Thoughts

First, I’d like to thank those who have already reached out to me about the devastating Tigers loss last night.  It certainly was a very exciting game, but not the outcome I had hoped for.

Early in the season, when they were hot, people kept saying “The Tigers will be in and win the World Series this year.” I absolutely hate when people make bold predictions so early.  I’m not superstitious, but I feel like those things always come back to bite us.

To lead the division almost all the way through the season only to slump and give it away in the final weeks hurts.  I wonder what happened to the pitching coaches or batting coaches at the end.  Something had to be up for such a massive collapse.

I had hoped that the win over the Guardians would be the spark to ignite the team.  I can’t help but wonder how it would have gone if the first couple games had been home instead of away.  The crowd and fans were such an important factor early on.

Skubal did well.  He was hot.  Why do managers not let pitchers go more than 100 pitches anymore?  The Tigers of my youth – Jack Morris, Dan Petry, Dave Rozema and so many more pitched complete games all the time.  I don’t get it. 

AJ Hinch said “He emptied his tank” and that’s why they pulled him after 6 innings. I don’t know if that is true, but it doesn’t matter.  Maybe he was done.  Maybe they relied too much on him.  You can’t do that.  It’s a team effort and others have to come through.

The heart of the order, and the guys who were so productive during the season – Torres, Green, Torkelson and Keith all were hitless.  Torkelson struck out 4 of his 6 at bats!  Sometimes I wonder what they are looking at! 

With all that being said, I’m still happy we even got some postseason play.  For a while, it looked like we wouldn’t.  I can only hope that we do what we need to in the off season to avoid the mistakes of this season.

‘Til next year ….