Fansided

MLB: Kris Bryant and the Top 5 stories of the season so far

By Ryan Phillips

Apr 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a RBI double during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a RBI double during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tigers are the Best Team in Baseball

The Detroit Tigers have had as much talent as anyone in recent years, but this season they seem to have put it all together. As David Schoenfield said this week, this year they look less like a collection of talent and more like an actual team. They have started 11-3 and are sitting on top in the American League Central.

Jose Iglesias is a big part of that change, as he has provided outstanding defense at shortstop while hitting (.400). The Tigers have also improved their woeful outfield defense by adding Yoenis Cespedes and Anthony Gose, while also cutting ties with the aging Torii Hunter.

The improved defense is nice, but what will always drive things for the Tigers is offense and starting pitching. Offensively, the Tigers have come through early as the team ranks fifth in baseball in runs (72) and second in batting average (.304), on-base percentage (.368) and slugging percentage (.470).

Meanwhile, J.D Martinez (.281, five home runs, 11 RBI), Miguel Cabrera (.389/.450/.593) and Cespedes (.304, three home runs, 12 RBI) are all off to fast starts.

As for the starting rotation, Sane Greene (3-0, 0.39 ERA) and Alfredo Simon (3-0, 1.74 ERA) have surprised everyone, and David Price (1-0, 0.40 ERA) has been his usual, dominant self. Anibal Sanchez (1-2, 7.71 ERA) and the injured Justin Verlander will be needed if the Tigers want to make a serious run this season, but for now they are doing everything right.

There is no question they have been baseball’s best team so far this season.

Next: Adrian Gonzalez is raking

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