.677 - What can we infer from Spring Training?

The Tigers took 1st place in the Grapefruit league with a 2 game advantage. They had a .677 winning percentage which was also higher than the winner of the Cactus League (the Arizona Diamondbacks). The only other AL Central team to finish Spring Training with a winning record was the Cleveland Indians. If we could infer that these results really mean something (which they don't) we might predict the Central would end up like this:

Detroit
Cleveland
Minnesota
Kansas City
Chicago

Obviously I don't believe that the Royals will pull off a 4th place finish - as much as I've love to see the White Sox drop into last place there is no reason to believe this will actually happen. I do think it's possible for the last two spots to flip, though, and for the rest of this to be what may actually happen. It is interesting to note that the White Sox came in last in the entire Grapefruit league... with the Royals in 2nd to last place with a 2 1/2 game advantage. Spring Training records may not count but it still can't be comfortable to be the White Sox going into the regular season with a .313 win percentage.

The thing that stands out the most from this spring for the Tigers is that it showcased how deep our organization is in most positions. Catching is a weakness for us beyond the Major League level and needs to be addressed but most other positions look good right now, especially pitching. Many of these games were played by our organization players who are years away and they made a good showing. Most exciting was Cameron Maybin who promises to be a mainstay in our lineup in the somewhat near future.

Our minor league teams are stacked to repeat their success of last year just as much as the parent club is. 2007 will be a good year to be affiliated with the Tigers.