5. Detroit Tigers

Projected Rotation

David Price LHP

Justin Verlander RHP

Anibal Sanchez RHP

Alfredo Simon RHP

Shane Greene RHP

The number-five slot on this list was by far the toughest to come up with.

Many teams came to mind such as the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics who seem to pump pitchers out like it’s their job. Actually it is their job.

Nevertheless, the Detroit Tigers, despite the recent loss of ace Max Scherzer, will fill in nicely.

Trade deadline acquisition David Price anchors the staff that will need former ace Justin Verlander to somewhat return to form. If Verlander cannot improve upon his 4.54 ERA and, very mediocre for him, 159 strikeouts in 206 innings, then Detroit might not even deserve a top-10 spot.

He is now 31 years old and has regressed two seasons in a row. His rapid regression is a huge negative that could’ve easily been the sole reason that scared them away from re-signing Scherzer.

Fortunately for the Tigers they have a solid middle of the rotation with a rejuvenated Anibal Sanchez and Alfredo Simon who both pitched to under 3.50 ERA’s a season ago.

(Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)