Originally Posted by OLD SKOOL HQ

FIRST QUARTER BREAKDOWN.

RECORD: 26-16

BATTING: team leads all baseball in runs, extra base hits and slugging pct. Remember that the Tigers after 15 games, The tigers had 6 players hitting under .200!! They are now flexible and explosive.
Team batting now .272 only .003 off Boston

PITCHING: Definetly not as good as last year when we led all of baseball. But considering we started the year without Kenny Rogers and have used an injured Bonderman, Mesa and Zumaja. Our bullpen sans Todd Jones has been unbearable. Grilli and Ledezma need some straighten it out down on the farm, but they can only be released as they are out of options. I believe we have new fresh arms in Miller, Byrdak(33 yrs old with an ox to grind) and Durbin (probably last chance)and we should go with them. Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, Robertson and maroth are still a solid 6 innings a night though.
Mash unit now...but for now team era 4.33 a little better than average

PLAYERS:

1. SHEFFIELD. When he got hot, so did the team. That is not a coincidence. The team loves the old man and his plate aggresiveness and discipline has helped the seasonal stats of the men hitting in front and behind him.
BA .240 now- up from .188

2. POLANCO. Mr. Consistency. He's a .300 to .350 hitter. He leads all baseball in average with rinners in scoring position and hitting with 2 strikes. He has fewest strikeouts per atbats in AL. He gets things done.
No errors all year.
Pitch Crushing Monster

3. ORDONEZ. I remember this guy when he played with the White Sox.
2004- .292, 9 hr 37 rbi's ALL SEASON. This year >344, 9 hr 38 rbi's. He has that swagger back and he thanks the good lord that he bats behind Shef and ahead of Guillen.
PCM

4. THE GRANDY MANCAN. Curts is the only player in baseball with 7 HRs, 14doubles and 6 triples. He's steady in the outfield and aggresive on the bases. I dont know how good Cameron Maybin is but if he's better than Grandpa, will hav ethe best outfield in baseball.
Mr. Clutch
5. GUILLEN. The lone ranger. just quiet and effective. Always gets the key RBI. We need to get him trained at first base though because his bat is more important with his weak legs.
PCM
PITCHERS:

1. JONES. He is fun though. I like his toughness in the 9th. Very wise pitcher.

2. VERLANDER. Getting better and better. will win 20 games this year.

3. ROBERTSON. Keeps us in every game.

4. DURBIN. Suprisingly good in last couple of weeks. I hope his confidence catches up with his talent.

5. ROGERS. In my opinion, doing a great job as pitching coach on the bench. Gives great tips during games and keeps all their heads up.

LEYLAND- This is the man. In spite of poor hitting and a lousy bullpen, he takes it 1 inning at atime. When this team is healthy, we will have more balance all over the field.

record after next 40 games: PREDICTION 27-13 OVERALL 53-29