A Good Finish Can Depend On A Great Start

Rob Sanford

It took awhile but one of the big parts of the Tiger turnaround has been the starting pitching. Justin Verlander is the Ace, so much is expected from him but the others seem to have taken the baton and have run with it. Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, and Brad Penny have helped fuel the winning streak, the jury is still out on Phil Coke who has had bouts of wildness. This past week end, thanks to a pair of 8 inning starts by Verlander and Penny plus Sunday's rain out have given the bullpen virtually 3 days rest, with the exception of Jose Valverde. That's good because the schedule really gets hectic over the next 2 weeks. Good pitching is a game changer.

I know I've said it before but what a huge difference Victor Martinez has made to the line up. He is simply on fire and seems to have rubbed off a bit on Austin Jackson who looks more like the player we saw last season. There's been lots speculation by some in the the media that perhaps Magglio Ordonez is not going to comeback after his stint on the disabled list. I don't believe that, but then again I've been wrong before. I think alot depends on what Andy Dirks will do in place of Maggs on the roster.

When you look at how crummy the weather has been this spring...it's a miracle there haven't been more rain outs for the Tigers. Sunday's postponed game was certinly merited and with the forecast this week, it looks like there could be another one.