ICYMI: MCB Digest–Detroit Tigers Week That Was

Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) slides into third base against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Byrne looked at some keys to success for this year’s team.

The Keys to Success for the 2015 Detroit Tigers

"The keys to success for the 2015 Detroit Tigers may very well be held in the exquisitely soft hands of Jose Iglesias. Most certainly there are lesser keys that will need to click in order to unlock the elusive vault otherwise known as a World Championship. But it all starts with the unworldly talents of a very gifted shortstop. Our pitching staff should feel very confident coaxing hitters to beat the ball into the ground with our infield behind them. And, yes, I realize we have a neophyte 3rd sacker. Jose is often criticized by media as being a “defense first” ball-player. Being a magician with the leather does not preclude him from being able to hit. He pounded the ball as a member of the Red Sox in 2013. Batting .330, slugging over 400 with an OBP of .376 in 63 games is indicative of offensive capability. His hand-eye coordination is excellent and that should eventually manifest itself at the plate. A solid all-around season by Jose would be an upgrade over the impotence experienced at short last year. Without question, his season-ending injury made life miserable for the Tigers all year long. If Jose can’t answer the bell they really have no viable back-up plan. There are other notable key ingredients in the Tiger recipe, one being the left-handed bat of Anthony Gose. Can he provide enough on-base traffic to bat lead-off ahead of the essence of the Tiger lineup? If so, Ian Kinsler can then be installed as the #2 hitter. This would be an effective and speedy combination. Opposing pitchers would then have to deal with an intimidating middle-of-the-order Tiger fans have not enjoyed since the days of Al Kaline, Norm Cash, Willie Horton, Jim Northrup and Bill Freehan banging the ball all over Tiger Stadium. That would be music to our ears! READ MORE"

What better than to fill the gap until baseball with some of the best Miguel Cabrera bombs of all time? We cobbled the top five with video evidence. Warning: It will get your really pumped for baseball!

The 5 Best Miguel Cabrera Home Runs (VIDEOS)

"Miguel Cabrera seems on track to be back before Opening Day after having surgery this offseason. This is, of course, great news for Detroit Tigers’ fans, not only increasing the chances of winning, but just upping the sheer entertainment factor of every game he’s involved in. This is also great news for baseball fans who just simply love to see the guy hit a baseball. We all know that Miguel Cabrera, affectionately known as “Miggy” (or “Cabby” if you’re so inclined), has become something of rarefied air. The first Triple Crown since 1967, stats nearly identical to Hall-of-Fame legend Hank Aaron, and his jovial personality mixed with competitive fire sets him apart from the pack. During his career in Detroit, which began in 2008, Miguel has hit some timely, clutch and entertaining home runs. #5 First homer as a Detroit Tiger READ MORE"