Detroit Tigers First Half Report Card

Catcher: B

If we were only giving a grade to Alex Avila, the grade would be lower. However, Gerald Laird has turned a C+ into a B. An all-star last year, Avila has been disappointing. Especially at the dish, hitting only .242 with 5 HR and 23 RBI. Laird, in only 98 AB is hitting .306 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. 

Third Base: A

We all knew that Miguel could hit. Who wants to argue that there is a better hitter in the game? With another off year, the crown has been passed from Pujols to Cabrera. That which gives Miguel an ! here is not his bat but his glove. He has been solid all year long, exceeding the defenisve expectations of everybody.

Shortstop: C

Peralta has been a disappointment, but we might argue that he is only a disappointment in light of the unusual year that he had last year. When compared to the rest of his career, Peralta is actually on par with how he typically performs. Let's lower the bar on our shortstop and be thankful for his exceptional year in 2011 and that we no longer have to put up with Adam Everett's bat.

Second Base: F

With the failed Raburn experiment and Santiago destined to remain a utility player we need help! Jose Altuve is our guy and we have calls in to Dave D. to make it happen. We'll see if a trade can help the consistent black in our lineup. (Maybe sweet Lou will consider coming out of retirement!)

First Base: A-

Let's give Prince some credit for his rather flawless transition to the American League. This is no small deal. See the transition of Pujols to remember just how hard it is to get accustomed to a whole new set of pitchers. While he is still poor defensively, his bat speaks for itself and his presence is as large as his new contract. 

Left Field: B-

Who would have thought that we would say that we would miss Andy Dirks. He over performed in the first quarter, .328 BA 4 HR 16 RBI, filling the hole of our consistent carousel of left fielders since G Money held down the spot in 2006. Can anyone say Justin Upton?

Center Field: A

Receiving the only other A in our lineup is Miguel Cabrera. This is how good Austin Jackson has been. Exceeding all expectations at the plate in becoming a true lead-off man, while maintaining perfection in center field, Austin may get his name in the MVP conversation is he continues his good work. 

Right Field: D+

We were all hoping that this was going to be the year for Brennan Boesch to solidify himself as our everyday right fielder and perennial all-star. This hasn't been the case. For the Tigers to make a run to the World Series, this will need to become the case. The potential in Boesch's bat far exceeds that of Don Kelly or Raburn. 

Starting Pitching: C+

The good news is that we have taken a step in a better direction than where we started. The bad news is that we started with some really bad steps. Outside of Verlander, we have had little consistency, but hope that that last month of pitching is better representitive of the direction we are moving into the dog days, rather than the first month. 

Relief Pitching: B

This grade would be an A-, except for the performance of Jose Valverde. Let's remember how good he was last year and how high the bar is set. However, let's also remember that if Valverde had not blown three saves that we would be a half game out with a record of 47 and 39.