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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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May 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Continued Youth Development

Going hand-in-hand with limited veteran regression, for the Detroit Tigers to succeed in 2017, the youth has to continue to get better.

Fulmer has to avoid a sophomore slump. Norris and Boyd, while they shined at the end of the year, need to be more consistent and put together full, successful campaigns.

Aside from Fulmer’s amazing season, the Tiger that was most surprising was Nick Castellanos. He improved at the plate and defensively, and began living up to his lofty expectations. Injury cut Castellanos’ promising season short, missing nearly all of August and September. Had he been on the club during that time, perhaps they just get into the playoffs instead of being just out.

While not really “young” by baseball sense, 27-year-old Jose Iglesias needs to step up. The shortstop has yet to play a full-season in his four seasons in Detroit, missing extensive time to injury each year. Last year saw some regression at the plate and in the field. That must be reversed in 2017.

Next: Time for Tigers To Begin Retiring Numbers

So, as you can see, a lot–A LOT–has to go right for the Tigers to win in 2017. But, as we’ve seen with other teams, a little health, a little luck, and who knows how far you can go.

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