The Tigers Are Off To A 9-4 Start, But Are Not Without Flaws

By: Pat Caputo

The Tigers are off to a 9-4 start, but are not without flaws. These are the three biggest issues that have appeared early this season:

1. The bullpen. The Tigers have held most of their leads this season. Their record speaks for itself. But it's like it's never easy. Jose Valverde was very solid the second half of last
season. He's been so-so early this one with a WHIP of 1.650. Setup man Joaquin Benoit's WHIP is over two. That's the backend. Daniel Schlereth's performance is an obvious concern.

2. Lack of speed. One of the big things the Rangers have over the Tigers, and it was evident when they beat the Tigers Thursday, is speed.

3. Injury to Doug Fister. They miss him. Adam Wilk was badly overmatched by the Rangers Thursday.