Things are about as back to normal as they could be for me right now. The black out really set us back as far as the basement, but the contractor didn’t even show today, so I’m not too worried. On top of this I have my football draft this Sat., so I have to do some homework for that. I’m thinking Vick is a lock in the first round, and I’m hoping Michael Bennett is around with my second pick……

As the Tigers finish their extra inning game with the Rangers, probably the biggest surprise over the last couple of weeks, at least to me, has been Brandon Inge. With a 2 for 4 performance tonight, along with a solo homer, Inge has now crossed over the Mendoza line, has an 11 game hitting streak, and is 17 for 41 (.415) since getting called back up from AAA Toledo.

If Brandon can show that this isn’t a fluke, and can hit around .280-.300 the rest of the way, this will be a major bonus for the Tigers, since it’s one position they won’t have to worry about. Brandon is a good enough fielding catcher to where a .250/12/65 season would be acceptable, and if he can put up decent numbers, and continue to make strides in the field, it’s one less position management will have to worry about next year.

Players can show dramatic improvements like this at times. Hank Blalock was a strikeout maching last year, and was flirting with the Mendoza line as well for most of the year. This year he’s an all star third basemen is hitting .300 with some power and proving to be the top prospect everyone thought he’d be.

Also impressive today is Nate Robertson, who made his Tiger’s debut. Nate was impressive down in Toledo and really pitched well, going 8 1/3, striking out 8, and giving up only two runs on eight hits. Most impressive was his zero walks. The question is, do we have the real deal, or is this one of many Tiger starters who looked good early, then eventually succumbed to mediocrity. I’m also hoping this shuts up the radio guys who have been criticizing the Redman trade all year.

The game is now in the 11th. Still tied. Hopefully they can pull this one out.

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