Tigers Are Poised To Make A Run
By: Matt Dery
1. The Tigers look like a team right now that is poised to make a run. I know they served up 12 runs last night in a loss to the Yankees, but the team is never out of a game and its stars are performing like stars. I used to always think that Albert Belle was the best hitter I had ever seen live at a stadium, but that has changed. It is easily Miguel Cabrera.
2. I rarely get down to Comerica Park for games, but I did attend Saturday's contest and had a few observations. The new scoreboard is impressive and the digital feel is excellent. It needed an upgrade and the organization did a very good job with it. The service is still sub-par at the ballpark and I should not have to wait 15 minutes at an upper deck stand for three bottles of water on a hot night like that. The crowd was very good and the support for this team has never been better. The first place White Sox only drew 25,151 last night for their game with the Royals. 40 percent of the stadium was empty.
3. I've said on the air that I like Phil Coke. A stand-up guy and someone who does not make excuses and puts everything into every outing he has on the mound. But, right now he cannot be counted on to pitch in a critical spot. Last night, Coke allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and everything he throws to hitters is up and right down the heart of the plate.
4. I think it is a little too early to be judging the Jacob Turner trade. Anibal Sanchez has made 3 starts as a Tiger. 3. That is it.
Has he been good? No. 13 earned runs in 12 innings actually sucks, but, give him a few more outings here to adapt! Omar Infante started off slow and everyone ripped him, but now he has 7 hits in his last 4 games with a pair of homers and five driven in. Remember, the Tigers did not have a fifth starter or second baseman (a real one) for much of the season. If Sanchez continues to implode, go ahead and rip the deal. Meantime, Turner has made 3 starts for AAA New Orleans and has an ERA of 2.65 with 7 walks and 8 strikeouts.
