Over the last few days, we have discussed the arrival of Dontrelle and Cabrera.  The debate has seemingly come down to whether or not Cabrera's impact will offset the regression, if any, of some of the returning Tigers.  I haven't seen to much talk of what to expect from the Tigers starters, and with little other than Jamey Carroll to talk about, why not discuss the matter.

Justin Verlander: 25 years old, righthanded, ERA+ the last 2 years, starting with the most recent (125, 126).  The results were very similar for Verlander, but he got there in different ways.  '06 was a lot of luck and last year he was pretty good.  He should be one of the better pitchers in the American League next year.

Jeremy Bonderman: 25 years old, righthanded, ERA+ last 3 years (91, 112, 93).  I'm not sure what to make of Bonderman.  His Babip was the same as last year, so that wasn't an issue, but he did give up more homers and struck out fewer.  He ended the season on the shelf, but I don't believe that it was too serious.  I still feel that he could be very effective, but not as certain as I was last year.

Dontrelle Willis: 26 years old, lefthanded, ERA+ (83, 112, 151).  As I have seen pointed out in a couple of places, the defense behind Dontrelle was really awful last year.  I think he will be better than he was last year, but probably not by much, considering the switch to the harder league.

Kenny Rogers: 43 years old, lefthanded, ERA+ (103, 119, 134).  The gambler only pitched 63 innings last year due to injury.  He might provide more innings next year, but one would expect him to also be less effective.  How much his age will catch up to him, I don't know.

Nate Robertson: 30 years old, lefthanded, ERA+(96, 119, 95).  It appears that he was pretty lucky in '06, as his peripherals haven't really changed.  It is unlikely that he ever has another season like '06, but I would expect him to be right around where he was this year.

Chad Durbin: As far as I can tell, he is their 6th starter.  He is not young or particularly good.  I don't know who they have after him, so the tigers will be praying for health.