…the Tigers seem to be recovering from that horrible start.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they’ve been much improved ever since Curtis Granderson returned from injury.  In his first 12 games, he’s hit .311 with 5 home runs, 9 RBI, and 10 walks.  He gives them not only a great hitter, but an excellent base stealer and more importantly, a better defensive outfielder.  He’s the catalyst to that team, and now it’s even more obvious.

The offense is starting to hit, as expected.  The only real disappointment so far is Sheffield, but everyone else has been doing fine.  Miggy Cabrera’s average is a tad low, but the power and RBI’s are still there.  Renteria is having a fine year, his first as a Tiger.  Maggs is being Maggs of course, and Carlos Guillen continues to rake.  Pudge’s OBP and average are a bit low, but he more than makes up for that with his defense and game calling.

The pitching, on the other hand, is God awful, and I mean that.  Their rotation was supposed to be their strong point, but it’s been  TERRIBLE.  Verlander is horrible, Robertson is horrible, and Rogers is horrible.  Willis has only pitched in two games, and he was below average in those.  The only two decent starters have been Bonderman and rookie Armando Galarraga.

Aside from Zach Miner, the bullpen has been pretty damn good, even without Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya.  I don’t understand them trading Grilli to Colorado, but they’re still solid and will be even better once those two return.  I really, really hope that Zumaya comes back and is his old self.  I would love to see him throwing 102 again, not being limited to 93 or 94.  He’s one of my favorite non-Orioles in the game, so I wish him the best.

They’re still in last place in the Central, but they’re only 3.5 out, so not all hope is lost.

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