Out Of The Playoffs? (Right Now, Yes)

I probably don’t have to tell anyone, but if the season ended today, the Tigers would not be in the playoffs. It would be business as usual in October for the team just like the many Octobers prior to last year.

Today was a reality brake that the Tigers may not have the stuff to take them through the post season even if they have clinched a spot by September 30. For this team to split a four game series with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team that won only 16 road games this season coming into this series, is just terrible. James Shields and Scott Kazmir put on great performances the past 2 days, but a team with the type of offense they have shown to only score 2 runs in those 2 games is a surprise.

The Devil Rays were supposed to be a break for the Tigers before they have to face Oakland and New York four games each, with a short two game series with Cleveland sandwiched in between those two series with two of last year’s post-season opponents. I’m not sure what the Tigers’ mental state will be going into tomorrow night’s series opener. It’s been talked about in the media that a tirade by Jim Leyland would not have the same effect on the team as it seemed to have in April, 2006 since they have been contending since that time. I don’t see how Mr. Leyland or the team has anything to lose by having him lay into the team a little.

Getting David Wells is not the answer to the bullpen’s shortcomings, so for the most part I believe the Tigers are going to have to rely on the current staff to have the good innings of which they are capable. Having Marcus Thames back will hopefully get the offense going a little more as he gets more acclamated. Starting Ryan Raburn in left and sitting Craig Monroe down should help, too.

Am I saying the playoff hopes are gone? No. It is time, though, to turn on the switch and start playing well like they want to be there in October.