Detroit Tigers Links: Tigers still confident though some don’t like postseason chances & Alex Avila still kicking

Amid slump, fans’ doubts, Justin Verlander says Detroit Tigers a ‘great ballclub’ – Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press

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"Though the Tigers aren’t fighting among themselves during this alarming slump, they’re fighting against a rising current of outside dismay and doubt. They’re more perturbed than panicked at their current crumbling state, openly dismissive of an increasing public perception that they’re content to passively sit atop their bags of money as a division title that easily should have been theirs slips beyond their grasp.“I think that it’s unfair people think we should win the division by 10 or 15 games or we’re not doing our jobs,” said Victor Martinez following the Tigers’ 8-4 victory over Pittsburgh, snapping a four-game losing streak. “We’re not playing Little League teams.”"

The Tigers have not lost confidence in themselves nor have they turned on each other, both of which are important if they want to snap out of their doldrums and get it in gear.

10 reasons the Detroit Tigers won’t make the playoffs – Click On Detroit

"As it stands today, August 13, your Detroit Tigers sit a half game back of the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. This after holding a 7+ game lead on the Royals just a month ago. It’s panic time in Tiger town! But it’s not just losing games that can turn this season into a huge disappointment. Oh no, a lot more can happen."

The article takes a humorous look at the Tigers’ recent struggles and subtly takes a dig at the fans for their anxiety.

Detroit Tigers’ Alex Avila Still Shows Shades Of His 2011 Form – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

"Avila may never return to being the player who flirted with a .300 batting average and drove in 82 runs just three years ago, but he still shows shades of that form. The average is not there anymore, but, to a slightly lesser extent, the power still is. Having hit 10 homers now, he will almost assuredly end the season with his second-highest single-season total in that department, eclipsing the 11 big flies he hit last season. And, of course, he plays stellar defense as well."

Let’s just acknowledge that Alex Avila will never be the player he was in 2011 again. But, has anyone not named Miguel Cabrera had bigger and more clutch, game-on-the-line, hits for the Tigers than Avila?