Tigers hope to finish in Central race in 2011

By Bud L. Ellis

For four months last season, the Detroit Tigers set the pace in the American League Central before running out of gas and succumbing to a rash of injuries in the final two months.

The Tigers start 2011 as a big player in the wide-open Central race. The Tigers finished 81-81 a season ago, ending up in third place 13 games behind division winner Minnesota.

Detroit signed catcher/DH Victor Martinez to bolster an offense that features power-hitting first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Right fielder Magglio Ordonez is back to offer lineup protection for Cabrera, and Martinez should hit somewhere in the middle of the lineup as well.

The Tigers have the pitching to contend. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello anchor a strong starting rotation. Jose Valverde returns after saving 26 games for the Tigers a year ago.

Detroit opens the season Thursday at New York against the Yankees. The home opener is April 8 against Kansas City.

—30—

Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:58 pm by bud

Tags: detroit tigers news, detroit tigers schedule, detroit tigers tickets, Jose Valverde, Justin Verlander, Kansas City Royals, magglio ordonez, Major League Baseball, Max Scherzer, Miguel Cabrera, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Rick Porcello, Victor Martinez