MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Biggest Detroit Tigers X-Factors Heading Into 2015 Season

5 Biggest Detroit Tigers X-Factors Heading Into 2015 Season

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Heading into the 2015 campaign, the Detroit Tigers will be aiming to win their fifth consecutive AL Central crown. However, with the subtractions of starting pitchers Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer, and question marks surrounding the health of sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, some feel that the club has taken a giant leap back. Without further ado, here are five X-factors that could help determine the outcome of the Tigers' season.

5. A Healthy Jose Iglesias

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5. A Healthy Jose Iglesias

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As a result of injuries to his shins, slick-fielding shortstop Jose Iglesias was sidelined for the entire 2014 season, and the Tigers certainly felt his absence. If he can return at full strength, he will improve the team's defense dramatically, and the pitching staff will certainly appreciate his presence. Although he is not necessarily known for his bat, he could also possibly fill the void the Tigers currently have in the No. 2 hole.

4. Continued Success For J.D. Martinez

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4. Continued Success For J.D. Martinez

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In 2014, Houston Astros castoff J.D. Martinez gave the Tigers a pleasant surprise, hitting .315 with 23 homers and a .912 OPS. If he can prove that he was not a one-year wonder and that his 2014 was for real, he could help make the potential losses of Cabrera and V-Mart much easier to absorb. If Martinez can continue to hit the way he did last year, he will truly help anchor the middle of the Tigers' lineup.

3. Joe Nathan Reverting To All-Star Form

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3. Joe Nathan Reverting To All-Star Form

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When the Tigers signed closer Joe Nathan in December of 2013, many fans were ecstatic due to his history of dominance with the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers. However, Nathan ultimately had one of the worst seasons of his career, and the Tigers' bullpen as a whole posted a 4.29 ERA, which ranked 27th in baseball. If there is any way that Nathan can regain his old form, he would give this team a major boost.

2. Anibal Sanchez Avoiding The DL

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2. Anibal Sanchez Avoiding The DL

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Although many are understandably concerned about the Tigers' starting rotation, they could have a secret weapon in Anibal Sanchez. After all, as recently as 2013, Sanchez led the AL in ERA (2.57) and FIP (2.39), earning a fourth place finish in the AL Cy Young voting. To put it simply, he is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game. The key, however, will be for him to stay healthy.

1. Justin Verlander

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1. Justin Verlander

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Although David Price appears poised to become the Tigers' new ace, it will still be imperative for Justin Verlander to pitch better than he did last year. If he could return to being the Verlander of old, he would more than cushion the blow of losing Porcello and Scherzer.

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