Detroit Tigers ALCS/Offseason Preview

Evan Sasiela ‘14

Co-Editor in Chief

It was a tough way to end the season for the Tigers. They fell in the ALCS four games to two to the Boston Red Sox. After taking Game 1 1-0 in Boston on a strong start by Anibal Sanchez, David Ortiz hit a game winning grand slam in the eighth inning in Game 2 off Joaquin Benoit to give the Red Sox a 6-5 win. Game 3 was 1-0 in favor of Boston, on a homer by Mike Napoli and solid pitching from John Lackey, outdueling Justin Verlander. The Tigers took Game 4 7-3 to tie it up at two, but the Red Sox were victorious in Game 5 with a 4-3 win. In Game 6, the Tigers sent Max Scherzer to the hill to try to save the series and force a Game 7 with Justin Verlander on the bump. With the Tigers up 2-1, Red Sox player Shane Victorino hit a grand slam over the Green Monster off Tigers reliever Jose Veras to give the Red Sox the win 5-2, and the series 4-2.

The Tigers head into the offseason with some questions. They return this year’s core next year but they need to address some issues. Manager Jim Leyland has stepped down after eight seasons with the club. Hitting Coach Lloyd McClendon and third base coach Tom Brookens are candidates to replace him in-house. Outside, Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach has interviewed, and other candidates include Dusty Baker, Charlie Manuel, and Brad Ausmus, among others. The Tigers may look to extend star slugger Miguel Cabrera’s contract, as well as Max Scherzer’s. Scherzer, the potential AL Cy Young award winner, will enter the last year on his contract in 2014 and will look for a pay raise. It is possible that the Tigers could trade him in order to acquire talent in other areas. Jhonny Peralta will be a free agent, as well as Omar Infante. Infante will probably be resigned, while Peralta was replaced by Jose Iglesias at shortstop and may not be back. Another position of need will be in left field. Andy Dirks, Matt Tuiasosopo, and Don Kelly struggled there this year. Top prospect Nick Castellanos may not be ready for the majors full time yet. The Tigers may look to fill that spot by signing Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury, and Cincinnati’s Shin Soo-Choo, both whom can replace Austin Jackson at the top of the lineup. The bullpen needs an upgrade as well. Joaquin Benoit is a free agent and it is unclear whether the Tigers will bring him back. Former Tiger Fernando Rodney and A’s closer Grant Balfour are the top relievers that are available. Overall, the Tigers will need a lot of work this offseason if they want to make another World Series push in 2014. Go Tigers!

 

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