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Seeing 68 and 84
As hard as I try not to, I constantly find myself using the 1968 and 1984 Tigers as a reference point to this version. I was just a kid in 1968, but I remember enough of that summer, and have studied it enough, to know they were resilient like these Tigers. The 1968 Tigers were known for rallying during the late innings. They also had all these improbable heroes who did little in the major leagues after that season - Tom Matchick, Darryl Patterson, Fred Lasher and Jon Warden.
Marty Castillo, Bill Scherrer and Rusty Kuntz were similar players in 1984 for Detroit. Those teams just got on a roll and could not be stopped. It did not matter, really, what Mayo Smith and Sparky Anderson did at certain points. It was all good. It was all going to work. Jim Leyland seems to have the same mojo going. Alexis Gomez had six RBI all season. He was designated for assignment to the minor leagues not once, but twice. He had four RBI Wednesday. Jason Grilli struck out Frank Thomas with the bases loaded. Unbelievable. I have seen these type of things happen before. In 1968 and 1984. It does make you wonder if the Tigers are destined for the same ending.
Marty Castillo, Bill Scherrer and Rusty Kuntz were similar players in 1984 for Detroit. Those teams just got on a roll and could not be stopped. It did not matter, really, what Mayo Smith and Sparky Anderson did at certain points. It was all good. It was all going to work. Jim Leyland seems to have the same mojo going. Alexis Gomez had six RBI all season. He was designated for assignment to the minor leagues not once, but twice. He had four RBI Wednesday. Jason Grilli struck out Frank Thomas with the bases loaded. Unbelievable. I have seen these type of things happen before. In 1968 and 1984. It does make you wonder if the Tigers are destined for the same ending.
Random thoughts
- I know Oaklands Milton Bradley had a solid season, but he should be much better. He has one of the best swings I have ever seen, especially from the left side of the plate. Too bad his demeanor is so off-the-wall. He is truly a gifted ball player.
- I do not understand how Placido Polanco is just a .300 hitter. Or has so few RBI. Seems like every time I look up, Polanco is driving in a run from second base with a sprayed RBI single.
- If Oakland wins Friday, don't be surprised if this becomes a really tight series that goes seven games.
posted by Pat Caputo at
3:46 AM
12 Comments:
I think we saw a little more realistic view of this series last night.
Remember how after game one with the Yankees - we lost but we still felt good about the boys because we saw sparks of the first half of the season in their play? That was the day we realized that we could beat the Yanks.
Well, my gut tells me that Oakland - after seeing the A's rally yesterday - and Thomas just missing that grand slam by a millimeter on his bat - instead popping up - I think the A's fans are experiencing that feeling of encouragement - hope - right now that we experienced after that Yakees series game one.
Now we just have to squash that hope like a bug. That's the duty of our pitching. I think Friday's game is important in that if the A's win, yes, those 2 last wins we need will be tough.
It'll be interesting to see what Kenny Rogers brings tomorrow - because the intensity and focus he had last Friday would be hard to repeat.
God this is great. I really do live for this!!!
Mr.C. Welcome back to the frigid cold from Canada. I remember a lot about te 1968 season and the tigers. You sure are correct about the comeback kids. I often wonder how many games they won in that fashion. Palanco seems to hit better with men on base, in fact i think you mentioned his average is higher in that situation. I wonder why anyone would trade him. I hate to say this as i am afraid to jinxs them, but this pessimist is getting some optimism. I don't take Oakland too lightly but i think they are done. What is up with Zumaya's arm? Did you hear they may
change starting time on Fridays game? Vinny
Trtune,
I agree with you about Leyland's fixation with Perez. I think he would be better off playing Omar Infante, who is the better player im my opinion. But he trusts Perez more in a fill-in role because he is a veteran.
Caputo
I Rule,
I still think I will vote for Guillen for Tiger of the Year, but I'll put Polanco second on my ballot. He is a terrific player. Can't believe Dombrowski got him in a trade for Urbina. The Phillies evidently wre in too much of a hurry to unload him because of Utley.
Caputo
Windsorfred,
You might be right. This series has gone almost too easy for the Tigers. The final step to the World Series can't be this easy, can it?
Caputo
Vinny,
I was talking to my colleague Jim Hawkins on the way to the airport and Hawk said Zumaya told him he hurts his forearm because he squeezes the ball so hard. Don't think it is a longstanding problem. He recovered from it pretty quickly last time.
Caputo
I Rule,
Good observation about Rodney. Now with Zumaya out, we'll see whether he can handle the heat of being The Guy.
Caputo
I think it all boils down to the pitching and us just playing smart baseball. I think that has been the key. We have not looked like the sloppy free swinging team we were the past month or so. Leyland has these guys focus and if they loose it isn't going to be because they beat themselves. I think they will take this series in 5 at the most.
Polanco is awesome. If the tigers can solve their leadoff spot or get a true cleanup number 4 or number 3 guy in the lineup. I can see Polonco being an all star down the line. Especially with hin finally getting his chance to be regular.
Milton Bradley is a character. It is amazing how todays athlete has gone down the tubes. Yes there have been character's through out sports. But most of them deep down loved the game they played and cared about it. Just seems like today's athlete is about number 1. Not about the game/team at which they are apart of. Look at Charles Rogers. Number 2 pick overall. supposedly loads of talent. Got off to a great start. Then just throws it away.
I don't think they would ever package perez. Nobody in there right mind wants him. He sucks. No questions about it. he had a year or two stint, but that was it. I understand with Polanco and Guillen banged up that they would bring santiago. I just thought Shelton earned a spot because with out his stick the tigers never would have made it throught the first couple of months.
Themuhmeshow,
The Athletics were 8-0 in games started by Harden this year and he does have electric stuff. But he hasn't pitched for a long. I know he is from Canada, but it can't help him, given his history of arm problems, to pitch in such cold weather today. I like Rogers in this matchup.
Caputo
Maddog52,
Polanco is hitting third today. With Casey out, that makes sense. He is so clutch with runners in scoring position.
Caputo
I Rule,
I hear you on the letdown. It happens all the time when a team seems to be in total control of playoff series and falls out of kelter. Today's game is anything but a given for Tigers, even with what seems like a favorable pitching matchup.
Caputo
Pat,
You just can't stop shaking your head over this Tiger team. Nobody gave them a chance against the Yankees, and nobody gave them a chance to SWEEP the A's, inspite of the way they dismantled New York. I picked Detroit in 5, and everybody I know called me nuts.
When I picked up tickets for Game 5 Tuesday morning, I was feeling good, and thinking I just might be at the pennant clincher. Today, I don't believe that game is going to happen. The Tigers have rendered Oakland as punchless as they did New York. The Tigers will complete the sweep today, because everything The Legend does, just works out!
What will it be today? Zach Miner starting and throwing a perfect game? Gomez starting in RF to keep Maggs available as a late pinch-hitter, while Neifi bats clean-up, with 5 RBI? Perhaps, Wilson behind the dish, with Pudge at 1B? WHATEVER - it will work, because Leyland think it is his best option, and then Jones gets the ball in the 9th. It's like all the stars and planets are aligned, and it's their undeniable destiny; God must be a Tiger fan!
Stick a fork in the Athletics; they are done today!
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