Remember those feelings of euphoria that we all experienced 4 days ago? That early momentum gained during a 5 game winning streak has dissipated after the Tigers dropped their third in a row. The Tigers now turn to Justin Verlander to try and avoid a sweep in their first home series of the year. Are you worried? Should you be?

Reasons to worry

It’s easy to think same old Tigers after the last few games. As Lee pointed out yesterday, the 2006 Tigers, much like the 2005 Tigers, have a high batting average, but only an average OBP. The team is still having a hard time drawing walks, and are still pretty good at striking out.

Another 2005 trait was perceived inability to get those easy runs – like when a runner is on third base with less than 2 outs. In each the the last two losses the Tigers put runners on third with one out and neither scored.

Also, Detroit the games the Tigers have lost have been decided by two runs or less. A hallmark of the last couple years was the Tigers difficulty in close games. So far this year it continues to play out that way.

Finally, even though the bullpen has been solid, do people really trust them yet?

Reasons not to worry

Detroit has played 8 games and been in all 8 games. Even in defeat, the team is right there. Today Jose Contreras was masterful, and yet Nate Robertson was hanging right with him with the exception of one inning. That inning was prolonged by the Tigers first error of the year. The pitching has been solid and kept the team in each of the 8 games, and the defense has helped keep the innings short.

While Dmitri Young and Pudge Rodriguez are typical culprits for the team’s lack of patience, that hasn’t necessarily been the case this year. Young leads the team in pitches per plate appearance with 4.32, and Pudge has drawn a couple of walks and hit for a decent average. That doesn’t mean that the rest of the team doesn’t need to improve, just that guys who have reps as hackers haven’t necessarily been this year.

And the biggest reason not to worry is that it’s only been 8 games. I think it is too early to call anything a disaster in the making. Just like last week, it was fine to enjoy the wins, but I wasn’t really adjusting my projections. All that being said, I think it is safe to say that while tomorrow’s game isn’t a must-win, it is probably is the most important game the Tigers will play thus far.

Links and such

To help remember the good times of last week, check out the Baseball Prospectus hit list (which is like power rankings) that lists the Tigers first. Or check out the ridiculous collection of Tiger and Chris Shelton useless information amassed by Jayson Stark. And if you’re an ESPN Insider, Gary Gillette profiles Shelton:

One of Shelton’s biggest assets is what one member of the Detroit organization called “controlled aggression.” The key element of controlled aggression is good plate discipline, but Shelton also is restrained enough to not get too pumped up when he comes to bat in a key situation with runners on base. Too often, good hitters will unconsciously change their approach when they get the opportunity to drive in the go-ahead or winning runs. In their anxiousness to help their club, they end up helping the pitcher by swinging at marginal pitches and getting themselves out.