Player Capsules For The 2012 Detroit Tigers

Thumbnail sketches of the 2012 Detroit Tigers:

PITCHERS:

62 Al Alburquerque, RHP. Went from unknown to key member of bullpen last year, striking out 67 in 43 1-3 innings. Expected to miss about half of season following elbow surgery.

31 Collin Balester, RHP. Acquired in offseason trade from Washington after appearing in 23 games in 2011. Former starter could be useful in long relief.

64 Duane Below, LHP. Pitched 29 innings in debut season, including two starts. At 26, oldest of candidates for fifth starter's spot.

53 Joaquin Benoit, RHP. Did what was expected in first year with Tigers, posting 2.95 ERA in relief and striking out over a batter an inning. Workhorse during playoffs.

40 Phil Coke, LHP. Moved from rotation back to bullpen, where it appears he'll stay for foreseeable future. Looks to be team's top left-handed relief option.

20 Octavio Dotel, RHP. Reliever will play for record 13th franchise after signing with Tigers. Performance becomes crucial with Alburquerque sidelined.

58 Doug Fister, RHP. Unheralded starter came over from Seattle in deadline deal and pitched like Greg Maddux down stretch, going 8-1 with 1.79 ERA following trade. Allowed five walks in 70 1-3 innings with Tigers.

49 Luis Marte, RHP. Made very brief impression in relief with Tigers last year. Posted 1.70 ERA in more extensive look at Double-A Erie.

43 Andy Oliver, LHP. Solid spring training could land him fifth starter's spot. Former second-round pick was erratic in brief stints with Tigers in 2010 and 2011.

48 Rick Porcello, RHP. Went 14-9 with 3.96 ERA as rookie in 2009 but hasn't reached those heights since. Still only 23 and big part of Tigers' rotation.

37 Max Scherzer, RHP. Posted impressive strikeout rate again last year but victimized by long ball, allowing career-high 29 homers in 33 starts. Upside still high.

55 Daniel Schlereth, LHP. Alaskan reliever held lefties to .174 average in 2011, although Jim Thome connected for 600th homer off him in August.

80 Drew Smyly, LHP. Non-roster invitee is dark horse candidate to become fifth starter. Posted 1.18 ERA in seven starts at Erie last year, but hasn't pitched above that level.

50 Jacob Turner, RHP. Made major league debut two years after being drafted in first round, starting three games for Tigers. Tendinitis in throwing shoulder slowed pursuit of rotation spot this month.

46 Jose Valverde, RHP. Danced and pranced to 49 saves in 49 chances. Wasn't always dominant but remains one of game's more consistent closers.

35 Justin Verlander, RHP. Became first starter to sweep MVP and Cy Young Awards since Roger Clemens in 1986. Clemens took Cy Young again in '87.

60 Brayan Villarreal, RHP. Earned acclaim for pickoff move. Worked third of inning in April game without throwing a pitch, picking off runner to end threat.

57 Adam Wilk, LHP. Showed impressive control at Triple-A Toledo last season, walking 14 in 102 2-3 innings. Pitched exclusively in relief for Tigers in 2011 but has been in running for last rotation spot.

CATCHERS:

13 Alex Avila. Not only proved he could be everyday catcher, but became one of league's top young backstops in 2011, hitting 19 homers.

9 Gerald Laird. Returns to Tigers after spending season with champion Cardinals. Will back up Avila, who showed signs of wear and tear toward end of 2011.

41 Victor Martinez. Will likely miss season after January knee injury. Made smooth transition to designated hitter last year, hitting .330 with 103 RBIs.

INFIELDERS:

24 Miguel Cabrera. Half of Detroit's powerful pair in middle of order. Won AL batting title with .344 average and hit 30 home runs. Moving from first base to third.

28 Prince Fielder. Slugging first baseman signed $214 million, nine-year deal and will bat behind Cabrera. Hit 200 homers over last five seasons and showing no signs of slowing down.

15 Brandon Inge. Hit .197 last year and was sent to minors for stretch. Hopes to earn regular spot by moving from third base to second but jury still out.

32 Don Kelly. Has played all nine positions after adding pitcher and catcher last season.

27 Jhonny Peralta. Hit 21 homers in first full season with Tigers, giving Detroit impressive production at shortstop. Also contributed career-high .299 average.

25 Ryan Raburn. One of three players competing for time at second base. Hit .213 before All-Star break and .341 after it in 2011.

39 Ramon Santiago. Can provide smooth defense at middle infield spots. Hit .295 with surprising pop after All-Star break last season.

29 Danny Worth. Split time between Toledo and Detroit last two seasons. Could be caught in numbers game in infield in 2012.

OUTFIELDERS:

26 Brennan Boesch. Was becoming more consistent with bat when shut down late last season with thumb injury. Penciled in to hit in front of Cabrera and Fielder.

12 Andy Dirks. Could play significant role in outfield after hitting .251 in 78 games as rookie.

14 Austin Jackson. Stole 22 bases last year but .317 on-base percentage dangerously low for leadoff man. Dependable center fielder defensively.

36 Clete Thomas. Recovered from 2010 microfracture surgery to hit 12 homers in 113 games at Toledo last year. Hasn't played for Tigers since 2009.

21 Delmon Young. Acquired in quiet August trade and gave Detroit some power, especially in postseason. Will bat behind Cabrera and Fielder.