Detroit Tigers: Week 9 Heroes and Zeroes

May 24, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) hits an RBI double in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Zero: Anthony Gose

Anthony Gose has found himself on this list multiple times this year for the spark he usually gives the Detroit Tigers. When he gets on base, he causes havoc and distracts the pitcher and, more times than not, he moves to second or third after a single or walk.

But that is the problem–Gose has not been getting on base much lastly ashis strong start is beginning to fade. In 17 at-bats last week, Gose reached safely just once–not what the Tigers need. What else they don’t need is a lead-off man striking out a lot. Gose continually put the Tigers in a hole by striking out to start the game or in the face of a rally, fanning four times (meaning he is striking out 24% of the time or about one out of four at-bats, roughly once per game).

Honestly though, it should not be very surprising that Gose has struggled. After all, he is a career .247 hitter with an OPS of .655. Obviously you want more from your leadoff hitter and during the offensive cold streak extending well before the eight-game skid, the team was not getting that from Gose.

He is still a young player and very dynamic when going well. If he is going to take a step forward in his career, it can stand to be reasoned that he will take a step back from time to time.

Gose will be back–at least he had better if the Tigers have postseason aspirations.

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