Inside the division
Scouts’ report from scouts who requested anonymity for competitive reasons.
1. Detroit Tigers
-Season story lines: Manager Jim Leyland is tired of all the questions about Miguel Cabrera’s ability to play third base. Can the big guy put the matter to bed once and for all, and will defense at the infield corners matter if Cabrera and newcomer Prince Fielder produce the way they are capable at the plate? Is there any chance AL MVP Justin Verlander and right-hander Doug Fister can pitch any better for the Tigers than they did in 2011? Austin Jackson provides excellent defense in center, but the Tigers are hoping for fewer strikeouts. What becomes of rookie Jacob Turner and his quest to earn promotion to the major league rotation? Can the hard-throwing veterans at the back of the bullpen — Octavio Dotel, Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde — stay healthy and sharp?
-Season stat: 351. That’s how many times outfielder Austin Jackson struck out in his first two major league seasons (not counting 19 more in 41 postseason at-bats in 2011), and that’s not a good number for Detroit’s supposed leadoff hitter. Jackson led the league with 170 strikeouts as a rookie and finished second (to the Baltimore Orioles’ Mark Reynolds) with 181 last season. Jackson has always struck out a lot (522 times in 565 minor league games). The Tigers desperately want to capitalize on his speed (49 steals, 21 triples in his first two seasons) but also want more than a .317 on-base percentage at the top of the order.
2. Cleveland Indians
-Season story lines: With another year of experience and better health, might the Indians be equipped to challenge for a playoff spot, or are they relying too much on pitchers who are past their prime? Was right fielder Shin-soo Choo’s injury-plagued 2011 season an aberration or a sign he’s on the downside of his career? At the end of spring training, the Indians were still seeking another big bat for their outfield. Asdrubal Cabrera is a human highlight film and hits with power to boot. Will he become recognized as the best allaround shortstop in the American League?
-Season stat: Fifteen proved a recurring number for the 2011 Indians. Cleveland opened a seven-game division lead when it moved 15 games over .500 with a 30-15 start. But at season’s end, the Indians finished 15 games behind the Detroit Tigers. One reason was the struggles of pitcher Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona), who was 19-8 in 2007, won 13 games in 2010 but lost 15 games (7-15) last season. Difficulties on the mound led the Indians to use 15 pitchers in relief.