The just completed sweep at the hands of the Red Sox magnified the one consistent problem the Tigers have had the entire season. For some reason, the offense, loaded with players that have hit and produced at a high level for many seasons, has gone south for the spring.
While the Red Sox did not face the Tigers top two starters, the Tigers still didn't hit enough to wiin, regardless of who was on the mound. Yes, Beckett, Matsuzaka and Wakefield are three of the Sox top starters, but in years past, the Tigers offense has been able to battle against good pitching.
Despite some late inning noise in the first two games, the Tigers never really seemed to be in any of the three games. Leyland keeps repeating the fact that his big boys have to start to hit or his team will not win. He's right. The Tigers have been able to ride their pitching for the first two months, but until Magglio, Polanco and to an extent, Granderson become more consistent, the Tigers will struggle to score and to win games.
Let's hope it happens sooner rather than later.
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Off topic, it was great meeting Matt Stafford the other night. He stopped by the booth and spent a half inning with us. Very impressive kid. He is very polished and will have no problem dealing with the media. Can he play in the NFL? I have no idea. I do know this, I'll be rooting for him to help turn the Lions around.
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