MLB Detroit Tigers

Predicting the Detroit Tigers’ 2015 Starting Rotation

Predicting the Detroit Tigers' 2015 Starting Rotation

BAusmus
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Although they may have tough competition in the AL Central next season, the Detroit Tigers can be expected to contend for their fifth consecutive division title. Noticeably absent from this year's starting staff, however, will be longtime staples Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer. Without further ado, here is one way manager Brad Ausmus may choose to line up the horses he still has.

5. Alfredo Simon

ASimon
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

5. Alfredo Simon

ASimonCopy
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Alfredo Simon, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds this offseason, went 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP last season in his first full year as a starter. The 33-year-old's numbers were considerably better in the first half than they were in the second half, however. Simon also has experience pitching out of the bullpen, but unless the Tigers sign James Shields, he appears to be a good candidate to be their No. 5 starter.

4. Shane Greene

SGreene
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Shane Greene

SGreeneCopy
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Greene, who was acquired from the New York Yankees this offseason, made his major league debut last season, going 5-4 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP in 15 appearances (14 starts). He is said to have great stuff, and he might have the makings of a good ground-ball pitcher, which would make the loss of Porcello far easier to absorb.

3. Anibal Sanchez

ASanchez
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Anibal Sanchez

ASanchezCopy
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Since joining the Tigers in the summer of 2012, Anibal Sanchez has been nothing short of fantastic, going 26-19 with a 3.08 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP over that two-and-a-half-year-stretch. After finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting back in 2013, Sanchez was bitten by the injury bug on a couple of occasions last year, but he was still very good when healthy. If Sanchez can rediscover his 2013 form, he could be the best No. 3 in baseball next year.

2. Justin Verlander

JVerlander
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Justin Verlander

JVerlanderCopy
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

While Justin Verlander is indeed coming off of one of the worst seasons of his career, he is still Justin Verlander. Therefore, by reputation alone, he still belongs near the top of the rotation. While some might argue that he has not truly been himself since 2012, he was worth 5.2 fWAR and was absolutely dominant over three postseason starts back in 2013. Look for him to return to All-Star form in 2015.

1. David Price

DPrice
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. David Price

DPriceCopy
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trading deadline last season, the Tigers still have one more year of David Price before he is eligible for free agency. As it stands right now, it appears that Price is the obvious candidate to be the team's new ace going into 2015. Last season, the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner went a combined 15-12 with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He also led MLB in strikeouts and innings pitched.

Share Tweet