You'd have to be at least 35 years old or so to remember when the Detroit Tigers started off the 1984 season with an astounding 35-5 record (.875) after their first 40 games. A peek back at history (with a little help from Google) tells us the Toronto Blue Jays were 26-14 at that point.
Most years, the Jays' .675 winning percentage after 40 games would have found them atop the division -- any division. But not in 1984. They were already 9 nine games behind the streaking Tigers. Though the Tigers cooled off (a little), they would go on to win their division by a whopping 15 games, and ultimately trash the San Diego Padres in the World Series that year. Obviously, they were the best team in baseball back in 1984.
They haven't won a Fall Classic since. Thirty years and counting. The last two times the Tigers made it to the Big Dance, they've been blistered to the tune of a 1-8 record. Lots of regular season wins and hype -- but no cigar in October.
And here we go again. The Tigers jumped out to the best record in baseball this year at the 40 game mark -- 27-13. The pitchers were pitching, the sluggers were slugging, and all was well in Motown. Since new manager Brad Ausmus took over, the Tigers have already stolen more bases -- and it's still only May -- than they did all of last year.
But recently something very strange has happened. In their last nine games, the Tigers are 1-8. Even more alarming is they're not only getting beaten, but battered, no pun intended. In their last 6 games, opposing teams have put up 56 runs on Detroit's supposed vaunted pitching staff, including 34 in the last three games alone. Just last night the Oakland A's skunked them 10-0. What the hell is going on here?
Reigning Cy Young winner Max Scherzer is holding his own, as is youngster Rick Porcello. Long time super-stud Justin Verlander, he of the Fastball Flakes breakfast cereal (seen those around lately?) has been shelled in his last couple outings and posts a journeymanesque 5-4 record.
Well OK. The bullpen's terrible, a few players have exhibited Roberto Duran's "hands of stone" in the field lately, and they've made some bone-headed base-running blunders to kill a possible rally.
Still, they not only remain atop their division with a 5 game lead, but despite their recent losing ways, also continue to have the best record in the Major Leagues.
If Scherzer continues at his present pace, he could win another Cy Young, though the name "Mad Max" comes to mind after he turned down a $140 million contract extension offer. Time out. $140 MILLION? How much is enough for this guy? $200 million? 500? His own tropical island with an aircraft carrier to protect it?
Slugger Miguel Cabrera continues to put up his gawdy hitting stats. The dude's flat out dangerous with a bat in his hands. And wouldn't it be something if he were to win the Triple Crown again? Only Ted Williams and Rogers Hornsby have done it twice. Very lofty company, I dare say.
Let's cut to the chase. Of course the Tigers will win the American League Central Division. Once again that division is woefully weak, with no other team even above .500.
It's all going to boil down to the playoffs. Once there, can the Tigers win a couple series' to qualify for the World Series? And if they get that far, can they finally close the deal after 30 years of falling short? Hard to say. Anything can happen in a 7 game series between two good teams. Winning three in a row is no small feat.
Indeed, a lot can also happen, and probably will, in the remaining 120 games. The dog days of summer baseball haven't even started. There's still millions of tickets to be sold, parking fees to be paid, hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream to eat, beer/pop to drink, programs and team paraphernalia to buy, and wondering how you're going to pay the electric bill next month after a day at the ballpark with the family.
Is this a great game or what?
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