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Monday, August 31, 2009

Detroit News | Wojnowski: No kidding, Tigers are in a pennant race

Oh, it’s happening, whether you understand it or even realize it. It’s happening, in fits and stirring starts and the occasional three-run homer in the eighth.

In fact, I’m just about convinced the Tigers actually are gonna win this thing, no matter what anyone says.

Why not? No one else in their wobbly division is inclined to do it, as the Twins and White Sox take turns rising and retreating. But it’s also because of games like this, when Justin Verlander gives his teammates a great chance, and with one big swing, they seize it.

Often with this team, it’s a blast out of nowhere. Placido Polanco’s shot with two outs in the eighth dropped just behind the left-field fence to give the Tigers a stunning 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tigers still clutch a 4 1/2 -game lead in the AL Central, barreling down on September.

Baseball-Birthdays.com Posted: August 31, 2009 at 09:58 AM | 9 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: tigers

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1. J. Bowman, upon reflection, does hate pants Posted: August 31, 2009 at 12:57 PM (#3309566)

Straw poll:
The Tigers have 33 games remaining on their schedule. If they go 16-17, do they still win the Central?

2. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: August 31, 2009 at 01:19 PM (#3309583)

The Tigers have 33 games remaining on their schedule. If they go 16-17, do they still win the Central?

85 wins? That's a pretty uninspiring division winner, but Chicago seems pretty dead in the water and I really can't see Minnesota playing well enough to do it. So, yes, they win the Central.

3. Eraser-X is emphatically dominating teh site!!! Posted: August 31, 2009 at 01:28 PM (#3309584)

The White Sox would have to go 21-10, and the Twins would have to go 20-12.

I think it's more likely that the better of the two will be in the 18-14 range, so if the Tigers make it to 83-84, they should win.

4. RMc is the loyal supporter of the MLB event Posted: August 31, 2009 at 08:12 PM (#3310071)

Ah, and Washburn gives up six runs before even retiring a batter today. Great trade there, guys.

5. Every Inge Counts Posted: August 31, 2009 at 08:20 PM (#3310082)

I am surprised that Washburn has turn into such a pumpkin, I figured he would at least be a decent pitcher for us and that would be great for us.

I think the Tigers barely get into the playoffs...and I hope for a Cardinals like run...

6. Buddha Posted: August 31, 2009 at 08:34 PM (#3310107)

Tigers should make it only because they other teams in the division are so weak and the Tigers are so good at home.

7. Zipperholes Posted: September 01, 2009 at 07:18 AM (#3310578)

They play 13 of their last 16 games against the Twins and White Sox, and the Twins and White Sox play each other the other three days. I'm kind of hoping those teams stay close just for the sake of an exciting last two weeks. I think everyone in those cities has kind of been looking forward to that stretch all year.

Besides the games against the Twins, the Tigers have only three games remaining against >.500 teams, so it would be a Mets-like collapse if they didn't win.

Anyone have any opinions on the playoff rotation for the Tigers (likely @ New York)?

8. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: September 01, 2009 at 11:21 AM (#3310598)

Anyone have any opinions on the playoff rotation for the Tigers (likely @ New York)?

I think they should go Galarraga, Willis, Washburn on a 3-man, saving Verlander and Jackson for the crucial games 6 and 7.

9. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: September 01, 2009 at 11:36 AM (#3310600)

Although I suspect they'd go with Verlander, Washburn, Jackson and then probably Verlander and Washburn again. I'd asssume they want to give Washburn the starts in Yankee Stadium, he's left-handed, and all that.

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Monday, August 31, 2009

Detroit News | Wojnowski: No kidding, Tigers are in a pennant race

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