Monday, April 13, 2009

Inside the Tigers: Series with White Sox looms

by Steve Kornacki

Who's hot: Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera is among the league leaders in the Triple Crown categories (.520, three home runs and 10 RBIs).

Who's not: Carlos Guillen got the game-tying hit Sunday, but it was his lone hit of a three-game series with Texas and he's batting .182.

Play of the week: Third baseman Brandon Inge's all-out run and over-the-shoulder diving catch to rob Texas Rangers No. 3 hitter Josh Hamilton on opening day. Inge ran nearly half way down the left field line on the play.

Matchup of the week: Detroit hosts the defending Central Division champion Chicago White Sox before embarking on a nine-game road trip. Winning the three-game series with a rival before facing the rigors of the road would supply some needed breathing room.

Schedule: Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox, 1:05 p.m., Monday (Zach Miner vs. Gavin Floyd, FSN), 1:05 p.m., Tuesday (Rick Porcello vs. John Danks, FSN), 1:05 p.m., Wednesday (Armando Galarraga vs. Jose Contreras, FSN). Tigers at Seattle Mariners, 10:10 p.m., Friday (Justin Verlander vs. Felix Hernandez, FSN), 9:10 p.m., Saturday (Edwin Jackson vs. Erik Bedard, FSN), 4:10 p.m., Sunday (Zach Miner vs. Carlos Silva, FSN).

Analysis: Getting comeback wins Saturday and Sunday against the Rangers did much for the confidence and mindset of this team, which needed a turnaround after starting 1-3 in Toronto.

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