Can The Tigers Claw Their Way to a Division Title ?

Clinging desperately to a 3.5 game lead in the A.L. Central, can the Tigers claw their way to a division title ?

If you're a Tigers fan, a 3.5 game lead in August just isn't enough. The Tigers have seen their slim leads diminish in August/September over the last few years that they've been in contention for the A.L. Central Title. Don't hold your breath...

The Detroit Tigers are doing their best to hold on to a marginal lead over the "creep up on you in August" Minnesota Twins. This is the time that the Tigers' pitching staff needs to show why they're the best in the Central. Awaiting the return of "zoom zoom" Joel Zumaya, and Jeremy Bonderman, the rest of the staff needs to get it done. A big September is all but expected out of Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander (15-7), and possibly the biggest acquisition of the decade for the team, Edwin Jackson (10-6).

After being pounded in the first inning by the Rays' lineup, Jared Washburn gave up 6 runs to Tampa Bay in his start on Monday. With a lead so unsure, a quality start is needed from the veteran lefty, picked up by the Tigers from the Seattle Mariners. Washburn has shown flashes of greatness since coming to Detroit, but he is a role player for Detroit, and needs to play that role come playoff time. Detroit needs to win the A.L. Central in order to make the playoffs, no if, ands, or buts about it. Boston has the wild card well in hand, with the surging Tampa Bay Rays on their heels.

Washburn (9-8) gave up nine hits and two round trippers (Pena's 38th), in just 5.2 innings of work. This kind of performance WILL NOT help Detroit's cause, especially this late in the season. However, James Shields (9-10), did not have much better of an outing. Shields pitched 7.1 innings, giving up two dingers, and was pelted for 10 hits.

Justin Verlander remains to be the constant bright spot for the Central hopefuls. Justin earned his 15th victory on Saturday against the Rays, a game in which they came back to win 4-3. J.V. is now tied for second in the American League in wins, and he's still first in strikeouts. Justin is having a Cy Young worthy season, 15-7 (2nd in wins; A.L.), 215k's (mlb leader), and a 3.38 era. Respectable numbers, considering he doesn't get the run support that Josh Beckett and C.C. Sabathia are used to.

Verlander has managed to have a decent August by all accounts, going 6-4 in his last ten starts, .238 opponent batting average, and 74 k's to boot. As the ace of the rotation, Tiger fans will be counting on J.V. for a productive September.

The Tigers dropped their series against the Rays, 3 games to 1... but have no fear, they play the struggling, Cliff Lee'less Cleveland Indians. The Indians are currently 11 games out, and pose no real threat to the MoTown boys.

Detroit will finish up the month with series against division foes, the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, and Zack Greinke's Kansas City Royals. In years past, finishing a few games above .500 seals the deal in the Central Division, but the Minnesota Twins are vying for a playoff bid as well. This means problems for Detroit, considering they blew a 5.5 game lead in 2006, letting the Twins take the division.

If the Tigers rotation can hold up, and the bats of Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, and Brandon Inge can catch fire, they should be able to hold on, and make the playoffs.

If the Twins heat up, and Joe Mauer continues to destroy opposing pitchers everywhere, especially in the friendly confines of the Metro Dome, BEWARE.

I will continue to keep my readers posted on the Tigers as they compete for the A.L. Central Pennant. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read what I have to say.

GO TIGERS !