Tigers Did A Poor Job Improving Their Roster

After an incredibly surprising 2006 season, where the Tigers not only had a winning season, but were in position to win their first World Series in 22 years, has the front office backed-off from presenting a team with fewer holes in it? Oh, they will be competitive, but is that enough after an abysmal performance in the World Series, where Detroit gift-wrapped the championship for the St.Louis Cardinals? There were many players that the Tigers expressed interest in who would have improved their roster; was it all lip-service? Doesn't Detroit's needs remain the same, while the improvements seem marginal?

Soon we will be thinking about our Detroit Tigers again on a daily basis, as spring training will be beginning in about a month. Today, I'm feeling letdown that Dave Dombrowski didn't do much to improve the roster over last season. I'm happiest over extending Jeremy Bonderman's contract, and it was money well spent. I'm happy with extending Brandon Inge's contract too, along with resigning Sean Casey for next season; more money well spent. I'm not so sure about the trade for Gary Sheffield, along with the lucrative extension Detroit gave him. It would appear that he'll be the Tigers' most feared hitter in the lineup, but there is still a big hole as far as lineup diversity goes. This signing actually created more diversity problems, as there aren't enough spots on the active roster for those who fielded the team last season, and nothing has been done as yet to resolve that. Clearly, Jim Leyland wanted Sheffield, and that's why he's here. He's no longer in his prime, and while he brings a competitive fire, he also brings risks. I would have taken those risks elsewhere, in a player like Aubrey Huff. Huff would have come cheaper, and filled the left-hand power void, along with bringing a backup glove in LF, 3B, and 1B.

Going into spring training, the starting lineup, along with the bench, has the same problem since Dmitri Young was released last season; it is totally devoid of a left-hand power hitter! With the dimensions of Comerica Park, why in the world doesn't this team have more of a left-handed flavor to it? The pitching staff is built to take advantage at home, but why isn't their offense? Let's review the current starting lineup:

C - Ivan Rodriguez
1B - Sean Casey
2B - Placido Polonco
3B - Brandon Inge
SS - Carlos Guillen
LF - Craig Monroe
CF - Curtis Granderson
RF - Magglio Ordonez
DH - Gary Sheffield

Casey, Guillen, and Granderson are the only left-hand sticks, and I'd only give Granderson a shot at hitting 25 HRs, if he can cut down his strikeouts.

The outlook for the four reserves is confusing at best, with these as the top candidates:

C - Vance Wilson
OF - Marcus Thames
UT - Omar Infante
IF - Neifi Perez

None of them hit from the left-side; I'm sorry... Neifi Perez should be fined anytime he even tries to! Why is he still on the 40 man roster? This is one of the reasons why I'm entering this season pessimistic! It's a ongoing mistake that likely is going to negate a roster spot for the Tigers' best infielder, who also happens to hit left-handed, and has more upside than Perez - Ramon Santiago!

Several teams expressed interest in Craig Monroe and Marcus Thames, but Dombrowski declined on moving them, when there was opportunity to invest in either a better left-handed lead-off center fielder, a power-hitting, left-handed corner outfielder, or even a good left-handed catcher prospect for Toledo; there isn't any roster space for adding improvements. Craig Monroe won Detroit a few games last season with late inning heroics, while Marcus Thames lead the team in SLG% in limited time. Why did Detroit acquire another right-handed power hitter who doesn't play the field well, if you don't want to part with these two, when at the same time, you have two other right-handed outfield prospects in Brent Clevlen and Cameron Maybin? This is what is so confusing about the Sheffield acquisition and healthy extension of his contract. It would appear that the Tiger GM might be lacking some confidence in how the Sheffield acquisition is going to unfold. Sheffield could make the lineup more potent, but you have to cut bait somewhere, and that hasn't happened.

Why is Chris Shelton still on the 40 man roster? While he wasn't the worst regular on the 2006 team, he certainly hasn't a future here. It's already been established that he ranks lower on the food chain than Neifi Perez, so Detroit clearly has TWO wasted spots on the 40 man roster! Deal Shelton to Texas as a pre-payment for signing Mark Texiera next fall, and send Neifi anywhere for a bat-boy! I believe Shelton got a raw deal last season, but after that, he needs to be moved; there is no room for him any longer. Shelton is a better 1B than Carlos Guillen, and on his worse day, a better hitter than Neifi Perez. With Omar Infante and Chris Shelton playing down the stretch and in the playoffs, instead of Perez, Detroit wouldn't have lost any more games, and just may have won more.

