We are deep into May and the Tigers are playing some excellent baseball. Don't adjust your computer screen, I actually wrote that. The bats are active, the bullpen is decent, and the starting pitching is lights out as usual. I say that cautiously because Smyly and Porcello are still finding their groove. For the record, I'm not a Porcello hater by any stretch of the imagination. I just think he gets too much credit sometimes, especially from the announcing crew this year (you know who you are, Mario). Somehow, the bullpen is even contributing and throwing some quality innings. Here's some things I like about the team this year:
Joe Nathan- We have an actual, bonafide closer this year. That's right, usually in about July, we are scrambling through our beat down pen looking for someone to step up. Barring any injury, we have someone reliable and seasoned handling the ninth inning. It's pretty exciting to be enjoying something that other teams take for granted.
Ian Kinsler- Fielder/Kinsler trade...can we say "Winning"? Dom looks like a genius mastermind as usual with Prince still struggling and Kinsler looking like Bennie the Jet straight off the sandlot. He's got high socks, range, speed, a quick bat, and even goes yard once in a while. I've also seen his sick salsa moves on Twitter. He's the best acquisition in an off season full of new, solid players.
Scherzer/Verlander- The Dealing Duo (registered trademark) is doing what they always do, which is pitch lights out baseball. Verlander is still in his spring rut where he has a massive breakdown in about the sixth inning, but if he keeps at it, he can persevere. Maxxy Pooh is racking up extra dollars and zeros that are sure to be included in his contract with whatever team he signs with (I have little hope he'll sign with the Tigers so let's enjoy him while we can).
Fun- That's right, the Tigers are having fun. Whether it's some silly dance where their hands shake by their heads, Zubaz pants pulled up to the upper thigh (thanks Anibal), or the numerous handshakes, the Tigers are having fun with each other and it's paying off on the scoreboard. This is a very different team from the one last year that hung their heads after losing to Boston in the playoffs. I credit new blood and the leadership of the always smiling Torii Hunter. Joba Chamberlain might look like a lumberjack, but he acts like a clown.
Rad Brad- It doesn't matter who is managing, haters are going to hate. People are going to question lineup choices and calls on the field. Smokes can tell you all about it. My advice is to grow thick skin and buy some earplugs. I've liked the aggressive base running and gutsy small ball plays that the Tigers have been flashing this season. Brad's quiet presence in the dugout makes him seem more like a cool older brother rather than a grouchy grandpa looking for his next nicotine fix (I love you Smokes, but you know this is true). If you are on your best behavior, cool brother Brad might even teach you how to surf. Of course, I'd look like a genius manager too if I had the raw talent and experience that the Tigers clubhouse has, but Brad is holding his own and then some.
I'd like to think the Tigers aren't putting too much pressure on themselves and are just taking it one day at a time. That's the way they seem to be playing. This road trip has been a key part to the early season. With a sweep of the first place Orioles, a three game set with the team who took them down last year, and a series with a division foe in Cleveland, Detroit needs to send a message. We are bringing back the roar in 20-1-4 (now trending on Twitter). With a 25-12 record and a 6.5 game lead in the Central, you'd be having fun too.
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