Meet the 2017 Detroit Tigers

STARTERS

Justin Verlander, RHP, 6-5, 235 pounds, age 34: Brad Ausmus has said on several occasions that the 2016 version of Verlander was as good, if not better, than the 2011 version. It’s hard to dispute it. He still throws in the upper 90s, when he needs to. But he is a complete pitcher now. A true ace.

Jordan Zimmermann, RHP, 6-2, 223, 30: He doesn't duck it — 2016, minus a glorious April — was an unmitigated disaster. That's behind him. What remains to be seen is whether he can recapture his previous form. Spring training did not provide a definitive answer. Pivotal season for him.

Michael Fulmer, RHP, 6-3, 210, 24: With his work ethic and pitch repertoire, the chances of a sophomore slump seem remote. Hitters will adjust, for sure, but that happened last year and he managed to stay ahead of it.

Daniel Norris, LHP, 6-2, 195, 23: He has secured the fourth spot in the rotation. He's healthy, he's maturing, getting better at harnessing his emotions on the mound. As for his stuff, it's dynamic, and never been in question. If the Tigers are going to contend, he must have his breakout year.

Matthew Boyd, LHP, 6-3, 220, 26: He can throw any one of five pitches — four-seam, two-seam, slider, change-up, curve — for strikes and he's unafraid to use any pitch in any count. When he can spot his fastball, as he did just about all spring, he makes the game mighty difficult for hitters.

RELIEVERS

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, 6-0, 180, 35: He saved 44 of 49 games. It's been a disjointed spring for him, though. He only made one appearance for the Tigers before joining Team Venezuela, where he was bothered by a hamstring strain. You can't find anyone in the Tigers organization who is fretting about him.

Justin Wilson, LHP, 6-2, 210, 29: He allowed just 11 home runs in 200 innings before coming to Detroit, then gave up six in less than 59 innings last season. He has adjusted, added more off-speed to his mix, and began to look dominant again late in spring.

Alex Wilson, RHP, 6-0, 215, 30: He remains Every Day-Every Way Alex. He has won the manager's trust to be used in any situation. With his cutter-sinker combo, he gets left-handers out more readily than right-handers. But he's a bulldog. Unlike the last two springs, he's been healthy.

Kyle Ryan, LHP, 6-5, 215, 25: A very unsung and underappreciated (publicly) member of this staff. He's had a few bumps in the road, but for the most part he's been reliable, be it in long relief or in the sixth or seventh inning.

Shane Greene, RHP, 6-4, 215, 28: He's found his niche at the back end of the bullpen. There are still consistency issues, but when he's right and commanding the zone, he's a nasty customer.

Bruce Rondon, RHP, 6-3, 275, 26: At last it came together for him. His health was good, his conditioning was as good as it's been in years, his work ethic didn't waver and his demeanor was exemplary. And he became the late-inning weapon the Tigers hoped he'd be.

Anibal Sanchez, RHP, 6-0, 205, 33: His velocity isn't getting back to the 94-95 mph range he had in 2013. Still, he has shown in his recent spring starts that there's deception in his delivery and he can get swings and misses on high 91-mph fastballs.

CATCHERS

James McCann, throws right, hits right, 6-2, 210, 26: An ankle injury in April derailed his sophomore season, and yet he still contributed 12 home runs and some clutch hits. His rocket arm is a deterrent to base stealers and his game-calling is improving. The mission this year is to cut down on the strikeouts.

Alex Avila, L-R, 5-11, 210, 30: Back after one year in Chicago, Avila is the ideal back-up to McCann, and not just because he bats left-handed and posted a .444 on-base percentage against right-handed pitching. He was a positive influence on McCann before he left and will push him hard now that he's back.

INFIELDERS

Miguel Cabrera, 1B, R-R, 6-4, 240, 33: His march toward Cooperstown continues. He started slow last season, then he caught fire. He hit .346 with a .423 on-base and 1.057 OPS after the All-Star break. With the WBC, he had to be ready sooner this year; time will tell how that plays on is body come August and September.

Nick Castellanos, 3B, R-R, 6-4, 210, 25: His breakout season was cut short by a broken hand, but he seems on the cusp of being an elite player. He has further strengthened and streamlined his body. He is running and moving better, to the point where he will likely hit second in the lineup.

Jose Iglesias, SS, R-R, 5-11, 185, 27: He is a defensive wizard — who the last two years has become less of a showman and more of a “meat-and-potatoes player,” in Brad Ausmus’ words. The question remains, what is his ceiling offensively? He’s capable of more than a .336 slugging percentage.

Ian Kinsler, 2B, R-R, 6-0, 200, 34: Kinsler should be ready to pick up where he left off last year. Even though he'll turn 35 in June, there are no signs of him slowing. He won a Gold Glove last season and hit 28 HRs. If the Tigers aren’t in contention in July, though, he could be one of the first to be traded.

Victor Martinez, DH, S-R, 6-2, 210, 38: His production last season was remarkable on their own merits. But when you throw in the fact that he played nearly the entire season with a non-sports hernia, it’s doubly impressive. He was moving around much better this spring, enough to take reps at first base.

Andrew Romine, Utility, S-R, 6-1, 200, 31: For what he brings — his ability to play every position other than pitcher and catcher, his ability to run and this year, his newfound extra-base power — Romine is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Dixon Machado, Utility, R-R, 6-1, 170, 25: Finally, after three years of riding the Toledo-Detroit shuttle, Machado will get to experience opening day in Detroit. Many in the organization believe he can be an everyday shortstop, but he has looked comfortable at third and second, as well.

OUTFIELDERS

Justin Upton, LF, R-R, 6-2, 205, 29: What he did down the stretch last season (13 HRs, 28 RBIs in September) was incredible, especially given how much he struggled for the first three months. He has come to camp relaxed, comfortable and seemingly quite content with being a Tiger.

J.D. Martinez, RF, R-R, 6-3, 225, 29: Last season was a battle for him. He broke his elbow just as he was hitting his stride at the plate and missed seven weeks. He also struggled mightily in the field. The bad luck continued this spring with a mid-foot sprain late in camp, and may not be ready to start the season.

Tyler Collins, CF, L-L, 5-11, 220, 26: He was the front-runner to be the left-handed hitting side of the platoon in center, but a lat injury has limited his time this spring. He could help himself immensely with a strong finish this spring.

Mikie Mahtook, CF, R-R, 6-1, 200, 27: The Tigers acquired Mahtook (right) from Tampa Bay with the idea of platooning him in center with Collins. He got off to a slow start this spring, but has come on strong. He covers a lot of ground in the outfield. The jury is still out on his offense.

JaCoby Jones, CF, R-R, 6-2, 205, 24: By pure performance, he won the center-field job this spring — at least the right-handed hitting side of it. However, it could curtail his development if he only plays against left-handed pitching.

MANAGER