Detroit Tigers: Weekend Update, July 10, 2009

Greetings, salutations, and happy (almost) All-Star Break, fellow Tiger fans! It’s time to take another look at the current exploits of the Detroit Tigers.

Looking back

It ended up being a 0.500 week for the Tigers, but I think they’ll take that considering the past slate of games contained a trip to the dreaded Minneapolis Metrodome.

·      Friday @Minnesota: Placido Polanco drove in two extra-inning runs, in a 16-inning marathon win. (W, 11-9)

·      Saturday @Minnesota: The Twins outlasted the Tigers, despite Magglio’s three-run homerun. (L, 4-3)

·      Sunday @Minnesota: Nick Blackburn baffled the Detroit hitters and the Tigers dropped the series. (L, 6-2)

·      Monday vs. Kansas City: The bullpen wasted Armando Galarraga’s gem. (L, 4-3)

·      Tuesday vs. Kansas City: Justin Verlander K’ed 11 and the Tigers rolled. (W, 8-5)

·      Wednesday @Oakland: Luke French outdueled Greinke, and the Tigers won their first series in four tries. (W, 3-1)

In a change from last week, the Tigers starting staff went 2-1 and the offense got back on track edging out the competition 30-29 in runs scored. The pitching staff, as a whole, posted a 3.66 ERA, striking out 59 in 59 innings pitched; the downside was the 1.41 WHIP they also posted, which is a little high for my liking, but not statistically terrible.

Lucas French gets the gold star this week, going 1-0 in two starts with a sub 2.50 ERA. Keep up the good work Luke!

Looking forward

The stinkin’ Indians come into the D for a three game weekend set starting Friday, followed by the All-Star break.

The Motown Cats are set up very well pitching wise for the series. All-Stars Edwin Jackson and Justin Verlander, and a rebounding Armando Galarraga are slated to start against Cleveland. With a two and a half game lead over Chicago’s south siders, the Tigers are in great shape to maintain the division lead at the break.

·      Friday vs. Cleveland: Edwin Jackson (6-4, 2.59) vs. Cliff Lee (4-8, 3.45)

·      Saturday vs. Cleveland: Armando Galarraga (5-7, 5.03) vs. Carl Pavano (7-7, 5.36)

·      Sunday vs. Cleveland: Justin Verlander (9-4, 3.59) vs. Tomo Ohka (0-2, 5.65)

The Tigers have had good success so far against the Indians with a 5-1 record, including two wins over Cliff Lee. It would be great for the Tigers to end the first half on a strong note.

Keep an eye on the out-of-town scoreboard this weekend as the Sox and Twins square up in another Central Division battle.

Congratulations to Brandon Inge, who won the American League Final Vote, joining Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson as Tiger representatives in St. Louis for the All-Star Game. President Obama will throw out the ceremonially first pitch before the game.

·      Sunday @ Busch Stadium, St. Louis: XM All-Star Futures Game followed by the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game

·      Monday @ Busch Stadium, St. Louis: State Farm Home-Run Derby

·      Tuesday @ Busch Stadium, St. Louis: 80th All-Star Game

Looking around

Here’s what others are saying about the Tigers right now.

·      Scott Sizemore will represent the Tigers organization in the Futures Game.

·      Dominik and Lawrence discuss Tiger All-Star candidates and Placido’s future with the club.

·      Blake VandeBunte makes a case for Magglio’s release.

·      Brandon Inge wins American League All-Star Final Vote, and may be headed to the Home Run Derby.

·      Jason Beck reports that Carlos Guillen should begin a rehab assignment soon.

Look for another Tigers Weekend Update next week. (Weekend Update format subject to change at any time without notice.)