Detroit Tigers Tickets

Detroit Tigers 2011 Season Preview The Detroit Tigers added a big bat in the offseason and re-signed another in hopes of once again being a serious contender in the American League Central.

The Tigers, along with the Orioles, were the most aggressive teams in pursuing catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez. The veteran ultimately decided on the Tigers, taking less money to play for the more competitive team.

He gives the Tigers the flexibility to use him at catcher but also put him at first base, giving his knees a rest and Miguel Cabrera some time off in the field.

The team also managed to re-sign Magglio Ordonez, something they didn't think would happen earlier in the offseason. Ordonez played well last year despite a season-ending injury.

The starting rotation is lead by Justin Verlander, one of the most feared right-handed pitchers in the game. The staff gets a little shaky after that, which is where the other two top division rivals have an advantage over the Tigers.

The Tigers will be among the threesome (Minnesota and Chicago) that seems to battle for the division crown right down to the final week almost every season. They came up short last year, and it might be more of the same in 2011.