The detroit tigers have been one of the best teams in baseball from 2010-2016, however, after a serious movement to get younger last season, many fans in Motown aren’t too optimistic about the upcoming season.

For the first time in over a decade, Justin Verlander won’t be pitching for the Tigers on Opening Day. Gone are fan favorites JD Martinez, Alex Avila, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton. Yet, just like the old saying “hope springs eternal,” the Tigers youth core may be a bit better than most experts are giving them credit for.

Here are a few reasons not to push the panic button before Opening Day!

Ron Gardenhire

Gardy is in charge, and that should make Tigers fans optimistic. A chip off the old Sparky Anderson - Jim Leyland mold, Gardenhire won’t mince any words when it comes to how the Tigers are performing.

The additions of Rick Anderson (bullpen coach) and Chris Bosio (pitching coach) give the Tigers staff some stability with two coaches who have a winning track record.

Bosio spent the previous six seasons as the pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs. In his six seasons in Chicago, Bosio helped lead the Cubs to three playoff appearances and a World Series championship in 2016. Over the past three seasons, Bosio guided the Cubs pitching staff to the Major Leagues lowest ERA (3.49), opponent OPS (.670) and opponent batting average (.228).

Hopefully, the magic will rub off on the young Tigers staff.

The (future) big 4

The Tigers made a full commitment to go younger last season, and now they are feeling very optimistic about what the future will hold, especially when it comes to the pitching staff.

The number one piece of the puzzle is Franklin Perez. Obtained from Houston in the Justin Verlander trade, Perez is expected to pitch the 2018 season in the upper levels of Detroit's system.

The 20-year-old has a fastball that can consistently hit 94-96 mph and his stuff has been called “electric” by scouts across baseball. Don’t be surprised if Perez is a September call-up this season.

Right behind Perez is Alex Faedo. Faedo was drafted by Detroit in 2017 and like Perez is expected to be up with the big club by 2019.

The 6’5” righty was a star at the University of Florida, helping them win a National Championship.

Next up is Beau Burrows. The 21-year-old Texas native has a plus fastball and a better than average sinker. Burrows has continued to climb the Tigers' ladder, jumping from A+ to AA ball last season. The Detroit brass has high expectations for Burrows, hoping he is part of the regular rotation, possibly as early as next season.

Last but not least is Matt Manning. Manning may have the most upside of all four of the Tigers' prospects, but Detroit is reportedly treating him with kid gloves. Manning has the ability to touch 95-96 mph with ease and reminds coaches of a young Justin Verlander. If all goes to plan, Manning is projected to get a real shot at making the rotation in 2020.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED