The Tigers can take much of the wind out of the Indians' sails this weekend in Cleveland, or they can just put some momentum behind the Tribe. Bottom line.
The Tigers have pitching matchups that should favor them the first two games of the series. Max Scherzer vs. Jeanmar Gomez tonight. Rick Porcello against Alex White, a terrific prospect, but making his major league debut, Saturday. The Indians are riding a bunch of castoffs, including former Tigers' washout Jack Hannahan. There is no excuse for the Tigers not to capture this series.
Then again, there was no excuse to lose three straight games to one of the worst teams in baseball at home this week - the Seattle Mariners. Or two out of three at home earlier this month to Kansas City.
Except for a three-game series against the White Sox, who were struggling mightily at the time, the Tigers have played mediocre baseball so far this season. If anything, they haven't played as well as their 12-13 record indicates.