So, things are generally going well right now, no?
When we last spoke, right before the Yankees series, things were looking up as well. Then a couple of unspeakable seventh innings occured and things looked meh once again. However, over the last ten games, the Tigers are 6-4 and are currently sitting in first place at 17-13. For twenty-six innings against the Indians, the Tigers allowed only ONE solitary run to score. And only three altogether after Fernando’s rough ninth inning. Also, Friday night, this happened:
Curtis Makes Me Need To Change My Pants - Chuck Crow/AP
How about our front-two starters? Verlander has been untouchable in his last three. Jackson has been that way all season except for one inning versus New York. Porcello seems to be getting it together, although he was a little shaky at times this afternoon. Armando needs some straightening out after a glorious start to the season, though. And, we’re getting back our favorite (hopefully FORMER) trainwreck.
D-Train is back, y’all! After four minor league starts in which our hero managed to cut back on his wildness and strike some folks out, Dontrelle is back as the #4 (or is he #5?) starter and will make his debut against the Twins on Wednesday. And the Tigers will need that left-handed arm in the rotation considering the strong slate of lefty batters in the Central – especially in the Twins lineup. However, the Twins have had the Tigers number of late and I worry about a rough start. But, it’s now or never for Dontrelle. I think we’re all rooting for something to build on.
Tilde at Spring Training - Photo by Tony Dejak/AP
It’s been a rough go to 2009 for our titular Tilde. He had all of two extra-base hits going into this afternoon’s game and his average was floating around .230. After taking Saturday off, The Big Tilde made a triumphant return to the line-up and went 2/3 with his first double of the season, scored twice, and drew a walk. We still haven’t seen him driving it to the gaps like he has the past four seasons wearing the D, but this is Magglio we’re talking about. The march to .300 will continue, even if its beginning from the 6 spot instead of his traditional 3.
So, the State of The Tilde looks promising right now. The lineup shake-up has paid off thus far and a sweep of the Indians is always welcomed. The AL Central is wide open and this week’s three game set at Minnesota provides an opportunity to prove that the Tigers are ready to take on the challenge. It’s followed up by a nine-game homestand against Oakland, Texas, and Colorado – none of which are teams that should intimidate and provide an opportunity to get well above .500. There’s a lot to be excited about right now people – we’re rooting for a first place team, our star pitchers look dominant, our bats are swinging well enough, and The Big Tilde’s hair continues to flow freely in the breeze. Now, let’s get Dontrelle a win and get Bondo healthy and keep going after this thing.
I HATE THE METRODOME. I wish DTrain could premiere anyplace but there. Such weird demonic ball bounces and errors always happen in that dreadful place.
But things are getting exciting…don’t remember even wanting to look at the AL Central standings in May of 2008.