Here come the Sox

The Tigers begin a 3-game series with the White Sox tonight; a clash between the AL's last two World Series reps. Chad Durbin faces John Danks in the opener, followed by Nate Robertson vs. Jose Contreras and Justin Verlander vs. Jon Garland.

Durbin has given up 17 hits in 8.2 innings, indicating he’s been spending too much time around Jose Mesa. Danks is a lefty, which should be to the Tigers’ advantage with right-handed bats like Pudge, Sheff, Maggs, Monroe, Thames, and Inge. I’d feel better if some of those guys were hitting better at the moment.

Robertson and Verlander went a combined 1-7 vs. CWS last season. We might get a small indication whether Robertson’s success through the early part of this year represents a step up. Contreras seems to pitch well in Motown (3.35 ERA).

Chicago has won two in a row, including Mark Buehrle’s no-no, heading into this series. The Tigers were last seen watching the bullpen spoil Jeremy Bonderman’s day. If Detroit wins 2 in this series, I’d be thrilled.