Your 2011 Detroit Tigers!!!

[VDub26Falcon]

Just make sure Verlander doesn't hit anyone and kill them today. Thanks!

[Redwingtom]

Just make sure Verlander doesn't hit anyone and kill them today. Thanks!

[VDub26Falcon]

I'm just thinking of all the bad luck injuries the Indians have had this year and in the past (Ray Chapman). I don't consider Verlander a head-hunter or anything. He scares the crap out of me though.

[manager]

When life goes your way, make the most if it. Go Tigers.

[gmartin]

Detroit has caught the Rangers and now have the second best record, meaning home field for the divisional series. And if the Yankees continue to struggle as they have been, as well as the injuries to the Red Sox, Detroit could catch the east leaders. The Tigers are a major league best 18-4 in its last 22 games, and have the best road record since July 19.

It will be very interesting to see if Leyland rests his players and sets up his rotation so that Verlender would pitch games 1 and 4, and Fister 2 and 5, in the divisional series, or keep the foot on the gas and try and catch the Yankees.

As it appears now, Verlender would pitch the last game of the year, possibly going for win 26. If this game comes down to home field over the Rangers/Angels winner or possibly even the best record in the east, would Leyland pitch him. By pitching him though, you would only get him for one game in the divisional series. Also this team is on fire. Too many days rest may actually hurt. Tough decisions for Leyland.

[Redwingtom]

Leyland will rest his players without a doubt. He is a big proponent of just playing the games and not trying to set up too much. Other than getting Verlander and Fister in the 1-2 order of his choosing he won't try and get home field or a particular matchup by pitching Verlander (or Fister for that matter) in the last couple games of the season. He also cares 0% about whether Verlander wins 23, 24, 25 or 26 games.

[VDub26Falcon]

I just hope my Tribe can muster enough victories to keep the White Sox out of contention the rest of the way and finish .500 or better!

[Class of 61]

.

It will be very interesting to see if Leyland rests his players and sets up his rotation so that Verlender would pitch games 1 and 4, and Fister 2 and 5, in the divisional series, or keep the foot on the gas and try and catch the Yankees.

As it appears now, Verlender would pitch the last game of the year, possibly going for win 26. If this game comes down to home field over the Rangers/Angels winner or possibly even the best record in the east, would Leyland pitch him. By pitching him though, you would only get him for one game in the divisional series. Also this team is on fire. Too many days rest may actually hurt. Tough decisions for Leyland.

On the Indian's broadcast yesterday, Tom Hamilton alluded to the "last game of season" deal...and basically said, if the Tigers don't "need" to win it, they'll save Verlander for the playoffs so that he CAN pitch two games of a 5 game series if need be... the way they're playing right now, I highly doubt that they'll need to win that last game, unless, as you've said, they want to beat out another team for the best record or..at least the 2nd best record in the AL.
Unfortunately, the Tribe pitchers truly seem to have "hit the wall" ... even the steady bullpen seems to be crumbling now despite the return of a couple of DL'd players... you can't keep playing as many as 4-5 rookies and/or 1st full season players and try to compete with the hitters that Detroit...and Chicago have.

[gmartin]

Fister pitches another 7 shutout innings today as Detroit wins its 9th straight game. Fister is 5-1, with a 2.2 era, since joining the team.

Last time Detroit won 9 straight, 1984 when they won the WS.

Don't look now but the Tigers are now only 4 games behind the Yankees for the best record.

[Flipper]

Hell of a way to close out the division...sweep the three teams below you and take nine in a row in the process. So much for the "second half chokers" label....

[gmartin]

Wow!!!!! Raburn and Avila hit pinch hit home runs in the 9th inning to erase a 5-3 White Sox lead. Tigers win it in the 10th. Valverde records his 44th straight save. The Tigers have won 12 straight, longest winning streak since 1934. Heck, when playoffs start all they need to do is win 11 straight to win the WS

[Flipper]

Too bad we won't be meeting anyone from the AL Central in the playoffs...we'd be a lock.

[Falconfreak90]

Freakin Tigers are H O T....

[gmartin]

When the Tigers do clinch the division in the next day or so will the Tigers actually open the champagne. With Cabrera's off field alcohol problems and him in rehab will the Tigers even want to drink in front of him. I hope not. I hope they will hold off on the champagne even though this will be their first title in 24 years.

[Redwingtom]

When the Tigers do clinch the division in the next day or so will the Tigers actually open the champagne. With Cabrera's off field alcohol problems and him in rehab will the Tigers even want to drink in front of him. I hope not. I hope they will hold off on the champagne even though this will be their first title in 24 years.

Well, it's official, Tigers win the Central!!

No sign of Cabrera or Penny in the champagne celebration. Miggy was interviewed later in a seperate part of the clubhouse.