Here's a fresh sign of how hope blossoms in the first week of spring, even on a 22-degree morning:
A day after our sports guy Joey Yashinsky wagers that "the Tigers will almost certainly" will reach post-season playoffs, longtime Oakland Press columnist Pat Caputo makes a higher bet:
This is a team that should still win 90 games, capture their division and reach the postseason for another shot at the World Series. . . .
The Tigers remain very much a legitimate contender to win the World Series in 2014. . . .
Starting pitching is the obvious strength. Last season, Tigers’ starters pitched deeper into games than any other rotation.
Premature optimism? Foolhardy jinx? Inspiring confidence?
However you see that brash -- or rash -- boldness five days before the opener, here's how Caputo makes his case:
- "It begins with Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander, arguably the best hitter and top starting pitcher of this generation, each in their prime."
- "[Max] Scherzer is the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner and obviously motivated."
- "Anibal Sanchez won the AL ERA crown last season."
- "They have added proven veterans in second baseman Ian Kinsler and bullpen closer Joe Nathan, and much-needed speed in outfielder Rajai Davis."
- "Designated hitter Victor Martinez and right fielder Torii Hunter are still around to provide veteran leadership, and performed well last season."
- "There is a reasonable expectation center fielder Austin Jackson and catcher Alex Avila will rebound after sub-par seasons in 2013."
- "Starting pitchers Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly, and rookie third baseman Nick Castellanos, could very well have breakout seasons. . . . Porcello is now expected to be a 200 innings-plus horse."
Caputo, on the beat since 1984, acknowledges "the Tigers are still lacking left-handed hitting, and their bullpen is mostly a question mark."
But on balance, he sees the glass (with a foamy head?) as more than half-full:
The Tigers are no more flawed than other MLB clubs, and at least they should run the bases much better and be improved defensively. . . .
If the Tigers’ starting pitching is all it should be, it will likely be even better because of the improved fielding."
Stay tuned. Time will tell. Anything can happen. [Your cliché here.]
Earlier at Deadline Detroit:
Yashinsky: Strength of Tigers is Still Firmly In Place, March 25
