Just 78% Done... Where Do We Stand?

The Tiger's Sunday victory marked the 127th game completed for the Tigers this season. The simple math shows that this marks just over 75% of the season completed (78% to be exact). On the flip side, this means there is almost 25% of the season left (as mentioned in our post this past weekend). All the Detroit faithful are wanting the Tigers to make the playoffs...just like our 2011 team did. We have heard a lot of talk about the Tigers being better last year...a more complete team...stronger work-ethic....and more leadership. Is that true? Is this team, the 2012 Tigers, worse than last year's ALCS contending Tigers? Let's look at the splits.

After 127 games played - 

RECORD

2011: 69-58

2012: 69-58

Exactly the same thus far...looks like September will be telling. The 2011 team went 20-6 in the month of September. The 2012 team will probably need to play this strong down the stretch as well.

BATTING

2011:

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2012:

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It is interesting how similar the production has been by these two squads. The 2012 team has scored 2 more runs on about 20 less AB. This year and last year saw 126 HR through 127 games. The team BA was microscopically higher in 2011, but the OBP and SLG are higher this season - they should be with the addition of Mr. Fielder. What we found striking was the number of runners left on base through 127 games...919 in 2011 and 892 in 2012. The way this season has felt it seems like it would be opposite. The 2012 team is statistically better through 78% of the season. 

PITCHING

2011: 

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2012:

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The 2012 staff has allowed almost 30 fewer ER accounting for an ERA of 3.90 versus 4.18 for 2011. This year's team has struck out the entire world it seems like - between Scherzer and JV. 1,049 SO versus 860 (2012 vs. 2011).  This year's team has induced 8 more GIDP - hopefully Rick Porcello continues to improve at this. 

SUMMARY

This year's and last year's team are very similar in almost every respect. It appears that the reason for the agonizing chase of 1st place in the AL Central is simply that the White Sox are just continuing to win. It has been said here before, that we do not think the Sox can tear through September like they have been. If the Tiger's have a September like last year they should be fine. It will come down to the head-to-head games between the two teams...hopefully, this AL Central power struggle will propel the 2nd place team into one of the two AL Wild Card slots!

GO TIGS!