I just read a superb recap from David Mayo on MLive. The headline says it all.
Yes, the Tigers could still blow it. They face Peavy tonight. He shut the Tigers out last time. It was another one of those pathetic showings where the Tigers could get runners on base but couldn't connect on that clutch hit. Saturday the Tigers trot out Alfredo Figaro for his 3rd career MLB start. Yes, perfect timing for that one. And then Verlander takes the mound on Sunday.
IF (and that's a huge "if") the Tigers win tonight and Saturday, I imagine Leyland will save Verlander for the first game of the playoffs. Perhaps Bonine would take his place Sunday. Or, heck, throw Galarraga out there. It's safe to assume the Twins will take at least two of their final three against KC. The only potential loss is against Grienke, but the Twins will be playing at home. If they hold to form, the Twins will continue their torrid streak (the only team to beat the Twins the past 17 games is Detroit... and Grienke). The pressure is on. For both teams. The edge definitely goes to Minnesota playing the inferior opponent, but they're also two games behind. That puts the odds slightly in the Tigers' favor, but, if the Tiger bats don't come through, Mauer and friends may find themselves in New York next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment