It's Go Time

2-10. Not quite the start the Tiger brass, fans or baseball experts alike envisioned. Now before you Tiger fanatics start to panic and predict a 119 loss season to match that of Tram's team, let's step back and look at the big picture. We're exactly 12 games into the season. Yes, the Tigers are 10 games under .500. But, we're also only 1/14 of the way through the regular season (162 game season - that's a whole other story), and the Tigers are only 5.5 games back in the Central.

Speaking of the Central. It is a very good, much improved division (just look at KC's start). But it's also a division where teams are going to beat each other up all year long. That's why the Tigs are only 5.5 out right now. And yes, it's been a tough start: being swept by the Royals at home, and losing two series to the White Sox already. I just don't think this is going to continue. It can't.

Injuries are certainly a factor, but they are with any team. Sheffield is banged up, Guillen is hurting. But Granderson is on his way back. And, hey, the weather can only get better (for those who blame the cold weather for the bad start). I sure hope it isn't the weather, because April isn't the only month where the elements make it difficult to play. October into November tends to be pretty miserable as well.

Looking ahead. Leyland gave his team a closed door "talking to" yesterday after their embarrassing, grand slam-filled game in the windy city. It remains to be seen if that has the same effect of his famous speech of 2006. The Tigers have two very important games this week (I think) beginning tonight, home against MInnesota. They play two against the Twins before playing two in Cleveland. This would be an ideal time to show what they're made of while playing a couple of division rivals, not to mention making up a few games in the Central.