Hmmmmmm...

Things are suddenly starting to get interesting with this Tigers team. After hammering the Rockies last night, 7-1, behind rookie Eddie Bonine, the Tigers are 39-40, a game under .500. You might remember that I said, at 14-24, there was no way they'd be able to get to .500. I couldn't see them playing at a .600 clip. They are 25-16, a .609 winning percentage, in their last 41 games. I didn't see it coming.
But their pitching has gotten better, thanks to Galarraga, the rookie, and a more consistent bullpen.
Tonight, Justin Verlander goes for the Tigers, and he must be excellent so the team reaches .500. Winning tonight puts them at 40-40, almost the halfway mark of the season. After starting 0-7 and twice being 10 games under, a victory today means they've played .549 baseball since starting 0-7. With the way the Central is shaping up, 89-92 wins might win the division. They have a chance.
But today is huge, in terms of the team's mental standpoint. Reaching .500 is symbolic. It shows the players they did not quit, that they climbed back into the race.
OK, Verlander, you're the stud pitcher. Let's see you deliver when this team need it.