Don't Panic Tigers fans // It's A Fine, Fine Life # 5

This week's reason it's a fine, fine life is baseball related (as are many things around here these days :). I have realized that the Detroit Tigers are very fortunate to have excellent backup players. Here is what I mean.


Before the season even started, our ace, Justin Verlander, was put on the disabled list (for the first time in his career) because of inflammation in his arm. More than a month into the season, he still isn't back (but is improving). Not having him could have been pretty bad, but Kyle Lobstein has filled in and done an absolutely fantastic job. 

                       

In addition to that, Joe Nathan (our closer) made one appearance before going on the DL and eventually having Tommy John (surgery that ends your entire season). For any team, losing your closer is bad, but on top of not having a starter, it's worse. Thankfully, we have Joakim Soria. He has been our 8th inning guy but has seamlessly transitioned to the 9th and has thrived there. He has 11 saves out of 11 save opportunities. 

Now, our catcher Alex Avila, has to have surgery on his knee. He will only be out 6 weeks or so, but it's just something else. Not to worry though. We have an awesome backup catcher in James McCann.   

                         

I am very thankful that we are lucky enough to have such talented players who have stepped up when we so needed them. Many teams would be in dire straits, but thankfully we're not. So for me and other Tigers fans, it is a fine, fine life :)