First off, there’s no doubt that the Tigers as a team should be considered comeback team of the year. Basically little more then a AAA team, the Tigers nearly set the mark last year for futility. You had some players have some prett miserable years. The one shining star was Dmitri Young, who I thought should have gotten a little MVP consideration for the good season that he had despite having little around him.

The question is, who’s brought their game up to the next level? Two people, above all else, have come out of basically nowhere, and put together modest seasons. Omar Infante is the first of these players. Touted as a major prospect a couple of years ago, Omar fell flat on his face last year as the double play partner of Ramon Santiago. By the end of the season, he’d have a .222 batting average and a .536 OPS in 277 at bats and was eventually sent down to AAA in favor of Warren Morris.

This year, Omar is playing solid second base in place of an injured Fernando Vina. He has 10 homeruns, and a .806 OPS. In addition to his regular spot at second, he’s also played short, third and centerfield.

The second player is Brandon Inge. After never having a season batting average above .203, Brandon was basically without a job when the Tigers signed Pudge. Now, he’s turned into the basically the starting third basemen, and he’s played well in all three outfield spots. And honestly, at this point in the season, Brandon looks like the better defensive catcher. Pudge is dinged up, and it’s showing.

And the bat has shown a dramatic improvement. He’s hitting .282 with an .823 OPS. He hit his 10th homer last week and has stuck out only 43 times, while walking 20.

Tough call? My sentimental favorite is Inge. just because of the story. When told he was being replaced, he basically said F You, and proved he was valuable to the team and made his own place.

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