Below are player projections for the most and least valuable of fantasy commodity on their teams. Projections are based on a 5×5 format in a standard ten-player league.
Part 9 of 30: Detroit Tigers
With the addition of Prince Fielder, the Tigers become heavy favorites to win the AL Central. For the Tigers not to have the division wrapped up by mid-September would be shocking. They hit, have a complete starting pitching staff led by Justin Verlander, and can close out games. There are few holes in their overall roster.
Projected Roto MVP: Miguel Cabrera (2011 fantasy line: .344/30/105/111/2)
Within a few weeks of the season opener, Miguel Cabrera will qualify at 3B as well as 1B. This adds tremendous flexibility for fantasy owners. The fact he is one of the best hitters in the game isn’t all that bad either. Plus, he will have Prince Fielder hitting behind him now. While batting .344 again may be a stretch, consider him a viable candidate for a .320/36/111/121/1 line.
Projected Roto Flop: Rick Porcello (2011 fantasy line: 14/4.75/104/1.41)
Rick Porcello is an awesome example of a player who is much more valuable in ‘real life’ than in fantasy circles. He won 14 games but he struck out only 104 in 182 IP last season. His ERA was also a disappointing 4.75. He should continue to be an innings eater for Detroit but will disappoint in any fantasy format.
Projected Roto Surprise: Doug Fister (2011 fantasy line: 11/2.83/146/1.06)
Doug Fister was outstanding after the Mariners dealt him to the Tigers, posting 8/1.79/57/0.84 line in 11 starts (70.1 IP). As a member of the Tigers the league hit just .206 against him. Many will forget his awesome finish for the 2011, but you shouldn’t. Fister is a legitimate major league pitcher who does a little bit of everything well. Look for the win total to increase but temper expectations for a repeat of the WHIP and ERA.
Top Roto Prospect: Andy Oliver (2011 fantasy line: N/A)
Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner will be given every chance to secure the fifth spot in the Tigers starting rotation. The big lefty, Oliver, packs a fiery fastball but his minor league career has been mired with wildness. Nonetheless, it would be disappointing if he didn’t break camp with the team.
Notes: Austin Jackson will not be an elite leadoff hitter unless he can manage to strikeout considerably less than the 181 times he did last year…Delmon Young will be more comfortable in Detroit than Minnesota and should be a candidate to ‘bump-up’ on the fantasy draft sheet…At 27 years of age, Max Scherzer could represent a fantasy steal…Striking out almost once in everything official three ABs greatly diminishes the value of Ryan Raburn regardless of the positions he qualifies for.
Sources: Yahoo! Sports
Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A life-long baseball fan and twenty year fantasy veteran, he lives with his family in Glen Mills, Pa. Robert is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.
Additional Yahoo! contributions by this writer:
A Fan’s Fantasy Baseball Take: Johan Santana Has Entered the Building
Embrace Curtis Granderson: A Fan’s Take in Fantasy Baseball 2012
With Casey McGehee Signed, the Battle for the Pirates Third Base Job Commences: A Fan’s Take