Do We Have a Tigers October?

     Man, would I love to see the Tigers in the postseason this year. The last time the team made it to the playoffs was in 2014, when they got swept by the Orioles in the ALDS. With the young talent and potential that the team has to offer, I can see a playoff appearance this year, and more in the near future with the development of players like Parker Meadows, Jace Jung and Colt Keith.

    I've grown to really like the team, and perhaps the reason for this is because two of my favorite players are performing well for them; Tarik Skubal and Riley Greene. Seeing them perform up to their potential is great, and when a team's two best players do well, the team as a whole usually does (unless it's the Rangers this year >sobs<). 

    As of right now, the team sits at an 80-73 record, which is tied for the last American League postseason spot. They are starting a three game set with the Orioles this evening, followed by a six game homestand with the Rays and White Sox. I like it, I like it. 

    Meanwhile the Twins, who are tied with Detroit for that last spot, have a three game set at the Red Sox, followed by a homestand that features three game sets against the Marlins and Orioles. It's going to be close, that's for sure.

    The team plays as if a loss deals them certain death. And they haven't been losing! In their last 40 games, the Tigers have won 27, and the offense has performed well in that time, and the pitching staff even better.

    But, as far as offense goes as a whole, the team is not too good. They have a collective slash line of .235/.299/.387, all of which are tenth in the league or worse (OBP is second-last). They have a few really good hitters in the mix, but if they want a realistic shot at the championship, they'll need to up the offensive numbers. 

    Now, taking a brief look at the Tigers starting rotation is interesting. Unfortunately, they traded away Jack Flaherty at the deadline. Flaherty had a 2.95 ERA in 106 2/3 inning with the team before he moved to the Dodgers. They got Trey Sweeney out of the deal, who is currently playing for the team in the Majors, and a minor league catcher named Thayron Liranzo. 

    Even with the loss of Flaherty, the team has a 3.62 ERA, which is second in the AL only to the 3.51 mark of the Mariners. Besides their ace, the Detroit rotation really isn't that intimidating. They have Reese Olson and Casey Mize, who are both good, but won't be winning most games like Skubal has.

    The bullpen for the Tigers has been very good this season for the most part. Tyler Holton and Jason Foley both have ERAs below 3.00, and Will Vest is at a 3.02 mark. Beau Brieske and Shelby Miller have been able to pitch in high-leverage spots for the team, which seems to be going well. The pen has been lights-out as of late, which is certainly why they've been winning so many games.

    Anyway, that's my brief analysis of the Tigers. And looking at it, I'm less sure that they'll be able to do much by the time the postseason comes around. But that won't stop me from rooting for them.

   These last nine games are going to be huge, and I am definitely hoping that they break in to the postseason. I'm rooting for a Tigers/Royals ALCS, which may be too much to ask for. Only time can tell I guess. Let's go Tigers!

    On a side note, my second to last Player of the Week post will be coming out sometime tomorrow. I've got some stuff going on in the morning baseball-wise, but will get that post out there when I can. As for y'all have a great day and happy collecting!

    Good morning, good afternoon and goodnight.