Last night, sparkling Edwin Jackson shut down the Orioles for the second time this season. Allowing two hits through eight innings, Jackson unravelled a bit in the 9th by hitting a batter and then allowing a 2-run HR. Nevertheless, he walked back to the dugout with a standing ovation. As Dave Dombrowski's best-ever acquisition, Edwin continues to impress. The Tigers offense provided just enough punch and actually managed a few clutch hits (Polanco, Cabrera). Very solid win. Porcello will pitch the 4th and final game against the Orioles this afternoon. Yet, the real test will be this weekend - a 3-game set with the Twins.
Many folks in Detroit feel the Tigers are a notch below both the Twins and the Sox. It's quite possible the Tigers will ultimately finish 3rd in the division. What we once thought were "dead bats" may simply be reality. Perhaps the Tigers offense simply sucks. If that's the case, the Tigers will indeed finish 3rd. Verlander and Jackson are indeed excellent, but they simply can't be expected to shut teams down every game. Porcello and Galarraga are inconsistent, and we don't know what to make of Washburn yet. The success or failure of this team rests on the dudes at the plate. Both Polanco and Maggs have come to life the past few games. That must continue. But Granderson, Laird, and, especially, Inge continue to struggle. It's painful to watch. Inge has no confidence at the plate, and he's now striking out on check-swings - vintage '08 Inge. At least he can still field the ball.
Few felt the Tigers would stay in first place through July, but there they remain. It's now August 6th. Are they for real? We'll know more after this weekend.
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