All-Acquired Factor
Highly regarded defensive center fielder Leonys Martin was the only newly added member of the Tigers starting lineup, and he's by no means a long-term piece, as his one-year deal demonstrates. Best case scenario, he'll provide some useful at-bats, high-quality glovework, and serve as a mentor to some of the team's younger players, such as Rule 5 picks Victor Reyes, who, given Detroit's rebuilding status, could stick on the active roster all year long, despite only having amassed 12 plate appearances so far this season. The only other offensive piece the team added over the offseason was infielder Niko Goodrum, who spent last year with the division rival Twins.
On the pitching side, the Tigers brought in not only the above-listed Mike Fiers, who has pitched well so far despite a terrible Spring Training and a lumbar strain that sidelined him for a little over a week of the season, but also veteran lefty Francisco Liriano, whose preseason MLB ranking increased to 532 when it was announced that he would win a rotation spot to begin the season. In the bullpen, newly acquired lefty Ryan Carpetner, signed to a major league deal after spending last year as a starter in the Rockies system, and Johnny Barbato, a waiver claim from the Pirates organization, have also seen time in the majors during the first month.
Fifth Starter
The above starting rotation projected by Sports Illustrated in their baseball preview issue, coupled with Liriano winning a starting job would make it seem that we have all five spots in the rotation accounted for. But think again! Despite the fact that SI tabbed Daniel Norris as its fantasy breakout candidate, he's only made one start this season against three relief appearances... although he did take the hill today against the Orioles. Instead, the fifth slot in the rotation has gone to Matthew Boyd (427), who is currently sporting an ERA under 3, despite a FIP nearly two full runs higher, which has led to an 0-2 record on the season.
Fantasy Astrology Relevance
I feel like I've talked a lot about Miguel Cabrera's preseason ranking as it applies to the Aries starting first base situation. It appeared to me that his rank of 89 was quite optimistic, given his struggles in 2017 and his inevitable age/injury related decline. But as of today, he has been the best option for the "Rams" at his position (373 points, 15.5 per game), followed by Yonder Alonso (330, 13.2) - sorry Matt Olson (258, 9.6), who the rankings tabbed as the top candidate for DH. Meanwhile, on the non-contenders, Nicholas Castellanos's third base eligibility means that he still has a spot on the Pisces lineup, a team for which ace Michael Fulmer finds himself on the outside looking in. Also Jose Iglesias is somewhat surprisingly Capricorn's best available shortstop.
Song
Detroit Rock City - KissI'm frankly surprised that I didn't take this opportunity to plug my favorite actively touring band, Electric Six, which originated in Detroit... oh hey, I just did! The only issue is that the only one of their songs I could find that is actively about their home city is the relatively unknown "I Am Detroit," which was recorded during their early years, when they were known as The Wildbunch. I also considered "Lose Yourself" by Detroit-based rapper Eminem from the Detroit-centered movie 8 Mile. But in the end, I went with a classic rock hit that not only inspired a Detroit-centered movie (of the same name), but one that's often heard in the stadium when the Tigers take the field.
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