I'm just as surprised as you are.
Now, granted, they still aren't over .500, and they may lose some traction as the Twins eventually have a good week, but...thanks to some very crafty mid-April work, and a surprisingly adept pitching staff, the Tigers are in second place in a weak AL Central, and nobody seems to be stopping them.
Yes, the team's not perfect, but there are sparks of greatness, like Matt Boyd, Michael Fulmer and Francisco Liriano in the rotation, the return of Miguel Cabrera's 2012 self, and a great full-season performance from Jeimer Candelario, a guy who showed promise last year in his call-up, post-Cubs-trade, and some more great work from Nicholas Castellanos, one of the few pieces from the mid-2010's-squad that's continued to be consistently good ever since.
Now, obviously there are still problems, like some of the bullpen, a majority of the hitters, and the fact that it's become so easy to lose games in the AL Central. And it's very unlikely that this Tigers team, however likable, can pull off a full-scale competitive streak this year. But...they're fun. They win games, they have goofy moments, and they're a fun, harmless team for a very pathetic division.
I'm gonna be seeing these guys at their home stadium next month. I'd really like to see a fun little game, as I already know I'll enjoy the stadium.
Coming Tomorrow- A pitcher for a team in flux, trying to compete but fending off injuries and demotions.
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