Key factors for the Tigers

By Nicky D

On the season right now the Tigers are 63-55, only 8 games over .500 but only 2.5 out of the wild card. In my opinion the Tigers should be playing way better then they are at the moment. You bring in Jordan Zimmerman and Justin Upton and they've both been Busts. Zimmerman is 9-5 on the season but his ERA is a 4.44 and his strikeouts per 9 innings is 5.5 (career low). Upton, also struggling this year is batting .228 with 13 home runs in 430 at bats, not only is upton not swinging the bat well ,he's not even getting on base, his on base percentage is .283 ( lowest since his rookie season). Even though their new additions are struggling, the rest of the team is doing overall very well. Justin verlander is having a comeback season right now, he is 12-6 on the year with a 3.42 era and 170 strikeouts. His strikeouts per 9 innings this season is 9.5, his highest since 2009. Verlanders looking to finish the season with 15+ wins and 200+ strikeouts, first time he's had that combo since 2012. Names like Ian kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez and Victor Martinez have all been having good seasons at the plate. The top story of late from the Tigers has been rookie pitcher Michael Fulmer. Fulmer is now ranked 4th in baseball in ERA and 1st among AL pitchers, making him a top candidate for AL rookie of the year and possibly even a Dark Horse in the Cy Young race. The Tigers have no doubt a great team,if healthy they are definitely a contender to make the playoffs, but otherwise I just can't see it happening this year.