Detroit Tigers Hit Road for Final West Coast Trip

Following an exciting and successful homestand, the Detroit Tigers will make their final west coast road trip in 2009. First up, a stop in Oakland for a three-game set before concluding with three more against the AL West leading Angels.

The Tigers look to improve their 24-36 road record, by far the worst among division leaders, in two cities in which they have had little success.

At 53-67, playoff aspirations in Oakland have long since subsided. Stars Matt Holliday and Orlando Cabrera have been shipped out of town as the focus shifts to the future.

Taking on a struggling A's team may be just what the Tigers need to reverse their road woes. Tigers need to beat up on weak opponents wherever the game happens to be played.

The Tigers would be wise to approach their series with the Angels as a potential post season dress rehearsal. Should the Tigers hold on to win the Central and the Texas Rangers win the AL Wild Card, the Tigers and Angels would likely match up as first round opponents.

Hot shot youngster Alex Avila continues to push Gerald Laird for playing time. Despite Avila's hot stick, Laird figures to get the lion's share of playing time in LA due to his gold glove caliber defense. Simply having Laird in the lineup may keep the Angels running game under control.

Friday, Aug. 21

Edwin Jackson (9-5, 2.84) vs. Gio Gonzalez (4-3, 5.88)

Edwin Jackson brings the AL's fourth best ERA into a matchup against one of the league's worst offensive clubs. Jackson got the win during a 14-1 blowout on May 15 in which he went seven strong innings to post his third win of the season.

Gio Gonzalez took a tough luck loss to the Tigers on June 30. Gonzalez allowed three runs in five innings while striking out five Tiger batters. He settled in nicely after allowing a first inning two run home run to Placido Polanco.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Armando Galaragga (6-10, 5.16) vs. Trevor Cahill (6-12, 4.97)

Galaragga's season can only be described as consistently inconsistent. Armando struggled with his control after a stellar April and has recently seemed to alternate good and bad starts. After missing a start due to the flu, Galarraga came back to throw five solids innings against the Royals.

His season against Oakland has mirrored his season as a whole. Galarraga lasted just two thirds of an inning after allowing five runs to the A's on May 17 then posted a win over the A's on June 30 after allowing just one run in six and a third innings.

Cahill also pitched in that May 17 game, ultimately taking the loss. Trevor gave up seven runs in two and a third innings to take the loss and allow Armando Galarraga off the hook. Cahill may have hit the wall many young players face as he has not posted a win since July 22.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Rick Porcello (10-7, 4.21) vs. Brett Tomko (2-2, 4.21)

Veteran righty Brett Tomko makes just his second start of the season in what will be his second appearance with the A's. He began the season as a reliever with the Yankees but was released after 15 appearances. Tomko's first start was a success as he went five scoreless innings against the very team that let him go earlier this year.

Porcello recorded a career high eight strikeouts in his last outing against the Mariners. The 20-year old rookie looked strong in his first start following a five-game suspension as a result of a brawl with Kevin Youkilis. Like Galarraga, Porcello has had mixed results against the Athletics going 1-1 with a 5.26 ERA in two starts.

Monday, Aug. 24

Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.29) vs. Jered Weaver (13-4, 3.89)

Fans of all-star pitching matchups will not want to miss Monday's game between Justin Verlander and Jered Weaver. Batters will face the tough task of facing two of the top strikeout men in the AL. Verlander leads the AL with 204 K's while Weaver sits at No. 7 in the league with 143.

Verlander's only start against the Angels this season came back in April; one start prior to beginning his amazing run of starts that has thrust him into the Cy Young discussion.

Verlander will need to limit the walks to keep the Angels disruptive running game at bay. Look for JV to give a little extra attention to Kendry Morales. In their last matchup, Morales went 2-for-3 with a home run and five RBI with Verlander in the game.

Weaver's one start against the Tigers was also in April. He got a no decision after pitching seven innings of three run ball while striking out six.

Carlos Guillen may be a key to offensive success for the Tigers; he managed a single and double off of Weaver in April. Guillen's return to the field is a positive sign of health and it may only be a matter of time before Carlos begins hitting from both sides.

Guillen's return from the DL has been just the kind of "acquisition" Dave Dombrowski envisioned when declining to make a move prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Jarrod Washburn (8-7, 3.18) vs. John Lackey (8-6, 4.00)

Jarrod Washburn will make his second consecutive start against one of his former teams. The first, this past Thursday against the Mariners, did not go as planned. Home runs have been a problem for Washburn since joining the Tigers, giving up eight in his four starts.

Despite spending much of the season in the same division, Washburn will make just his third start agains the Angels and his first since May. In those starts, he went 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA. Washburn's familiarity with the Angels lineup will be important and must translate into a quality start if the Tigers are to get a rare road win.

John Lackey opened the season on the disabled list and has struggled to regain his all-star form. Lackey did post a 5-1 record in July but was roughed up against the Cleveland Indians in his last start. He has not faced the Tigers this year.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Edwin Jackson (9-5, 2.84) vs. Sean O'Sullivan (3-1, 5.91)

If Edwin Jackson puts together a start like he did against the Angels on June 6, the Tigers will end their road trip with a win. Jackson dominated in a complete game four hitter. Jackson allowed his only run in the first before finishing the final eight innings while only allowing two more hits.

The Tigers will get their first look at 21 year old right hander Sean O'Sullivan. Like Rick Porcello, the Angels keep their youngster from going very deep in games. O'Sullivan's longest outing was his debut in which he pitched seven full innings.

O'Sullivan has benefited from great run support; a luxury that may not be realistic in a matchup with Edwin Jackson. O'Sullivan has an elevated WHIP at 1.48, largely a result of hits rather than walks.

It remains to be seen if O'Sullivan will actually get the start against the Tigers. He has struggled since being recalled from AAA on Aug. 5 and much may be riding on his Aug. 21 start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Around the AL Central

Upcoming Schedule

Tigers: @OAK Aug. 21-Aug. 23, @LAA Aug. 24-Aug. 26
White Sox: BAL Aug. 21-Aug. 23, @BOS Aug. 24-Aug. 27
Twins: KC Aug. 21-Aug. 23, BAL Aug. 24-Aug. 26
Indians: SEA Aug. 21-Aug. 23, @CLE Aug. 24-Aug. 26
Royals: @MIN Aug. 21-Aug. 23, CLE Aug. 24-Aug. 26

Current Standings

Team	GB
Tigers	0
White Sox	2.5
Twins	6.5
Indians	12
Royals	17

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