The Tigers are playing some great ball these days and are more than Justin Verlander. Over at SI.com, our man Cliff breaks it down:
The Detroit Tigers won their 11th straight game Tuesday night behind yet another gem from likely American League Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander, who pushed his record to 23-5 with seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. What that winning streak proves, however, is that the Tigers are more than a one-man show. In fact, their success has had more to do with scoring runs than preventing them, a fact that has been overshadowed by Verlander’s award-worthy season.
The Tigers’ hot streak also stretches back much further than the last 11 games. Detroit has gone 29-11 (.725) over its last 40 games dating back to the beginning of August, the best record of any team in baseball over that time. Research has shown that coming into the playoffs hot is no guarantee of post-season success, but the Tiger’s aren’t just hot, they’re very good. Detroit possesses a potent offense, an emerging No. 2 starter to complement Verlander and a a bullpen that is anchored by closer Jose Valverde, who has yet to blow this season.
Who knows? Maybe the Tigers go to the Whirled Serious. One thing is for sure, though, Valverde will blow at least one game along the way.
Think the Yanks will try to get Austin Jackson back when he gets enough seasoning in Detroit? I was really looking forward to seeing him in our outfield.
They would be 1game back for the Wild Card if they were in the AL East.
Sox just lost a tough one to the Jays.
[1] can he hit? if so, i agree, i was always excited about him being a yankee. but i think maybe he can't hit?
sox lost a tough one today, yanks can push to five games, inconceivable.
[3] you said it.
sux lose! bard lost it in the 8th.
ajax has had somewhat of a sophomore slump. let's see how well he makes adjustments...
[5] you both said it before me! i hadn't refreshed the page yet...
Sox lose! I just wanted to say it too!
tiggers tied up the pale hose w/ 3 in the 9th, but ol' Cokey about to blow the game for dem kittens...
oh, and look at that! Coke gets out of it with the pitchers best friend. how 'bout that...
free baseball on the south side...
Rays better beat the Orioles tonite. Perfect opportunity to put Sox Nation back on the brink of meltdown ...
Gonzalez left the game with a tight calf ...
[3] Hitting can be grown into. He didn't have the anticipated power coming out of the gate, but he's got a lot of other things going for him and he's not in his prime yet. If he could hit for power already, Curtis is still a Tiger. I anticipate him being Curtis' replacement four or five years from now.
OH! the tigers come back immediately with a run in the top of the 10th.
fit them for rings!!!
here comes jose "perfect" valverde
[13] huh????????
curtis had plenty of power in detroit. his HR totals in his first 4 full seasons in the motor city:
19
23
22
30
holy crap - doc halladay threw a complete game. i don't believe it!!!
9 innings, 0 runs, 1 BB, 7 K
chump.
Have you guys seen this?
http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2011/09/tigers_fans_see_sparks_fly_on.html
Cross another one of the "I've never seen THAT before" list ...
[17] i have now!
whoa, crazy. of course, it was aj pierz... at the plate.
[15] I'm not saying Curtis didn't have power, I'm saying Austin can still develop a power stroke (without the help of enhancements) and be like Curtis. Curtis was already advanced, indeed, but there's time for catchup if he gets into the right mechanics.
[17] How far is Flint from Detroit?
That [17] is very weird. It had to be metal-on-metal, right?
And yeah, RSN is poised for a meltdown.
[19] I think the comparison you're looking for is to Mike Cameron and not Curtis Granderson.
In 2012 the Yankees play in Boston on April 20th, which is the 100th anniversary of the opening of Fenway. The Sox come to the Bronx to finish the season.
[22] Copy that...
Rays down 1-0 again to the Orioles ...
[3] I'm crying in my beer as we speak.
Triple for Matt Joyce!
2-1 Rays.
Now, how about some MORE runs tonight en route to a comfortable win?
Wow, Rays cough up a 2-1 lead for the 2nd game in a row ... 4-2 Orioles.
Comerica is a big park. Power is going to have to come on the road.