After taking two of three from the Pirates last weekend, the Tigers traveled to Cleveland to face the division-leading Indians. A sweep would've put the Tigers in a tie for 1st place, and all would've been well again in TigerTown. Realistically, fans would have been pleased with taking two of three. Winning only one game would've been a major disappointment, seeing as Fister and Verlander were pitching the final two games of the series. A sweep was unthinkable. Unfortunately, a sweep is exactly what happened. The Tigers sat 6 games back of the Indians.
Thankfully for the Tigers, their next series was in Minnesota against the hapless Twins, and Detroit was able to pull itself back within a game of .500 by taking three of three. Cleveland, meanwhile, got knocked around by the red-hot White Sox, who now sit only .5 game behind the Indians. Detroit currently sits 4 games out of first place.
This team just seems to be treading water. They win one, lose one. Win a couple, lose a couple. Get swept, then sweep. I think everyone is waiting for them to go on a nice little run where they win 5 in a row, or 7 of 8, or win three consecutive series. Or how about winning 10 of 11, like Chicago has just done? Let's face it...the Tigers are incredibly fortunate to be playing in the AL Central, where they sit in 3rd place. They'd be in last place if they were in the AL East. In the AL West, they'd still be in 3rd, but they'd be 7.5 games back of the Rangers.
Despite all the worrying, complaining, and panic, we have to remind ourselves that the baseball season is incredibly long. The Tigers haven't even played 30% of their games yet. They still have 114 games to play. The only guarantee we can count on is that the standings are going to look a lot different three months from now.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are currently in the midst of a four-game set at Fenway Park in Boston. Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight and looks to continue his stellar start to the 2012 campaign. Detroit lost the opener yesterday after a blown call that had Jim Leyland fuming. Maybe Leyland's rant will get the troops fired up?
Chronicling one of the most anticipated seasons in Detroit Tigers history from the perspective of an everyday fan.
Hopefully the Tigers win more games! I'm going to a game next Wednesday, so excited!
ReplyDeleteHopefully they start winning in time for Wednesday's game!
DeleteI really like this Quintin Berry guy. I wounder what they will do with him when Jackson comes back. Maybe he can play 2nd lol
ReplyDeleteYea, I like Berry too. I think once Jackson and Dirks return, Leyland should consider playing Jackson in CF and Dirks and Berry at the corner spots. At least we'd be strong defensively in the outfield. Right now we're not strong defensively anywhere. Also, with those three in the lineup, at least there is some speed and excitement. Let Young and Boesch split the DH duties.
DeleteNo way Berry can keep up this pace, but if he can get on base at respectable clip, steal some bags, force some issues on the basebaths, and play good defense, he'll be a helpful player.