Gator's Blog: A Time For The Tigers To Shine

The next couple of weeks could be pivotal in the careers of several Tigers. Magglio Ordonez is slowly getting his swing back as some of his line drives are now finding holes and turning into hits. It also helps that since he's come off the DL, he's shown that his arm can still gun runners out at the plate. By no means has this guaranteed his spot in right field for the rest of the season, but if he continues to show improvement, the team will benefit nicely.

Brandon Inge has finished his stint at Toledo following his bout with Mono and is ready to return to the lineup on Friday. Brandon wasn't hitting well before he went down and some have said that his fielding has taken a bit of a hit as well. Don Kelly has filled in nicely, but not to the point where you would say that he's the heir apparent at third base. The competition should be fierce the next few weeks to see if Inge regains his form and that competition should also bring out the best from Kelly to see who wants the job more.

The point is that the competition from within will only make the team better and as we approach the mid-way point of the season and inch closer to the trade deadline, both the Outfield and Infield have positions that need to be solidified. If Maggs and Inge are healthy, there's no reason the Tigers shouldn't contend for the Pennant.