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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1d95c9da592ded892398390216193e0be6c3aa95243e7f5f9320309e754aef7e.jpg)
Centerfield Surprises
With Maybin gone, the Detroit Tigers have no clue who their starting centerfielder will be on April 3 in Chicago. No clue. Let that sink in for a moment. NO. CLUE.
It could be prospect JaCoby Jones, who showed a fleeting amount of excitement in a limited role last year. Perhaps newcomer Mikie Mahtook, Tyler Collins, or even (gulp) Anthony Gose will grab the job. None of these names seem to provide comfort while taking command of the expansive Comerica Park centerfield for 81 games.
The last time the Tigers went into a season without a clear idea about who would patrol centerfield was 2005. Nook Logan won the job out of Lakeland, but Curtis Granderson began to receive more playing time later in the year. Logan was gone by Opening Day 2006, with Grandy serving as the starting centerfielder.
Perhaps a player will emerge from this year’s field like Granderson did a decade ago. If so, the Tigers might be in decent shape.