Series Preview: Tigers at Twins

Going 0 for 7 or 8 since we are facing two lefties.

for all fellow out of state Tigers fans out there!

Bring Back Jim Thome signs in the stands.

Now you have that commercial stuck in your head now too…you’re welcome

JV getting win #20~!

Justin Verlander goes for his 20th win of the season on Saturday, and could accomplish the magic number by the end of August. The Tigers haven’t had a 20 game winner since Jack Morris in 1986, and Jack was part of a four man rotation most of the time.

Rick Porcello remains one of the biggest keys, IMO, to the success of the Tigers, and he has struggled mightily in his last several starts. The Tigers have been fortunate to get six good innings out of Porcello recently, and he’s gone just 3.2 IP in two of his last three starts, most recently getting shelled by Cleveland twice for five and eight runs in those starts. Prior to those outings, Kid Rick had won five starts in a row during July. His problem stems from the sinker and/ or the slider being left out over the plate too often, and he’s very hittable when his stuff doesn’t have the usual bite to it. After four good starting pitching performances by Tiger starters in Tampa, a solid start from Porcello would be very encouraging.

One more thing to watch- if the Tigers happen to take a broom to the Twinkies this weekend, y’all can watch me book a flight to Detroit for the Playoffs! Well, there is the matter of game tickets first, but I’m goin, come hell or high water!

Miggy’s power to return. Not that he hasn’t had a great year so far, but I think he hits a couple bombs this weekend. The new, proud papi is gunna want to hit a few for the new little guy.

Can a Minnesota starting pitcher get somebody out?! Scott Diamond is making his 2nd career appearance in the major leagues after being shelled in several recent outings for the Rochester Red Wings.

Carl Pavano has allowed hitters to post a .335 batting average since the all-star break. Even without factoring in walks or power, this is a problem. He’s even struggled with the Tigers, a team he was brought in a few years ago to beat (and boy did he).

Brian Duensing has allowed opponents to hit .356 since the break with a 1.76 WHIP. He has been DRILLED by Tigers hitting this year.

I don’t even know to look it up to know that these 3 pitchers have poor advanced metrics since the all-star break (and mediocre before that even).

So what to watch for? In the spirit of Verlander going for his 20th win, look for the Tigers to drop 20 runs on Twins pitching this series. (Wouldn’t that be nice)