1. A return to form by Phil Coke - I've thought since the start of the season, Coke has been the least of the Tigers' worries, even though he hasn't pitched that well. I like his track record. But this is the first weekend of August, and he is still struggling. The Tigers desperately need relievers who will be solid in the sixth or seventh innings. Coke must be one of those pitchers, along with the recently-acquired David Pauley.
2. The health of Carlos Guillen - The Tigers lineup is just much better with Guillen. It has a domino effect, as well, putting Ryan Raburn in a role he is obviously more suited. But Guillen has a history of getting injured. A relatively long and consistent one. Will the other shoe drop again?
3. Magglio Ordonez being a reasonable facsimile of himself - He hit .294 in July, which isn't bad, but he only had three extra base hits. He doesn't have an extra base hit yet this month. The Tigers need Ordonez in the 3-hole hitting with some power to be their best.
4. Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer and Doug Fister being 7-inning pitchers - Porcello went eight in his last start, Scherzer has gone seven or more in two of his last three outings. Fister went seven in his initial start with the Tigers. What it does is take pressure off a bullpen which remains shaky at the back end.
5. Jim Leyland - The Tigers manager has been presented with a 3-game lead over the Indians, a 6 1-2 game lead over the White Sox and an 8-game advantage over the Twins with 51 games remaining. And he has the best team in the division. No excuses.