The Tigers long west coast swing continues tonight, as they head to Seattle's Safeco Field to take on the last place Mariners in the opener of a 3 game series.
The teams just played a little more than a week ago at Comerica, resulting in a Tigers sweep of the sad sack Mariners. Not much has changed for Seattle since being thrashed by the Tigers, as they still have the worst record in the AL.
As for the Tigers, they are coming off of a much needed win, after losing a pair of walk off heartbreakers to the LA Angels. Despite recent player promotions, roster shakeups and rumors of trades, the Tigers continue to plod along at 9 games under .500, 8 games back in the Central.
Headed to the mound for the Tigers is Nate Robertson (2-5, 5.88), the man rumored to be on the trading block if Detroit doesn't improve soon. Robertson did win his last start, snapping a personal 3 game losing streak, as he was the beneficiary of Tigers' 19 run attack in a victory over the Twins.
Carlos Silva (3-4, 5.14) will face the Tigers tonight. Silva lost to the Tigers 10 days ago, during the aforementioned sweep. He lasted only 4 innings, giving up 7 runs and 9 hits in a 12-8 Detroit victory. Silva was shelled in his most recent start as well, giving up 7 runs and 11 hits in 6 innings in a loss to the Yankees.
If you would have previewed this series before the season, you would have anticipated this being a highly hyped meeting of a pair of playoff contenders. What we actually have this weekend are 2 teams who have have failed miserably up to this point of the season.
It's safe to say the loser of this series will be in rough shape. Or I should say, in rougher shape than than the other.
Short hops:
Fox Sports hack Dayn Perry thinks Justin Verlander isn't earning his paycheck.
Tigerblog takes a look at the Tigers' Jekyll and Hyde act. They are great in their wins, yet worse than awful in their losses.
Take 75 North has a been running series of fascinating posts determining at which positions the Tigers have a "high need" and which seem to be in good shape, system wide. Today's post looks at 3rd base .