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5 Ways for Detroit Tigers to Win AL Central in 2017

By Matt Pelc

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers
MLB: Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers /

Limited Usage of Pelfrey & Sanchez

Some fans hoped the Detroit Tigers would be buyers this off-season. Another faction hoped they’d sell to gear up for the future. These two camps didn’t agree on much except that they did not want to see Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez pitch another inning in the old English D uniform.

So, it doesn’t breed much confidence that not only is the duo still on the team, they’ll each be competing for a rotation spot. Pelfrey was rocked during stints in the rotation and bullpen. Sanchez never had a monthly ERA under 4, and will be 33 this year. For the Tigers to be in contention this year, these two cannot be counted on.

The top of the rotation is certain to be Verlander, Zimmermann, and reigning rookie of the year, Michael Fulmer. The final two will likely be Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd, who each pitched very well down the stretch on a rotation ravished by injuries and ineffectiveness.

Waiting in the wings behind these five will be Shane Greene (who pitched better out of the bullpen in 2016), Buck Farmer, and Warwick Saupold.

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