This is what is known as a “statement series,” this Detroit Tigers-White Sox three-game showdown starting Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.
It has immediate implications because the surprising Tigers are 2 1/2 games ahead of the world champion Sox in the AL Central.
It could have long-term ramifications if one team sweeps, a sort of mental superiority for the remaining 13 games they play against each other.
The Tigers have a better record, statistically a better pitching staff and are very close offensively in average and home runs.
The Sox are second in baseball with a 20-8 home record, but the Tigers have the best road mark at 20-8.
The Sox are 9-12 against left-handed starters, and the Tigers will start two–Nate Roberston and Kenny Rogers.
The Tigers are 10-5 in one-run games. The Sox–who led the world in that category last year–are just 7-8.
The two teams had the best records in baseball until recently. Both have hit on hard times, the upstart Tigers losing six of their last eight and the Sox seven of their last 10.
Something, someone, has to give, so let’s take an in-depth look:
Catcher
Ivan Rodriguez is not the offensive player he once was, but he can still dominate a game with his arm and his savvy, a major reason the Tigers’ staff is so good. A.J. Pierzynski is quietly (well, most of the time) having a spectacular offensive season, and the pitching staff trusts his pitch selection.
Edge: Tigers, but barely
First base
Remember Chris Shelton, the early-season Mr. Muscle? He has been dropped to eighth in the order after a bad May. Paul Konerko also struggled in May (.234) but continues to be dangerous enough to break open a game at any time.
Edge: Sox
Second base
Placido Polanco is the Tigers’ best defensive player and doesn’t walk (two for the season). Tadahito Iguchi is a rock on defense and superb No. 2 hitter. He’s a clutch player.
Edge: Sox
Shortstop
Underrated and overlooked, Carlos Guillen is good defensively and has power from the left side. Sox’s Juan Uribe has limped along at the plate, but it hasn’t affected him defensively. Alex Cintron might start a game in his place.
Edge: Tigers
Third base
Brandon Inge hurts Tigers with his bat (.214) but he does hit clutch homers (last two multihomer games were against the Sox). Joe Crede is Gold Glove caliber and has turned into a force with his suddenly potent bat.
Edge: Sox
Left field
Craig Monroe is a clutch hitter but has only one extra-base hit in his last 19 games. He has power but no speed. Sox’s Scott Podsednik lacks power but has speed, important in the Sox’s offense, and has recovered from a very slow start at the plate.
Edge: Sox
Center field
Chicago-area native Curtis Granderson has blossomed into a star, the ultra-important leadoff man. He leads the Tigers in most walks and most strikeouts. Brian Anderson is super defensively, lacking offensively. Rob Mackowiak is better offensively, lacking defensively. Weak spot for Sox.
Edge: Tigers
Right field
Now healthy, Magglio Ordonez (remember him?) is stinging the ball again, hitting .321 and slugging .555. He’s OK defensively. Jermaine Dye has been the unsung hero for the Sox with more homers and one fewer RBI than Ordonez.
Edge: Tossup
Designated hitter
You might say, “Who?” But Marcus Thames is blossoming into a very good player in Dmitri Young’s absence, leading the Tigers in on-base and slugging percentage. If Thome is healthy, his numbers are much better. The question is whether he is recovered from a groin strain.
Edge: Sox
Starting pitchers
Sox will see three best Tigers (at least by ERA): Robertson (3.42),Verlander (3.13) and Rogers (3.54). Sox have starter problems. Jose Contreras is only one of three to face Tigers with ERA (2.53) lower than opponents’, but he has struggled since back problems. Jon Garland (6.04) and Freddy Garcia (4.57) have been up and down.
Edge: Tigers
Relief pitching
Closers Todd Jones and Bobby Jenks usually are very reliable, but aging Jones is 0-2 with an 11.12 ERA in last five appearances. Sox’s middle relief is a mess, but Tigers rookie Joel Zumaya is what Cliff Politte was last season. He is 3-0 and hasn’t allowed a run in his last five outings.
Edge: Tigers
Bench
Because Tigers have 13 pitchers, they have very little bench help. Omar Infante and Ramon Santiago are two main options. Sox have a strong bench that is versatile, headed by Pablo Ozuna and Cintron and Mackowiak/Anderson.
Edge: Sox
Managers
This is a matchup of two motivational masters. Jim Leyland and Ozzie Guillen are close to their players but demand excellence. They are sticklers for playing the game the right way. Guillen is coming off AL manager honors; Leyland guided Marlins to surprise championship.
Edge: Tossup
