Sports Illustrated made an intriguing forecast for the coming season. The magazine has the Tigers winning 93 games and topping the American League Central, but losing in an American League Division Series to the Yankees.
Last year, that would have been a good year for the Tigers, who had never won the AL Central before, and hadn't reached the playoffs since 2006.
But after a 95-win season, ousting the Yankees in the playoffs for the second time in six years and pushing the Rangers in the American League Championship Series - and then signing Prince Fielder to a $214 million contract - it's World Series or bust for the Tigers.
It's an unfair expectation. The playoffs are fickle. The Tigers, for example, were only a big hit or two away by the Yankees of getting knocked out of the ALDS. They could have easily won the ALCS. The Cardinals won the World Series last season. They didn't get into the playoffs until the last day of the season. In the new playoff format, they would have had to win a one-game playoff just to remain in.
Also, Prince Fielder is a better hitter than Victor Martinez, but VMart just fit what the Tigers do perfectly, while it remains to be seen how that works with Fielder, especially with Miguel Cabrera moved to third base.
93 wins and a division title is a good season. But with rank comes responsibility. Will be a fun summer seeing if the Tigers can earn their stripes.