Yesterday the winless Detroit Tigers were shut out by the Red Sox at Fenway. Although the Tigers have started off poorly, there is plenty of games left to get the offense clicking. The problems have been two fold, the lack of production from their star players, and atrocious pitching from everyone on their staff.. Ordonez, Renteria, and Cabrera have combined for 1 homerun, 2 runs batted in, and 14 strikeouts. However, it is the first two weeks of the season and is hard to believe that these three will continue on this pace. In addition to the power outage on offensive, the pitching staff has also struggled thus far. Verlander, Bonderman, and Willis all have ERA’s above 5, and have not been overpowering as of yet. The poor starting pitching opens the door for poor relief pitching, which in the Tiger’s case has been as poor as the motor city these days.
The good news for Detroit is there are still 155 games to go, they play in the AL central which means their only serious competition lies in Cleveland. Miguel Cabrera is destined for 30 homers, but not much more then that, Comerica Park gives the advantage to pitchers. Magz is coming off a career year and is projected to post similar numbers this year. Also, the catalyst of the Tiger’s offensive, Curtis Granderson, has been on the bench nursing a broken finger. He is a threat in the batters box and on the bases. Verlander, Bonderman, and Willis, will all benefit from the star-studded lineup that should heat up. It is not out of the question for Verlander to win 20 games and record 200 K’s. Todd Jones is solid in the ninth and anchors the bullpen. This is a team that should be dangerous around October. I am not sold that they will win the central division, but I do believe they will edge out the Yankees for a playoff spot. Make sure to keep an eye on the sleeping beast that is resting in Detroit.
Prediction: 90-72
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