Detroit Tigers fans everywhere were disappointed when their boys lost the first game of the season to the New York Yankees on Thursday March 31. According to www.mlb.com, Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski was excited about this group of Tigers. The second game of the season was Saturday April 2. In the second inning, Detroit was down 0-6 to the Yankees yet again. They ultimately lost the series with only one win out of three. Is the boys’ 6-3 loss an omen for the season to come? Let’s hope not.
The strength of this year’s Tigers lineup comes from outfielder Miguel Cabrera, designated hitter Victor Martinez, outfielder Magglio Ordonez, and short stop Jhonny Peralta. On Sunday’s game, Cabrera hit two home runs. Despite his legal trouble, Cabrera’s powerhouse range is going to be the key. Outfielder Austin Jackson, outfielder Brennan Boesch, and second baseman Will Rhymes bring their speed to the table. Brandon Inge has turned into one of the best third basemen that the league has to offer.
The team also has a variety of pitchers that bring their own twist to the game. Justin Verlander pitched a no-hitter in the summer of 2007. He was the opening pitcher for the Tigers on Thursday, and although he lost, he has the uncanny ability to pitch more than 100 pitches in one game. He picked up eight strike-outs on Thursday’s game. Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, and Daniel Schlereth are also expected to have good seasons.
Thursday’s loss to the New York Yankees was an unfortunate one; however, one must consider how good the Yankees are. With Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Curtis Granderson, the Yankees are unstoppable. It was unlucky for the ball club that the first series of the season had to be against the Yankees. Don’t worry though fans; the boys of the summer are here to stay.