Detroit Tigers News and Notes

Winners of six in a row and fresh from their three game sweep of the Washington Nationals, the Detroit Tigers have moved within a game and a half of the first place Minnesota Twins in the AL Central. Let’s see what is going on in Motown.

The Tigers have a fierce 3-4-5.

Here are the hitting lines for the Tigers’ 3-4-5 hitters:

Those hitting lines are for Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, and Brennan Boesch. Boesch has been the most surprising for the Tigers. After having a huge May, Boesch is actually having a better June.

In June, Boesch is hitting .377 with five HR’s and a .441 OBP. Boesch, who wasn’t even on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster, has really added depth to the Tigers’ lineup.

Austin Jackson is on the mend.

Jackson has been out since leaving Sunday’s game in the first inning with back spasms. When will Jackson be back? Manager Jim Leyland is not sure.

“I really can’t predict how long it’s going to take. But I think it’s at least another day or two for sure. So we’ll just have to play that by ear.”

My friend Megan and I always used to argue at work about the phrase “Play it by ear.” I really don’t get it. What exactly does that mean? She explained it to me, but I really didn’t buy her answer.

Anyway, Jackson shouldn’t be out for much longer. Jackson, who is hitting .308 with a homer, 10 SB’s, and .352 OBP,  is a top Rookie of the Year candidate. Jackson has also established himself as one of the top defensive center fielders in baseball.

Jose Valverde has been worth the money.

It was kind of a curious decision at the time when the Tigers threw $14 million at closer Jose Valverde for two years. However, Valverde has been worth the money for the Tigers so far this season.

Valverde has 14 saves with a 0.69 ERA in 28.1 IP. He has given up just one run in last 27.1 innings. That is getting the job done. Valverde’s K/9 is the lowest of his career so far (7.9), but he has been more efficient than in years past and I am pretty sure the Tigers will take it.

The Tigers have a solid one-two punch with Joel Zumaya pitching the eighth and Valverde closing out the game.

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