Speaking of Infante, I'm not sure why he wasn't dealt this winter either. It's not that I don't like him, he just doesn't seem to fit here anymore; like he'll never get the chance. There were plenty of left-handed infielders available this off-season that Detroit could have added, if they had the roster space. Omar still has enough upside to make him attractive to a lot of clubs. If the front office didn't think he was worthy enough to fill 2B when Polanco went down last year, then it's time to deal him for a left-hand hitting infield prospect, catcher, or corner outfielder. Frank Catalanotto was availble to fill Omar's spot, and could have given Detroit that extra left-hand stick offensive improvement, while rotating around filling both infield and outfield positions.

The Tigers' strength is still their pitching staff. I expect that Mike Maroth could be moved to the bullpen, with Wilfredo Ledezma joining Bonderman, Robertson, Verlander, and Rogers in the rotation. I'm also skeptical about the Jose Mesa signing, but it would appear that the rest of the filled-out bullpen will include: Jones, Zumaya, Rodney, Miner, Edward Campusano, and either Grilli or Ramon Colon, if they indeed carry 13 on their pitching staff again; they might not need to on a regular basis. With Campusano being a Rule 5 acquisition, there isn't a need for another leftie in the pen at this time; how he and Maroth fare in spring training will determine that.

I wish I was more optimistic about this season, but the front office just doesn't seem serious about putting the best team out there this season. I truly believe Mike Illitch wants to taste a championship, and he'll remain loyal to his baseball people. There's time for more moves, and I hope this happens. Until then, the mere additions of Jose Mesa, Edward Campusano, and Gary Sheffield, coupled with the failure to delete some unusable parts, and add the needed ones, I don't see the Tigers making it back to the World Series in 2007. They might not even make it to the playoffs this year, but baseball is back in Detroit, right? Ticket sales will be; that's for sure.

Jim Leyland helped raise this team from the dead, but he still has some unfinished business. He was lucky many times on his decisions, and horrible on ones that meant a lot. I hope, most of all, that the Skipper isn't too proud to think that there isn't anything left for him to learn. It sure would be nice, not having to think about the Detroit Lions again until after October!

garold

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.

Not the Time to Panic

If you've learned anything about manager Jim Leyland over the last couple of days, it is that he is BULLHEADED. At this point of the season, I applaud that! I applaud that he stuck with Pudge in Game 4, while many fans were clamoring to bench him; you had to know that a career .300 hitter would eventually produce in the World Series - that he had some pride, and cared about delivering a championship to Detroit. With the Tigers' passive hitting after achieving a 3-0 lead, only to blow it via the bullpen, who would believe that Leyland would not pull a rotation switch to Kenny Rogers, after Tony LaRusso had announced a switch to Jeff Weaver for Game 5 well before this game was played? But Leyland is an odd kind of bird. Here is a man with extreme confidence! If you could erase the sloppy play of a rusty bullpen, this series is tied going into Game 5. There isn't any question that the week lay-off has hurt the Tigers more, than it has helped them. While Detroit failed to put the foot over the throat when they were in command, this thing isn't over yet! Detroit had a window for teasing St. Louis that has now closed, and now the Cards have to face Tigers that will be snarling! They are right back in the environment that they savor; they are extreme underdogs... embarassed, but not beaten! Look out now; the mistakes are over now, and there will be nothing but focus, execution, and magic from here on out!

While most fans were thinking, "this isn't so drastic - Rogers will just be moved up for Game 5." But NO... Leyland says in the post-game, that it will be rookie Justin Verlander, as scheduled!!! WHAT BALLS!!!

This caught me totally by surprise! I was figuring, as I'm sure a lot were... Game 5 - Jeff Weaver vs. Kenny Rogers; and oh, Weaver will just crumble under that pressure, with the Tigers lighting him up, to come home for the last two, and then, WE WIN! Jim Leyland sees it different. I think he envisions the Tigers scoring at least 5 runs against Weaver, and on second thought, so do I!

