Well the Tigers did what they had to do, and with some clutch hitting from Cabby swept the Twins for their first 3 game win streak in about a month. The hitting woke up the first 2 games with 16 runs and they squeaked by with just enough today to get Porcello off the hook with a loss that he wouldn't have really deserved. Hopefully Indians closer Chris Perez kinda calling them out after their series this week lights a fire under them and they get on a nice streak and start playing ball that they were playing at the beginning of the season. They're starting to get consistent outings 1-4, with Porcello being hot and cold. JV is still the best pitcher in the game, Scherzer looks much improved since he altered his delivery (24 K's in the last 12 1/3 IP), Fister just gets outs, and Smyly is good when he keeps the ball in the park (which has been his biggest problem).
One guy I do want to talk about is Quintin Berry. A 27 year old rookie, I know it's only been 5 games, but this guy brings a new element to the Tigers lineup that only Jackson really provides: speed. Even then, Jackson isn't nearly as fast or use his legs (via bunting, tagging up) as much as Berry has done in these first 5 games. While he'll surely slow down soon, I hope Leyland recognizes that this kid brings some life into this offense and can get into scoring position from first on his own. I'm not saying he should be an everyday starter, but he surely is a better option than Don Kelly atm, and you couldn't tell me otherwise. I don't expect him to get on at a .400 clip (although I'd love it). However, he could most definitely be used in pinch running and defensive replacement situations and as a 4th OF. Kelly doesn't really provide much and is the 25th man on the roster, so once Jackson comes back Kelly should be shipped down and then you can at least get an extended look at Berry as a part time OF. They have enough bats, they need some D and a guy that can steal some bases. He had 2 alone in this game. You can't tell me that isn't more valuable than an expendable OF that doesn't have much more speed than the guys he'd be replacing. At least ride Berry out until teams start to figure him out, whether that be in 2 weeks or a month, I don't know. Maybe you even struck gold with him. You won't know until you give him some extended innings, and I think he's more than deserved it.
Also, CH, while Konerko has been simply phenomenal so far, he's hitting at an unsustainable rate and will come back to earth soon. His BABIP is .434, ridiculous for even speedier hitters. His wRC+ is 52 points higher than his previous high, and his wOBA is 68 points higher than his previous high. He's still walking and K'ing at about the same rate, but he's not hitting many more LDs this year then previously. I'd expect for him to cool off considerably, although he'll still be a fantastic hitter and really should be worthy of an All Star bid. With Gonzalez and Hosmer struggling, Pujols only now starting to heat up (and he'll begin to post similar career numbers by the ASB, just watch), Teixeira being quite bad, and Fielder being a bit underwhelming (although not bad, one good week in terms of power will get him back to his expected rates) Konerko would be the favorite to start the game. I don't think he'll make it in on the fan vote, but he'll be voted on by the peers. Possibly AJ as well, and maybe Dunn.
One guy I do want to talk about is Quintin Berry. A 27 year old rookie, I know it's only been 5 games, but this guy brings a new element to the Tigers lineup that only Jackson really provides: speed. Even then, Jackson isn't nearly as fast or use his legs (via bunting, tagging up) as much as Berry has done in these first 5 games. While he'll surely slow down soon, I hope Leyland recognizes that this kid brings some life into this offense and can get into scoring position from first on his own. I'm not saying he should be an everyday starter, but he surely is a better option than Don Kelly atm, and you couldn't tell me otherwise. I don't expect him to get on at a .400 clip (although I'd love it). However, he could most definitely be used in pinch running and defensive replacement situations and as a 4th OF. Kelly doesn't really provide much and is the 25th man on the roster, so once Jackson comes back Kelly should be shipped down and then you can at least get an extended look at Berry as a part time OF. They have enough bats, they need some D and a guy that can steal some bases. He had 2 alone in this game. You can't tell me that isn't more valuable than an expendable OF that doesn't have much more speed than the guys he'd be replacing. At least ride Berry out until teams start to figure him out, whether that be in 2 weeks or a month, I don't know. Maybe you even struck gold with him. You won't know until you give him some extended innings, and I think he's more than deserved it.
Also, CH, while Konerko has been simply phenomenal so far, he's hitting at an unsustainable rate and will come back to earth soon. His BABIP is .434, ridiculous for even speedier hitters. His wRC+ is 52 points higher than his previous high, and his wOBA is 68 points higher than his previous high. He's still walking and K'ing at about the same rate, but he's not hitting many more LDs this year then previously. I'd expect for him to cool off considerably, although he'll still be a fantastic hitter and really should be worthy of an All Star bid. With Gonzalez and Hosmer struggling, Pujols only now starting to heat up (and he'll begin to post similar career numbers by the ASB, just watch), Teixeira being quite bad, and Fielder being a bit underwhelming (although not bad, one good week in terms of power will get him back to his expected rates) Konerko would be the favorite to start the game. I don't think he'll make it in on the fan vote, but he'll be voted on by the peers. Possibly AJ as well, and maybe Dunn.
