Jeimer Candelario is quickly becoming a household name in Detroit, and for good reason. On the heels of one of the biggest firesales in Detroit sports history which saw fan favorites Cameron Maybin, Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler, Alex Avila, Justin Upton and JD Martinez depart, Candelario is giving Tigers fans a reason to believe in the future. Heck, in the AL Central, you can start believing in this Tigers team right now.

The Candyman can

When the Tigers called up then 22-year old Nicholas Castellanos to take over the reigns at third base in 2014, they thought they had the hot-corner set in stone for the next decade or so.

With the edition of Jeimer Candelario to the roster last season, that has all changed.

The transition of moving Castellanos to right field to make way for Candelario at third has been one of the best moves for the Tigers so far in 2018.

On the early season, Castellanos is hitting .337, while Candelario is sitting at .292. They both had an incredible Game 1 last night against Pittsburgh in Detroit’s 13-10 win. Castellanos finished 4-5 and drove in four runs while Candelario went 3-6, hit his fourth home run of the season and scored five times in the win.

While I am not saying that these two are Hall of Fame bound and the Tigers will win the 2018 World Series, I am saying that Detroit will contend for the AL Central crown this season.

Why? Why not?

The Central is Cleveland’s to lose right? Well the longer the season moves forward with Detroit playing confident baseball, they will show that they have the talent already to contend. Another reason you ask? No pressure - as in ZERO.

When you are tabbed by the media to be the worst team in baseball before the season starts, two things happen.

First off, the chip on your shoulder gets as big as Mount Rushmore just because you want to prove everyone wrong. Second, you have no fear of failing. You are the hunter, not the hunted - and it has been a long time since the Tigers have not been one of the favorites to win the American League Pennant.

100 loss season?

When Ron Gardenhire was announced as the new Tigers' manager, he said he expects the team to play well right off the bat.

So far, so good for the 2018 squad.

According to SB Nation, yes, they are just 10-11 on the season following a 13-10 win Wednesday evening in game one of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the thought that this team is going to be one of the worst in Tigers team history can be thrown out the window.

110 losses? Worst season in MLB history? In the words of Donnie Brasco, "Fugetaboutit!"
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