All-Star Break Comes At A Great Time

Rob Sanford

Over the past few seasons it's seemed like the Tigers would catch fire about 10 days before the All-Star Break, then collapse once they get back. After playing 37 games in 38 games...I think this year the break is much needed. Despite this grueling schedule...somehow the team was able to stay afloat and sits in first place. The last 6 weeks has seen up and down peformances from the pitching, both starting and bullpen...and musical chairs when it comes to the personnel in it. As I said in the last post....the team has gotten a boost of energy from its younger players, and perhaps that's why they were better able to handle the "marathon type" schedule.

Since coming back from his long stretch on the disabled list...it looks like Magglio Ordonez may have found his groove again. He has hit well over .300 since his return and has driven in some important runs in the last 2 weeks. The same cannot be said about Brandon Inge however. His batting average continues to sprial downward and has to be of big concern that team management will have to look at during the break. His ususal flawless fielding has shown a few cracks recently...committing some errors that he never would have in past years. I'm not saying get rid of him...but I wonder if he came back too soon from his bout with Mononucleosis.

The second base problem may be helped somewhat with the return of Carlos Guillen. His extremly sl0w recovery from serious knee surgery shows how carefully he and the Tiger medical staff have taken his rehab. I don't think we can expect the range that Guillen had...most players with serious knee injuries will lose a step or two...plus his age doesn't help. As much as I hate to say it.....if the Tigers were to make a trade.....I think they certainly have some good bait in Andy Dirks, Casper Wells, and maybe a top pitching prospect. I don't think its a guarantee....alot depends on how they play the next few weeks.