The Cutoff Man: Miguel Cabrera’s Torrid Pace, Justin Verlander’s Un-Verlanderness, and Grading the Tigers

Jun 01, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

This edition of The Cutoff Man explores the day that was both (1) here at Motor City Bengals and (2) across the internet (at least the corners that discuss the Detroit Tigers). Enjoy these Tigers-centric articles at your leisure.

Yesterday on Motor City Bengals

Matt Pelc continued his ten-years-later retrospective on the 2003 Tigers. Among other interesting tidbits, we’re reminded that failed prospect and anti-star Eric Munson was acquired by the Tigers as the third overall pick in the 1999 draft. (Another interesting fact: Albert Pujols was taken 12 rounds later.)

Jose Valverde was explored, and it was noted that he remains a maddening entity for Tigers’ fans. The author was not confident that Valverde could buck current and former trends to once again become what might be considered a good relief pitcher.

The Tigers’ 10-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles was recapped (in sort) with particular regard to the Detroit half of the fourth inning. A half inning that included four home runs by the “good guys”. Video links included.

The Saturday stat lines of several notable (and non-notable) minor leaguers were presented for reader review (mostly without comment).

Elsewhere in Tigerdom

Verlander Not The King This Year – Detroit Tiger Tales

"It’s not just the results though.  It’s that he just seems so human on the mound this year.  While he still approaches 100 MPH from time to time such as a 98 MPH fastball today, his average fastball this year according Brooks Baseball is just over 93 MPH.  That’s pretty unremarkable compared to 2009-2012 where he average 96 MPH.  He no longer is the fastest pitcher on the team as Scherzer’s fastball has averaged 93.8 MPH.  In fact, Verlander is not throwing much harder than Rick Porcello who checks in at 92.4."

What Would Be More Impressive : Another Triple Crown Or A .400 Batting Average? – Detroit Jock City

"As I type Cabrera is on pace to hit 47 home runs to go along with 184 RBI, according to Tigers play-by-play announcer Mario Impemba. As rare as a triple crown season is, a player finishing with a .400 batting average is just as rare or maybe even rarer."

JustinVerlander in the Home Run Derby?! – Bless You Boys

"Friday, some sort of ersatz campaign to get Verlander in the Home Run Derby seemed to be taking shape on Twitter. Why, exactly, is hard to say. Undoubtedly, it isn’t serious, yet undoubtedly the thought has already sent fans scurrying in fear of the Tigers ace injuring himself while swinging for the fences in an exhibition event.Verlander, for his part, says he will not campaign for it, though if others want to campaign for him, well, great, he’s on board with that."

Detroit Tigers Grades for Every Starting Position Player in May – Bleacher Report

"The Detroit Tigers have struggled through more adversity than they would have hoped in the first two months of the 2013 campaign, but they still find themselves in first place of the American League Central at the end of May.…Detroit had several players suffer setbacks in May, leading to the mediocre record, but a few players stepped up as well."