All the planets seem to be aligned for the 2006 Detroit Tigers since they are holders of the best record in baseball as we head into the dog days of summer. While their hitting statistics place them in the middle of the pack their pitching is on a different level than most other teams. Their ERA of 3.46 puts them 45 points ahead of the next best team which would be San Diego and they're the only two teams below 4.00. They head back into action Thursday when they host the KC Royals for a four game set. Then they and the champion Chicago White Sox will begin a huge series on Monday. One startling statistic that jumps out at you is that the Oakland Athletics are somehow are tied for first place with the Rangers. Considering that their batting average is the worst in the majors at .243 and their RBI total 364 is also the worst in the majors, I just don't get it. Former Braves pitching coach, Lee Mazzone, cannot be blamed for accepting a hefty raise when he moved from Atlanta to Baltimore, but his pitching staff's performance is raising eyebrows. The ERA of 5.29 is only trailed by KC's 5.79 and Baltimore's season is over for the fans at Camden Yard. I am usually very busy dumping on Joe Torre's pitching staff this time of year, but the pinstriper hurlers have been awesome to date with the 7th best ERA in baseball at 4.30. What is astonishing, and points out how much better the pitching is in the AL, is that 4 of the top 7 staff are from the AL and they must face a designated hitter every game. As I mentioned in April, those of you that do not want to listen and continue to bet against Detroit will be sorry come October! Bob Acton Online Sports Betting |
