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| Detroit Tigers |
General Manager Dave Dombrowski was active this off-season adding catcher Victor Martinez to add additional offensive power, and veteran pitcher Brad Penny to add depth to the team's starting rotation.
The biggest question surrounding the club is the mental health of Miguel Cabrera, who was arrested this off-season in a high-profile DUI case. Cabrera has dealt with alcoholism and substance abuse in the past and his ability to deal with his issues are paramount to the success of the team.
On the field, Miguel Cabrera has been a model of consistency, driving in an average of 120 runs while hitting 34 home runs with an excellent .313 batting average over his seven year career. Unfortunately, the young slugger appears to be inconsistent in his personal life as he deals with substance abuse issues off the field.
As fantasy owners draft their teams this spring, Cabrera's off-field issues should be taken into consideration. From a pure talent and production stance, Cabrera is the second best player on our Kramerica Sports 2011 Fantasy Baseball Top 200 rankings, however his personal issues may warrant a reduction in value as it is unclear how he will respond to adversity.
Newly acquired catcher Victor Martinez is the second ranked Tiger on our big board, coming in at 35th overall and second on our list of catchers. The switch hitting Martinez has a .300 batting average over his nine year career while averaging 103 RBI's and 21 home runs per season.
Martinez will likely struggle to hit twenty home runs in the pitcher-friendly Comerica Park, however he will be afforded numerous RBI opportunities hitting after Miguel Cabrera in the Tiger line-up.
With 17 or more wins in four out of the past five years, Justin Verlander is an excellent number one starting pitcher in both AL only and mixed leagues. In addition to a solid win average, Verlander has surpassed the 200 strikeout plateau in each of the past four years.
Austin Jackson had an excellent rookie season in 2010, batting .293 with 27 stolen bases and 103 on his way to placing second in the rookie of the year voting. Jackson's solid season has fortified his role as the team's leadoff man and starting centerfielder, making him a nice late round value this spring.
Look for Jackson to build on his solid rookie campaign, as the addition of Victor Martinez should give Jackson even more opportunities to score runs this season. At 202 overall on our top 200 rankings, Jackson is one of the best late round values in all of fantasy baseball.
Sources: http://www.athbaseball.com
