It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. How can I dislike (didn't say hate) a team that makes the World Series? I'll tell you why! As much as they are my team, the truth is, I just root for the jersey.
Sure there are players that I really like to watch play - Doug Fister, Austin Jackson, Quintin Berry....actually that's about it when it comes to the Detroit Tigers...but they are my team by default. Not begrudgingly, I am actually proud to be a fan of the English D. It's just the way this team plays that kills me.
What? No Verlander? No Miggy? No Prince? Look, they are great players...and I would not trade them for anyone at this point. However there are things about them that just bug me. Not so much Verlander, except I wish I looked like him so my main squeeze would give me the same drooling attention. My real problem with him, aside from Kate Upton, is he doesn't win on the big stage like he should. Small potatoes? Maybe...but winning is everything. Do you really want the asterisk next to the name like Cobb and Williams{*never won a World Series}?
Prince's fielding is average at best. Miggy I think could actually be the best player ever if he got in shape, and played smarter. So I think he under achieves. I find that very frustrating.
The rest of the team...well I like Max Scherzer a great deal, except for his usual gopher ball. I can't think of anyone else that is a keeper. Who are the ball players? Where are the ball players?
I see a decent lineup, enough to win. I say great starting pitching, enough to win. What I don't see is plate discipline, agressive plays, small ball, good defense, speed, a good manager, a good batting coach, a good third base coach. I just don't see it. I see a team that finished 7th in the American League...that's middle of the road.
This team is pure American League, which aint my cup of tea. Yeah station to station ball, and waiting for the home run can sometimes be fun (yeah Earl Weaver ball), and it works for the Yankees and Sox. Sorry, small ball wins ball games. Doubles, steals, bunts, sacrifices, working the count, building up the pitch counts, clutch hitting, not hitting into double plays, speed, defense up the middle.
The Tigers are not that. It's hard to root for a team when they drive you nuts. I love the Tigers...but geezus play some baseball! Real baseball. You need players to do that, and I don't think anytime soon, they will be going that route.
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