The Race Is On
GREG BOWMAN
Well, that was a pretty good first half for the Tigers, who find themselves just a half game behind the White Sox in the race for the American League Central Division title. What appeared to be a two team race between the Tigers and Twins has now become a three team battle with the Tigers, Twins, and White Sox, who are suddenly the hottest team in baseball.The Tigers have what could be the best three, four, five hitters in baseball, with Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch. Cabrera is a legitimate contender to win a triple crown, something no Tiger has done since Ty Cobb 100 years ago! But it may be unrealistic to think that those three can stay that hot all season, especially rookie Boesch. But he has shown that he's no flash in the pan, like Chris Shelton, who hit a bunch of home runs before burning out fast. Boesch just hits everything, singles, doubles, home runs. And Cabrera doesn't fall victim to big strikeout numbers, something that usually plagues power hitters.
My big concern for the Tigers now is pitching. Manager Jim Leyland has already said he would like to get a veteran reliever, to add to the young bullpen. But the Tigers may also need to shop for a veteran starter. Right now, once you get past Verlander and Max Scherzer, the rest of the staff is shaky. Jeremy Bonderman has shown big improvements, but needs more consistency. And while he gave fans one of the highlights of the season with his near-perfect game, Armando Galarraga also needs to put together a few more solid outings. And there's still a big question mark for Rick Porcello, who has been trying to recapture his rookie season form in Toledo. Leyland insists the Tigers are not trying to trade Porcello, but you never say never in baseball. Veterans like Roy Oswalt and Dan Harren might be available, but teams would want the Tigers young players in return. And if the team even considers a deal to swap Brennan Boesch, Leyland and Dave Dombrowski might have to go into a witness protection program and assume a new identity.
