Detroit Tigers on Precipice, But to What?

(Photo by: Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

The biggest surprise has been twenty-year-old Rick Porcello. His record at 8-4, this kid is the real deal. In a year or two, he could combine with Verlander and Jackson to become the best threesome in baseball.

Dontrelle Willis started the season on the DL but got a handful of starts in late May and early June, but was sporadic. Willis was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 15 for what has been termed an anxiety disorder.

Zach Miner has been solid, pitching mostly long relief─he has a great sinker ball that induces a lot of groundballs─with an occasional spot start.

Brandon Lyon, acquired from Arizona primarily as the heir apparent to Todd Jones as closer, was suspect early, as many pitchers are coming from the NL; but he’s starting to show promise.

Ryan Perry, the twenty-year-old fire-baller, pitched his way onto the staff in spring training, but currently is pitching in AAA to get more seasoning. While up with the big club, he’s pitched well and I expect he will be back before season’s end.

Bobby Seay, sporting a 3.52 ERA in thirty-three appearances, has perhaps been the most consistent reliever to date.

Joel Zumaya finally returned to form after shoulder surgery more than a year ago and a series of other injuries. He touched 104 mph on the gun the other night, which seems to have put to rest any doubt that he’d ever regain his form from 2006

Fernando Rodney is a perfect 14-14 in save situations, 17-17 going back to last season. And yet it’s never easy for him. He’s as apt to send down the side 1-2-3 in the ninth as he is to walk the first two hitters before pitching out of a jam.

The season is still young and a lot can happen between now and October, but Detroit has at times looked to be the team to beat in the Central, while at other times they look the team that finished in the cellar last season.

It’s been an on and off season thus far for the Tigers, but most nights they play entertaining baseball, with Leyland managing like he did in 2006, having successfully called for the squeeze twice already and usually doing the unexpected, which is key to winning ballgames.

Still, on their worst nights, they’re a far better club than they were four years ago, when they were losing 100 games.

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