The common theme with the Detroit Tigers over the past couple of seasons has been that they are a team with a ton of talent that can’t close. That sentiment isn’t meant in a game-by-game sense, but rather in the sense that strong first-half play that puts them in contention for a division title usually transitions into a tough second half in which they fail to capitalize on their opportunities to do something big. Whether or not Detroit is able to get over that MLB betting services trend this season is something that will be crucial to the outlook for the organization’s future, and until they prove that they can get the job done there is every reason for doubt.
The Tigers finished just 38-38 down the stretch in 2009 to miss out on the postseason, including the tiebreaker loss that cost them the American League Central title. A year ago it appeared as though Detroit was destined to redeem their selves for that late season swoon, but injuries played a major role in the team going just 33-43 after the All Star break. This pay per head season, the Tigers reached the Midsummer Classic one-half game ahead of the Cleveland Indians for first in the division after a rollercoaster first half, and despite all of the positives the team will take from their play it will be the rest of the season that determines how their year is graded.
Whether or not the Tigers are able to bring playoff baseball to the north again will likely correlate directly with the future of manager Jim Leyland. The Detroit management has done a solid job of building a MLB contender and providing him with the pieces he needs to win the AL Central, something that the team’s first place ranking through the first half illustrates. On top of the changes made to the roster, the Tigers fired pitching coach Rick Knapp and committed to Miguel Cabrera despite his antics off the field. Both moves are testament to the urgency the organization is operating with.
There is little doubt that with Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Jose Valverde among others this team has all of the pieces to get back to the sports betting services postseason. Cabrera has done an excellent job once again this season to hit .311 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI, and he has had a ton of support in the heart of the Tigers’ order with three other hitters that all rank in the top-ten in the league in terms of batting average with Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta, and Brennan Boesch joining him on that list. Verlander is a 12-game winner who ranks among the best in the AL, while Valverde once again doesn’t have a blown save at the midway mark. Detroit would be a lock for a division title if someone can step up alongside Verlander at the top of the rotation, as neither of Brad Penny, Max Scherzer, or Rick Porcello has ran with that role. The possibility is there for the Tigers to add an arm before the trade deadline. Detroit has managed to hang on to the top spot in the AL Central through the first half, but as far as the rest of the season goes this is a team that still has a lot to prove.
The Tigers finished just 38-38 down the stretch in 2009 to miss out on the postseason, including the tiebreaker loss that cost them the American League Central title. A year ago it appeared as though Detroit was destined to redeem their selves for that late season swoon, but injuries played a major role in the team going just 33-43 after the All Star break. This pay per head season, the Tigers reached the Midsummer Classic one-half game ahead of the Cleveland Indians for first in the division after a rollercoaster first half, and despite all of the positives the team will take from their play it will be the rest of the season that determines how their year is graded.
Whether or not the Tigers are able to bring playoff baseball to the north again will likely correlate directly with the future of manager Jim Leyland. The Detroit management has done a solid job of building a MLB contender and providing him with the pieces he needs to win the AL Central, something that the team’s first place ranking through the first half illustrates. On top of the changes made to the roster, the Tigers fired pitching coach Rick Knapp and committed to Miguel Cabrera despite his antics off the field. Both moves are testament to the urgency the organization is operating with.
There is little doubt that with Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Jose Valverde among others this team has all of the pieces to get back to the sports betting services postseason. Cabrera has done an excellent job once again this season to hit .311 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI, and he has had a ton of support in the heart of the Tigers’ order with three other hitters that all rank in the top-ten in the league in terms of batting average with Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta, and Brennan Boesch joining him on that list. Verlander is a 12-game winner who ranks among the best in the AL, while Valverde once again doesn’t have a blown save at the midway mark. Detroit would be a lock for a division title if someone can step up alongside Verlander at the top of the rotation, as neither of Brad Penny, Max Scherzer, or Rick Porcello has ran with that role. The possibility is there for the Tigers to add an arm before the trade deadline. Detroit has managed to hang on to the top spot in the AL Central through the first half, but as far as the rest of the season goes this is a team that still has a lot to prove.
