Some comparisons have been made between Detroit and the 2005 White Sox because of the Tigers’ streaky postseason, which has involved dominant pitching and timely hitting.
One factor that will bear watching, however, is how the Tigers’ pitchers respond next season after a taxing but worthwhile run to the playoffs.
American League Rookie of the Year candidate Justin Verlander didn’t pitch the final week of the regular season after some weariness caused by the 186 innings he pitched in his first full professional season.
A more pressing concern to the Tigers is the status of reliever Joel Zumaya’s right wrist. Manager Jim Leyland ruled Zumaya out of Saturday’s game, and an extended rest would be beneficial to Zumaya and the Tigers, who already have a well-equipped bullpen.
Although Zumaya threw only 83 1/3 innings during the regular season, this was his first full season as a reliever, and the adjustment might be catching up with him.
Jeremy Bonderman (214) and Nate Robertson (208 2/3) set career highs in innings, so their durability and effectiveness will be worth monitoring next season.
The Tigers, though, might be better equipped than the Sox were this year. Left-hander Mike Maroth, who threw 209 innings in 2005, will come back after missing most of 2006 because of elbow surgery.
And the Tigers have two front-line prospects in Humberto Sanchez and Andrew Miller, their first-round pick in 2006.
