The Red Wings are a game away from clinching the Stanley Cup and I love it. I also have time for the Detroit Tigers. So here's some love.
In my last Diary post, I was excited about the team as it was heading into a three-game slate with the Boston Red Sox. Detroit was swept. The good news was the Tigers did not pitch their top-two pitchers - Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson. The bad news was Detroit should be deep enough to take at least one game with its third, fourth and fifth starters against any team, including the talented Red Sox.
I was a little concerned when the Tigers lost Game 1 against the visiting Angels but they came back nicely with back-to-back wins in Games 2 and 3.
Against the Angels, Verlander pitched and Jackson both pitched great games, though Verlander didn't get a decision, and Rick Porcello pitched decently in the team's 9-6 win today. The gem of the day came when Clete Thomas stroked a grand slam to break a 5-5 tie.
Marcus Thames was back in the lineup and had a couple hits, so that was good. Jeff Larish was sent back to the minors to make room for Thames. That is the best thing for Larish. He needs playing time to develop.
Next up for Detroit is five games at Chicago from Monday through Thursday. Detroit stands in first place in the Central Division at 30-25; 3 games ahead of Minnesota and 4.5 over the White Sox. This is a big series. The Tigers haven't played well in Chicago in recent years. If they can take four or five of the games, that would leave Chicago in a big hole to dig out of.
I'd settle for 3 out of 5. I have a feeling the White Sox will be taking the 3 wins.
Things that have me excited:
Joel Zumaya is throwing hard, and despite bad inning today, he is doing well.
Thames looks good.
Verlander and Jackson are still on fire.
Manager Jim Leyland is doing a good job handling the bullpen.
Things that have me nervous:
The bottom of the rotation is pitching poorly. (Though Jeremy Bonderman is due back tomorrow.)
Carlos Guillen won't be back for a long time.
The offense has been struggling lately.
The White Sox can be very tough at home.
Until next time, enjoy Michigan and GOOOOO TIGERS!!!
