Detroit Tigers 5 First Half MVPs (VIDEOS)

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League pitcher David Price (14) of the Detroit Tigers throws against the National League during the fourth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#1: David Price

If the Detroit Tigers do not come out of the gate in the second-half strong, the Tigers should ship out David Price. He will fetch a huge return and it sadly doesn’t seem like Price or the Tigers seem like they want to get a long-term deal done before the lefty hits free agency.

So while Price’s time with us may be limited, that does not mean we cannot marvel at his contributions this season (zero uniform miscommunication aside).

The inconsistent 44-44 Tigers are 15-3 in games started by David Price, that shows you the contribution he provides to this team. We will win most of the games (9-2, 2.38) he pitches, but if he doesn’t he at least puts his teammates in a position to win.

There has been only one real stinker for Price this season, when he allowed eight runs on 10 hits against the Yankees in April. He also was roughed up a bit against Kansas City a few weeks later, but his offense gave him plenty of run support to gain the 6-5 victory on May 8.

Additionally, Price is a work-horse, going deep into the 100-pitch plateau in most starts. In fact, his signature moment came in a game in which he threw only 93 pitches. But he was so effective in that game that he pitched a complete game shutout (his second straight) over Cleveland on June 12.

David Price’s Signature First-Half Moment

Next: Why Tigers can still win in 2015