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Tigers moving in position to make a run for AL Central title
As the Tigers have moved back close to .500, there are several promising aspects that have emerged.
- A spectacular event like Justin Verlander's no hitter Saturday definitely builds momentum. Verlander had been more consistent this season than he was being given credit for even before Saturday. He has allowed three or less earned runs, and pitched at least six innings in every start this season, a big improvement from his April struggles the previous three years. Obviously, he is in line for a big season.
2. Austin Jackson had a big weekend at Toronto. His slump, especially considering how many pitches he was swinging and missing at, had become disturbing.
3. All of a sudden Brad Penny and Rick Porcello don't look like such disasters and there are options to replace Phil Coke when he moves back to the bullpen, where he belongs.
4. Minnesota and Chicago continue to flounder while the "miracle" Indians weren't so miraculous over the weekend.
- A spectacular event like Justin Verlander's no hitter Saturday definitely builds momentum. Verlander had been more consistent this season than he was being given credit for even before Saturday. He has allowed three or less earned runs, and pitched at least six innings in every start this season, a big improvement from his April struggles the previous three years. Obviously, he is in line for a big season.
2. Austin Jackson had a big weekend at Toronto. His slump, especially considering how many pitches he was swinging and missing at, had become disturbing.
3. All of a sudden Brad Penny and Rick Porcello don't look like such disasters and there are options to replace Phil Coke when he moves back to the bullpen, where he belongs.
4. Minnesota and Chicago continue to flounder while the "miracle" Indians weren't so miraculous over the weekend.
posted by Pat Caputo at
2:10 AM
10 Comments:
love these points, but how do you feel about he Sizemore move and its role in their recent momentum build? (not saying Rhymes was a major problem)
5. Avilla stepping up when our top hitters (minus Miggy) were in a slump
James,
I'd give Sizemore some time, but he did help the Tigers this weekend. Avila has been a pleasant surprise. Good one.
Caputo
Pat, never thought Coke would be much of a starter but I think he is better than his 4.75 ERA. He throws too many fastball and not enough curves. Do the Tigers need help in the bullpen from their lefties, absolutely.
Little bit here, little bit there. Peralta seems better than I thought he was. The pitching is steadily coming along. If Inge and Ordonez get going, they'd have a tough lineup.
Yup to all of it, Book.
I agree with James about Avila, I owe Avila a big apology. I ripped him pretty hard in the opening days - he proved me to be clueless.
I'm glad to be clueless.
Agree with all.
Minnesota is toast at least for half the year.
Cleveland is set up for a bitter summer slump. If Cleveland plays 500 ball for the rest of year, they have 87 wins.
KC is a 0.500 team at best.
Our pitching is looking kinda good that will be needed in August. Offense, don't know.
Also slow team that can't play "small ball".
but think chances are there.
Barry,
I thought Coke would do better as a starter. Probably would be OK long-term. But he is better in the bullpen. That's where his real value lies.
Caputo
Anonymous,
Peralta is a good player. Knocks on him were unfounded. Solid hitter, solid fielder.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
Saw a live bat from Avila when he came up in 2009, but not last season. Has displayed a live bat again this season. He's doing a better job of going to the opposite field on outside pitches instead of trying to pull everything.
Caputo
Anonymous,
The Twins are one of those teams that always seem to comeback from bad starts like this. But it does look like just too much this time. A lot of injuries and Morneau just hasn't been the same player.
Caputo
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