ESPN seems to be quite fascinated by the Amazing Mets of ’15, and not too much interested in the Tigers (although they are on ESPN tonight because: Yankees). The New York Times, however, had a nice piece on the Tigers, and how they’ve managed to have a year-in year-out history of success (four consecutive division titles), with an ever-changing lineup.
By way of illustration, here are the Tigers who played in the 2012 World Series (that’s just a few months over two years ago):
Position players, sorted by number of at bats:
Omar Infante
Jhonny Peralta
Prince Fielder
Delmon Young
Miguel Cabrera
Austin Jackson
Andy Dirks
Quintin Berry
Alex Avila
Gerald Laird
Avisail Garcia
Don Kelly
Ramon Santiago
Danny Worth
Pitchers, sorted by number of innings:
Anibal Sanchez
Max Scherzer
Doug Fister
Justin Verlander
Phil Coke
Al Alburquerque
Joaquin Benoit
Octavio Dotel
Drew Smyly
Rick Porcello
Jose Valverde
That’s five total players from their 40-Man Roster, or 12.5%, in three seasons. So I’ll throw this out there: who can think of another team in any sport with four consecutive division titles with an 87.5% roster turnover?
Today’s Undefeated at Night Lineup:
- Rajai Davis, CF
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- Victor Martinez, DH
- JD Martinez, RF
- Yoenis Cespedes, LF
- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- James McCann, C
- Jose Iglesias, SS
Comments
7 responses to “Game 2015.13: Yankees at Tigers”
I think there is a problem with your analysis/question. Some of the players on the 2012 roster were on last year’s, but not the current one. If they win it again this year, it will be impressive with only 5 of 25 players from 2012.
I see your point–the question assumes that this season is another winning season, when it is only 13 games old. Yet..not a bad start, eh?
I would be happier with the 11-2 start if the Royals would lose more often!
That was a quality win.
Efficient too!
The LA Angels started 7 guys batting under .222 tonight…wow!…its Trout and the 7 Dwarfs!!
Good article on ESPN about our Tigers today.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/57157/tigers-looking-more-like-a-complete-team