Numbers Of Concern For The Tigers

By: Jamie Samuelsen

Let's be clear about one thing. The results of the Rangers series mean absolutely nothing. It's not a harbinger for the postseason. It doesn't represent some insurmountable gap for the Tigers that they'll never be able to bridge. The Red Wings beat the Avalanche 7-0 late in the 1995-96 season. Two months later, the Avs dominated the Wings in the Western Conference Finals winning in six games.

Translation – the regular season does not translate to the postseason.

It may not seem like it based on the conversation, but here's a friendly reminder that the Tigers have won 5 out of 8 and remain in first place in the AL Central. And while some fans wring their hands over Brandon Inge and Daniel Schlereth (and who can blame them?) – the guys who are really letting down the Tigers right now are the guys collecting a lot more money.

Consider these statistical snapshots –

Prince Fielder – Has gone 64 at-bats in 14 games without a homer.
Miguel Cabrera – 4 RBI's in his last 13 games.
Alex Avila – two hits in his last twenty at-bats.
Austin Jackson – an OBP of .366 and 17 strikeouts.
Brennan Boesch - .212 avg., 2 extra-base hits.

Cause for concern?

Not really. There's no doubt that Fielder and Cabrera will come around. There's clearly a little more doubt surrounding Avila, Jackson and Boesch because their track record isn't nearly as long or as expansive as the two big guns.

But again, the Tigers remain in first despite the fact that they're averaging just three runs in the last ten games. Justin Verlander has just two wins in his first four starts. Doug Fister is still languishing on the DL. Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer have both put up putrid outings in the first three weeks of the season. Will it ALL come around? Not likely.

But enough will come around that some early season struggles at the plate don't constitute much cause for concern.