Re: Detroit Tigers, Volume 1 - The Lou Whitaker version
I think that Cleveland will come back a bit, they're better than everyone thought, but I think they end the year around .500. IMO, Detroit should be a better than .500 team.
Which is funny considering:
Their #3 hitter (all who have been slotted there) has a .209 average for the season (no joke)
They have the 29th ranked combined slugging/on base % in the league (only Seattle is worse)
Cabrera is the only power threat- Peralta occasionally, Boesch when he decides to swing the bat at pitches not five feet off of the plate or doesn't take fastballs low and inside (a LH'd dream) for strikes
Martinez has been a nice addition, but can't play more than 130 games
Raburn is a defensive liability at any position and can't hit his weight
3b, 2b and LF are spots of need, not just want
Magglio and Guillen will be lucky to finish the season in a Tigers uniform, IF either come back
Jackson has been a major offensive disappointment this season
The Toledo-Detroit junket will not carry this team outside of the division
Pitching is the only thing that can salvage an above .500 season- and that includes the inconsistent bullpen.
Still, only 5 out and 2 out of the wildcard. Smoke and mirrors I think.
