Name That Team: The Detroit Tigers

Welcome to part three of the 30 part series in which I will preview all 28 Major League teams, as well as the Royals and the Nationals. Last year the Detroit Tigers surprised everyone, including me, and jumped out to the best record in baseball early on. They never really slowed down and ended up winning the wild card and advancing to the World Series, primarily on the strength of their pitching.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, those arms, many of which were young and relatively inexperienced, got tired down the stretch and into the playoffs. The only starter not in his twenties is ageless wonder and probable cheater (Dirtgate anyone?) Kenny Rogers, who managed to win 17 games last year and avoid attacking any cameramen. Rogers won the only World Series game for Detroit (game 2), who then dropped 3 straight in St. Louis to give the Cardinals their first World Series title in 20 years.

With the postseason experience under their belt, this young rotation will only get better. Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander (2006 AL Rookie of the Year) both look like aces, and they will being the season as the 2 and 3 starters, respectively, behind Rogers.

The line up, while not as good as the rotation, is certainly good enough, as it returns all eight field players from 2006. The only change is an improvement, which is the addition of Gary Sheffield as the new designated hitter. Sheff admitted to being a cheater in the BALCO scandal, but this is baseball and matters like that are clearly trivial. He's pissed off at the Yankees for trading him and he is determined to prove he still has something left, so look for a big year out of him.

The rest of the line up features solid hitters like Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen, both of whom played very well last year. Jim Leyland is one of the best managers around and will keep this team on top of the very competitive AL Central. This team might even win it all. Over-Under on wins: 97.