What Was The Tigers Biggest Ostacle?

Most fans are happy with the Tigers 2006 season. There is much to be grateful for, after 12 losing seasons. Most fans looked forward to seeing the team playing some meaningful games in September. We did get much more than we expected from the Tigers. Why didn't they finish the job?

It took beyond mid season for most of us to truly believe that the Detroit Tigers could contend this season for the Central Division or possibly the Wild Card. As the season went on, Boston fell out of contention, followed by Seattle, Texas, LA, and then Chicago. Suddenly it became apparent, that Detroit would either be the Wild Card from the American League or the Central Division Champion; Minnesota wouldn't go away. As we maintained an AL best record over Oakland and New York, thoughts of the World Series arose, and we, the fans believed anything was possible.

The Tigers limped to the finish line, losing 39 of their last 50, but made the playoffs, while losing the Central on the last day of the season to the Minnesota Twins, as well as the best record in the AL to the New York Yankees in the last week, and with that, home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Many fans expressed satisfaction with the progress made, when solicited by local sports talk hosts from time to time while the slide was in progress, as to whether just making the playoffs was good enough for this year. Many were, while many only had their expectations raised. I count myself in the latter group, and I'm disappointed that the fans didn't see their best baseball in the last series of the season; the one the counts the most. When you think about it, Jim Leyland was put into a no lose situation; even if the Tigers would lose.

Yes, we were mini-shocked when they rallied after a Game 1 loss in New York, to oust the heavily favored, mighty Yankees in four games. We were amazed, how they went out to Oakland next, to take the first two games, then came back home to sweep the A's, with an Ordonez two out, walk-off homer deep into the night, in the bottom of the 9th, and on to the World Series! As a side note, Kenny Rogers had pitched two gems in the playoffs, and hadn't been scored upon.

What in the world happened in the World Series? The players didn't execute against the Cardinals in the World Series, and it was embarrassing seeing all those signs in Busch Stadium getting gobbled up at the vendor stands by Cardinal fans that read, "Hit it to the pitcher!" Were there a few contributing factors in play here that unnerved the team? How did a confident team turn into a tentative one? Was the pressure too much, when you not only have to beat St.Louis in your first World Series appearance since 1984, but also to back-up questionable decisions by your manager? Unless you were an avid Tiger fan, few understood manager Jim Leyland's decision to start Justin Verlander over Kenny Rogers in Game 5; much less in Game 1, for that matter! Tiger fans gave him a pass, and bought into his "three games to win" logic; that we had to win 3, and that Kenny Rogers was best at Comerica. OF COURSE... throwing our worst playoff starting pitcher out there WILL WORK, because Leyland is GOLDEN!

Everything had to go right with that formula though, and the Tigers would have to get an early lead, and then rock Jeff Weaver. Instead, Weaver sent them down 1-2-3, striking out the first two. Verlander walked one, threw a wild pitch, walked another, threw another wild pitch, only to then walk the bases loaded, before escaping any damage, while using 35 pitches. Weaver came back striking out the first two again, and sending them down 1-2-3. After Molina opened the 2nd with a single, and advanced to 2nd on a successful sacrifice bunt, you could just feel the hee-bee-gee-bees settling in, and continuing the shaky start, Brandon Inge made another great diving stop on Eckstein, only to fire the ball into right field past Casey, allowing yet another Series unearned run to score. You knew this wasn't going to be a pretty game then, and Inge's base running gaff the next inning proved it.

The Tigers took the lead in the 4th, and then it was Verlander's turn to blow an easy play, throwing wildly to the wrong base, allowing another run. Guillen throws to the wrong base the next batter, and the Cards regain the lead. Does any of this happen with Rogers on the mound? I doubt it! Jim Leyland left himself wide open for second guessing, and he even said as much before the World Series started, in anticipation of... what? We know this; at least is wasn't about feeling bad for sweeping his old pal Tony LaRussa, as he felt back in June. Instead of going to a victory parade today, we are left with getting a few things off our chests, so we can go back into the 2007 season with some optimism.

