Well, it truly seemed like Christmas in July for Tiger fans after a blowout victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. The sellout crowd on hand for the promotional Christmas in July event were gifted a 10-1 victory over the Nationals.
The game was the second straight start for Verlander where he was trying to extend a four game win streak. Fortunately for the Tigers, this game was more successful than last week’s loss against the White Sox. Verlander struggled early, walking two and throwing a wild pitch in the first. Despite his control problems, he was able to get the win and make it through six innings while giving up a lone run.
The offense without Miguel Cabrera didn’t seem to miss a beat. Victor Martinez added three hits bringing his average up to .274. The other story was Tori Hunter’s near cycle. He was thrown out at second after running past the base, only to be sent back as Alex Avila was held up at third.
In addition to signaling the sweep of the Nationals, Wednesday may have been the last game featuring Jhonny Peralta in a Tigers uniform. It is expected that the Biogenesis suspensions will be announced on Friday. This would more than likely end his season as reports indicate that he will receive a 50 game suspension and will not appeal. Peralta is a free agent following this season.
The Tigers will now rely on Jose Iglesias who was recently acquired from the Boston Red Sox. He arrives Friday and will be thrown into the starting lineup following Peralta’s inevitable suspension.
A lot of Tiger fans are also currently mourning the loss of Avisail Garcia. Nicknamed “Mini Cabrera,” Garcia became associated with one of the greatest hitters in the game. Yes, he does have a striking resemblance to him but these comparisons cause people to overvalue Garcia.
Garcia was batting .241 in limited play while Iglesias batted .330 with over one hundred more at bats. It is important to note that Iglesias is an excellent fielder. Peralta fielded everything that came to him but he lacked the Gold Glove range that Iglesias showcases. The Tigers now have a solid defensive shortstop for many years to come and currently that is more important than a prospect outfielder.
When it comes to trades, it is not a good idea to overreact initially. Trades have to be evaluated over time. I seem to remember certain Tiger fans upset the organization gave up two young “stars” for Miguel Cabrera. Looking back on that deal, it seems as though the Tigers robbed the Marlins blind.
It’s hard to believe now that the two players that the Tigers gave up for Cabrera were Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller. Neither is still on the Marlins. Miller was pitching out of the Red Sox bullpen but had his season ended by foot surgery. Maybin is now on San Diego but has had an injury plagued career.
Hopefully, Iglesias is the missing piece to the World Series formula.
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