Detroit Tigers trying to make their way back in ALCS – MLB Playoffs
The hottest topic revolving around the baseball circles can easily be judged, after going through the point charts. As the Detroit Tigers have lost Game 4 of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers 3-7 on Wednesday, October 13 doubt now is now lingering as to
whether or not the Tigers will be able to make their way back into the Series.
The most highlighted tag line will also be hitting the minds of the Tigers’ bullpen, especially to those with which the spectators have associated their maximum hopes.
With Justin Verlander ready to take on C.J. Wilson in Game 5 of the ALCS at Comerica Park in Detroit, the Tigers’ batting line-up may show up with a little change. Although Jim Leyland is looking more to Verlander than his batting powerhouse, there is still
a need to improve the rotation.
Verlander, with an ambition to brush away the allegations he has received after his poor performance in Game 1, will land at the mound for a second time in ALCS. Although the right-hander has a phenomenal 24-5 record with an exceptional 2.40 ERA, but Game
5 will be the biggest challenge of his 2011 season. As the manager and the spectators have associated all their hopes with Verlander, it will not be an easy task for him to keep his pace up in the crucial encounter.
According to some experts, left-fielder Delmon Young should be given a chance as a pinch hitter, but Leyland does not seem to agree with some veteran players.
"No, I'm not going to hit for Delmon Young," said Leyland. "He's our third hitter. He's a professional hitter. He's one of the better hitters. No, I wouldn't even think about that. And I thought it was a great decision to send him."
Leyland may have justifications for his decision, but with the Tigers’ top sluggers Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Raburn and Don Kelly are struggling to maintain their consistency. Leyland will have to review his rotation. His bullpen was not at his best in all of
the four games, except Game 4 and Miguel Cabrera, who has made a hit in all of his ten post-season games dating back to 2003.
However, an inconsistency problem the Tigers’ batting powerhouse is facing are one of the biggest concerns, Leyland has to deal with. Although Ryan has touched the ball at least once in all of the four games, but only two of his hits were runs scoring. The
30-year-old batter is ready to take on a major part of the responsibility.
Austin Jackson, being at centre-field position and opening the game for the Tigers, has not made any special performance, but now there is no-second chance. Jackson can never afford any allegation regarding his batting performance, especially playing at
such an important place. Victor Martinez has been given the most important place of designated hitter and he will now have to prove his class.
If they manage to win this game, the Tigers will travel to the Rangers home ground, but all depends on their impetus in Game 5. Leyland and the baseball experts believe the Tigers not only have the ability to comeback in the series, but also have enough
power to grab a Series win.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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