Giving Motown the silent treatment

So now that my college basketball season is over (Duke lost), I thought I’d turn my thoughts over to the next sport: baseball. But instead of revisiting the three major issues that have choked the entire offseason–namely steroids, barry bonds’s knee, and randy johnson’s haircut–there is a much quieter, underappreciated story line to look out for throughout the coming months.

I give you, Detroit baseball 2005.Softly and slowly, but surely, they have marketed themselves into a true contender in the AL Central. After coming one loss shy of tying the modern record in 2003 (43-119), the Tigers revamped the next years as much as any small market team will allow. The acquisition of catcher Pudge Rodriguez was the best offseason move by any team save the Sox signing of Schilling, and Carlos Guillen had a career year batting .318 at shortstop.

Not only that, but manager Alan Trammel instilled a philosophy of pride and honor into Detroit. Fans came back. Wins came back. Detroit, in just one years time, has done a complete 180 degree turn, and they’re no joke anymore. One initial comparison: the ’69 Miracle Mets. So where the heck is all the national attention?

Here’s a look at the projected opening day lineup:

C – Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. His numbers last year say enough: .334, 19, 86 in 135 games. This while managing a rotation that included just one starter over the age of 26. But don’t think he just had a breakout year. Pudge has been sort of out of the limelight the past few years since his MVP days with Texas. Still, his averages over the three years prior to 2004 were .315, 18, 77, and he’s got a World Series ring to boot. Hands down, he’s the best player at the most important position in baseball.

1B – Carlos Pena is a young talent who I think could have a breakout year. He’s only 26 and was one of the most highly touted prospects in the Texas farm system just a few years ago. 27 home runs last year and 82 RBI were a little diminished by his 146 K and .241 average, but look for those to improve. Otherwise, he should be considered in the top three AL defensive first basemen.

2B – At just 22 years old, Omar Infante is a promising young infielder, with speed and poise. His 13 SBs should rise, his .264 average should rise. He is a potential 20-20 man even in spacious Comerica Park.

SS – With all the hype and attention turned toward Tejada, Jeter, and Nomar (till July), Carlos Guillen’s 2004 campaign could be considered among the top tiers of shortstops in the AL, and you probably didn’t even know it. His numbers: .318. 20, 97, 97 runs, 12 SBs–a solid fantasy line. Will he have the same success again? Probably not. But last year he was a number 3 hitter in the lineup and depended upon to produce. This year is not the same case.

3B – Brandon Inge will be playing mostly over there, a converted catcher. Not much I can see from him, but, hey, hes an upgrade from Dean Palmer.

OF – Newly acquired Magglio Ordonez, Rondell White, and Craig Monroe. Ordonez is an AL fixture on the leaderboard for offensive production, and hes just ready to hit his prime at age 31. So he was injured in 2004…hes healthy now. Hes almost a lock for .300, 30, 100, 100 runs.

Rondell White is a wildcard but hes feeling good this spring. He batted a respectable .270 last season with 19 hrs, but now that hes got some protection (and health) he is certainly capable of hitting for average and power, even at 33.

Craig Monroe is the other outfielder no ones heard about. He did however bat .293, 18, 72 and has one of the best arms in the AL.

DH – As far as DHs go, Dmitri Young is solid as they come. Despite missing the first two months of last season, “Da-meat-hook” did hit 18 HRs and 60 RBI while batting .272. His 72 runs scored in only 104 games are also impressive. He can be expected to hit .300 and drive in close to 100 RBI, and can play first, third, or OF if needed.

SP – A young rotation features three very underrated arms: Mike Maroth, Jeremy Bonderman, and Nate Robertson. Maroth bounced back from a 20-loss season to a respectable 11-13 run. You can’t expect 15 wins from him, but he’s a lefty and can throw for 200 innings.

Jeremy Bonderman can win 15 games and might be this year’s Oliver Perez. He struck out 168 in just 184 innings last year with two complete game shutouts. Hes only 22 and is a big boy at 226 pounds. He could have a breakout year and be the team’s number one.

Robertson is the only starter to finish over .500 at 12-10. He also averaged 7.69 K per nine innings, just the 4th lefty in Tigers history to average more than 7. He started off hot last year but finished poorly–if he can improve his stamina for an entire season he could win 15+.

Also, look for 23-yr-old Wilfredo Ledezma to have a solid sophomore season as a number 4 or 5 starter.

RP – The bullpen is the most improved spot on the team, with the offseason acquisition of closer Troy Percival. The combination of Ugeth Urbina and Percival is one of the best late game combos in the AL. Health is an obvious concern for Percival but a new setting may rejuvenate him a bit. If hes on, he’s in the top five of AL closers.

The rest of the bullpen is surprisingly solid. Guys no one has heard about really came through last year and should do the same this year. Jamie Walker (3.20 ERA in 70 games), newly acquired flamethrower Kyle Farnsworth, and two young guns Franklyn German (6’7″ 270 lbs!) and Steve Colyer should see significant time this year.

Up and down this roster, it is solid. No buts about it. They may not have the big names or the hype, but if they work together as a cohesive and consistent unit, I think the Tigers have a real shot at 80-90 wins and an AL Central title, making one of the fastest turnarounds in baseball history. So why the heck is nobody talking about it?