Detroit may be without Victor Martinez for the 2012 season, as the catcherdesignated hitter tore his ACL while working out. The loss of Martinez is big for Detroit, but given that Martinez mainly is a DH, the Tigers -- assuming they have the money -- can easily go out and add a bat like Carlos Pena on a cheap one-year deal.
Martinez hit 12 home runs with an .850 OPS last year, the first of a four-year, 56 million contract. His .380 OBP was extremely valuable in the Tigers' lineup, where he mainly hit fifth behind Miguel Cabrera.
Detroit needs to acquire a hitter to protect Cabrera -- while Pena or, say, Hideki Matsui won't be as good as Martinez, the Tigers just need someone productive to hit behind Cabrera so he won't be pitched around.
Ultimately, Detroit's still the favorite in the AL Central thanks to their stout starting rotation, but they may have a little more difficulty supporting their staff without Martinez.