Detroit has something to prove

If you’ve been following the American League in 2009, you’ve noticed Boston and New York have played about as expected. Though they had recent losing streak, Toronto is in the mix of good teams in the league and Texas has started surprising well in leading the AL West. One team that gathered few headlines is the Detroit Tigers and that is just fine with skipper Jim Leyland.

After a splashy introduction in 2006, which led to World Series appearance, Detroit and Leyland have misfired the last two seasons with higher expectations. This year, the Tigers sacrificed offense for defense at a couple of positions and their pitching has improved markedly.

Detroit (28-21, +5.8 units) is atop the AL Central, with an offense that still scores plenty of run, totaling 5.2 per game. With a 15-7 record at Comerica Park, these Tigers have had plenty in the tank in scoring six runs per contest at home. Despite missing pitchers like Jeremy Bonderman as starter, others have stepped up like Rick Porcello (6-3, 3.48 ERA, 1.200 WHIP). The 20-year old was the prize of the farm system and after a rocky beginning, the right-hander has settled in and a big reason for Detroit’s early season success.

Porcello throws a fastball, sinker and curve and was 5-0, with 1.50 ERA in May, the first Detroit rookie to win five games in the second month of the season in 55 years. I’ve had a couple of starts now and I’m able to settle in a little better out there and focus. And all the jitters are kind of gone,” Porcello said. “I think I’m getting a little more comfortable with each start.”

Detroit welcomes the challenge of Boston (29-22, +1.2 units) for three game series. The Tigers are 10-1 at home against teams with winning records. This is the final stop on the Red Sox 10-game road trip and they are 3-4 thus far, with an overall 12-16 mark as visitors. That plays to Detroit’s advantage with 6-2 record on home turf versus teams with losing road records.

Boston’s offense is as potent as Detroit’s just not on the road this season. The Red Sox also average 5.2 PRG, but fall off dramatically on the road to 4.4. Manager Terry Francona’s team typically excels versus high scoring teams, with 17-3 record against AL teams scoring 5.2 or more RPG and they are 19-5 on the road after a day off the last three years.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-3, 8.82, 2.237) has not come close to resembling the pitcher Boston fans are used to seeing. Matsuzaka’s control and command has been an issue, walking 10 batters in just over 16 innings, while being hit rather easily, allowing 28 base hits. In his last outing, Matsuzaka uncorked four wild pitches. He is 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four career starts against Detroit; including his only career complete game.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Tigers as -129 money line favorites, with total Un9.5. When Matsuszaka is in typical form, Boston is 10-1 UNDER on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 since last season. The Red Sox have taken last 22 of 31 Game 1’s, but are only 1-4 as recent underdog. Detroit has flourished as favorites with 13-3 mark and is 15-3-1 UNDER off a victory.

This matchup starts at 7:05 Eastern and is available to be seen in local markets. This is first meeting between these clubs in 2009, with Detroit 4-3 the last couple of years hitting with the last at bat.