Detroit Tigers mid season review

I am not a big believer in how this team was put together, but with a 46-37 record they are somehow over coming their flaws to lead the American League Central division by a half game over the Chicago White Sox and two full games over the Minnesota Twins. It is pretty amazing when we consider that one of their starting five pitchers, starting second baseman, and starting short stop or not on this team anymore. They are relying on a lot of very young talent, but somehow they continue to find a way to win. they often get a key home run or hit, or have a dominating pitching performance get them to a win and in the end that is what it is all about.

Their offense is not over powering, but they might have one of the best hitters in the game today in first baseman Miguel Cabrera. As a team they are hitting .276, and have scored 384 runs. They have collected 787 hits, 175 of which were doubles. They have added 14 triples and 72 home runs to that total.

It is the pitching staff that is chief among my concerns. They have given up 377 runs; have a staff ERA of 4.29. They have given up 64 home runs, and struck out 532 batters while issuing 286 walks. the good news here is the have a great closer in Jose Valverde. He has converted 18 saves and has an ERA of 0.97.

This is a team that still has a lot of needs, and that is relying on a lot of rookie talent. They need a bottom of the order bat, as their 3 through 5 guys are doing very well, but the 6-9 guys are struggling. If they think they can win their division they must add a starting pitcher, a starting shortstop and another bat to the roster. If not they can wait till 2011 when more than 50 million bucks falls of the payroll.

Related Links:

•Detroit Tigers news and notes
•Pride of the Tigers
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com
•The History of Detroit Sports