Detroit Tigers Playoffs: Great Moments Ahead

It was the homerun heard all around Detroit.  Five years ago in the 2006 ALCS, Magglio Ordonez hit a walk-off homerun in the ninth inning to sweep the Oakland Athletics and send the Detroit Tigers into the World Series for the first time since 1987.  I was at that game, and I remember the joy on the fans’ faces, the swinging towels in the crowd, and the celebratory rioting throughout the streets of Detroit.  Since the 2006 season, the Tigers haven’t had a taste of the playoffs, let alone the World Series. This season has a much different feel to it; this team feels like a team of destiny.

How We Got to Be So Darn Good (Hitting Edition)

Miguel Cabrera (AVG: .344):  The slugger is leading the league in batting average, and is a lethal middle of the lineup batter.  He is also a leading candidate for the AL MVP award.  If he can continue to keep his off-field troubles away, Cabrera will continue to be the offensive driving force to the Tigers’ success.

Victor Martinez (AVG: .330):  The former everyday catcher was signed by the Detroit Tigers before the start of the season to take on the role of Designated Hitter.  Man oh man were the Tigers spot-on with this signing. Martinez is an impressive fourth on the list of league leading batting averages.  The Martinez-Cabrera batting tandem has playoff teams shaking in their cleats.

Jhonny Peralta (AVG: .299):  After a mediocre first season with the Tigers, Peralta has grown into his own. The impressive shortstop has become a solid everyday batter that the Tigers can rely on.

Alex Avila  (AVG: .295):  Avila had a decent rookie season last year, and Tigers fans were unsure if he could take on a full-time job as a starting catcher.  Not only has Avila hit his way to an AL leading batting average, he has became one of the most valuable starting catchers in all of baseball at a very thin position.  He sure is making his father and assistant GM Al Avila proud.

How We Got to Be So Darn Good (Pitching Edition)

Justin Verlander (ERA: 2.40 W-L:  24-5):  Verlander’s pitching has been second to none this season.  He recorded an early season no hitter, won more games than any pitcher in the MLB, and gathered his lowest ERA out of his seven seasons with the Tigers.  Verlander will surely be a unanimous vote for the AL Cy Young award, and should be considered as an AL MVP front runner.

Doug Fister  (ERA : 2.83 1.79 w/ Tigers W-L:  11-13  8-1 w/Tigers): Detroit acquired Fister mid-season, and his performance has been a pleasant surprise.  He drastically improved his pitching once he joined the Tigers, and with Verlander and Fister, the Tigers now have the one-two punch pitching tandem that they have been looking for.

Jose Valverde (Saves/Save Opportunities:  49/49):  Valverde has helped to assure that the Tigers don’t throw away the game in the ninth inning.  He has recorded the most saves in the MLB, and capitalized on each and every one of his save opportunities.  His consistency will be much needed come playoff time.

How We Got to Be So Darn Good (Managing Edition)

Jim Leyland:  In his sixth season as the Tigers manager, Jim Leyland is searching for his second playoff appearance with the Detroit Tigers.  His lineup changes and overall team strategy have been impeccable this season, and should be looked at as a serious candidate for the AL Manager of the Year award.

What to Expect From Here 

The Detroit Tigers have now officially won the AL Central, and will play the New York Yankees in the first round.  The first game will be played in New York.  The Tigers have finished the season at 95-67, which is an increase of 14 wins from last season.  Due to their hot streak in the second half, they are a team to be feared at any point during these playoffs.

(Photo by Keith Allison under a Creative Commons license)