Detroit continues its seven-game home stand tonight, glad to have the two-time defending AL champs (Rangers) in ‘the rear-view mirror.’ The Rangers scored 10 runs each in winning the first two games of the series, then lost 3-2 (to Verlander) in the third game, before edging the Tigers 3-2 (11 inn) on Sunday. Struggling at the plate has become an issue for the Tigers, since hitting .304 and averaging 6.7 runs during a season-opening 5-1 home stand April 5-12. The Tigers have averaged just 3.0 runs in 10 games since, including batting .179 and scoring a modest 12 runs while losing THREE of four to Texas over the weekend. Seattle comes in 7-10 overall but on a four-game losing streak. That being said, the Mariners gave the Tigers a tough time last year. The Tigers had the third-highest batting average in the majors last season at .277 but hit just .233 and averaged 3.7 RPG while losing SIX of 10 to Seattle in 2011, including FIVE of seven here at Comerica Park. Seattle’s Jason Vargas comes in having pitched very well in four games this year, allowing only 18 hits in 25.1 innings (owns a 19-7 KW ratio), posting a 2.84 ERA (he’s 2-1 and the team 2-2). So why do I want to lay 1 1/2 runs with the Tigers? Here’s why. The left-handed Vargas hasn’t had any success vs the Tigers in limited action, going 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in three starts (team is 1-2). In his only start at Comerica Park (July 3, 2010), Vargas lasted just 4.1 innings while giving up six runs (all earned) in a 6-1 loss. The key here is that Detroit has been hitting left-handers extremely well since reaching the World Series back in 2006. Last year was nothing different, as Detroit was 31-20 against lefties, while averaging a healthy 5.3 RPG and the team has opened the 2012 season 6-1 when facing a left-handed starter. Let me also note that Detroit starter Dan Scherzer is worthy of some ‘props,’ as well. He had a “breakout” season last year, going 15-9 with a 4,.43 ERA (team was 21-12 in his starts). He had an awful 2012 debut, allowing eight hits and seven ERs in just 2.2 innings vs Boston but has since had two very solid outings. He’s gone six innings in each of his last two starts, allowing three ERs in each while owning a 14-2 KW ratio. Let’s also NOT ignore the fact that he’s 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA in four career starts vs the Mariners.

Good luck...Larry