MLB Detroit Tigers

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Rookies To Keep An Eye On

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Rookies To Keep An Eye On

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2015 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers will be aiming to win their fifth consecutive AL Central crown. Even though the Tigers have plenty of established veterans, they may still need a boost of energy from the youngsters in order to reach their goals. Without further ado, here are five Tigers rookies to keep tabs on as spring training gets underway.

5. Angel Nesbitt, RHP

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Angel Nesbitt, RHP

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, it was hardly a secret that the Tigers' bullpen was their Achilles heel. Recently, there has been a considerable amount of buzz surrounding 24-year-old pitching prospect Angel Nesbitt, who went a combined 3-0 with a 1.48 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP while splitting time between Class-A Advanced Lakeland and Double-A Erie. If he could translate some of that success to the big leagues, Nesbitt could be a great weapon out of the Tigers' 'pen.

4. Jordan Lennerton, 1B

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jordan Lennerton, 1B

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

There has been quite a bit of talk regarding the subject of whether or not sluggers Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera will be ready to go on Opening Day. While it now appears that there is reason for optimism, it never hurts to think about plan B. Therefore, one guy to keep an eye on this spring might be Jordan Lennerton. The 29-year-old career minor leaguer had a .362 OBP in 2014 at Triple-A Toledo.

3. Tyler Collins, OF

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Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tyler Collins, OF

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Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder Tyler Collins appeared in 18 games for the Tigers last season, slashing .250/.280/.375 with a homer and four RBIs. He has shown promising power potential in the minor leagues, hitting 21 and 18 home runs over the past two seasons respectively. Collins appears to be in a great position to challenge for the Tigers' fourth outfielder spot in spring training.

2. James McCann, C

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Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

2. James McCann, C

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Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

For quite a while now, Tigers fans have been talking about 24-year-old catcher James McCann. The young backstop slashed .295/.343/.427 with seven homers and 54 RBIs last season at Triple-A Toledo. He also threw out 42 percent of would-be basestealers. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he may potentially be able to take away from incumbent catcher Alex Avila.

1. Steven Moya, OF

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Steven Moya, OF

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

One of the Tigers' most intriguing prospects is outfielder Steven Moya. Last season, the 23-year-old broke out in a big way, slashing .276/.306/.555 with 35 homers and 105 RBIs in Double-A Erie. Although the odds seem to be in favor of him beginning the season in Triple-A Toledo, it will be interesting to see if he can change that by putting his prodigious power on display in the weeks ahead.

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