The Detroit Tigers are the defending American League champions and they got the 2013 season started off right, as the team took a 4-2 victory over the Twins to open the season and they will go for two in a row on Wednesday afternoon at Target Field in Minnesota.
Justin Verlander looked like his usual self in the win, while Al Albuquerque, Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke closed out the victory for him as the Tigers try the unusual approach of not using a set closer to start the season after Jose Valverde was left unsigned. The team has been excellent at Target Field while winning 16 of the past 20 games and the team will throw Anibal sanchez on Wednesday against Kevin Correia.
Sanchez was traded from the Miami Marlins last year and struggled in two starts at Minnesota, but he expects to be better on Wednesday, as he went 4-6 with a 3.74 ERA in 12 regular-season starts after being traded. He also was strong in the playoffs, winning one game and posting a sub-2.00 ERA. Sanchez signed a five-year, $80 million deal after last season and is now the long-term number two behind Verlander.
Sanchez played in the WBC for team Venezuela and struggled in the spring, putting up a nearly 8.00 ERA over his four starts, including giving up nine earned runs against the Astros. The Twins are hoping for a good result on Wednesday, as the team struck out over 10 times and is trying to avoid another losing season.
Catcher Joe Mauer is looking to have a bounce back year, while the team is pinning a lot of hope on third baseman Trevor Plouffe. Mauer was 2 for 4 in the first game with a two-bagger, but the team will need some power from him to be successful this season. The pitching also needs to improve and one player that will be key is Correia, who has made 26 or more starts over the past four years.
Miguel Cabrera is looking to mash on Wednesday, as he is 9 for 19 in his career against Correia, while Prince Fielder is 5 for 25 with one dinger. Cabrera is coming off of a triple crown and MVP season for the Tigers and while it is unlikely he will do that again, the Tigers are hoping that his strong bat leads to another World Series appearance.
