Tigers make strides in philosophy.

Remember in 2008 when the Tigers scored a thousand runs and won 100 games?

Yea, I don't either.

They built a team that didn't have a defense.  And it cost them.  Not to mention, some of their acquisitions--Edgar Renteria being one--did not pay off as many thought they would.

But this season, guess which team leads in UZR?  That is right folks, it's the Detroit Tigers.

They are, however, only 13th in Defensive Efficiency.  But even that is a serious step up, as they finished 24th in that area during their forgetful 2008.

After adding Adam Everett to the roster this off-season, the Tigers now have three up-the-middle defenders that are better than average.  Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco--along with Everett--are all quality defenders, and all as mentioned, play up the middle.

So the Tigers "philosophy" changed, and in a very good way.

Brandon Inge mans the hot corner, and year in and year out, he's one of the best defenders at his position.  This season is no exception as his UZR leads the team at 9.7.

As a matter of fact, eight of the ten Tigers defenders that have played at least 100 innings in the field, have contributed positively to the Tigers improved D.  That is eight players with positive UZR's.

Impressive.

This of course does not take into account what Gerald Laird has done behind the plate.  What he does cannot really be summed up in the numbers.

But...Laird is third in caught stealing percentage in all of baseball.  So even he is doing his share to help prevent runs from scoring.

The Tigers addressed the defensive side of the ball, and now they are winning baseball games.

Is their a correlation there?  :)

Please comment at my new site.