He's willing to risk conventional wisdom, because he believes in his guys. This makes for an upcoming series switch of momentum, since La Russo has already blinked, while Leyland hasn't. When you think about it, the Tiger bats are coming around, and he trusts Verlander to shut down the Cardinals enough to win this one, and send the series back to the rabid fans waiting in Detroit, with the dual left-handed nemisis of Robertson and Rogers, while the Tiger bats are beginning to heat up. St. Louis doesn't have a prayer in beating Kenny Rogers at The Copa, and he'll be going for World Series immortality, with a chance to break the record for scoreless innings in the post-season, and in that, an enhanced chance to take his place in Cooperstown.

Nate Robertson has yet to pitch at home in the post-season, and Lord knows, his teamates owe him some run support, that hasn't been there most of the season. I believe that it is a good gamble, and one where the Tigers will ultimately end up prevailing! Detroit has come back from 1-3 vs. the Cards before in '68, and as rare as it has been, I believe history will repeat itself this season. I just believe that this time, there will be a statement made... something like Tigers 10, Cardinals 1.


I still believe that the Tigers are the best team in baseball today, and now, they have they opportunity to prove it, WITH putting the icing on one magical season. BLESS YOU, BOYS and GO GET 'EM, TIGERS! While on the brink of elimination, this season is far from over; destiny will take care of the rest now.

Not Too Late To End Neifi Charade

How much will Sean Casey be able to play in the World Series? If his injured calf doesn't allow him to start, he surely provides a proven stick off the bench, but why not add Chris Shelton to the mix, and delete Neifi Perez?

I've made no bones about the questionable inclusion of Neifi Perez on the Tigers' playoff roster. I've said that Dave Dombrowski did the best he could to obtain some insurance, just in case Placido Polanco was done for the season, which I really feared several weeks ago. Craig Counsell was a possibilty back then, but the price must have been too high, and he was a fan favorite in Arizona, in spite of being phased out for a budding star at shortstop. Dombrowski did the best he could do then; he did something, and hoped it worked out.

Neifi Perez was worth the risk back then, but has proven to be virtually washed up. Why he was included on the roster, when Polanco came back where he left off? It is a complete mystery; the mystery of the season. I just question why the local media hasn't really questioned management about that move, as it is obvious, what a liablity he has proven to be. Fans question it, and it is responded to with, "Chris Shelton just hasn't been hitting." This is not any kind of justification why Perez was put on the roster, as he has never produced in his time as a Tiger! He has no history here, as Shelton does, and hasn't made any significant contributions EVER, to have snubbed Shelton as the 25th player, when his value would have had the opportunity to increase, no matter what next season brings.

Still, the sports media in this town refuses to ask the obvious question; WHY??? This criticism is all about having an extra stick on the bench, and no rational sports fan say the Perez is a better choice than Shelton, yet the writers and radio commentators give the Tigers' organization a pass on this one, while a player who started the ball rolling is villified for one bad month in June. Let's not forget that Shelton batted .289 for July, while other regulars, such as Inge, Granderson, Ordonez, and Thames all hit below that; only Ordonez hit better over the entire season, and other regulars, such as, Monroe and Casey hit below Shelton.

Chris Shelton isn't the only player who hit around .200 for a month, and his .273 for the season is much better than Neifi's .200, no matter what side of the plate he's swinging that signature souvenier bat from. Let's not even get into comparing OBA or SLG%; why deepen the ill feeling over this travesty! Instead, we hear that Sheldon may have lost favor in this organization, and is destined to be outsourced before next season. FINE, but let's just deal with THIS SEASON! It has been brought up that Perez is a switch-hitter, but I'd put Nate Robertson's left-hand stick in there as a pinch-hitter, before I'd tap Neifi's shoulder; it's pure folly to suggest that he bats left-handed - or right-handed for that matter! Anyway you look at it, Shelton is a better choice for a pinch-hitter than Perez, but the Neifi decision is still propped up without challenge, while the fans twitch; we know better, and we've been vocal about it! It's obvious that Mike Iilitch has truly stepped back; he also has to perplexed as a fan in this instance, while he maintains his silence.

