Heading into this past weekend's four-game series against the Chicago White Sox, I figured the Detroit Tigers were in big trouble.
Detroit was on the wrong end of too many 2-1 games lately and the offense scared me.
Then came three wins in three games - including a dramatic 4-3 win in 10 innings on Saturday - and I felt a little better. I didn't think Detroit would beat the White Sox four straight to I wasn't too surprised when they dropped a 5-1 decision on Sunday.
It was a nationally televised game, so I wished they would have won that one - but I'll take three wins any day. After the game, the Tigers were in first place in the American League Central at 52-45 and two games above the 51-48 White Sox.
That being stated, I came away from this weekend a bit nervous. The Tigers showed a lot of grit by winning three of four, but their offense is still lacking - even with Carlos Guillen back in the lineup.
They need to get another potent bat or I fear they will not win the division.
The starting pitching has been great and the bullpen has done a decent job. The defense is falling back a little, but I think that has something to do with the constant changes in the lineup.
What the Detroit Tigers need is a big hitter they can place behind Miguel Cabrera to protect him. Guillen would look better in the three spot.
It's not easy to dig up a .300 hitter with power, but team President Dave Dombrowski needs to make some magic.
Up next for Detroit is a three-gamer in Texas. The Rangers are 54-42 and in a battle for the American League West. It won't be easy, but Detroit needs to take two of three out there.
After that, there are series against Cleveland, Baltimore and Minnesota. A good showing in this stretch will keep the Tigers in first place and could knock the Twins out of contention by the second week of August.
That would be great.
A few things:
- Rick Porcello is showing some signs of hitting the Rookie Wall.
- Brandon Inge should rest that knee a lot over the next few weeks.
- Dombrowski should be doing his best to make a trade to help this team.
- I am nervous, but I still believe Detroit will win the American League Central Division.
Until next time, enjoy Michigan and Goooo TIGERS!
