Well saying it was a rough week for Tigers fans might be a little of an understatement. The Tigers had 3 of the worst offenses lined up for 8 games (Oakland, Chicago, and Minnesota) so it seemed like a perfect time to continue the quality start streak. Instead the quality start streak was broken and now the Tigers are on a non-quality start streak. These 3 series were going to get Detroit back on track, and would likely let them jump Cleveland in the standings, but instead Detroit still has not won back to back games in over a month.
Since the things that were encouraging about this 3-5 week are very few, I will start with my concerns first then try to end on a positive note. The starting pitching had their first bad week of the season, and at this point the offense is not clicking enough to carry the load. There have been 4 non-quality starts in a row against lower quality offenses. These bad starts have really hurt the bullpen as well. Yes, everyone knows how bad they have been this season (losing the AL in ERA and WHIP), but it is tough to have to get more innings out of the pen than from the starters for more than a game. At some point in Porcello and Scherzer’s career the light bulb needs to go off and they need to mature as big league pitchers. Smyly had his first rough outing of the season, but you cannot be upset about that (unless you are a Phillies fan). I know quality starts will not happen each night, but I don’t think 3 of 5 is asking too much.
Everyone knows that the Tigers have one of the worst infield defenses in the AL, but so far this season they have seemed to be playing pretty average in the field (which is a compliment to Raburn, Miggy, and Prince). So, maybe this season will just be the rollercoaster that the two games against the Twins was. The team can go 2 weeks with an error every other game, and then for 2 games completely forget how to close their glove or throw the ball. I still feel like the defense is just below average, but the last two games were really tough to watch. At this point in the season I feel the most confident about the left side actually. The Prince and Raburn combination leans toward butcher more often than I like.
Finally, the hitting is up and down. Detroit’s team batting average has been respectable this season, but their ability to drive in that clutch run has been lacking. The top four guys can get on base, but there hasn’t been anyone behind them to knock them in. The bottom 5 has to start to pick things up. I know last season was a career year for Jhonny, but I thought Avila was more the .280 hitter from last season than the .220 hitter from his rookie campaign. Also, just when it felt like the offense was beginning to click a bit, Austin is struck with an abdominal strain. They list him as day to day, but if this is an injury that sticks with him for a while this offense could go back into hibernation. Austin has been the best player on the field for Detroit this season, period. I don’t even think you can argue it (and win). He is the catalyst in wins and he puts so much pressure on the pitcher if he gets on base in front of Dirks, Miggy, and Biggy. Come back soon Austin.
Ok, enough ranting, lets jump into something a little positive shall we? Hmm, well there is not much here. ESPN talked to Tom Seaver about pitching the other night, and I found the interview very interesting. He said of the 35+ starts you make in a season, you only have your great stuff in 10 of them. He said you just don’t have it in 5 or so depending on the pitcher, and the rest you might just have a couple of your pitches working and this is where you go from good to great. Seaver said it is how you battle in those 20-25 starts with just average stuff that makes the pitcher. Well, lately I have felt JV has been in that average stuff funk but is still good enough to pick up wins. That is a good thing though because earlier this season he had his Justincredible stuff against Boston and Tampa and came out 0-1. On Sunday JV brought his nasty with him to work. It was his best start in a few weeks, and he again was must watch entertainment. I am excited what he can do tonight. Even though Fister got rocked for his first time as a Tiger, yesterday, it is still encouraging having him back in the rotation. He can be simply dominant at times, and I just love how much he attacks the strike zone. With Fister and JV pitching in back to back games, it should be able to rest the bullpen most weeks because these guys will get into the 8th more often than they are pulled before the 6th.
Like I mentioned a bit earlier, the top 4 of Jackson, Dirks, Miggy, and Prince are starting to click. When AJ is getting on base like he has this season (with walks and hits) this offense is scary. Did you know that AJ is leading the team in OBP? Dirks has done what most of us expected Brennan to do, crush the fast balls pitchers have to throw him with Miggy and Biggy waiting behind him. Andy is having the Boesch season of last, and is cementing his place in this roster. Miggy and Prince both have had career long slumps at different points this season, but it has been impressive to see both of them fight through it. They are the first ones at the ballpark taking bp, and it has paid off. Miguel has taken more bad swings and has had some bad at bats this year, but he is still the best hitter in baseball and will again bat close to .330. And the thing that I love most about the big fella is that he makes people around him better. Last year VMart almost had a career year in terms of average and OBP batting behind Miggy Poco. This year Prince is still batting close to .300 and is batting .400+ after Miggy gets on base. If Cabrera heats up like the temperature, these two meat wagons can be very tough outs.
Overall, I never thought this team would flirt with .500, and I especially didn’t see them being 2 games under this late in the year. I don’t know when the appropriate time is to stop using the cliché line of “It is still early, and baseball is a marathon” but I think it is close. This team has to be more than a .500 team. Looking forward, Detroit gets a visit from Pittsburgh starting tonight and then heads to Cleveland for the first meeting with the Indians. By the time of the Week 7 Recap, Detroit could be in first place or by over 5 games back and in 3rd place. I have a hard time thinking this much talent will allow that to happen, but I am still a bit worried. Instead of saying the Tigers should go 4-2 this week, like I have been this whole season (and then feeling angry when they go 3-3 or worse) I am just going to sit back and try to enjoy this week’s game.
Anyways, happy Verlander day, I hope we can enjoy it with an adult beverage taking in this great weather and a much needed win.
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