The Detroit Tigers entered their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies hoping to get a firm grip on first place in the American League Central. Then they lost on Friday night in what appeared to be a Lions score upon first glance. The Rockies pummeled the Tigers thirteen to six despite a grand slam from shortstop Jhonny Peralta. The team came into Saturday’s game one behind in the loss column to the Cleveland Indians. People have been coming up with sprained ankles because they are jumping off their bandwagon so quickly.
Designated hitter and catcher Victor Martinez has been on a tear lately. Normally, manager Jim Leyland would consider him to be a major liability behind the plate defensively, but he has no choice because Martinez has been hitting five hundred over the last week. It was heartening to see that the team did not pack it in on Friday when Rick Porcello laid an egg. The team was put behind the eight ball-trailing the Rockies eleven to one before they began their comeback. The offensive production of Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Alex Avila, and Miguel Cabrera has been the reason that the team seems to be firing on all cylinders. This is great news in the motor city, especially with gas prices falling.
The Tigers will continue their interleague play during the week with a stint in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. It is a perfect time to catch that franchise, which is in disarray. Can you believe that their payroll is lower than that of the Minnesota Twins? The divorce of the owners has the club wondering if their checks will bounce on pay day. The Tigers have to keep tabs on Miguel Cabrera during the three game series. They don’t need him taking any scenic drives up the coast of Malibu.
Unfortunately, it looks like the team will have to face ace lefthander Clayton Kershaw, but the Tigers should have the advantage in that department over the final two contests.
There is talk of Justin Verlander in contention for the Cy Young award this season. His stuff lately has been unhittable. His recent attempt at another no hitter is further evidence that the team hit the nail on the head when they used the second pick in the first round to draft him in 2004 out of Old Dominion. Pitchers can be risky because of arm issues, but he has obviously paid huge dividends for the ball club. If the coaching staff can get Brad Penny and Rick Porcello to pitch at a little higher level, then the division will not be in doubt.
The White Sox haven’t been able to put all the pieces together and the Twins are getting too late of a start. Closer Jose Valverde should have many more opportunities to finish games in save situations because the squad is heading into their next two series with momentum and subpar opponents. The trip will also provide Leyland a chance to manage with the style that made him so successful in Pittsburgh.