No, the Tigers didn't win the World Series that we all expected them too, and you never know when we'll be back in that position again. It would have been the best championship the city of Detroit ever had, because there isn't any way that the surprises of the 2006 season can ever be duplicated, after over a decade of futility on the diamonds downtown. Pitching was not the downfall; it was the meager hitting, that we sometimes had to bear. Without our pitching staff, the Tigers would have never even made the playoffs. It was weak hitting that needed to be guarded against, and it wasn't. The addition of Sean Casey at the trade deadline was a brilliant move, as it proved out to be! Detroit needed another small piece added as a left hand hitting bench option for the playoffs, and it's just too bad that they didn't offer Texas something for Matt Stairs; it's hard to believe that waiving Dmitri Young was a split second decision, and they were left without any power from the left side for the postseason.

The Tigers roster for the World Series did not represent their best team; it needed a couple hitters who had a chance to get lucky in a pinch hitting role, especially in St.Louis, where the pitcher's slot would be crucial late in a close game. Neifi Perez was a wasted roster spot that tied the Tigers hands, or at least split their options. What if Chris Shelton, who was not their worst player, as he has been portrayed, had played in Game 1 and was productive, with Sean Casey was at DH? Shelton certainly had the motivation, since he was singled out for poor performance, while rebounding at a .289 clip in July, while players such as Granderson, Monroe, Inge, and Thames were all performing at a lesser level. We'll never know, because Perez was given a roster spot that he didn't deserve! With Ramon Santiago slated to start at SS for Games 1 & 2, what was the purpose of having Neifi Perez? What... he's a better choice for a pinch hit homer in the 9th inning than Shelton, who hit 10 home runs in April??? It can be argued that Santiago at SS, and Guillen at 1B is a better defense than Guillen at SS, with Shelton on 1B. I think that is flawed thinking though, because Shelton has better range on wild throws to 1B than both Casey or Guillen.

Yes, baseball is back in Detroit for the foreseeable future, and a large bit of the credit goes to Leyland. I'm sure he believes that the odds are great that he'll be managing a winner with the nucleus of this team very soon, and nearly everybody is grateful to him for this season. Is anyone whom he works with going to criticize or fire him for not achieving what seemed like a given in the eyes of nearly all the sports experts? Not hardly! Will any of the writers ask him questions pertaining to his friendship and admiration for Tony LaRussa now that it's over, and risk upsetting him, while alienating themselves, when fans , both casual and analytical, are basically ecstatic over what the Tigers accomplished this year? I don't think so; when is there another opportunity anyway for a press conference or a phone call. I doubt there will be another open forum this year, to ask other questions; why so little Walker and Ledezma against a team that can't hit left-handers, while he admits that Zumaya was not right. I thought leftie Mike Maroth wasn't on the roster because he wasn't right, even though he said he was, but was overruled. Or why not the use of a pinch hitter late in the game, when a regular has been struggling? With Pudge and Polanco pressing at the plate, why not try Wilson, Infante, or Thames when you have a runner in scoring position with one out, and need to score a run, or go home for the season? Perhaps all of the feel for the game had been spent. It just didn't make sense, when you hold back Kenny Rogers for Game 6, if you happen to win Game 5 without your best, when previos gambles hadn't worked. Yes, Verlander didn't pitch a bad game, but being down 1-3 games in a clincher, the Tigers didn't need a shaky start to dilute their confidence any further.

I'm glad for Leyland, that his good friend, La Russa, has now won a World Series in each league to sit in the same company with Sparky Anderson. Obviously, La Russa wanted it more, with Leyland in the same position; without question, he sure did out manage our overnight hero, and that makes little sense to me. The Tigers had the better team overall; sadly, Leyland will probably go unquestioned seriously, because the fun was back in Detroit baseball again. The fans are happy with this season, but I think we deserved more than a gift wrapped World Series, with the manager putting a bow on it! With me, it only brings back other questions regarding the end of the season that will remained unanswered. I'd feel more comfortable about this, knowing that Jim Leyland has been humbled a bit over this pitiful showing in the World Series. But it's too convenient to paint the 2006 Tigers in amazement, and simply view them as overachievers for most of the season, who are in need of a little tweaking to get over the championship hump. It's just become a little maddening for Detroit sports fans in 2006, when you have the best teams in hockey, basketball, and now baseball, with no championships to celebrate. Maybe we should be grateful that we have the Lions. they don't play with our heads and emotions; they just STINK PERIOD, never get our hopes up, and extend Matt Millen's contract.

