The 2nd Half

Prior to the season, I predicted the Tigers' starting rotation would be the team's undoing. As it turns out, only two starters did not get released or sent to Toledo during the first three months. But the Tigers remain in the hunt. What I did not foresee was that the bullpen would become the most reliable in the American League. I supported the Valverde signing - because any closer is better than Ryan Perry - but I had no idea he'd sport a sub-1.00 ERA into July!

Offensively, the big dog Cabrera carried the team throughout the first half. It's not a major surprise. When Cabrera surfaced after a self-imposed four month exile into alcohol rehabilitation, it was clear he mentally turned a corner. Cabrera's return actually coincided with the Tiger Woods scandal, and it was interesting comparing the two. Cabrera fought the spotlight, simply mentioning that he quit booze cold turkey. When Cabrera turned on the jets this season, he became simply the greatest Tiger hitter in my lifetime. It'll be exciting to see what he does next.

Helping him shoulder the burden was Maggs and Boesch. Coming off his dreadful '09, I predicted Maggs would return to form, hitting over .315 this year. He's currently at .313. What I did not expect was his strong RBI numbers (56). I also, of course, had no idea Brennan Boesch would ascend to superstar power hitter. The kid is a revelation. Those three have carried the Tigers to 48 wins. If the team has any hope to contend, they'll have to keep it up because the rest of the lineup underwhelmed.

I will concede that Austin Jackson proved quite capable at the plate. He's sporting a strong .300 batting average, but his 88 strikeouts are way too high for a lead-off hitter.

So what can we expect for the second half?

I was in Chicago two weeks ago, and not a single radio personality considered the Tigers a threat. Keep in mind that this was when the Sox were still in 3rd place! Now they're in 1st. No doubt the Chicago locals are thinking World Series. That's just how they are. In Detroit, we're always looking behind us, thinking the worst is about to happen. In Chicago, they tend to OVERsell themselves. They do need to worry about the Tigers. I'm no Tiger apologist, but any team with Miguel Cabrera should be feared. Further, the White Sox has pitching worries, just like the Tigers and Twins. Their starters are significantly stronger, with four capable arms, compared to just one for Detroit (two, I guess, if you count Bonderman). But their bullpen fared slightly worse than Detroit's through the first three months.

As for Minnesota, they will no doubt be there down the stretch. Right now, they're limping without Morneau, and Mauer is less than 100% too. But they're still Minnesota, and they've still got the best manager in the American League. It would take a major catastrophe for Minnesota to somehow fall out of contention.

From a player-to-player comparison, the Tigers simply to do not match up well with either the Sox or Twins. What the Tigers have in their favor is the best hitter, the best pitcher, and the best closer. They also have a tremendous wildcard in Brennan Boesch. Other teams don't quite know what to make of that kid. With Damon, Cabrera, Maggs, Boesch, and Guillen hitting 2-6, that's the most dangerous lineup in the Central. Unfortunately, the Twins and Sox go eight deep, if not nine (Nick Punto somehow beats up on Detroit). If the Tigers can compete offensively, they must find a way to improve defensively. That, of course, begins with the starting pitching.

Verlander provided a workmanlike first half of '10. So far, so decent. Bonderman proved he's a capable MLB pitcher, post-surgery. Scherzer pitched like a solid #2 since his return from Toledo. And "Imperfecto" Galarraga... well, he's been hot and cold. For the Tigers to have any chance, those four need to pitch at a 4.00 ERA clip from here on out. I'd love for the Tigers to also improve with their fielding, but I don't see that happening. The team was built for their bats, not their gloves. Errors will be a way of life with this team.

It comes down to this... for the Tigers to win the Central, they'll need continued production from the 2-6 hitters, continued dominance from the bullpen, and consistent above-average-ness from the starting rotation. I'm not asking for Gerald Laird to hit .300. Or for Inge to win a Gold Glove. These goals need to be achievable. The hitters and bullpen just need to stick to their current gameplan. And, if the Bonderman, Scherzer, and Galarraga somehow find a consistent groove, we could be in for a very enjoyable ride.