Well, we’ve played over 40 games now, so it’s the point of the season, according to Sparky, where we can tell what a team is made of.

Do you know what ill really tell you what the Tigers are made of? How they do on this brutal road trip. it’s only a mid-coast trip, not a West Coast trip, but the schedule is a bit rough: four games against the best team in the league (with no travel day off), then seven games in six days against division opponents. So yes, that’s 11 games in 10 days with no travel day off.

I’m guessing on Friday’s double-header we will see either Buck Farme or Chad Bell start a game. I’m comfortable with Buck, but Chad is more intriguing, and I’m hoping they go that route.

Justin Upton gets a day off today, which is just as well, since he has whiffed at 214 consecutive offspead pitches down and away. For some reason, everyone is throwing him those now, which doesn’t seem very sporting.

Also Jose Iglesias gets a day off, just because.

Anibal Sanchez has accepted an assignment to Toledo, which he didn’t have to do. You have to give Anibal credit for that one—if he refused it the team may have cut him and Anibal could cash his checks while fishing in the Caribbean. He’d rather fix what’s wrong. Warwick Saupold had to yank the shrimps off his barbie and high-tail it to Houston to join the team.

Today’s Roadie Lineup:

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Alex Avila, C
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. JD Martinez, RF
6. Nick Castellanos, 3B
7. Tyler Collins, CF
8. Mikie Mahtook, LF
9. Dixon Machado, SS

Pitching: Michael Fulmer vs Brad Peacock.

The Peacock has showy numbers this season: 1.20 ERA with 0.89 WHIP. MF is no slouch himself. It should be a classic pitcher’s duel. Therefore I predict the Tigers will win 13-10.