What We Learned This Weekend

There are three observations that we would like to point out after enjoying a great opening weekend of baseball in Detroit.

1.) Our lineup is intimidating. (But not necessarily because of the 650 lbs of swat in the middle.)

Not necessarily because Prince Fielder now finds himself at the center of our lineup, or because it seems that Rod and Mario have already destined Miguel Cabrera as the AL MVP, but because Austin Jackson is getting on base. If he can improve his OBP of .317 last year to a mildly respectable .367, we can estimate an increase of 15 more runs scored this year by the Tigers offense. He is off to a great start and all signs point toward this reality.

2.) Our pitching is not impenetrable. (Even though it might have been this spring.)

Watching Jose Valverde blow the save on Thursday was new territory that hasn't been explored in a year a half. Watching Max Shetzer's inability to hold a lead was more familiar, but still unfamiliar. With Fister on the DL and a huge question mark in Smyly, we are exposed. We at Detroit Tiger's Storyline will look forward to watching who emerges from the edges and covers the holes that are sprouting in different locations within our pitching staff.

3.)  The Norms of the AL Central may be changing. (Heroes from Florida.)

After having to work through another winter filled with the media in bed with the AL Central, the tides may be changing. Granted, the season is long and we are just beginning, but the early numbers speak for themselves.

While there is no reason to yet be excited about the Orioles, who played a AAA team in the Twins this weekend, there should be excitement in Tampa. The Rays have proven themselves as a consistent contender, even in the midst of an unusual amount of transition over the past four years, through building a strong pitching staff and gathering around the personality of Joe Madden. And... Who doesn't love watching them pound the Yankees over a three game series? We at this blog are sincerely hoping that the Yankee empire is falling right before our eyes and that the unlikely heroes in Florida come to the rescue to save us from their check books.

Oh and by the way... The Red Sox could also be bad this year. But we're sure that you saw that.