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Why it'll be different for the Tigers this season (and why it might not be)
These facts stick out about the Tigers since 2006:
- Last season, they were in first place as late as July 10.
- In 2009, they led the American League Central as late as the final day of the regular season, and had a seven-game lead with 26 remaining.
- In 2007, the Tigers were in first place as late as August 15.
- In 2006, they were in first place entering the final game of the season.
The Tigers didn't win the division any of those seasons, and the only year they still qualified for the postseason was 2006.
Is this year different? Here are reasons why it might be (and why it might not be).
REASONS IT COULD BE DIFFERENT
Closer Jose Valverde: In the past, the Twins and the White Sox, with Joe Nathan and Bobby Jenks, clearly had better closers than the Tigers. Todd Jones and Fernando Rodney, despite save percentages that suggested otherwise, didn't invoke a sense of confidence. Valverde, when healthy, has been more solid. The key will be not overworking him. He was never the same after that 60-pitch outing in Boston last year, and predictably coming up lame.
The emergence of Justin Verlander: It's one thing to have one of the best starting pitchers in baseball, another to feature the very best. Verlander has put himself at the top. Six of his nine victories have been after the Tigers lost the previous game. Another, against Cleveland, broke a tie against the Indians and put the Tigers in sole possession of first place at the time.
Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta: These are two very good, professional hitters in the middle and bottom of the lineup. And both have power and are run producers.
Alex Avila and Brennan Boesch: As we get deeper into the season, it seems more unlikely the other shoe will drop on these two. Both have made obvious adjustments to their swings, and their approach at the plate is much better.
REASONS IT MIGHT NOT BE DIFFERENT
The Tigers need something from Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge: You know, to get them through the inevitable slumps of July and August. Anybody holding their breath for these three to break loose? Me neither.
The bullpen is thin and balanced too much toward left-handers: If the Tigers' starters falter for any extended period, the bottom end of the bullpen could get badly exposed.
Brad Penny and Phil Coke: Penny has already thrown 84 innings and has an ERA pushing five in an era when scoring is down. He has pitched more than 200 innings just once in his career. Coke is a fine pitcher, but seems like duck out of water as a starter.
Jim Leyland: Just a fact he hasn't had the answer for second-half tailspins by the Tigers in the past. Why would this season be different?
REPLAY OF MY LIVE VIDEO STREAM CHAT TODAY:
- Last season, they were in first place as late as July 10.
- In 2009, they led the American League Central as late as the final day of the regular season, and had a seven-game lead with 26 remaining.
- In 2007, the Tigers were in first place as late as August 15.
- In 2006, they were in first place entering the final game of the season.
The Tigers didn't win the division any of those seasons, and the only year they still qualified for the postseason was 2006.
Is this year different? Here are reasons why it might be (and why it might not be).
REASONS IT COULD BE DIFFERENT
Closer Jose Valverde: In the past, the Twins and the White Sox, with Joe Nathan and Bobby Jenks, clearly had better closers than the Tigers. Todd Jones and Fernando Rodney, despite save percentages that suggested otherwise, didn't invoke a sense of confidence. Valverde, when healthy, has been more solid. The key will be not overworking him. He was never the same after that 60-pitch outing in Boston last year, and predictably coming up lame.
The emergence of Justin Verlander: It's one thing to have one of the best starting pitchers in baseball, another to feature the very best. Verlander has put himself at the top. Six of his nine victories have been after the Tigers lost the previous game. Another, against Cleveland, broke a tie against the Indians and put the Tigers in sole possession of first place at the time.
Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta: These are two very good, professional hitters in the middle and bottom of the lineup. And both have power and are run producers.
Alex Avila and Brennan Boesch: As we get deeper into the season, it seems more unlikely the other shoe will drop on these two. Both have made obvious adjustments to their swings, and their approach at the plate is much better.
REASONS IT MIGHT NOT BE DIFFERENT
The Tigers need something from Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge: You know, to get them through the inevitable slumps of July and August. Anybody holding their breath for these three to break loose? Me neither.
The bullpen is thin and balanced too much toward left-handers: If the Tigers' starters falter for any extended period, the bottom end of the bullpen could get badly exposed.
Brad Penny and Phil Coke: Penny has already thrown 84 innings and has an ERA pushing five in an era when scoring is down. He has pitched more than 200 innings just once in his career. Coke is a fine pitcher, but seems like duck out of water as a starter.
Jim Leyland: Just a fact he hasn't had the answer for second-half tailspins by the Tigers in the past. Why would this season be different?
REPLAY OF MY LIVE VIDEO STREAM CHAT TODAY:
posted by Pat Caputo at
8:57 AM
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