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Detroit Tigers: floundering Tigers, trading Pros and Cons, shining Casali

By Dave Holcomb

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There is no easy way to say this. The Detroit Tigers stink right now.

Since May 9, Detroit is 29-40, which is the worst record in the American League over the last 11 and a half weeks.

They can’t hit. The Tigers have scored 14 runs in their last 64 innings.

They can’t pitch. Detroit’s pitching staff has a 5.49 ERA in the last eight games. In the last week, the Detroit Tigers are 2-5, and the team is 4-8 since the All-Star Break.

Oh, and the Tigers fell in fourth place in the American League Central after Tuesday’s loss. If readers can bare to see more numbers, MLive.com has more revealing statistics on the Tigers recent struggles.

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The most frustrating thing about Detroit’s recent cold streak is the fact the most bizarre and obscure names are beating them. Mariners catcher Mike Zunino was 5-for-12 versus Tigers pitching last week, and Rays catcher Curt Casali is 6-for-8 with four home runs in this week’s series.

In 288 at-bats this season, Zunino is batting .188 while Casali came into the series with just three home runs in his entire career. Adding insult to injury, Casali is a former Tigers prospect.

A team floundering as much as Detroit is right now would not normally remain in the “buying” conversation at the deadline, but the Tigers brass continues to be stubborn in the hopes that a trade will turn around the team. Therefore, it’s worth taking a look at the trading pros and cons list from The Detroit News.

By the numbers: Detroit Tigers own second-worst record in American League since hot start – James Schmehl, MLive.com

"50: The number of losses in the Tigers’ last 87 games since going 11-2. They are 37-50 since April 20 — the second-worst mark in the American League.5: The number of consecutive series the Tigers haven’t won, including four straight since the All-Star break. They are 4-8 in the second half.0: The number of four-game winning streaks compiled by the Tigers since starting the season 6-0. They haven’t won consecutive games since July 8-9."

Pros and cons of trading six prominent Tigers – Lynn Henning, The Detroit News

"David Price, LH starterPros: Will become free agent in October. Little chance he will stay in Detroit. Johnny Cueto deal shows Tigers can get a solid return for a premier pitcher.Cons: Rotation anchor. Tigers guaranteed a shot at winning every time he works. Will earn Tigers early draft pick in 2016 if not traded."

Casali homers twice again, Rays trounce Price, Tigers – AP, Fox Sports

"The Tampa Bay catcher’s buddy, Detroit All-Star pitcher David Price, backed off the rubber to give his friend a chance to enjoy a moment the rookie won’t soon forget.”It was special. That guy is one of my best friends,” Casali said after he had three hits and homered twice for the second straight game, leading the Rays to a 10-2 victory over the slumping Tigers on Tuesday night.”To do it off of him, with what he’s accomplished in his career, was really special for me,” Casali added. ”He even congratulated me afterwards (in written and text messages). That was really cool. He’s a classy guy.”"

Next: Detroit Tigers: 5 Free Agent Targets for 2016

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