(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
There’s no circulating question that the Detroit Tigers possess a powerfully talented team. The Tigers are currently 13 games above the .500 mark, leading the AL Central Division with ease. The Tigers are World Series favorites; that’s no surprise considering their powerful hitters and dominant pitchers.
The All-Star Game is on the horizon, and though there is much talent on Detroit, here’s four players that should absolutely represent the English D during this game:
1. Anibal Sanchez: Sanchez is easily one of the more consistent pitchers on this staff, and has been throughout his tenure here in Detroit. The man is simply dominating; his pitches are stellar, from his flaming fastball, to his off-speed pitches of marvelous finesse. When the tides were crashing on Detroit, and Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer along with the team were slumping, he remained consistent. Sanchez currently boasts a 2.63 ERA with five wins — though with more run support, he’d have more. He also has an astounding 0.98 WHIP. His ERA is better than that of Verlander and Scherzer, who often receive more praise than he does. Sanchez deserves to be in the All-Star Game.
2. Victor Martinez: Anyone who thought losing Prince Fielder was harmful was quickly silenced after a good portion of this season, as Martinez showed that he can protect Miguel Cabrera better than anyone else. His display of brutal power this season has been incredible, having already hit 20 home runs, 52 RBI and having a .323 batting average. Not to mention, the man is as clutch as it comes. Martinez will battle off pitch after pitch late in games, until he finally receives something he can whack into outer space. His most memorable home run came earlier this year in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he gave the Tigers a go-ahead homer in extra innings, assuring them to a thriller of a victory. If this hot hitter doesn’t make the All-Star Game, people should boycott it.
3. Ian Kinsler: Many thought the Tigers got gypped when Ian Kinsler was shipped over from the Texas Rangers in a trade, claiming he was “old” and “washed up.” A .308 batting average, 10 home runs, 43 RBI, and nine stolen bases isn’t washed up in the least. The man has been the spark plug of speed the Tigers have been coveting for. He handles the pressure of batting lead-off or closer to the beginning of the lineup, and scores on simple singles from his quick legs. He is a real pest on the base pads and challenges the concentration of opposing pitchers. Not to mention, he’s still stellar at second base. His sharp defensive skills have helped the Tigers to a more sound defense. Kinsler’s value is great to the Tigers; he’s definitely earned the right to step on the second base pad during the All-Star Game.
4. Rick Porcello: Porcello battled inconsistency throughout his career, but is finally emerging as a respectable starter for Detroit. Outside of Sanchez, Porcello possesses the next best ERA on the Tigers at 3.12. He’s pitched two complete games — back-to-back, one may add — including his most recent one which was against the Oakland Athletics, where he only gave up four hits, and used under 100 pitches without striking anyone out. He’s been one of the more consistent Tigers starters this season — to many people’s surprise. He is 11-4, which leaves him currently tied for first place for most wins in the American League. In 12 of his 16 starts, he’s gone more than five innings, which aids Detroit’s ailing bullpen tremendously. Porcello is off to a wonderful start so far through this season; he deserves to continue this impressive stride with a trip to the All-Star Game.
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