Detroit Tigers: Five Bold Second-Half Predictions for AL Central

Jul 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder

(28) is greeted by center fielder

(12) after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tigers make the playoffs

Sitting at an even .500 record at the break, the general feeling around Tigers camp is that the team will not be able to make a World Series run and could even be sellers at the deadline.

Although it is hard to argue with that claim, it is still hard to believe general manager Dave Dombrowski will end up buying in late July. As Steve Mitzel wrote in his latest column on Wednesday, Dombrowski’s contract expires at the end of this season, so he might not have much incentive to play for next year.

If Dombrowski can work his magic and find a starting pitcher or two, the Tigers will be right in the Wild Card mix. Throw in the fact the offense will get a boost with the return of Miguel Cabrera in August, things might finally fall into place for Detroit this season.

Now, this prediction is contigent on Dombrowski making a big deal with few prospects to work with and Cabrera actually returning on time, which is no guarantee, but no one would argue that Detroit doesn’t have the talent to make the playoffs in the wide-open AL this year.

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