The Tigers should go for Quentin and/or that everyday 2B like Infante.

 

Boesch's days are numbered, because Young is hitting well and Berry is also pushing for playing time.

 

And anything that gets Raburn out of the line-up is good for them in 2012.

 

 

 

Jacob Turner will be taking Smyly's spot and starting on the 17th (Tuesday).

 

It's still all talk for right now.

 

But one Sports Illustrated columnist thinks the Tigers have what it takes to make a big run in the second half of the season.

 

Tom Verducci released his team-by-team previews for the second half of baseball and had encouraging things to say about a Tigers team that continues to trail the AL Central.

 

"The offense has been good, but it hasn't really caught fire the way we all thought," Verducci said. "Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, they've been doing their thing. Austin Jackson has had a great season when he's been healthy.

 

"But, as Jim Leyland said, the key for this team is really getting guys on base in front of Cabrera and Fielder and I think the depth of the lineup has actually been a question as well."

 

The Tigers entered the second half at 44-42 and 3.5 games behind the White Sox in the division (and a half-game behind the Indians). They're now 45-42 after beating the Orioles on Friday.

 

Verducci points out that the Tigers, despite their pitching struggles (they rank 19th in WHIP, 22nd in opposing batting average and 15th in ERA), have the right pieces in Doug Fister, Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer to compliment ace Justin Verlander.

 

"Why you like Detroit when the season started hasn't really changed," Verducci said. "That's why I think the team to watch, that I think will have the best second half in terms of getting on a real serious run is the Detroit Tigers."

 

freep.com/sports

 

 

 

• Buster Olney of espn.com sized up every American League team's trade prospects heading into the deadline at the end of the month. Here's what he wrote about the Tigers: "It's easy to suggest that the Tigers could use an upgrade at second base. But who would it be? Would Marco Scutaro -- who has a .609 OPS outside of Coors Field -- represent worthwhile improvement? Kelly Johnson? Mike Fontenot? Placido Polanco? Chris Getz? The Tigers' problems are not easily fixed. They could use bullpen depth, though -- someone like the Padres' Huston Street or Balfour."

• Joel Sherman of the New York Post named Tigers ace Justin Verlander as his first-half AL Cy Young Award winner. He wrote: "It does not feel as dominant as last year, but once again no one has outpitched the defending AL Cy winner."

 

• Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire added to Verlander's heap of praise after Wednesday night's game: "To me, watching that kid is like watching Jack Morris — once he gets going, he's going to finish you off, just like Jack used to do. Believe me, when I compare someone to Jack Morris, that's a compliment. He's the best pitcher I've been around, and he should be in the Hall of Fame, and Verlander is on the same path."

 

• Tweet from Danny Knobler, cbssports.com: "Prospect to watch: 21-year-old OF Avisail Garcia, just promoted by Tigers to AA Erie. One scout: 'Looks like a young Miguel Cabrera.'"

Edited July 14, 201213 yr by caulfield12

Indians made that game a lot closer than comfort.

 

Jays had to use their closer for the 2nd day in row, Janssen, so he's out for tmrw.

 

In fact, he had to enter the game in the 8th to stop the bleeding.

Thanks Flaherty or whoever they brought in for defensive purposes STUPID ORIOLES.

 

Tigers in the process of coming back, 4-3 now in the 9th, 2nd and 3rd and only one out.

 

Would be a huge comeback win for them if they pull it off.

 

Avila K'ed, rookie Berry ripped a single to left to score the tying run, 4-4 tie, then Boesch was gunned down at the plate by Endy Chavez trying to score the go-ahead run.

Edited July 14, 201213 yr by caulfield12

O's tie it up. Valverde blows another.

Biggest AL Central disappointment?

 

Carlos Santana or Eric Hosmer?

Leadoff homer for Austin Jackson with Verlander pitching

Leadoff homer for Austin Jackson with Verlander pitching

 

 

Next time he pitches in Chicago, everyone in the Gold Coast seats should hold up life-size posters of Kate Upton behind home plate, like at a college basketball game.

 

Better yet, sign her to an endorsement deal, put her in some type of sexy outfit or even a Sox jersey/cap and give 20,000 of those puppies away to the first 20,000 ADULTS 14 and older.

 

That has to help with attendance!

