Changes the Detroit Tigers Need to Make to Make the Playoffs

The Detroit Tigers are currently in first place for the American League central, but that doesn't look like that will last long. Slowly the White Sox's, the Twins, and even the Royals are slowly gaining up the standings every day, and sooner or later they will be passed, unless they make some changes.

First off they need a more consistent offense. I'm all for the lineup changes made by Jim Leyland to spice things up a bit every now and then, but sometimes when he does this the Tigers only get hits in chunks, and they leave to many men on base.

To reduce this, Granderson should be hitting lead-off. I know he has to much power for a lead-off hitter, but when in the five spot he only hits solo homers anyways, so it really doesn't make much of a difference.

Marcus Thames needs to be a everyday starter as well. Sure he shouldn't play as much as guys like Cabrera or Granderson, but he should at least start about 80 percent of games.

The reason? He is a valuable power hitter, and if he can hit more contact, he will become a even bigger force. Marcus should be put in the lineup behind Cabrera, while Larish backs him up on some days.

 Ramon and Everett should continue switching playtime. Hey its worked so far this season, and neither of these guys you would call "complete players."

Both these guys should be hitting at the seventh spot. At the sixth spot should be Brandon Inge, who as shown some great power. At eighth should be Larid and ninth should be either Josh Anderson, or Clete Thomas.

When Gullien gets back, hopefully by this season, he would help the Tigers offense alot, and the lineup could change, but as of right now it should look a little like this.

1. Granderson

2. Polanco

3. Cabrera

4. Thames

5. Ordonez

6. Inge

7. Everett/ Santiago

8. Larid

9. Josh Anderson/ Clete Thomas.

Plain and simple Cabrera should always hit in the 1st inning. This is why i put him at third. Actually Jim Leyland has done that recently, so maybe Jim and I are on the same page.

Also Thames should hit after Cabrera, this would force pitchers to pitch in the zone more so they don't walk Cabrera, because if they do, Marcus is up next. And Marcus has been said to have the greatest pull-power in baseball.

Really the lineup is mainly the same really the only difference is having Marcus Thames play alot more. He is a key player if the Tigers want to win some games. Also he is the guy that can fill that missing 4 slot we will have when we move Cabrera up to third in the order. 

Bench players for the tigers should include. Rookie Dusty Ryan, Ryan Raburn, Jeff Larish, Clete Thomas, ans d Everett.  

Now on to the pitching, so far this has been a strength for the Tigers. Well as far as the first three guys in the rotation. Edwin Jackson, Verlander, and Porcello. So basically the top three spots are set.

As far as the No. 4 and 5 slots we have a bit of a problem. Now i like Galarraga, and i believe he is a pretty good pitcher. However he is just not pitching very well at all this year.

But if you remember correctly he was amazing at the beginning of the year, and Verlander wasn't, so i would give him alot more starts before i even consider taking this guy out.

As far as the five slot goes there is many things the Tigers could consider. They could stay with Figaro, who pitched very well in his first outing. Or they could make a play for Pedro Martinez. I think they should do both.

As of right now start Figaro, just see what he can do. Bring in Pedro, put him in the minors to see if he has his old stuff. If he does call him up and put him in the pen, or starting rotation. It would really depend on the situation.

Rodney should also remain in the closer role, unless he proves he can't handle it. He's been perfect so far, and as a manager that's all you need. Set up should still be Zumaya. While Seay comes in the verus left handers, and Perry pitches in around the seventh inning and somedays setup.

Dolsi was recently called up which i thought was a good idea. Also i think they should really send down Nate Robertson for a better pitcher. Nate Robertson hasn't had his stuff since the 06 season, so I really think he should find himself in the majors.

To call up for Robertson should either be Fu-te-ni or Brooks Brown. This would give the bullpen a little more options.

Basically the Tigers are doing most things right, all they have to do is hit more consitently, and the pitching will take care of the rest.