First Team to Clinch in 2011

The Tigers' 3-1 win over the A's made them the first club to clinch a division title this year. When I saw them in spring training, Detroit was expected to contend in the AL Central.But few would have guessed this club would run away and hide, with their ace Justin Verlander nailing down the Cy Young award and spurring serious MVP talk. (Above: utilityman Don Kelly, who homered in the clincher; Below: power hitters Victor Martinez and Brennan Boesch) With the perennially contending Twins' season ruined by injuries, Detroit has its first division title since 1987.

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