Midseason report: Tigers hope to stay healthy

by Steve Kornacki Thursday July 17, 2008, 12:04 AM


BALTIMORE -- The sinking ship was saved from clug-clugging to the bottom of the standings, but now the Detroit Tigers need to go beyond break-even if they are to contend. Making up for the 24-36 start took a lot out of the team. Can it put together another two-week hot streak to reach the next level?
Detroit begins play here tonight with a 47-47 record, and those four road trips out West behind them. New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez said their turnaround before the break began once they put the rigors of four western swings behind them. He noted that changing sleeping and eating patterns take players out of sync.
"I do not try to make excuses," Tigers third baseman Carlos Guillen said, "but I agree with him. It's not one hour different; it's three. It changes everything for you.
"And it's been a hard year because the only way to win is too keep everybody healthy."
Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, designated hitter Gary Sheffield, Jeremy Bonderman, Brandon Inge, Dontrelle Willis, Joel Zumaya, Ramon Santiago and Fernando Rodney each landed on the disabled list. But now all are back except Bonderman, Willis and Ordonez, who is expected to return today.
A look at how Detroit has played by position groups, and what the future could hold:
INFIELD
Good news: Second baseman Placido Polanco played as well as anyone on the team in the first half -- getting big hits, playing Gold Glove defense and running the bases smartly. Miguel Cabrera is improving daily at his new position, first base, and started to hit consistently with power as the break approached. All-Star Guillen also has adjusted nicely after swapping positions with Cabrera and is a dependable hitter.
Bad news: Shortstop Edgar Renteria has had some good days at the plate, but not enough. He struggled as the break approached and needs to make an impact. His defense is solid, but his range is limited.
What's ahead: Middle infielder Michael Hollimon showed spark both at bat and in the field during his month with the club, and he could be a starter in the next few years. First baseman-third baseman Jeff Larish also has shown potential.
OUTFIELD
Good news: Ordonez might not defend his batting title but was the most productive hitter on the team until suffering an oblique pull before the break. Marcus Thames sparked the team's turnaround with a homer binge and is improved defensively. Granderson is back to being the catalyst after a slow start.
Bad news: The Ordonez injury took the cleanup hitter out of the lineup just when the offense started clicking.
What's ahead: Rookies Matt Joyce and Clete Thomas have provided bursts of energy, offense and defense.
CATCHER:
Good news: Ivan Rodriguez's bat came alive once Tigers manager Jim Leyland started resting him one or two games a series. Inge's defensive prowess and offensive spark are such a plus whether playing here or at third or the outfield.
Bad news: Rodriguez's hitting slump that lasted until the month before the break.
What's ahead: Rodriguez wants to play beyond this season, when his contract expires. Will he show enough down the stretch to stay with the Tigers?
STARTING PITCHERS
Good news: Kenny Rogers seemed to bring the best out of the whole staff once he got on track and began pitching as he had in 2006. Justin Verlander came around to pitch like the stopper he is, and rookie Armando Galarraga supplied surprising stability after being called up from Toledo.
Bad news: The rotation was mediocre to horrible coming out of the gate, contributing to the slow start. Willis has provided nothing, while losing his ability to throw strikes and ending up in Lakeland to rediscover his control.
What's ahead: Is Eddie Bonine the No. 5 starter? Casey Fossum? Zach Miner? Dangling some of its young outfield talent for a starter would make sense in the weeks leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.
BULLPEN
Good news: Todd Jones, though his usual rollercoaster-self, has been a dependable closer. Freddy Dolsi has been a pleasant surprise and Zumaya is starting to throw like his old self. Lefties Bobby Seay and Fossum are effective.
Bad news: Rodney needs to become dependable as a setup man but had several appearances where he gave away games with homers.
What's ahead: Look for Zumaya to become stronger in the stretch run and for Dolsi to join him in the setup roles.
BENCH
Good news: Utility infielder Santiago can play anywhere, has range and is producing with the bat. Thomas and Joyce have been pleasant outfield surprises.
Bad news: Not any here.
What's ahead: Some of the young bench players have trade value and provide the club options in future years.