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This season's Tigers resemble the 1992 team that included Cecil Fielder. That club led the American League in runs, but finished with a losing record because it allowed more runs than any other AL team except Seattle.
The current Tigers entered Tuesday leading the AL in runs. But they had a .500
record because they led the league in runs allowed.
If the Tigers continue to waste ample offense because of their pitching, they will face the same decision this off-season they did after '92. Do they want to invest in free-agent pitchers to try to win next year's division title while still equipped with a potent, veteran-laden offense?
Mike Ilitch bought the team during the '92 season. After that season, the Tigers
signed free-agent right-hander Mike Moore to a big contract and added other
less-expensive free-agent pitchers. One-fourth of the way through the '93 season,
the Tigers led the AL East. Then they went winless on a nine-game trip against
division rivals Baltimore, Boston and New York. They finished 10 games out,
although they posted the franchise's most recent winning record.
Currently, the Tigers have several pitchers in Class A and Double-A who club
officials expect to become contributors to the major league team. But even if
any of those pitchers reach the majors next season, they couldn't be counted
on as bulwarks of a contender.
If the Tigers want pitching help next season, they seemingly must pursue veterans
in trades or as free agents. And next season might be the last one in which
the Tigers still have all or most of their current lineup.
Shortstop Carlos Guillen can be a free agent after this season.
Next season, second baseman Fernando Vina and outfielder Rondell White will
be in the final seasons of their contracts.
How much longer can Pudge Rodriguez continue to play at his Hall of Fame level?
Rodriguez, 32, is in his 14th season. His peak already has lasted longer than
most catchers.
As for worthy pitchers eligible for free agency after this season, start with
Boston's Derek Lowe. Could the Tigers persuade the Dearborn Edsel Ford product
to come home and pitch for them?
Manager Alan Trammell seemed in the mood for pitching help after Monday night's
11-9 loss to Anaheim. He termed the game "our toughest loss." The
Tigers blew leads of three and four runs. It was the seventh time this season
they had allowed at least 10 runs in a game (a major league high). But it was
the first time they had come close to winning one of those games. That made
the pitching woes all the more frustrating.
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