DETROIT TIGERS

2010 Statistics:
Record: 81-81 (.500)
Units: -3.0
Offense Runs per Game: 4.6 (11th in majors)
Defense Runs per Game: 4.6 (22nd in majors)

2011 Odds:
Odds to Win American League: 10/1
Odds to Win World Series: 25/1
Over/Under Regular Season Wins: 84 wins
(Odds according to Sportsbook.com)

1B MIGUEL CABRERA seems to be a lock for another MVP-caliber season, especially now that newly acquired C VICTOR MARTINEZ will be protecting him in the batting order. Martinez will primarily be a DH but will also see some starts at catcher and first base, allowing Cabrera to fill in at DH every now and then. The top of the rotation is anchored by a pair of the league’s best young fireballers in JUSTIN VERLANDER and MAX SCHERZER. Baseball odds.

Verlander’s strikeout rate was slightly down, but he induced more groundballs and stayed healthy while throwing a ton of innings again. Scherzer, meanwhile, took a huge step forward last year, particularly in the second half. If he continues to be more economical with his pitches, he’ll be an All-Star. Baseball spreads.

Other MLB Season Previews:

AL East
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
March 9 – Kansas City Royals
March 10 – Minnesota Twins

AL West
March 11 – Los Angeles Angels
March 12 – Oakland Athletics
March 13 – Seattle Mariners
March 14 – Texas Rangers

NL East
March 15 – Atlanta Braves
March 16 – Florida Marlins
March 17 – New York Mets
March 18 – Philadelphia Phillies
March 19 – Washington Nationals

NL Central
March 20 – Chicago Cubs
March 21 – Cincinnati Reds
March 22 – Houston Astros
March 23 – Milwaukee Brewers
March 24 – Pittsburgh Pirates
March 25 – St. Louis Cardinals

NL West
March 26 – Arizona Diamondbacks
March 27 – Colorado Rockies
March 28 – Los Angeles Dodgers
March 29 – San Diego Padres
March 30 – San Francisco Giants

The 2011 major league baseball season starts Thursday, March 31 and to get you prepared for the season, we continue our run of 30 MLB previews in 30 days. Batting eighth is the Detroit Tigers who are 10/1 favorites to win the American League. Baseball betting lines.