I not upset with the way this season ended; I just not a rubber-stamper. I don't want to sound like a Rob Parker here, because he isn't worthy of being in this town commenting about the Detroit Tigers. Actually, I'm just kidding in my criticisms, playing devil's advocate, and am not as sarcastic as this comes across. I feel bad for the Ilitch's, and hope they get the prized possession that they crave next season. The have done so much for the City of Detroit, and I have confidence that Dave Dombrowski will supply the necessary additions to the roster. I feel bad for the sports writers and broadcasters who grew up here rooting for the Tigers, who have had to travel to visiting towns over the years, while enduring the brunt of the jokes about the team they represent. Their time for walking with a swagger should come soon.

But hope has finally been restored. Okay, I'm just delirious with all the precious moments of the 2006 season, with special emphasis on taking Catherine to her first Opening Day, and our road trip to Cleveland in August; sad that this incredible season is over, and over without a parade in downtown Detroit. In spite of the meltdowns to end the regular season and the postseason, I truly thank Jim Leyland for this 2006 season. He'll probably win Manager of the Year, but if I had a vote, I'd give mine to Gardenhire, for turning the Twins around the way he did in the 2nd half, to capture the Central title. Without question, Sean Casey was the Tiger's MVP down the playoff stretch.

2007...

I'd like to see Sean Casey back at 1B next year, and hope the Tigers focus on a power left handed third baseman or corner outfielder. I think Brandon Inge needs the competition, and I'd like to see Dombrowski take a chance on Aubrey Huff; he might get back on track in Detroit. I don't think we really needed another right handed power bat, like an Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Lee. I'd hope to see the Tigers spend their big money on a left hand bat.

I'd also try to sign Jeremy Bonderman to a long term contract, and forget about trading him. It would be great to see a trade for Mark Texiera, but I think Texas would consider players other than Bonderman or Verlander. I'd hate to trade Nate Robertson, but I see his future in Detroit in the bullpen after the 2007 season. Texiera is a free agent after next year. I don't think there is any question about him wanting to play for the Detroit Tigers, and barring anything drastic, I think he'll be here for the 2008 season. Next year would be ideal though, and perhaps exploring this should be the top priority; I'm sure the Rangers don't want to end up empty handed, and if they don't trade him, they will. I like Casey, but how can you pass on a guy who can hit like Norm Cash, and be part of the nucleus? I'd still go for Casey as a DH, if the price tag is reasonable.

As far as the outfield goes, I still hope to see Magglio in RF, Granderson in CF, and Monroe in LF for starters. I'm comfortable to begin there. The Tigers need a power leftie for 2007, but I'm not sure who's out there yet, or who could be traded for. I like Curtis Granderson's upside, and he is the only one I'd consider an untouchable. I'd try to trade Marcus Thames, Alexi Gomez, Neifi Perez, and Chris Shelton for left hand hitting prospects at cather or 3B; keeping them will doesn't leave much room for bringing the improvements that the Tigers need. I still like Omar Infante for next season as a utility man, and Ramon Santiago to a lesser degree, depending on where Dombrowski goes with free agency, and Inge's status at 3B. I mentioned Aubrey Huff, but a Frank Catalanotto fills a need, and would add some versatility to the lineup; steady average, but no power. Jay Payton is out there too, but do you really want to end up trading Craig Monroe, for another player without good powere numbers; I don't.

I don't think we need any help on the pitching staff, and I don't want to see them spending big money on a Barry Bonds, who is 2 steps away from a wheelchair. I'm not sure that Detroit needs to make a big splash, more than it needs to add some steady versatility with better on base capability; unless you can get Texiera this year.

The off season will be interesting to say the least.