Toronto Blue Jays @ Detroit Tigers (Romero vs. Verlander)
Here's the scope on these two clubs since the all-star break: Toronto continued their reign on the Orioles sweeping another 3 game series in their park (9-0 vs. Baltimore this year), then travelling to Kansas City and losing 2/3. Detroit had the AL Central lead by a whisker, and lost it after getting swept 4 games in Cleveland. The White Sox took their position, with the Twins gaining ground on both. In the confines of Comerica Park, they entered their 2nd series after the break with the Rangers, winning the only the last of a 3 game series. With this 6 game losing streak snapped in the recent win over Texas, I would expect a win streak to surface. Verlander is pitching for the Tigers, he goes deep into games and doesn't give up much-however, he has struggled with the Jays in the recent past, and the Toronto bats hit a collective .340 off him...thats the scare. Nonetheless, I don't think Detroit is slumping-the Cleveland Indians are hitting insanely well right now-they just took 2/3 in Minnesota as well, so the sweep of the Tigers is more a testament to the progress they have made with the talent in their lineup (centering around catcher, Carlos Santana)--the Indians bats will cool off eventually, but may well be that outside force that will solidify the AL Central champion. Also, for Detroit losing 2/3 to the Texas Rangers and the arsenal of weapons they have this year is nothing surprising-the bats are about even, but the majority of the pitching matchups favored Texas.
Getting this win out of the way should prove helpful to the Detroit Tigers going into this series with the Jays. Home Field plays a major role in this 1 I think, and the potent Detroit hitters get it done. Toronto puts up a fight and Romero is pitching which is a + for the Jays, but I would certainly take the Tigers to win.
Detroit Tigers (-136)
