Ready for battle

The Tigers, after taking three of four from the Royals, welcome in Chicago for a key three-game set against the White Sox. At least with a 4.5 game lead in the AL Central, thanks to the Yanks smacking around CWS, Detroit is guaranteed to remain in first place.

Robertson faces Garland in the opener followed by Bonderman vs. Vasquez and Rogers vs. Contreras.

This is where it gets interesting.

Robertson is 19-16 with a 3.60 ERA before the All-Star break; 9-18 with a 5.90 ERA post break. He’s 4-4 with a 4.09 lifetime vs. Chicago. Bonderman is 28-28, 4.49 before the break; 12-21, 5.16 in the second half. He’s 3-6, 4.08 against the Sox. Rogers is 119-75, 4.27 first half; 82-59, 4.12 second. He’s 14-7, 4.56 against Chicago.

Those numbers are a little scary, especially on top of having to worry about Verlander hitting the rookie wall. There’s been talk of the Tigers going to some kind of six-man rotation when Mike Maroth returns.

Detroit still leads the league with a 3.54 ERA. The White Sox are eighth at 4.59. Chicago is tops in runs with 532 and the Tigers are seventh with 483.

On the bright side, Dmitri Young could be on his way back soon. This not only helps the Tigers with another bat, but, I’m guessing, it could start the trade pendulum a-swingin.

Speaking of Verlander, Reggie Sanders said he reminds him of a right-handed Randy Johnson. I’m hoping that’s a compliment.

Our friend Fish just returned from Chicago today. He informs me it’s a toddlin’ town.