I figured 70 games in would be a good time to update on how my Detroit Tiger's franchise has been going. A little info first. I currently hit on ALL STAR, and pitch on LEGEND, with my own slider set. I used the original roster update, and created some of the Tiger's actual prospects, and some I created myself. I also created some prospects, both real, and fake, for the other teams in the league. I fired Brad Ausmus (just don't think he is a good manger) and hired “myself” as manager/gm. As I do every year, I also created one starting pitcher (Steve Lep) and one hitter, a super utility player, who has since settled in as the starting CF (Kyle Dutcher.) Nick Castellanos started the season on the D.L., and didn't return until April 29th. Cameron Maybin also started the season on the D.L. He returned May 7th.
In my signature, there is a link to google documents with the Full MLB Standings, and another link to my Detroit Tigers full stats. The Stats page also has stats for some of the prospects I created, at the bottom of the page.
I currently have a 50-20 record, tops in the majors. I have a 15.5 game lead in the A.L. Central, as the only team above .500. The White Sox are second with a 35-36 record. However, I am only 2 games better than the LA Dodgers (49-23) for the best record in the Majors. The Tigers lead the league with a .301 average, and 407 runs scored. Second in home runs with 109 (Blue Jays, 115). Also lead the league in fielding percentage (.992, just 20 errors.) Detroit is 4th in the Major League with a 3.41 team ERA.
The Tigers started out on fire in April, going 20-4 for the month. May was another great month, going 20-8. However, June seems to have brought them back to earth, as they sit at just 10-8 for the month, including two stretches where they lost 4 of 6 games each time.
The starting rotation has been outstanding. Justin Verlander (9-3, 2.84) Jordan Zimmerman (9-0, 2.20), and rookie lefty Steve Lep (9-1, 2.39, 117 strikeouts in 94 innings) Have been awesome. Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.59) has been really good at times, and shelled at others. Only Mike Pelfrey (3-5, 5.42) has really struggled. His spot in the rotation is one that the Tigers are definitely looking to upgrade as the trade deadline nears.
The Bullpen was great early in the season, but has come back to earth lately, attributing to the June swoon. Francisco Rodriguez (2-1, 3.91, 18 saves) converted his first 16 save chances, but has since blown 3 of his last 5 opportunities. His hold on the closer's spot is tenuous at best.
Offensively, the MVP has to be rookie CF Kyle Dutcher (.386, 23HR, 60 RBI.) He has played all over the field, starting games at third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He has settled in as the main option in Center. Dutcher has also hit in several spots in the lineup, but has settled in at the 2 hole. His speed at the top of the lineup has set the table for the big boppers behind him. Miguel Cabrera (.312, 16, 64), J. D. Martinez (.287, 21, 50), and Justin Upton (.264, 14, 51) have been raking all year. Victor Martinez (.272, 12, 36) struggled early, but has started to hit better in June. Since coming off the DL, Nick Castellanos (.322, 6. 23) has been awesome as well. The other surprise of the year has been Jose Iglesias, who has hit .333, though with no power.
The Tigers had the 9th pick in the June Amateur Draft, and may have come away with the best MLB ready player. They drafted SS Martin Warden, a 94 potential, 74 overall talent. He is 22 years old, and is a switch hitter. He projects to be a little better hitter from the right side of the plate, and has a good arm, and decent range in the field. Despite not having a second or third round pick, the Tigers still did pretty well, nabbing 19 year old SP Orlando Diaz (B potential) in the 4th round, and 19 year old reliever Jimmy Lopez (B potential) in the 5th round. They also got flamethrower Bobby Ventura (RP, C Potential) in the 6th round. All in all, it was a great draft.
As I said above, there is a link to the full standings, and full stats in my signature. Be sure to check it out.
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