'O' say

Top ten reasons this series versus the Orioles was successful:

10. The Tigers finally got some run production from BBoesch, Avila, and Peralta.  If the Tigers want to have any hopes at a playoff run, these are three key guys that need to pick it up. 

9. The Tigers were hot before the All Star game and they continued to be on fire after, not letting a little break slip them up.  They are 7 for their last 8, and that, my Tigress friends, is so tasty.

8. Even though the Tigers lost Saturday's game in a grueling 13 inning game, the Tigers never stopped fighting and came from behind multiple times.  That's the mark of a good ball club.  I'm OK with the loss because the offense did what they needed to do.

7. Tigers got 2/3 from the Os, who are 2nd in the always good AL east and in the wild card hunt.  They played good ball versus a good team, which is a relief when the Tigers had played the weaker Twins and Royals before the All Star game with equal success.  It's easier to play good ball versus mediocre teams, but much more difficult to play hot against those hot teams.

6. QB had some rough at bats (going 0-5 today), but he had the catch of the series (possibly of the second half) on Friday night.  That's one we'll be seeing for the rest of the season.  Dougie Fresh's finger wave afterwards was also priceless.

5.  Speaking of Dougie Fresh, he had a quality outing on Friday and was really on point.  If you remember, Dougie Fresh was traded to the Tigers at the end of July, 2011, where he proceeded to tear the AL Central a new one.  Now that it's the second half of the season, maybe this is just Dougie's way of telling us he's a second half player.  I'd like that.

4. Verdiggity had an impressive outing today, going 8 innings with eight strikeouts.  After his horrific start at the All Star game, it's nice to see JV come out and pitch like...JV.  You know, the way he's perfected over the years, instead of just coming out and zinging the ball like a dumb teenager.  It had to be said.

3. AJacks continues to be on a tear and he has some ridiculous stat, like he's scored a run in the past 12 games.  His bat wasn't very hot this series, but when he comes up, I just smile and know it's going to be OK.  I even made a case the other day why Bboesch shouldn't have tried to come home on the short single because AJacks was up next and he could be counted on to score BBoesch from 3rd.  I never would have said that last year.

2. Cabby is just ridiculous and hasn't cooled off over the break either.  He's really settled in to his role and it looks like he's even taken some leadership responsibilities.  It's nice to see him get excited when he gets on base (somebody else has to be clapping out there besides Tigerberry).

1. This may be my favorite quote in a while from a baseball player: "If you're going to be a fan, you have to be a fan for 162 (games)."  Spoken by our own Verdiggity.  I've always been with him on this and try not to grumble when the going gets tough.  After this weekend series, I have very little to grumble about (I won't even mention Papa Potato, that's how generous I feel) and just take our series win with a smile.