I promise my concern about inactivity is not simply boredom

First of all, a disclaimer- I've read comments from Tigerdog in particular that reflect some of the thoughts I have. I promise I've had them too, and I'm not just stealing his. It has been stated multiple times by multiple posters that this off-season has been a little on the boring side. It has also been stated that it's ok, because the Tigers will run away with the division since the Central is so weak. I understand this reasoning and even basically agree with it, but I also have some concerns about the upcoming season that don't simply reflect my boredom with what has gone on up to this point.

As far as the argument that the Central is so weak, I would say that there are always surprises in a season, who is to say that some don't come from this division? Remember it took a long time and a real hot streak from Detroit combined with a Cleveland collapse before the Tigers made it a runaway. I don't remember feeling super comfortable in August that it was going to be easy. I even remember many looking at that last series against Cleveland in late September as what it would come down to. So what if KC matures faster than we think? What if Cleveland stays healthy and gets a great year from Ubaldo? What if Mauer and Morneau stay healthy and carry the Twins? I'm not necessarily saying any of these are likely, but can't we agree that crazier things have happened?

Also- are we prepared to completely count on Peralta, Avila, Boesch, Young, and Jackson having the same kinds of seasons, or improving on them? I like these players, but I wouldn't be shocked if any one of them takes a step back. As it stands now, we are counting on major contributions from each of them. On the pitching side, as great as Fister was, does his track record prior to the stretch run indicate future dominance? Is he a definitive #2? Are we convinced Max and Porcello continue improving, or are they basically the pitchers we have seen going forward? What about Valverde? Do we think he is bound to be as effective? (And I don't just mean no blown saves. I know that stat is misleading) Are we comfortable with our lefties out of the pen?

I say all of this not to be a downer, because I love the Tigers and actually do like their chances to win the division in 2012 quite a bit. But to think they are a shoo-in seems a little too confident to me. I also understand that deals can be made during the season. However, I just think that sites should be set beyond just the division anyway, with a World Series of course being the goal.

So I hate to make this gigantic ramble boil down to one simple point, but I wanted to give background to my thinking: Considering all the other factors I just mentioned, it is pretty important it seems to me to continue the improvement of the club, and not just to satisfy our collective off-season boredom. A third base platoon of Inge/Kelly is simply not acceptable. I'm not thrilled with 2nd base, but I can live with it. I am not thrilled with a piece-meal 5th starter spot, but I can live with it I guess. (Although I don't think it is a great idea. Actually I think another starter better than a 5th spot guy is the preferred option) 3rd base is not something I am prepared to be ok with. There are to many other "what ifs" in my brain to be ok with throwing away 4 at bats a game from that spot. I don't hate Inge or Kelly at all, but I do not want them starting for my favorite team.

So here is a plea from a big fan who is not simply bored with this off-season, but has actual concerns amount the state of the team as it enters the 2012 season. I really do belive more often than not, a team not improving is bound to regress. And probably sooner than expected. (By the way, on the outside chance anyone actually read this whole thing, hey thanks!)