After Casey was acquired, and Shelton sent to Toldeo, both Jim Leyand and Dave Dombrowski hailed him as the Tigers' first-baseman of the future; he just needed a break to work on a few things. Granted, he did not respond, nor did he after the September call-up in token appearances. Still, how does Neifi Perez rank higher on the food chain? As, we enter the World Series, where the value on pinch-hitters increase for the American League, Detroit has a Neifi Perez to look upon, instead of a proven cold weather hitter in Chris Shelton, who can put the ball in the seats late in a game. I'm not talking about a starting position, I'm talking about a pinch-hitter. You have to carry 25, and Shelton provides more than Neifi Perez. With Omar Infante and Ramon Santiago on the roster, why in the world do you need NEIFI PEREZ???: This isn't about what Chris Shelton hasn't done, it's more about WHAT HAS NEIFI PEREZ DONE PERIOD, to warrant a spot on the playoff roster? Can anyone explain this love affair, the repeated chance after chance... LET IT GO; IT WAS A BIG MISTAKE! Let's hope the Tigers don't get into a game that goes deep into extra innings, we need a run, Neifi is the only one left on the bench, and Detroit ends up losing the World Series. I don't want to hear the media questioning the decision then! At that point, talking the Lions will even be more comfortable.

It's hilarious hearing the jokes of Neifi emerging as the Fall Classic MVP being repeated now, just because there aren't any nads to talk or write about the nonsense of it. I'd like to hear once from someone in the media that Perez just doesn't belong, as much as the talk about how Shelton, Young, and Maroth didn't belong, after the fact! Perhaps there is this feeling that Detroit will sweep the Cards or Mets, no matter who is on the roster. No one will answer the basic question; with the game in balance in the bottom of the 9th or extra innnings, do you want Shelton or Perez available as a pinch hitter? The defense is covered with Infante and Santiago; why is Perez an extra defensive piece, when we need more pitch hitters to insert for the pitchers, now that that matters?

Call it what is is; it is a case of arrogance, and gutlessness. Any Tiger postseason roster with Neifi Perez is not your best roster, and no way can that be defended. Screw next year; deal with it when this season is over. Shelton brings more potential than Perez, and especially in temperatures where he is proven. Why wouldn't he, opposed to someone who has been given everything on a silver platter, and still failed miserably?!! As some Tigers have delivered beyond their expectations, Shelton has that same capability. While Perez was being force-fed into the lineup that limped down the stretch, Shelton only received token appearances that deprived him of regaining his confidence for money time. Sean Casey worked out; Neifi Perez did not, so why all the media walking on eggshells regarding his place on the roster? There is no crying in baseball, and there is no place for politics with a championship on the line. Everyone knows this move was wrong, but yet, the folks of influence have their lips sealed when it comes to pointing out that Shelton is a better bat off the bench than Neifi Perez. We all love Leyland, The Legend, and he has the Midas Touch. Why risk the magic running out though, if this gets down to having the wrong 25th man?

Do The Tigers Win One For The Fans?

We waited and hoped through the past weekend to celebrate something more monumental in regards to our baseball heroes, and that was winning the Central Division. The disaster that followed isn't worthy of mention, as it is now totally irrelevant, but NOBODY had any hopes or expectations of having any kind of title this year; I'm sorry, but "Wild Card" under the circumstances, just didn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and it isn't a title. Most Tiger fans were already pleased to be following a contender again, and making the playoffs, after so many dismal years. Many of us wanted more, like the division title, while others wanted much more, like a berth in the ALCS, with a few believing that going to the World Series wasn't out of reach, and if we got there, who wouldn't believe that the Detroit Tigers couldn't pull off the 2006 World Championship?

Today is the moment of truth for Tiger starting pitcher, Jeremy Bonderman. His season has had peaks and valleys, and lately, he hasn't met the expectations that so many have held for him, to step up and claim that "ace of the staff" status. It's ironic that he takes the same stage as last weekend, when a win over the hapless Kansas City Royals would have given Tiger fans a title and failed, and today, he is entrusted with delivering a win over a team that many call the best lineup ever assembled. He has the talent to seal the deal, but does he have the killer instinct yet? He has tremendous pressure on him, while having to keep a cool head, in order to take the mound, and keep the Yankee bats cold for a few innings, while the Tigers put some runs up on the board, and keep New York frustrated. The fans at The Copa will never be so high, and he'll have to shut that out, to keep his focus, and that might be the hardest battle for him. He must sense that he is at the crossroads now, as far as his future as a Detroit Tiger. How bad does he want to stay in Detroit? Who could want to deliver keeping baseball alive, and hosting the Oakland A's next week more than Jeremy Bonderman, while becoming a hero to the hometown fans? He doesn't need the best game of his live, like Kenny Rogers' game Friday night. He just needs to shut the Yankees down for awhile, while the Tiger bats go to work on Jaret Wright. I don't think there's any question that the Tiger bullpen can finish the job, if the Yankees are battling from behind early today. As valuable as Rogers was last night, he'll be more valuable in Game 4, and I expect him to be at Bonderman's side in the dugout, helping him to keep his focus.

