Tiger Geist

In a chat wrap today:

We’re at the stage of the season where a 6 1/2 game deficit is tough to make up on one club, much less two. As of yesterday, the Twins and Sox had winning percentages of around .560. If they play close to that the rest of the way, Detroit has to go something like 35-16 to win the division. The Tigers simply aren’t that good.

He certainly has a point.  My fear (post-all star break) was around the schedule, and the lack of games against Minnesota, in that we can’t easily gain 4 games on the leader in one week.  That, in conjunction with our inability to bury Chicago last week, worries me.  The upcoming schedule with Toronto, Texas and Oakland may be beneficial, however.  But Detroit really has to make a run… and soon.

Not sure how it might work out, but Livan Hernandez is somewhat available, having been designated for assignment by Minnesota.  He’s listed at 33 years old, but could very well be 137.

Would he be an upgrade to the starting rotation?  Currently he’s sporting a 5.48 ERA, but at least he’s not walking many (29 in 139 innings).  If they could figure it out, he would be reunited with Jim Leyland, another Marlin connection, where he was the 1997 NLCS and World Series MVP.

ESPN is reporting the Mets and Rockies as possible suitors if Hernandez clears waivers… but why not Detroit?

Side Note:  If you want a great baseball read on Cuban baseball, including details on the Hernandez half-brothers, pick up The Duke of Havana.  Great read.