Red Sox at Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are the only team in baseball that can count themselves as overwhelming favorites to win the division based on preseason prognostications. The Boston Red Sox have lesser expectations after disappointing in 2011 and going through some front office upheaval over the winter. After running away with the American League Central in 2011, the Tigers improved themselves in the offseason by signing Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract. The Red Sox were the best team in baseball from the middle of April through Sept. 1 last season before suffering through one of the biggest collapses in baseball history and missing the playoffs.
The Fielder signing pushes Miguel Cabrera back across the infield to third base, weakening the defense behind a rotation that is strong at the top but without a lot of depth. Boston left the core of the roster intact from last season and should once again have one of the most prolific offenses in the league behind MVP candidates Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez. The pitching staff, which is breaking in two new rotation members and is without closer Andrew Bailey following thumb surgery, is a big question mark.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSD (Detroit)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Jon Lester (2011: 15-9, 3.47 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2011: 24-5, 2.40 ERA)
Lester was one of the problems in the September collapse, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP in six starts. The left-hander has never beaten Detroit in his career, going 0-2 with a 5.89 ERA in three outings. Cabrera is 5-for-10 with no strikeouts against Lester.
Verlander is reigning Cy Young and MVP Award winner in the AL. The right-hander posted a 0.92 WHIP and a .192 batting-average against in 2011 while closing the regular season with 12 straight wins. Verlander dominated in two 2011 starts against Boston, allowing three runs in 15 2/3 total innings.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Pedroia is hitting .225 (23-for-102) in 26 career games against the Tigers - his lowest mark vs. any team.
2. The Red Sox took five of six in the series last season.
3. Detroit has not made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 1934 and 1935.