The Detroit Tigers are on a roll this season, boasting a 49-25 record. Coming off a win last night against the Cardinals they remained in first place in the AL Central. The WhiteSox trail them by half a game. Thanks in part to third basemen Brandon Inge and first basemen Chris Shelton the Tigers are having a banner year, looking to make a bigger splash in the second half. With the All-Star game fast approaching I wouldn't be surprised if Inge or Shelton were selected as a reserve.
As of yesterday, Inge has 16 homeruns which leads the team, and 41 RBIs. This guy is still young and can play multiple positions, a real versatile player to have on any team. His teammate, Shelton is having a breakout year. He's exploded in April and May, but has cooled off a bit lately. He still is providing enough offense and power for the Tigers. The slugger has managed 69 hits, 14 homeruns, and 34 RBI while batting .272. As a minor leaguer Shelton quickly accelerated through the Pirates' farm system before being signed by Detroit. He played Single A ball at Lynchburg then Altoona AA.
Looking to help turn the Tigers franchise around after coping with a couple disappointing decades, Shelton and Inge will be key ingredients in the team's success. They've already capulted the club to a better record at this time than last year. Their real competition in the division is the AL champs. In interleague play this week the Tigers sweep the struggling Cubs and took 2-of-3 from the Brewers, and now try to win the series against St. Louis.
The victims awaiting this hot club up next on the schedule are the Astros and Pirates to finish interleague play before heading on the road to face Oakland for a 3-game series. I expect with the recent injury to Ivan Rodriguez, the offense will pick it up a notch and Chris Shelton will get hot again. With Inge and Shelton at the hot corners the Tigers should be a safe bet to keep their winning ways alive.
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