Despite lackluster seasons from Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, massive struggles in the bullpen, the trade of Doug Fister and the best Royals season in nearly three decades, the Tigers have finally clinched the AL Central with a 3-0 victory over the Twins Sunday at Comerica Park. It marks Detroit's fourth consecutive division title.
Tigers clinch AL Central for 4th straight year
The Tigers have finally broken free from the grip of Kansas City, and clinched the AL Central following a 3-0 win over the Twins.
Duane Burleson
The Tigers will face the AL East-winning Orioles at Camden Yards.
Of course, it didn't hurt the Tigers' playoff aspirations that, for Cabrera a "lackluster" season still consists of 25 home runs and a .315 batting average. But the real star of Detroit's powerful offense -- which carried a mediocre pitching staff and troubled bullpen to the playoffs by scoring the second-most runs in the American League -- was Victor Martinez. If not for Mike Trout -- and perhaps Cabrera's two controversial MVP victories over him -- or the fact he spent most of the season as the Tigers' designated hitter, Martinez would likely be the frontrunner for the AL MVP with a career-best year in a career filled with years other players only dream about. His 32 home runs, .336 batting average and .409 on-base percentage ranked as his best in each category.
The Tigers' pitching has been nothing short of a disappointment to all observers. The rotation was ranked among the best three in baseball entering the year. Offseason surgery to his core muscles has left Justin Verlander throwing his worst since 2008. Anibal Sanchez landed on the disabled list twice and has not made an appearance in the rotation since early August. David Price, acquired on July 31 for starter Drew Smyly, had a 3-4 record and 3.97 ERA entering his start on Sunday. That left reigning Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to carry the water, which he did well by leading the Tigers in each of the triple crown statistics. Meanwhile the bullpen has been a challenge all year, with closer Joe Nathan's ninth-inning role constantly hanging by a shoestring among pleas from fans and columnists alike to replace him.
See More:
