There are a lot of reasons for the Tigers’ recent success, but don’t overlook the contributions of the minor-league system.
When the Tigers need someone to fill in because of an injury, they can dip down into the Toledo Mud Hens roster and can find someone to help them.
Ryan Rayburn and his seven RBI Wednesday night is the most recent example. Mike Hessman, Timo Perez, Virgil Vasquez and a several relievers also have made valuable contributions in short stints with Detroit.