The Tigers are preparing to face the Yankees in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, and while they haven't yet released their official playoff roster, they have given away three-quarters of their ALDS rotation. Hold on to something, because these names might surprise you:
Detroit Tigers (Mostly) Set ALDS Rotation
Justin Verlander
Doug Fister
Max Scherzer
Sure enough, the Tigers' best three starters will start the first three games, in order of season performance. Verlander will oppose CC Sabathia in what could turn out to be an incredible Game 1, and then behind him, Jim Leyland will turn to Doug Fister's late-onset Cliff Lee-ness, and then Max Scherzer's considerable strikeout rate. Given that the Yankees will be down to Freddy Garcia by the time Game 3 rolls around, the Tigers have to be feeling pretty good.
It's currently unknown whether a potential Game 4 start would go to Brad Penny or Rick Porcello. Penny was bad this season while Porcello was less bad, so that seems pretty obvious to me. Leyland has already said that Verlander will not pitch on short rest.
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