Detroit Tigers Midseason Grades
By Tony Fischer
July 14, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (24), starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37), shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27), right fielder Torii Hunter (48) and first baseman Prince Fielder (28) with their All Star jerseys before the game against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers have had a strong first half. The team is 10 games above .500 (52-42) and hold a 3 game lead in the division over the rival Cleveland Indians. The have a legitimate Cy Young contender in Max Scherzer. And MVP and triple crown contender in Miguel Cabrera and silver slugger candidates up and down the line-up. The Tigers also tied a team record by having 6 all-stars selected to participate in the All-Star game.
So why are Tigers fans so nervous?
The Bullpen
The bullpen has been the achilles heal for the Tigers this season who have only recently settled on a closer, Joaquin Benoit. The bungling of the closer role at the beginning of the season started a chain of events that are still leaving uncertainty on the back-end of the bullpen. A problem the Tigers will most certainly address before the trade deadline.
Upon review of the Detroit Tigers midseason grades there have been some outstanding pupils and some students who need to spend some time in the time-out chair.
So what grade did your favorite Tigers on their mid-term report card?