The Tigers just finished up their last game of the season. As usual, Papa Grande finished it up with his 49th save of the season. Next up...the mighty New York Yankees.
I think that it works out in Detroit's favor to play the Yankees first because they only have to beat them 3 times and the first 2 games in NY would put Justin Verlander (24 wins) and Doug Fister (lights out) on the mound. They could very well win both those games. Then they come home with Rick Porcello and Max Sherzer for games 3 and 4. Then, if need be, Verlander would get the ball in game 5. All that being said, I really like the Tigers chances to beat New York and move on to play in the ALCS.
Many people were really on Jim Leyland's case about how he was managing the games (me included). Rightfully so. He was not doing a good job of managing the game. They had many personnel issues at key positions. They weren't getting any production from the likes of Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge. So Dave Dombrowski took matters into his own hands and went out and got Wilson Betemit and Delmon Young for next to nothing. Since these guys arrived, the Tigers have took off, hammering everyone in the Central Division and making a case for World Series contenders.
MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez lead the offensive onslaught and the combination of great starting pitching and the ability to score runs has everyone thinking World Series. Stay tuned. Could be a wild October in the D.
