Tigers Week That Was.....

Tigers went 3-2 in rare 5 game week

The Tigers began the week versus the Chicago White Sox. Game 1 was Monday and the Tigers sent Zach Miner to the mound on a cold, cold day in Detroit. The White Sox offense however was not cold, they went on to score 10 runs (8 of them early vs Miner). The Tigers would score 6 runs, but that would not be enough. The Tuesday game vs the Sox would be cancelled due to rain. In the final game vs the Sox the Tigers would dominate. Scoring 9 runs and using a strong performance from Armando Galarraga.

The Tigers would have a day off on Thursday and head to Seattle. Game 1 would match Justin Verlander up against Felix Hernandez, Verlander would start out strong, but get shelled in the 5th. The Tigers scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning, but would not score again. 6-3 Mariners in the series opener. In the middle game of the 3 game set the Tigers would use a studly performance by Edwin Jackson, combined with a good showing from the pen to win 2-0. The rubber game of the series would come down to Sunday. Rookie pitcher Rick Porcello would go to the mound and pitch a very strong game. The offense was led by SS Ramon Santiago. Tigers would go on to win the series decider 8-2.

The Tigers would end the week 3-2 (2 days off). The bullpen was barely used, and the Starting pitching was great after the Monday game (other than Verlanders 5th inning). Miguel Cabrera stayed hot, Ramon Santiago played very well both in the field and especially at the plate. Brandon Inge slowed down a bit, but still was alright, and newly acquired Josh Anderson showed flashes of brilliance with his versatility.

Weekly Grades:
Hitting: B- (had chances to win the games in both losses, but hit well for most of the week)
Starting Pitching: B+ (Galarraga/Jackson A+)
Bullpen: A (Rodney has been great, Seay/Perry strong)

Overall: B+ (3-2 record, 1 loss was 30 degree day with Miner)

5 most important things from the week that was
1. Rodnay has been flawless as closer
2. Galarraga/Jackson look solid as 2/3 starters
3. SS Santiago should get some run
4. LF J Anderson should be able to get 70+ starts
5. Verlander struggles again, need better from him.