But they tease and later crumble down the stretch.

After the All-Star break, they have posted a 170-200 (.459) record and made the playoffs just once. Even in their improbable 2006 World Series run, they dropped their final five games of the regular season to fumble the division lead and accept the wild card berth.

As optimistic as any fan can be, the ghosts of Leyland’s poor managing and late-season failures hang over this franchise.

That being said, there’s a very average and inexperienced Cleveland Indians team — with the exception of new acquisition Ubaldo Jimenez — hovering in second place. The rival Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox also are unusually soft.

With the additions of third baseman Wilson Betemit and pitcher Doug Fister, the Tigers have upgraded to make a serious run. Trade deadline deals Have gone poorly in the past, but Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski has an eye for talent and has added significant pieces at the deadline, such as Jhonny Peralta in 2010.

If the Tigers want to be a playoff team in 2011, several things have to happen in next couple months:

First, the pitching staff needs to back up Justin Verlander. Verlander — who leads the American League in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts — has worn out every word for phenomenal this season. To avoid the collapse, the Tigers need consistently good starts from Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, Brad Penny and Fister.

Secondly, it’s essential for the team to be consistent at the plate. The Tigers have had significant contributions from Miguel Cabrera, Brennan Boesch, Victor Martinez, Peralta and youngster Alex Avila. If the team could get an offensive surge from Austin Jackson, Ryan Raburn, Carlos Guillen or Magglio Ordoñez, there’s no reason this team can’t hit with any team in baseball.

Finally, the team needs to solidify the bullpen. Closer Jose Valverde has been lights out this season. The rest of the bullpen, not so much. Joaquin Benoit has started to bounce back from a rough start and Phil Coke’s stock continues to plummet. On the other hand, Al Alburquerque has been the surprise of the season, holding down a spot once reserved for the flamethrowing Joel Zumaya. The addition of David Pauley from the Mariners will help, but questions still remain.

Any runner will remind you that it’s not how you start but how you finish that people remember. If the Tigers can stay consistent and finish as strong as they started, they will be a playoff team in 2011.