In The Enemy’s Camp (MLB Style): Detroit Tigers

Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Jeff Jones (51) and Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (17) talk before the game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

FoS has completed In The Enemy’s Camp for Pre-Season NFL games and the Cleveland Browns. Due to the success FoS and Detroit Jock City have decided to partner up again for a MLB version of ITEC for the upcoming Indians Tigers series. The Tigers have dominated the Indians in the series this year and stand 6.5 games ahead of the Tribe in the Central Division, but have not pulled to far ahead, the Indians have been within 4 over the past 2 weeks. Below are my questions for DJC and his replies. You can see his questions for FoS and our response here.

1. The Indians are 3 and 13 against the Tigers, even an even split of the series would mean the Tigers would only be up 1 game instead of 6. We know the Tigers are the Tribe’s kryptonite, whats keeping the Tigers from running away even more in the division?

I think the Central division is tougher than most give it credit for. The Royals have the best pitching in baseball. The Twins lack pitching but still have a solid offense. And the White Sox always play the Tigers tough. The central is no walk in the park but for some reason we just have Cleveland’s number this year.

2. Miguel Cabrera seems to get injured weekly only to return and continue his dominance. Is it a case of media overblowing his injuries or him playing through?

I can honestly say after watching Miguel Cabrera every night that his injuries are not over blown. He literally is doing this on one leg. We are witnessing a once in a lifetime season by a once in a generation player.

3. Justin Verlander struggled during the middle of the season but seems to be regaining form, what can that be attributed to?

Verlander looked like he was regaining form at times and then he slips back into inconsistency. Everyone in Detroit is speculating about the cause of his mediocrity. The theories range from Kate Upton to jealousy of Max Scherzer. The real reason: He is tired. He has pitched more innings than anyone else in baseball the last 4 years. He needs a rest.

4. How has the loss of Johnny Peralta impacted the team?

Not as drastically as you may think. Although he is a totally different type of player, Jose Iglesias has shown fans the benefit of having an outstanding defensive shortstop on the field. Peralta was having a great year to be sure but one has to wonder if that great year had anything to do with PED’s. Unfortunately we will never know.

5. What are fans expectations of the team for the rest of the season? If they fail to make the playoffs how ill that impact the team and the fans?

If the Tigers fail to make the playoffs the fans will demand everyone be fired. This may be the best roster in franchise history. The team could actually sweep the three major postseason player awards (MVP, Cy Young. Rookie of the Year). The playoffs are a given. The fans are expecting a World Series Championship.

6. From the outside looking in the Tigers are supremely talented and should have a greater record then they do, by a lot. What is keeping them from achieving this outside perceived greatness in results?

One word, consistency. The Tigers are among the league leaders in every offensive category. Conversely, they have been shut-out 8 times. That offensive inconsistency has been the Achilles heal for the Detroit Tigers this season. The series against Oakland shows us how quickly the season could end of the Tigers if they slump in the playoffs.