Tiger Geist

The one-game playoff turned into an extremely entertaining game, and probably more entertaining if you are a Twins fan.  Near the end, it felt like a fantastic football game — the type of game that you just know the team that had the ball last was going to win.  Detroit was on the road, so it was a huge hill to climb.  It sure seemed the issues Detroit had all year were the same issues that ended the season.  A few points:

• Miguel Cabrera quickly helped his teammates forget they were pissed at him, with a double in the second.  At that point, Cabrera’s weekend blunder became out of mind, out of sight.  Doesn’t mean it changes anyone’s feelings, but he wasn’t a distraction for the rest of the game.
• Ryan Raburn giveth, Ryan Raburn taketh away.  Raburn was Detroit’s best option in left to start the game; live and die by the sword.  Raburn pseudo-makes up for it by keeping the winning run from scoring.
• It sure felt like some pinch-hitting could have been done.  But Detroit’s best hitters started the game (minus maybe Avila over Laird); its not like Leyland had an ace in the hole sitting on the bench.
• In the end, it feels like Aubrey Huff’s contribution to this team was a ball that grazed his uniform.
• Zach Miner is just inconsistent enough to drive you up a wall.  I was surprised at when Porcello was pulled, but had no problem with Miner starting the next inning on his own.
• Leyland ran out of arms.  By the end of the season, all he really had that he trusted was Ni, Seay, Lyon and Rodney.  Not sure where Seay was tonight.  I thought Rodney was outstanding;  Porcello was very good but couldn’t get deep enough into the game to shorten the bullpen (though at only 92 pitches, maybe he got a quick hook).  I don’t know where Leyland turns to if Rodney got out of the 12th.

It is what it is.  I’m sure season recap stuff will be forthcoming.  Heading to Vegas this weekend where I will apparently not be wagering on any Tiger games; I’ll see if there are any interesting lines to report for the world series.