Week One is In the Books

The big story in 2008 Major League Baseball is the Detroit Tigers. How can a team laden with hitting stars and some very good starting pitchers be 0-7? The Tigers are not hitting a lick, and while the pitching hasn't been awful, it hasn't been that good either. The lineup is in a huge funk right now, and desperately needs to get Curtis Granderson back. It's still veeery early, and this team will rebound, but you have to wonder if the slow start will keep them out of the playoffs in the end. I've got Miguel Cabrera (.100) and Placido Polanco (.115) killing my batting average, but like I said - It's Early.

In Cleveland, the Tribe fans are licking their wounds after Joe Bo gave up a monstrous grand slam to Torii Hunter last night, costing Cleveland a game that many other closers would have locked down. For Borowski owners, it's not time to panic yet, as the Indians have been very patient with him over the last two years. If he continues to struggle, the Tribe would rather keep Rafael Betancourt in a setup role and use either Rafael Perez or Masa Kobayashi in the 9th. Kobayashi has struggled a bit early, so keep your eye on the Indians pen and act quickly when you hear any news.

The Baltimore Orioles are off to a hot start, but don't expect it to last. The team just doesn't have the quality pitching that is necessary for a season-long run at the playoffs. Luke Scott has been a monster so far, hitting over .500 in the first 7 games.

With Brad Lidge having pitched the last couple of games for the Phillies, Flash Gordon picked up his first save of the season last night. The Philly closing situation bears watching, as both guys can be prone to big struggles, but can also be very effective, as history has shown. I like Lidge if he has his head on straight. However, Philadelphia is not always the best place for that to happen.

I also take back what I said about George Sherrill not being ready for the closer role in Baltimore. I actually drafted him for $12 because he was the only closer going so cheap. So far, I'm enjoying his 4 saves and microscopic WHIP.