I like the Tigers chances to close this series out today. I really think it's a must win, as I don't like their chances back in New York. I think Jim Leyland will pull out all the stops in this game, and in no way is saving anything for tomorrow. Should Bonderman start out shaky, and the Tigers get down a few runs, we have a few well rested long relievers, like Ledezma and Miner, and Fernando Rodney doesn't get roughed up by the Yankees either. I expect to see Rodney at some point today, and he'll probably need to be sharp. The Tiger bats will dictate who will be called upon to work towards those 27 outs today, and hopefully, they have the poise and demeanor to rid the baseball world of the hated Yankees. It would be nice to see Brandon Inge, who is having an "A-Rod-like" series, to contribute at the plate in this one. He doesn't seem to be pressing, and perhaps things will fall his way today.

Yes, we are all proud of what they accomplished this season thus far, with most content if our post-season ends Sunday, but today, there are few Tiger fans who believe that that will be the case; this Tiger team wants Saturday's game BAD for themselves, for it's hungry fans, and for Detroit period! I sense there will be dancing in the streets, downtown tonight at The Copa, and all round the metropolitan area.

garold

Revised Playoff Roster

Who will step it up to take the final roster spots?

The countdown from 18 games begins Tuesday, and it isn't clear who will be the most valuable players to make the playoff roster as reserves; no one is distinguishing themselves at this point, and it isn't a given that Oakland appears be the first round opponent, as the Tiger free-fall continues. It still has to be assumed that the Tigers will carry 11 on their pitching staff. With the quality of arms in their stockpile, they probably could get by with 10, but picking 11 will be slighting one of them of a deserving spot, but they will need more depth at the plate, to have a chance to advance to the ALCS. Let's look at the pitching options.

With the Division Series being a best of five format, the top three starting pitchers will be called upon, with a fourth probably not slotted for a start, but available for a long relief role. These would be my selections in this order:

1. Kenny Rogers ~ Game 1

2. Justin Verlander ~ Game 2

3. Nate Robertson ~ Game 3

4. Jeremy Bonderman ~ Long Relief

Let's flip to the end of games to round out the bulk of the essentials:

5. Todd Jones ~ Closer

6. Fernando Rodney ~ Set-up

7. Joel Zumaya ~ Set-up

With four spots left, there are five viable options to choose from:

Jamie Walker, Jason Grilli, Wil Ledezma, Zach Minor, and Mike Maroth. I fill out the pitching staff as follows:

8. Jamie Walker

9. Jason Grilli

10. Mike Maroth

11. Wil Ledezma

A healthy Mike Maroth must be included on the relief corps, as he brings experience and versatility. Overall, comparing the stats of these five, Zach Minor would appear to be the one left off, provided Maroth is ready to go.

Maroth and Ledezma are the best options vs. left-handers, while Walker and Grilli fare the best against right-handers. Over the past month, Maroth, Grilli, and Ledezma have had the most successful outings. With Bonderman available for relief duty, Miner is the most expendable.

Later in the week, I'll review the 14 hitters, who give the Tigers their best hope for advancing to the ALCS.

garold

The Genius of Jim Leyland

As this season has been unwinding, I'll admit to becoming increasing impatient at times, with some of the decisions of Tiger manager, Jim Leyland, most notable, what seems like a fascination with an underachieving Neifi Perez. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer; that Omar Infante needed and deserved, another chance at being the regular second-baseman with the Tigers - filling in for the injured Placido Polanco. He has always been regarded as having great potential. I was all onboard with Dave Dombrowski; that another player who can field second-base was needed, but I was thinking more like a Craig Counsell... someone who could offer something batting from the left side, unlike Neifi Perez - a switch-hitter in name alone, who's career stats don't establish him as a threat batting left-handed. Obviously, Counsell, a free agent after 2006. wasn't available for the right price in Dombrowski's mind, so Perez was acquired, for a player who had been exposed as not being of starter quality down the road. Fine... better than doing nothing, Dave! Forget about an incident where Neifi decided on his own, to attempt a bunt, with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th, while being down 5-3, or other mental mistakes that you wouldn't expect to see from a seasoned veteran.

