I am not one of those slappys, or I should say most of the Tigers Fan base that says how proud they are for what they did. I never do that stuff. It serves no purpose other than for self serving denial of losing. Yes I am one that believes when it comes to professional sports, if you don't win it all, nothing else matters. Now I have to hear an entire off season on what a great season it was. It was not that great. The team had a hard time winning the weak central division, then after a few excellent trades finally made it interesting. They could have easily won 10 more games if they played better baseball. If they had a manager that knew how to set batting lineups up that would make life easier.
I am convinced finally that Jim Leyland and his crying eyes are not what the Tigers need. While he applauds the fans for second guessing, he misses the point that he gives us that opportunity more often than not. You can't win every game, but baseball purists know when things are not right.
There are too many holes on this team. Time to say good bye to Mags, Guillen, and Penny. Hopefully that will free up their budget to get some holes filled.
They need another veteran starting pitcher. Sorry, I can't deal with Porcello. Max to me is a number 4, not a number 2 or 3. I'd like to see a lefty like Beurhle or a veteran ace like Oswalt make the cut. Turner should be the spot starter. Yeah I'm saying throw Porcello in the pen.
They need a second baseman. Worth, Rayburn, and Rhymes are backup players at best. Santiago I like, but is he really a starter?
They need a third baseman too. Inge is a great defensive replacement only. I'd go after a power hitting 3b that can bat in the 6th or 7th hole. Betemit and Kelly are not starters. I really like Kelly, I just think he is the replacement for the infield and outfield, the spark you need off the bench.
They need a lead off hitter. Austin Jackson is the worst in the league. He's good on defense (except in the playoffs), but is lost at the plate. He puts his team in a bad spot with all of his 180 strikeouts. I'd like to see him go. You are fine with Boesch and Young in the outfield I guess. Young can't play defense, but you are stuck with Vmart at DH. You can't move him. So we have a defensive hole in left field. Can you live with that? If Young gets 30 hrs and bats 300 sure.
The bullpen is a joke. I know Papa Grande was perfect in save situations. But I never once felt like he was the man for the job. He isn't going anywhere, but another closer would sure help things. I like Benoit, that's about it. Schlereth and Penny show me nothing. Alberquerque I think has lost it. Pauley didn't pan out. Pick up a reliever or two, veterans who can eat some innings and set things up. Coke can say good bye too for all I care.
The team messed up by not getting a back up catcher. Vmart was never that guy. When the Indians, Red Sox, and Yankees let him go you have to wonder why. It is because he can't throw people out. Avilla who was a surprise was spent because he caught so much.
Speed. Well since they don't play smart baseball speed isn't really needed. I just love small ball (i.e. Cardinals) and would like to see more bunts, sacrifices, and stolen bases. I think when you live by the long ball, it isn't a good thing. The odds are against you. They left so many players on base during the playoffs it was sick.
It is too easy to say that the Texas Rangers were a better team, they clearly are. However a smart baseball can beat any team. The Tigers didn't play smart baseball in the 2011 ALCS and that is why I think they lost.
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