Now that the sting of Game 163 has faded, and we look forward to the 2010 season, the Tigers seemed to be primed to compete again.  Will they contend in 2010 or simply compete?  The off season will probably give us a better indication.  For the time being, however, I think it's pretty safe to say that the Tigers will, at the very least, compete.

While the final week of the season exposed some flaws that would ultimately torpedo the Tigers chances for the post season, it also showcased why the future is still bright.  Pitching.  It's what every team craves, and the Tigers have some very attractive pieces.  Justin Verlander put the finishing touches on his 19-win season with 7 2/3 strong innings against Chicago on the final day of the year.  He is a legitimate ace.  Two days later, Rick Porcello showed a cast iron stomach pitching into the 6th inning, while striking out eight and allowing only one earned run in the loss to the Twins in the play-in game.  He is a future ace.

At the very least the Tigers will feature three impressive starters next season.  Edwin Jackson may have faded down the stretch, but his All Star season opened plenty of eyes.  Jackson has won 27 games in the last two years.  The Tigers philosophy of drafting and trading for prime time pitching is paying dividends.  I'll like their chances three of every five nights next season.  Most teams dream of having a solid 1-2 punch.  The Tigers can boast of a 1-2-3 punch.

Add the intrigue of Aroldis Chapman to the mix and you can see how much the Tigers value pitching...especially power pitching.  Chapman is the 21-year-old Cuban pitcher who has been clocked at 100 mph and beyond.  The Tigers are just one of several teams that are interested in signing the lefty, so the competition will be stiff.

While the Tigers have plenty of decisions to make in the off season, the emphasis on pitching will keep them in the race.  The ball club has its share of free agents that are critical to the team's chances in 2010.  Free agents aside, the starters will give this team a chance.