Halfway home

We’re at the halfway point and the Tigers are on pace to win 110 games. What a ride it’s been, and hopefully it will continue. Even if Detroit goes 40-41 the rest of the way, and there’s no reason to think this team will fall apart, that gets them to 95 victories.

This has been a true team effort, as evidenced by the All-Star voting. No Tigers will be starters. Pudge finished second at catcher and second baseman Placido Polanco was the only other Detroit player to crack the top five at his position. Polanco was fifth.

It’s understandable. I can’t even pick a first-half MVP for the team. Maggs has got to be considered for his .313-15-58. But Thames, Guillen, Pudge, Granderson, and Shelton all have been major players at some point during the year so far. Inge still isn’t hitting for average, but has dangerous power at the bottom of the order.

Obviously, the pitchers deserve recognition, too. Rogers, despite a couple poorer starts lately, has led the way for much of the campaign, on the field and off.

Verlander (10-4, 3.13) also has been great, as has Robertson (8-3, 3.14). You can’t overlook the bullpen with Zumaya, Rodney and Walker. And Zach Miner has stepped into Maroth’s spot in the rotation and produced 4-1, 2.59.

That’s 14 guys playing big roles without even mentioning the contributions of Bonderman and, before his injury, Maroth. That’s probably why you can be optimistic entering the second half – this isn’t a team relying on any one person for its success. It would take a massive collective slump to send this team in a long-term tailspin.

At least that’s what I’m hoping.