Detroit Tigers' Upcoming Road Trip Will Be Telling for AL Central Outcome

The Detroit Tigers hit the road Friday for a nine-game stint away from Comerica Park.

Detroit will begin their trip in hot-and-humid Kansas City for a three-game set with the Royals. The Tigers then have Monday off before six straight games split between the Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles.

The Detroit Tigers are 59-52 thus far and play their next nine games in 10 days away from home. The team currently clutches onto a three-game lead over the Cleveland Indians for first place in the AL Central. This road trip will undoubtedly give baseball fans a much clearer picture of the AL Central's outcome by season's end.

The Tigers are 26-27 on the road this season. This isn't a bad number; successful teams look to take care of business at home and play .500 on the road. For the Tigers to hold the AL Central lead, it is imperative that they continue to play well on the road.

Detroit Tigers fans know that the road has been a sore spot in recent years. Comparatively speaking, the Tigers finished 29-52 on the road in 2010.

It's only early August, and the Tigers could surpass their 2010 road record on this upcoming trip. This small feat would bring a huge sigh of relief to Tigers fans.

More good news for the Detroit Tigers: They have the best inter-divisional record in the American League at 23-13. In fact, the Tigers play 12 out of their next 15 games against the AL Central.

The Tigers head into Kansas City with a season series lead of 6-3, including a 3-1 record in Kansas City. Kansas City may be in last place of the AL Central, but they are not to be taken lightly.

Beginning this Friday, the 2011 season will reach a new level of intensity for Detroit Tigers fans.

The Tigers' success on this upcoming road trip will be indicative of whether or not the Tigers will capture the AL Central.