MLB: Key to success for all 30 teams heading into 2015
By Robby Sabo
Detroit Tigers
- 2014 Finish: 90-72, 1st in AL Central, Lost in ALDS
- 2015 Key to Success: David Price needs to meet ace expectations
With Max Scherzer gone to the Beltway, 2014 in-season acquisition David Price is now the leading man in Detroit.
It’s over for Justin Verlander. Not over in the sense that he needs to retire, but over as it relates to the sentiment of boasting ace stuff.
Verlander over the last 4 Seasons:
- 2011: 251 IP, 24 W, 2.40 ERA, 250 K
- 2012: 238.1 IP, 17 W, 2.64 ERA, 239 K
- 2013: 218.1 IP, 13 W, 3.64 ERA, 217 K
- 2014: 206 IP, 15 W, 4.54 ERA, 159 K
The decline is real.
At 32-years old and an impressive 1,978 career innings pitched under his belt, Brad Ausmus simply cannot rely upon Verlander as anything more than a number three guy. His velocity is down and for such a guy who relied on power stuff, it means everything.
While Anibal Sanchez was nice surprise in 2014, Price will be leaned on heavily.
Nobody can doubt Miguel Cabrera until we actually witness a struggle. With newcomer Yoenis Cespedes, Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez and the surprising J.D. Martinez, the lineup has wiggle room for a disappointment here or there.
Detroit’s success or failures in 2015 will come down to Price anchoring a staff that desperately needs a him to be the top dog. If he can’t win at least 15-games and showcase an ERA sub-3, then Detroit will be scrambling to figure out the pitching staff.
Next: Texas Rangers