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Why I Feel The Tigers Will Remain In Contention All Season
Count me among those who feel like the Tigers will be in contention the entire summer. And it won't necessarily be because of the rookies that have been playing so well. I think it will be because the Tigers have Justin Verlander leading their starting pitching rotation, Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the lineup and Jose Valverde anchoring the bullpen. Name another threesome like that in the A.L. in those key spots. The Yankees? Maybe, but the Tigers just won a four-game series in impressive fashion against the Yankees.
I still believe the Tigers must win the American League Central, though, to reach the postseason, that the A.L. wildcard team will be from the East.
I still believe the Tigers must win the American League Central, though, to reach the postseason, that the A.L. wildcard team will be from the East.
posted by Pat Caputo at
4:05 PM
7 Comments:
Pat, if the Tigers do it than it is bittersweet. With 50 millions coming off the books next year, they should be able to sign a star next winter. They could be setting up to get a terrific player before the trading deadline. Tigers do have arms to spare to maybe get a ss or catcher. Pat, why aren’t the Tigers sniffing at Peguero? There aren’t too many ss available even in next year free agency. I don’t think the Tigers even attempted to go after A Chapman. That was mistake.
We're about a week away from the forty game mark now Pat. We are starting to find the Tigers baseline (no pun intended) - meaning their level line.
The starting rotation has been a hair under level but is now on the rise.
The bullpen level is higher than we expected - question is "is this their true level?" - specifically Zumaya and Valverde. I think so.
Defense (other than pitching) has been below level - significantly - as the Tigers lead the AL in errors.
Offense (like the bullpen) as the level set higher than I expected. Even discounting blips like Boesch's mad tear and Jackson's hot start. Your absolutely right - Miggy is the key with base hit support from Damon and Jackson.
Add them all together and the Tiger's baseline is higher than it was last year. The problem is so is the Twins.
Damn Twins.
The trade needs are becoming more obvious now.
If anyone is interested - here were my season preview predictions I posted on opening day. I think they are panning out as true so far.
I agree book, but for that to happen I think these are the keys and things to ponder..in my opinion.
1) Put Guillen at 2B to add more to a desperate bottom part of the order. Can Guillen do much worse at 2B then Sizemore. HE is a former SS and you don't have to have as much range as you do in that spot or in a corner outfield. Then you can just inter change the DH spot with Guillen, Damon, Magglio, and Boesch.
2) if you want to content how much longer are you going to be able to with stand the below .200 BA. Really it isn't so much the AVGs as it is the OBPs. Which is about the same as their BA.
3) Is Inge one of those fan favorites or is it time to part ways if you can swing a deal. Inge to me would do well on a heavy hitting ball club like a Texas Rangers, or a Angels or Yankees. A team where they can afford to have 1 guy suck at the plate.
4) People want trades problem is the guys people want to get rid of nobody would want and you may end up getting another Jay Voss.
5) I wouldn't be shocked if Gallaraga Pitches well. Sherzer gets sent back and we see if Gallaraga can right the ship some. How long will Willis hold up? Can Bonderman stay on par? Right now who would of thought Verlander and Willis are your best two pitchers in the rotation. Porcello is coming around slowly, but they need him if Sherzer gets sent down.
Other then that I say go Jackson, Damon, Ordonez, Cabrera, Boesch, Guillen (2B), Avila/Laird, Inge, Santiago. Everet/Dulgach, Sizemore, Kelly, Avila/Laird as your reserves.
COmpete and then try and push the hand of Dombrowski to make a possible trade at the deadline to push us.. A guy I wouldn't mind making a play for if we can give up the right players for.. is Oswalt from Houston. He pitches pretty good in a hitter friendly park, be interesting to see what he could do in Comerica.
Barry,
It seems pretty obvious they will be buyers at the trade deadline. Question is, what will their needs be then? Still a long way off.
Caputo
Barry,
It seems pretty obvious they will be buyers at the trade deadline. Question is, what will their needs be then? Still a long way off.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
The road is what separates contenders from pretenders. Tigers have a trip coming up. Key will be playing roughly .500 ball on the road.
dolivier34,
Galarraga did pitch well Sunday. We'll see how Guillen handles second base. His fielding has been weird the last couple years. Difficult to project - and I don't understand why.
Caputo
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