Alright, so it’s time to stop being so pessimistic. After another stellar performance by Verlander, it’s hard not to like the Tigers. That is, until you come to the realization that he can’t pitch every game. He has been unbeatable for sure, but that just ensures a Tigers victory every 5 games. Rogers has looked good though, and Jurrjens was serviceable in his last outing. It’s not as if Detroit doesn’t stand a chance, they just need some help.
Maggs and Sheff Handle Bidness
The Offense was propelled off the bats of Sheffield and Magglio as is often the case. Well, often with Magglio - and now thankfully off Sheff again. With him in top shape and the pitching of Rogers and Verlander coming around they will be very dangerous if they can get in the playoffs. They are 3.5 back of the Yankees as NY goes up against Boston (sounds promising), and 5.5 back of The Tribe as they get to play the Royals (not so promising). The Tigers meanwhile have to visit Minnesota for 3 then Cleveland for 3 more. These next 6 games will essentially determine the outcome of the playoff picture. They HAVE to sweep the Indians. There is no other option. If they sweep Cleveland they gain 3 games. If they take 2 out of three they only gain one. If the Tigers do not sweep the Indians, they will not win the division. This may not be true mathematically, but realistically it’s the case.
So, as a back-up plan to sweeping Cleveland, we need Boston to destroy the Yankees. It should be much easier to catch New York than Cleveland. Red Sox Nation, we’re counting on you here in Detroit.
I wouldn’t hold out much hope for the tigers sweeping the indians, if they were good enough to do that they would probably be leading the division. I’m still holding out hope for the wildcard especially because New York is playing The Sox this week.
Yeah - Sabathia makes me nervous, but they did just sweep the Twins, so that’s a start.