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After taking two from the Minnesota Twins, the Detroit Tigers finished this weekend 59-51 and three games ahead of the Chicago White Sox and 5.5 games ahead of the aforementioned Twins in the American League Central Division.
It was a good weekend for the Tigers, despite a lousy pitching performance on Saturday from Justin Verlander in an 11-0 loss. Figures that was game I decided to attend. actually, the decision was made for me as a friend had some tickets for the game. We were 32 rows behind the vistors' dugout.
Even with the loss, I had fun. We were sitting behind a mom and her teenage daughter, who was wearing a Joe Mauer T-shirt. She was rooting for the tigers but likes Mauer "because he's cute," she said. We had fun joking with her about how Mauer "stinks" and is "not really cute" but she had the last laugh as Mauer hit a two-run jack in the first inning to get the Twins rolling.
The Tigers held their excellent fireworks after the game and that sort of made up for the loss.
I won't complain too much because Detroit came back with an 8-7 win today.
A few things:
- It's good to see Magglio Ordonez hitting nearly .330 in his last nine games. There was a report he worked on his stance and that has improved his stroke. It will make the Central Division title a lot easier to grab if Maggs is hitting.
- Rookie Alex Avila has captured some fan attention with his debut, including hitting his first homer Friday. A fast start is always nice for a rookie but let's remember there will be some lean times for Avila at the plate. If he can give a little pop on offense and handle the catching duties he will be a plus.
- Placido Polanco getting hits is always a good thing and he has looked good lately.
- If the Tigers can hold a three games or so lead in the division by Sept. 1, they will hold on. The starting pitching is very good.
- The one thing that scares me is the inconstancy on offense. It's been feast or famine and too many famines lately. Despite that, Detroit keeps leading the Central.
Until next time, enjoy Michigan and Gooooo TIGERS!
