 6 wins over last year by keeping Pudge's panties from bunching, plus Rogers inverts Johnson's 8-13 record to give us 5 more. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 457 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 12.2.196.17 |
Predictions from the sports networks: FSN (foxsports): 10th overall, 2nd in AL Central ESPN: 19th overall, no pred. AL Central | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 587 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
I've also got Opening Day tickets. FSN wishful thinking!! ESPN, reality... aww hell, it hasnt started yet, still got the optimism 162-0!! (Message edited by motorcitymayor2026 on March 14, 2006) |