When Perez was acquired on August 20th, many believed that Omar was the better player, and that he should be #1 on the depth chart at second-base in Polanco's absence, and no one could realistically argue the logic of that point, inspite of Infante never grabbing an opportunity in the past. Many of us have wondered why Jim Leyland was giving Neifi Perez a carte blanche, yellow-brick road to everyday starter status, while sporting batting stats with the Tigers, that even the pitchers' would be embarassed about; currently, .200 against right-handers, and .083 against left-handers, or .156 ovwerall. Meanwhile, Infante was batting .312 in his five games filling in for Polanco after he went down, but had committed a costly two run error, in a 3-1 loss to Texas, that extended another losing streak. Hewas back to the bench, as Neifi Perez was swiftly brought into town.

That error against the Rangers was a huge "my bad" for Omar, and the trade for Perez happened the next day. Nobody ever expected Infante to take second-base, and shine like a superstar, and he has never been consistant in past opportunites. He strikes out a lot, while Perez does not. But Perez has done next to nothing since coming to Detroit, and some of us questioned Leyland, as if he wasn't paying attention. In the meantime, Omar Infante has made the best of the limited opportunities that he's had since Polanco's visit to the DL. So why has Leyland clung to Neifi Perez, we ask? Perhaps their recent 7-14 slide has made many of us nervous, to the point of looking for the reasons inside the decisions of the Tigers manager. Do we understand what Leyland knows he has to prepare for?

Perhaps Tiger fans are getting greedy with the success of this season. We've endured some abysmal baseball over the past 12 years, but now find the Tigers being guided by the best manager to wear the English "D" since Sparky Anderson. The truth of the matter is that Jim Leyland is among the best managers of the current era; winning Manager of the Year in '90 and '92 with Pittsburgh, developing stars such as Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, Tim Wakefield, and Jay Bell, to name a few, and winning a World Series, with a young Wild Card team in Florida. What we may be witnessing is sheer genius, in a plot to shake Omar Infante from "great potential" to a reliable everyday starter. Who knows why the man does what he does? Detroit still boasts the best record in baseball, and that isn't a reality without Jim Leyland at the helm! In my mind, he's a lock for his 3rd Manager of the Year! We don't have a clue what he knows, or what he's preparing this team for, to be ready to compete for a championship. Tiger fans have assumed that Mike Maroth and Placido Polanco will be back for the playoffs, but is that either certain or likely? You aren't going to get Jim Leyland's true gut feeling on that at this point, but I get the feeling, he'll enter the playoffs confident with the players on the playoff roster, and they'll be ready.

For the past 2 games, Infante has been hitting with hunger, as his season average nears .300, along with a climb in his OBP and SLG, and the fans have been solid in his corner. When has he ever had this, and how did it all come about? We've always heard that he could a very good everyday player, as we have with Inge, Monroe, Thames, and Granderson, but we've never seen enough to believe it, so could this have had an effect on a player who speaks little English, and who wants the fans to believe in him? Leyland has put the fans in Omar's corner through means that only he understands, because he gets performance out of his players, and he does it his way. It looks to me like he's starting to look consistant in stinging the ball. Is this a fluke, or is it yet another player who Jim Leyland is influencing to good things, to keep the Tigers at the top of the heap? He's done it all year with many of the Tigers, whom the fans had written off. Coincidence has to be chalked-off after failure to understand continually turns out to be beneficial to the team's rise.

Tiger fans don't want to see this dream season crumble, and after all the losing seasons, we are quite adept at launching criticism, whether warranted or not. I for one, believe in Jim Leyland, and I believe his non-chalant demeanor over winning it all this season isn't as casual as he makes it out to be; deep down, he thinks he can guide the Tigers to a World Series win, but you won't hear him say that. How many times have there been this season, where some of his decisions were being highly criticized, but then... they worked out? It's refreshing the way Infante has responded, and quite different seeing him step into the batter's box, and believe that he will be getting on base; I've never felt that way with him before. I'll eat crow on my comments regarding Leyland's decisions to keep Infante on the bench, while watching Neifi Perez struggle. Obviously, Leyland is capable of turning subtraction into multiplication; that's pure genius.

garold