MLB Dirt

The Detroit Tigers were rolling just a season ago, winning the American League. Although they were eventually topped by the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, overall it was a solid season for Motor City fans. While many point towards their offense, which is led by Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, the biggest reason why they will contend again in 2013 is because they have the best rotation in baseball.

Justin Verlander headlines a staff full of power arms. The right-hander is pretty much a Cy Young candidate each and every year, and he is right in the middle of his prime seasons. Every strong staff needs that go-to ace, and as anyone who plays fantasy baseball will tell you, he might be the best in the game.

Doug Fister and Max Scherzer will compete for the #2 and #3 spots for Detroit in 2013, and they have #1 type stuff when they are on. Consistency, and the fact that they play for the Tigers, keep them at that level below ace, but both can rack up strikeouts. In fact, Scherzer might be the best strikeout pitcher in the American League when his control is on.

Finally, the reason the Tigers can brag that they have the best rotation in the majors is the fact that they have two of the better end of the rotation guys. Anibal Sanchez is quietly putting together a nice career, and he should be penciled in as the #4 guy. Rick Porcello is a front runner for the #5 spot, and he is still just 23 with a load of potential. If he drops off, Drew Smyly, who threw well in his rookie season last year, could step right in.

With such a balanced attack, it is easy to see why the Tigers are going to be favorites in the American League again. Power pitching is hard to come by, but the Tigers have six capable starters headlined by one true ace.

***This article is a guest post by FanDuel.com

Filed under: Digging Deep - Analysis Tagged: | Anibal Sanchez, Detroit Tigers, Doug Fister, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello