It's hard to quantify what has happened with the Detroit Tigers and their 0-6 start to the new season. Clearly, it's way too early to be pushing panic buttons. But consecutive sweeps by the teams that last year were at the bottom of the Central Division show some big-time chinks in the armor of what was expected to be a team that would at least contend for post-season play.
There is obviously something badly amiss. Maybe it's the pressure that was just heaped on this team to perform from the nearly open checkbook of Mike Illitch and the maneuvering of GM Dave Dombrowski to the media with predictions of grandeur and the fans with the rush on tickets and ultra-high expectations. Or maybe its just the bad luck of having too many simultaneous slumps.
I think the guys on ESPN tonight were probably on to something-- a road trip is in the best interest of the team to escape a routine that is now associated with losing. But going to Boston-- another wounded (and tired) team that will be celebrating their World Championship? Scary.
Just 6 games into the season we have learned several things about the Tigers and their opponents. First, they will not be sneaking up on anyone. Chicago and Kansas City certainly played their 'A' games and I'd expect nothing less from any other team. The Tigers need to learn from that example- play the game to beat the other team, not to set your own records. Second, the relief pitching is as bad as advertised. Third, it really is the little things in baseball that matter. And so far, not doing the little things has resulted in the Tigers digging themselves a hole that will take weeks to dig out of - at best.
It'll take playing nearly .600 ball for the next 34 games to get back to .500 after 40 games... right now that looks like too much to ask for.
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