Shelton tearing up the AL

Chris Shelton is making quick work of the American League this year. No one would have known who this guy was last year. Shelton has homered a Major League leading nine times in just 13 games this year.

This 25 year-old first baseman was not even sure he would be on the starting roster this season this year. The difficulty was figuring out where to play this young prospect. He had already proven that he could hit well, but could he play a position was another question. Shelton is not the most athletic player on the field, not very fast or quick.

You're probably wondering why I care. He is on my fantasy baseball team, "Mouth Off."

But I digress.

Check out these statistics amassed by Shelton.

• Batting Average- .471
• OPS- 1.716
• Slugging percentage- 1.216
• Nine homers

When Jim Leyland was quoted as saying that the Tigers stunk after the Indians routed 10-2 today. The Tigers seem to be dedicated to losing in recent years. It is difficult to fault Leyland, when he does not want to see his club get soft. Maybe what would have been better, if he would have said, "We stunk, but Shelton didn't."