BASEBALL

I went to Baseball-Reference.com to look up the records of the Tigers when each starter pitched.  In other words did the team win, or lose in the start.  The pitcher may have gotten a no-decision in the start.  For instance Verlander gets credited for a win here in a game where he gave up five runs in the first inning because the Tigers outscored the Indians 9-8.

Pitcher wins and losses are largely based on things outside the pitchers control.  For instance, Millwood for the Orioles does not have a win despite pitching several quality starts because the Orioles haven’t given much run, or bullpen support.  Also, a pitcher’s starts could come against the weak hitting Mariners or the formidable Yankee line up.

It is interesting to see though that Verlander confirms his ace status here with a 7-2 record.  The Bonderman rotation spot is next with a 5-2 record.  (He has been rained out and his ninth start will occur this week.)  The Willis/Thomas rotation spot is third with a 6-3 record.  (Thomas has spot started twice when Willis was ill).  Bonderman edges them by win percentage.  Porcello is 4-5.  The Scherzer/Galarraga slot is 3-7. 

I find this heartening because if Scherzer can pitch like he did in 2009 the Tigers will look like they go into every game with a better than 50-50 shot of winning.