Monday, September 25, 2006
'06 Tigers, Tigers Tribute
You know I'm geeked, the Detroit Tigers clinched a playoff spot with 6 games to go in the season. It's been 19 years, back in 1987, that the Tigers made it to the post-season. In 1987 the Tigers were favored to go to the World Series but lost to the Minnesota Twins in the AL Championship game. They could meet again if both the Twins and Tigers win their first round games. But for now the Tigers have 6 more games to try to clinch the AL Central and also the league best record (for homefield throughout the playoffs).
I remember the 1968 Tigers from when I was 11 years old, and I remember the 1984 Tigers when I was 27, and now I'll remember the 2006 Tigers at the age of, well, you do the math. I've had this feeling about this years Tigers team, that they would be special, and now I feel vindicated. This team gets help from every player on the roster, with a great manager in Jim Leyland. And now a Tiger outlook for the playoffs.
The pitching has been great. Four starters have carried the team all year, the veteran Kenny Rogers, the rookie Jim Verlander, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman. They also had a sort of rotating 5th spot, Mike Maroth until his injury, then Zack Miner, followed by Ledezma and they combined for 15 wins.
The bullpen has been steady all season. Todd Jones has been like clockwork for saves. He's usually set up bt Joel Zumaya, the 100 mph zoom. Other relievers are Jason Grille (whose dad pitched for the Tigers, Steve) Jamie Walker, Fernando Rodney, and new rookie Miller (fresh from winning the College World Series MVP) all available for the playoffs. The Tigers earned run average is the best in baseball at 3.75 with no other team under 4.00.
The Tigers batting line-up isn't scary, but they've come through all year. At catch of course is future hall-of-famer Pudge Rodriguez backed up by Vance Wilson. Pudge hasn't hit for power, but has delivered key hits so many times and his defense is great, the best caught stealing percent in the AL. Wilson has contributed in every game he's played.
At first base, the bag has been crowded. Currently trade-deadliner Sean Casey is the starter. Chris Shelton was the April phenom but cooled down and was sent to AAA when Dmitri Young returned from his "problems" and hit well. Young then was cut and Shelton is the back-up 1st baseman. After the trade deadline the Tigers picked up Matt Stairs (DH, 1B), not eligible for the post-season.
Second base is strongly maintained by Placido Palanco, who bats second in the order. His dislocated shoulder forced the Tigers to pick up Naife Perez and split the time with Omar Infante.
Shortstop is a strong position with Carlos Guillen with the best batting numbers on the team, .317, 19 hr, 80 rbi, 94 runs. Guillen has made a few errors more than normal. Santiago also backs up here.
Third base has been Brandan Inge's all season. He's been hot at the hot corner and is also having his best hitting year. He is vieing for the team lead in HRs.
The outfield has been mostly set with Magglio Ordonez in rightfield, Curtis Granderson in center and Monroe in left. Marcus Thames is mostly a DH but also plays left. Back-ups in the outfield have been Alexis Gomez and Brent Clevlan.
I remember the 1968 Tigers from when I was 11 years old, and I remember the 1984 Tigers when I was 27, and now I'll remember the 2006 Tigers at the age of, well, you do the math. I've had this feeling about this years Tigers team, that they would be special, and now I feel vindicated. This team gets help from every player on the roster, with a great manager in Jim Leyland. And now a Tiger outlook for the playoffs.
The pitching has been great. Four starters have carried the team all year, the veteran Kenny Rogers, the rookie Jim Verlander, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman. They also had a sort of rotating 5th spot, Mike Maroth until his injury, then Zack Miner, followed by Ledezma and they combined for 15 wins.
The bullpen has been steady all season. Todd Jones has been like clockwork for saves. He's usually set up bt Joel Zumaya, the 100 mph zoom. Other relievers are Jason Grille (whose dad pitched for the Tigers, Steve) Jamie Walker, Fernando Rodney, and new rookie Miller (fresh from winning the College World Series MVP) all available for the playoffs. The Tigers earned run average is the best in baseball at 3.75 with no other team under 4.00.
The Tigers batting line-up isn't scary, but they've come through all year. At catch of course is future hall-of-famer Pudge Rodriguez backed up by Vance Wilson. Pudge hasn't hit for power, but has delivered key hits so many times and his defense is great, the best caught stealing percent in the AL. Wilson has contributed in every game he's played.
At first base, the bag has been crowded. Currently trade-deadliner Sean Casey is the starter. Chris Shelton was the April phenom but cooled down and was sent to AAA when Dmitri Young returned from his "problems" and hit well. Young then was cut and Shelton is the back-up 1st baseman. After the trade deadline the Tigers picked up Matt Stairs (DH, 1B), not eligible for the post-season.
Second base is strongly maintained by Placido Palanco, who bats second in the order. His dislocated shoulder forced the Tigers to pick up Naife Perez and split the time with Omar Infante.
Shortstop is a strong position with Carlos Guillen with the best batting numbers on the team, .317, 19 hr, 80 rbi, 94 runs. Guillen has made a few errors more than normal. Santiago also backs up here.
Third base has been Brandan Inge's all season. He's been hot at the hot corner and is also having his best hitting year. He is vieing for the team lead in HRs.
The outfield has been mostly set with Magglio Ordonez in rightfield, Curtis Granderson in center and Monroe in left. Marcus Thames is mostly a DH but also plays left. Back-ups in the outfield have been Alexis Gomez and Brent Clevlan.
