Well, the first half of the season is over and the All-Star break is upon us. The Tigers have had an up (Verlander's no-hitter) and down (a couple of long losing streaks) year so far, but with a majority of the remaining games against the AL Central, they are in a perfect position to clinch their first playoff spot since 2006.
Over the next few days, we'll be taking a look at some of the Tigers players and their performance in the first half, and what needs to happen after the break in order to make the playoffs. Today we'll look at the pitching.
Starting Pitching:
Justin Verlander (12-4, 2.15 ERA) has been absolutely remarkable. After a so-so start, the 6'5" righty has taken his game to a new level. Verlander has gone 9 consecutive starts while pitching at least 7 innings and allowing 2 earned runs or less. That is tied for the most in Tigers history. In a year where he has pitched the second no-hitter of his career, Verlander shows no signs of slowing down, and is presently the favorite to win the Cy Young.
Max Scherzer (10-4, 4.69 ERA) like the Tigers, has had an up and down year. After starting 6-0, Scherzer started slowing down and had a few bad outings. Just now he seems to be getting on track, and has had quality starts his last two games. As we saw last year, Scherzer has the potential to be lights-out, and he'll need to find some of that stuff if the Tigers want to compete for a spot in the playoffs.
Rick Porcello (8-6, 4.78 ERA) undoubtedly holds the key to the Tigers rotation. His first few starts were pretty good, but he was beat up during interleague play, despite getting a couple hits. He is turning it around, but unless we see more of the stuff we know he has, the Tigers do not stand a good chance of making it to the playoffs.
Brad Penny (6-6, 4.50 ERA) has had some great starts and some absolutely horrible starts. He has been better of late, and he needs to keep it up if the Tigers want to win in the second half.
Until recently, the fifth spot in the rotation belonged to Phil Coke (1-8, 4.88 ERA). His first year as a starter did not turn out so well, and after many consecutive bad starts, has been moved back into the bullpen, where he is amazing. Charlie Furbush (1-3, 4.03 ERA) and Andy Oliver (0-1, 6.52 ERA) have each started a couple games, but have not put up very good numbers, and are back in the Minors. Unless the Tigers can find someone to fill the fifth spot, it will continue to hold them back, and may keep them out of the playoffs.
Relievers:
What can I say? Jose Valverde (24 for 24 saves, 2.70 ERA) has been perfect in save opportunities. Almost all of his runs have come in non-save situations, where he should not be pitching (thanks a lot, Leyland). Papa Grande and his antics on the mound have been a staple in the ninth inning for the Tigers.
Joaquin Benoit (that's pronounced WAHkeen benWAH for all you wah-wah music effects fans out there) (2-3, 4.24 ERA) has pitched much better than his numbers suggest. Benoit has been quite good as the primary setup man for Valverde. After a terrible start, Benoit has settled down and is looking more like the amazing pitcher he was last year. While he is not quite there yet, he is on his way, and will be an integral part of the Tigers bullpen in the second half.
Al Alburquerque (5-1, 2.79 ERA) and his slider have burst onto the scene with 47 strikeouts in 29 innings. From Double A last year to one of the best relievers in 2011, Alburquerque has impressed everyone with his amazing slider and above average fastball. Although he is on the DL right now, it is only a minor injury (probably from throwing too many sliders), and Alburquerque should be back up and striking out hitters soon after the break.
(Bonus) Don Kelly (0-0, 0.00 ERA) has been insane! After coming in in the ninth inning and getting one out, he is now considered the best pitcher on the Tigers roster! Really though, he is amazing, and has played all nine positions on the field.
The rest of the Tigers relievers have been up and down the whole year. Ryan Perry (0-0, 7.17 ERA) and Daniel Schlereth (0-1, 4.91 ERA) just can't get going. David Purcy (1-1, 4.86 ERA) has the potential to be very good, and has show some good stuff. The other relievers have been up and down between Triple A and the Majors. The bullpen can be very good, while at other times it is downright awful. The Tigers need a little more of the former if they expect to be in contention come September.
Overall, the Tigers pitching has been mediocre. They have the potential to be one of the better pitching staffs in baseball, but the bullpen needs to be a little more consistent, and and a fifth starter must be found. The pitching will definitely define the Tigers second half, and will be the key part of their run for a berth in the playoffs.
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