Edited July 15, 201213 yr by caulfield12

Leadoff homer for Austin Jackson with Verlander pitching

 

JV not the same guy this year - he been Boobnotized!

 

Honestly, I think he's due for a dominant shutout.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/danny-kn...e-threw-100-mph

 

Apparently, Verlander didn't care about the results of the ASG.

 

Shouldn't he have told Washington he was more concerned with throwing 97-100 MPH fastballs rather than actually trying to get batters out?

 

 

By the way, that walk off homer by Teagarden was only his 2nd at-bat of the season. Crazy. And Benoit's been the Tigers' best reliever.

Edited July 15, 201213 yr by caulfield12

It seems like Boesch is starting to get it going finally. It's amazing how bad Raburn's been this year.

It seems like Boesch is starting to get it going finally. It's amazing how bad Raburn's been this year.

 

 

He had at least two big hits late yesterday.

 

Then the next problem is how to get Young, Boesch, Berry and Dirks playing time, especially when Victor Martinez comes back.

 

But right now, they have to be elated to get productive contributions from Young and Brennan.

 

That said, it has been against Minn, KC and the Orioles without Hammel.

 

Their schedule is about to drastically tighten up.

 

 

the Twins have a staggering -101 run differential. The next closest team is the Astros at -78

Edited July 16, 201213 yr by Benchwarmerjim

Angels scoring 4 so far in the 5th. Lead Detroit 5-2. I like it.

Guess who is moving into the 2nd wildcard spot after tonight?

 

 

Guess who is moving into the 2nd wildcard spot after tonight?

 

 

Probably the Tigers.

Guess who is moving into the 2nd wildcard spot after tonight?

 

The Omaha Royals?

Jon Morosi ‏@jonmorosi

 

But as @Ken_Rosenthal and I wrote today, #Astros may be willing to eat money to move Wandy. If that happens, #Tigers could be in play.

http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz...elders/11232874

 

Sources: Tigers interested in DBacks infielders

10 hours ago by JonPaulMorosi

 

The Detroit Tigers have shown interest in Arizona Diamondbacks infielders Stephen Drew and Ryan Roberts, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.

 

Drew, a left-handed-hitting shortstop, missed nearly three months this season because of a broken ankle he sustained last year. He returned to the Arizona lineup June 27 and has a .579 OPS in 13 games. Roberts is more of a utility player who has spent time at second and third base this season, with a .640 OPS in 76 games.

 

It’s not clear how advanced the talks are, but sources say there has been dialogue between the clubs on scenarios involving one or both players.

 

Drew, 29, has played exclusively shortstop in the major leagues. Since he’s coming off a leg injury, it’s doubtful the Tigers would expect him to switch positions if he is sent to Detroit. So, the Tigers’ assessment of whether Drew can handle the rigors of shortstop will be key to their willingness to trade for him. Neither Drew nor Jhonny Peralta (Detroit’s current shortstop) is regarded as an elite defender.

 

The Tigers hold a $6 million club option on Peralta for next year. It is possible the Diamondbacks will ask for him in trade discussions, since he could address their need for a shortstop or third baseman next year. Peralta has been a better offensive player than Drew or Roberts this year, totaling a .745 OPS in 81 games.

 

-- Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

JIM BOWDEN ‏@JimBowdenESPNxm

 

Acta just told me the Indians front office has been really aggressive in trying to get an outfield bat or starting pitcher by the deadline

Jordan Bastian ‏@MLBastian

 

Asdrubal Cabrera hitting .040 (1-25) last 6 games, .114 (5-44) last 11 games, .200 (17-85) last 20 games and .242 (56-231) last 58 games.

The Tigers are for sure really this time probably totally maybe making their run. Serious you guys!

Remember when Jacob Turner was untouchable?

Bob Nightengale ‏@BNightengale

 

The #Marlins also in trade talks with the #Tigers about sending Omar Infante back to Detroit where he can play second base. #MLB

Jon Morosi ‏@jonmorosi

 

#Tigers prospect Andy Oliver on DL. Hasn't been a good few days for trade value of their young arms.

JIM BOWDEN ‏@JimBowdenESPNxm

If the Tigers can get Justin Upton for Castellanos and Boesch +then trade for Infante...OF defense of Upton,Jackson,Berry (Young DH)