FINISH LINE IN SIGHT

ROB SANFORD

There's just a month left in the season, and while it's probably too late to get back into the race, there is a chance to see what will be needed for next season. It's looking like Rick Porcello has found his way after spending much of the season trying to regain the form he had in 2009. He's getting the ground balls and his good control has returned. While he's looking better, there's the question of Jeremy Bonderman. I put his chances of being back next season at 50-50..he's been inconsistent and plus he's been talking about retirement. Verlander and Scherzer are locks, while Galarraga also remains a question mark.

As for the offense....I no longer count on Carlos Guillen, and Magglio Ordonez is a mystery. Coming back from a broken ankle is hard for a young player, let alone someone Magg's age. Brennan Boesch will eventually find his way...and Will Rhymes looks like a keeper. He's not much for power, but his style is more condusive to staying away from extensive slumps. He has great speed, plus he punches the ball to all fields. Forget Sizemore. The Tigers also need another catcher. Alex Aliva is a fair catcher and will likely see the greater playing time, and Gerald Laird has had a disappointing season. Although Laird has been making a statment in the last few weeks getting his batting average over .200.

So, while the Tigers season is now playing out the string....it should be viewed as the perfect time to find out just how the team's prospects can play and to determine needs for 2011. As for Jim Leyland wanting to manage beyond next season, I say hold on "big fella" lets not put the cart before the horse. Leyland hasn't proven to me he deserves to be signed to a longer deal.