Over the course of the past 10 years, the Tigers have had one of the most lethal lineups in baseball, a consistent ace, and an all-star closer. But, things haven’t panned out for Detroit.
The Tigers currently own a 45-54 record and are in 4th place in the AL Central.
First baseman Miguel Cabrera has .259 average, 12 homers, and 48 RBIs, thus far in 2017. Victor Martinez, 38, is batting .262 with 8 long balls and 42 ribbies. Starting pitcher Justin Verlander has 4.50 ERA.
It’s clear that the Tigers should break up the band and start over with younger players. Unfortunately for Detroit their minor league system isn’t chalk full of highly regarded prospects.
Detroit had a fierce lineup for years. Their front office would make moves left and right to promote winning, but it just backfired immensely.
Just keep in mind all of the good to great players that walked through their clubhouse over the past 8 years: David Price, Prince Fielder, Max Scherzer, Joba Chamberlain, Anibal Sanchez, Joe Nathan, Francisco Rodriguez, Torii Hunter, Jhonny Peralta, Joaquin Benoit, Doug Fister, Drew Smyly, Octavio Dotel, Jose Valverde, Phil Coke, Joel Zumaya, Ryan Perry, Edwin Jackson, Brandon Lyon, Rick Porcello, Fernando Rodney, Bobby Seay, Austin Jackson, Ryan Raburn, Magglio Ordonez, Brandon Inge, Curtis Granderson, and Placido Polanco.
Sure some of these players only had a strong showing in Detroit and had below average careers since then, but the team still had these positive contributions and couldn’t capitalize.
The Tigers used all their resources to acquire high quality talent, but they struggled to produce from the farm system.
Players like Danny Worth, Jacob Turner, and Clete Thomas didn’t take the world by storm and make hay at the big league level.
Detroit’s had to bring in minor leaguers from other teams in order to find some success. Alex Wilson and Michael Fulmer fit that bill.
After missing the playoffs in 2009 and 2010, the Tigers reached the ALCS in 2011 where they fell to Texas. In 2012 they lost to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series (4-0). In the 2013 ALCS, Boston downed Detroit (4-2). The Tigers faced the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Divisional Series 3-0. Detroit missed the postseason in 2015 and 2016.
The Tigers have made the postseason five times since 1990 and it looks as though they’ll miss out on the fall fun this year as well.
Detroit is six games out of the second wild card spot, and they have to climb over six teams in order to claim that spot.
The Tigers have a team ERA of 4.84, which ranks 28th in the MLB; teams are hitting .268 against Detroit’s pitching staff.
Looking at the Tigers and how they are involved in trade rumors this season, it’s hard to not think about what could have been. This team once roamed Comerica Park with every intention of dismantling every team in its path, but their offensive fire power, veteran-led pitching staffs, and aggressive front office couldn’t win a World Series Trophy.
Considering the all-stars Detroit once had and the high expectations that surrounded them, this is the most disappointing franchise over the past 10 years, without a doubt.