It’s an old saying. Granted, it’s trite. But it’s also true. We live in a world where the glass is either half-full or half-empty. It depends on how you look at it.
The Tigers just lost three straight games after winning the series opener in New York. And they should have won at least one of their losses because the Yankees didn’t necessarily play nor pitch that well. It was, bottom line, bad baseball by the Tigers. Whatever they did well was negated by mistakes or poor at bats or questionable pitches or shoddy fielding.
It does seem like the season is getting away from the Tigers - and quickly. Glass half-empty.
Yet, the Tigers are only a game and a half behind Cleveland in the American League Central, with the Indians coming to Detroit for a three-game series this week. Glass half-full.
I think there should be concern. Every time it seems like the Tigers start playing a little better - wham - they fall apart again.
A lot of fans are waiting for an emotional outburst from manager Jim Leyland, but I doubt that is going to happen. I talked to him about that before the Tigers left for the road trip. The last thing he wants to project as a leader is panic.
But his actions suggest he is uneasy. The Tigers are looking for shots in the arm. It’s why Cameron Maybin got so much playing time over the weekend. He is a potential spark. It’s why Ryan Raburn is going to start at third base Tuesday against the Indians. He has been hot and Brandon Inge has been awful. Raburn struggled with the glove at third base during his minor league days, but the risk is minimal because it’s not like Inge has played well at third base lately.
This is not the time of the year when hurt feelings matter. Results do. If Raburn gives the Tigers a better chance to win games this week, so be it - play him over Inge.
I do think this season is far from over. The odd twist is that the Tigers are just hair away from finally getting their bullpen in order with Fernando Rodney back and throwing much better, and Joel Zumaya about to return.
Do I think they will win the division? Yes, I do. But it might be more a case of the Tigers backing in than running through the front door. I am sure that their fans would take such a scenario - no questions asked. And once in the playoffs, anything can happen. Remember the Cardinals last year? But given the way this season has unfolded, it shouldn’t be a glass half-full, glass half-empty proposition. The Tigers should be winning their division in a rout. That they aren’t is disappointing.

Random Thoughts

- Inge’s dismal performance has been as puzzling as it has been underwhelming. Leyland and the Tigers management don’t like him - they love him. It’s why he got such a handsome contract during the off-season that comes with the assurance he won’t have to return to catcher. But he has clearly taken a step backward this season. His four-year, $24 million contract, which seemed like a bargain when it was signed, might have been a mistake.

- Fans who are standing in judgement of Cameron Maybin’s long-range future based on three games in New York, or even the rest of this season, are completely clueless. Did you know Mickey Mantle got off to such a slow start he was sent back to the minor leagues by the Yankees and was talked out of quitting the game by his father? Did you know Willie Mays was hitless in his first 12 at bats in the major leagues, homered off hall-of-famer Warren Spahn in his 13th at bat - and then went hitless in his next 13 at bats? Both were 20 - the same age as Maybin at the time. Oh, and by the way, history is full of players who began their careers with a flash - and didn’t pan out. Where have you gone Brent Clevlen and Chris Shelton? Detroit turns its lonely eyes toward you. And the Tigers aren’t rushing Maybin. He is good enough that he is easily one of the 25 best players in their organization. He will learn far more in the major leagues than he will in the minor leagues at this stage. Bringing him up was the right move.

- I have a feeling my impression of the Lions’ second preseason game is pretty typical. I liked the way they looked, but I am not sure if it was because they were so good or because the Browns were so bad. The Browns were so discombobulated it was comical. But it shouldn’t dismiss how sharp the Lions were during the first half.