Roaring

The Tigers completed their 9-game NL swing with an 8-1 record and 7-game win streak. One of the more remarkable features of the streak is the fact Detroit batted around in 6 of those games, all without the benefit of the DH. The offense simply continues to be scary good. The Tigs went 14-4 in interleague play.

Making the situation better (at least for Tig fans, perhaps not the AL) is the staff is coming into form. Kenny Rogers returned and immediately recaptured his 2006 brilliance. Nate Robertson is slated to come off the DL and start Tuesday. Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman keep winning. Chad Durbin got a three-inning save in his first appearance out of the pen. Over the last 5 games, Detroit gave up just 6 runs -- and 4 of those came in one game. Granted, the span came against the Nats and struggling Braves, but it's still a good sign. (And the Nats, it should be noted, took 2 of 3 from Cleveland over the weekend.)

After being a sore spot much of the season, the bullpen is enjoying one of its best stretches. Over the last 5 games, the relievers tossed 15 IP, giving up 8 hits and 1 run while striking out 14 and walking 5. That's a 0.60 ERA and 0.87 WHIP.

The Tigers will have to make some more moves with Robertson and Zach Miner returning to the staff. I'm interested to see what becomes of 23-year-old Eulogio De La Cruz, who has been sharp in 3 relief appearances. He's supposed to have a 95+ mph fastball and big league curve and change. Plus, his numbers in the minors show him to be a groundball pitcher. Detroit might have another unheralded weapon in its arsenal.

Detroit now returns to Comerica for a 13-game homestand. The Tigers could really help themselves in the AL Central race if they continue to play well the next two weeks. It begins with a 4-game set against Texas, and for the first time this season the rotation will resemble 2006: Bonderman - Robertson - Rogers - Verlander.

The Tigers have been coming through in clutch spots this season. The hitters are batting .313 with a .963 OPS with 2 outs and RISP (387 plate appearances). The pitchers are allowing a .244 BA and .722 OPS in that situation (308 PA).