The Tigers' Hot Start

[JohnnyCougar]

In case you have been sleeping, the Tigers so far are the second best team in baseball this year (or the best when you consider runs scored versus runs allowed). Here are some stats that have even me, a huge Tigers fan, in awe.

Tigers team stats (MLB ranking in parentheses):

Pitching:
ERA: 3.25 (1st)
BAA (opponent batting average): .234 (1st)
Pitches/Innings Pitched: 14.91 (1st)
WHIP: 1.18 (1st)
Stolen Bases Allowed: 8 (1st least)
Home runs allowed: 29 (2nd least - tie)
Walks allowed: 102 (3rd least)

Defense:
Defensive efficiency rating (ratio of how many balls in play your defense converts into outs): .7395 (2nd)
Fielding percentage: .985 (11th)

Hitting
Home runs hit: 56 (2nd)
Batting Average: .275 (7th)
Slugging percentage: .477 (2nd)
BB: 92 (tied for last)

So in summary, their pitching has been absolutely awesome, both the bullpen and the starters. They have both the best starting rotation and bullpen in all of baseball right now. And the only team to hit more home runs than them so far has been the Milwaukee Brewers. And the only team that turns more balls in play into outs is the St. Louis Cardinals. They really need to start taking more walks, and their fielding percentage could be better (although it is still above average) but what we have here is a team that is solid all around.

This team was far better than it's record showed last year, as it was plagued with injuries, and with major rookies playing only half the season. This year, their young players (Shelton, Granderson, Verlander, Zumaya) are all playing a full year, injured players (Ordonez and Guillen) are healthy, and their other pitchers are a year older and better (Robertson, Maroth, Bonderman). Plus, they have Polanco for the full year this year. And Pudge is having a nice rebound to his poor performance last year. And, of course, they have two new signings (Kenny Rogers, Todd Jones). Both are doing awesome.

Are they for real? Can the American League's perennial basement dwellers really be MLB's best team? The stats show that it is possible. Their infield and outfielders have great range, and their pitching isn't giving up walks, which means there is no easy way to get on base against them. Once you are on base, don't even think about stealing a base, either. Pudge Rodriguez, Kenny Rogers (2nd all time in pickoffs) and Mike Maroth (AL pickoff leader, 2005) completely shut down the opposing running game. These are the factors that have made the Twins probably the best defensive/pitching team in the last 5 years. And these are stats that are not likely to change. My biggest concern is that the Tigers lack of plate discipline is a recipe for an inconsistent offense, as they are last in baseball at drawing walks. But with great pitching and defense, and the Tigers' knack for hitting home runs, it may only take one or two big hits a game to win a ton of games. I think they are for real, and the Sox better watch out.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Homer!

Just kidding JC. I think it was most impressive the tear they went on after Leyland had his public tantrum. Talk about a guy who knows what buttons to push! They looked ordinary until then. Good job, Jim!
The Professor

[JohnnyCougar]

2. What's up, professor!

How is life south of Chicago?

Are you a Cubs or White Sox fan?

[ProfessorGAC]

3. Cubs (He Says With Strong Sense Of Shame)

My grandfather, who came here in early 1929, contaminated the family. My mom's dad, who got here in around 1916, was the same.

So, i'm genetically predisposed to backing a lost cause.
The Professor

[sarcasmo]

10. The Cubs will win the World Series in 2012.

I had one of my visions awhile back. This is coming from a Tigers Fan.

[StaggerLee]

4. continues

I remember folks talking early on how the benchmark would be forty games in.

Now the Tigs have 42 wins.

Interleague starts again this weekend. I'm really looking forward to the St Louis series.

[SharonRB]

5. Now the best team in baseball

I hope they can keep it up all year. We could use a winner this year after the Wings and Pistons folded in the playoffs! (And I won't even mention the Lions.)

[SharonRB]

6. Photos from last night's game

[KitchenWitch]

7. Great pics

I hope to someday catch a game there.

I want to catch a game at all the major league ball parks.

[WannaBeGrumpy]

9. My favorite plce in the world...The greatest park in the world with the coolest people...

and the hottest players!

[ComerPerro]

8. Tied up the series with the Yanks in ALDS today, 1-1