Detroit Tigers in tough position as trading deadline approaches
By Matt Pelc
![Jul 2, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris (44) smiles from the dugout during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Jul 2, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris (44) smiles from the dugout during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a083ec4c19747200cd433cd841da7c40d59f6a239a7632c61957f84ac0e22391.jpg)
What Do You Do?
Headed into games on July 5, the Tigers were just one game out of a wild-card spot (with five teams all within two games of the top spots), so a postseason shot is within the realm of possibility, although without Zimmermann for a long period of time, its hard to believe in their chances.
Still, if they get in as a wild-card, when they are playing a good team like the Royals, Orioles, or Astros, (in which the Tigers are a combined 4-10 against), do you trust this team’s chances in a one-game playoff?
I’m not convinced. It might take a series win over the Royals, a win or 6 against the Indians, and stability on the road (Detroit is 21-23 away from home, which looks better than it is after taking four straight from a free-falling Rays’ team in a barren Tropicana Field over the holiday weekend) to convince me.
Should Tigers Sell?
One thing is for sure (unless they lose 10 straight or something equally as disastrous), the Tigers will not be sellers. Mike Ilitch will not let a somewhat competitive team sell two years in a row. Heck, selling cost the last GM his job.
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Although I think selling might be the best way to go to build toward the future, the chances of it happening are as likely as Mike Pelfrey becoming the ace of the staff in the second half. In other words, it ain’t happenin’.