2011 MLB Playoffs: 5 Problems Detroit Tigers Must Fix to Beat Texas Rangers

The Detroit Tigers advanced to the ALCS on Thursday night even though they have a handful of problems to attend to. The Tigers beat the New York Yankees on the road in Game 5 to earn the right to continue on into deep October. Despite being outscored 28-17 in the five-game series, the Tigers triumphed. 

While it was a joy to watch the team succeed, at no time were fans comfortable. The Tigers continuously missed opportunities to gain the upper hand at crucial times in the series. Nonetheless, they got the job done. 

The team now turns their attention to the Texas Rangers, who are the defending American League champs. To make it to the World Series, the Tigers have to be better in many areas. The Rangers know what it takes to make it and will be eager for another chance at a World Series. 

Here are five problems the Tigers must fix in order to beat the Rangers. 

No. 5: Al Alburquerque

After looking like an assassin all season long, Al Alburquerque looked like a rookie against the New York Yankees.

Alburquerque made 41 appearances in the regular season with a  6-1 record, 1.87 ERA, 67 strikeouts and an .142 opposing batting average.

The ALDS was not so kind, as Alburquerque made two appearances, pitched 0.1 of an inning and sported an ERA of 81.00. Ouch. He was solid for the Tigers all season, and the team will need his slider in the dirt to be effective in the ALCS.

Look for manager Jim Leyland to slide Alberquerque into a relief spot by Game 2 against the Texas Rangers, even if it's only for one out. The young gun needs a boost of confidence. 

No. 4: Take Care of the Bottom of Texas' Lineup

The Detroit Tigers can not let the 7-8-9 hitters of the Texas Rangers do to them what the New York Yankees 7-8-9 hitters did. 

Most notably, Jorge Posada and Brett Gardner had a field day against Detroit pitching. Posada looked like he was 23, not 40, and Gardner looked like the best nine-hole hitter in history. Posada batted .429, while Gardner hit .412. The two men combined for 13 hits, seven runs, five RBI and five walks. They kept the Yankees alive all series long. 

The Texas Rangers are one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball, and no one is to be taken as an "easy out." Although the likes of Nelson Cruz and Mitch Moreland struggled in the ALDS, they can't be overlooked.

In order for the Tigers to beat the Rangers, they must take care of the bottom of the Rangers order. 

No. 3: Tigers Need More Production from Their Big Bats

Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are arguably the best tandem in baseball. Cabrera batted .344 during the regular season, while Martinez hit .330. 

The ALDS was a bit rough for these men, as Martinez batted .222 and Cabrera hit only .200. Both men had a homer and three RBI against the New York Yankees, but they also struck out five times a piece. 

Don't expect the lack of production from these gentlemen to continue in the ALCS. The warm air of Texas should treat their bats well.

No. 2: Tigers Must Get Better 2-out Pitching

The New York Yankees crushed the Detroit Tigers with two outs during the ALDS. It wasn't one particular Tigers pitcher that the Yankees tagged, it was seemingly all of them.

In fact, the Yankees scored 14 runs with two outs in the series—which was half of their total runs. 

The Tigers have to fix this problem immediately. The Texas Rangers are far too menacing at the plate and will break the Tigers in a heartbeat if their allowed continuous two-out opportunities. 

If the Tigers pitching staff cleans up this statistic, they increase their chances of winning tenfold.

No. 1: Patience at the Plate

The Detroit Tigers hurt themselves at the plate in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. For one, they struck out 47 times in the series. Ironically, the Yankees struck out 50 times, the only team to do so more often.

The Tigers grounded into six double plays in the series and were only 1-13 with runners in scoring position the final two games. The team only batted .228 in the series, which needs drastic improvement.

The only team with a lower batting average than the Tigers were the Texas Rangers in the divisional series. Unlike the Tigers, the Rangers only struck out 24 times, albeit in one fewer game. Something has got to give, as both of these teams have a volatile offense. 

Look for the Tigers to show patience at the plate and wear down the Rangers pitching staff throughout the series.