Week 20

3 Wins, 3 Losses

The week started out fairly positive. After their first day off in 17 days the Tigers took a home series from the Mariners. This is almost becoming so routine it may become boring. So far in 2009 the Tigers are 40-20 at home. So they basically win 2 of every 3 they play in CoPa. That is just amazing.

What is not nearly so amazing (because that is a positive word and this isn't positive) is that they are 25-38 on the road. That is only .396, slightly worse than the opposite of their home record. It is this road record that is the only reason there is a race for the AL Central right now. If the Tigers could even get to .450 on the road they would walk away with it.

The final series of the week showed this well against the A's. The Tigers won the opener on the strength of their pitching (Jackson) and their defense (Polonco in the 9th with an amazing stop). But Saturday they lost 2-3 and Sunday they got smacked 4-9.

At home they find ways to win. On the road they don't. They generally get good pitching regardless of where they play. But on the road the bats fall silent.

This week they continue their road trip to visit the Angles. LA has won 6 of their last 10 and lead the AL West by 5 1/2 games as the series starts. They are a very good team (both at home and away). The Tigers have Verlander, Washburn and Jackson going up against them- so pitching probably won't be the problem. We will just have to see if the bats join them.

Standings-

Tigers 1st
W. Sox 2nd 2.5 back
Twins 3rd 4.5 back (and gaining)
Cleveland 11 back
KC 18 back