2012 Season, Game Post, Playoffs

Game 2012 Playoffs.3: Tigers at A’s

13 Comments

The Tigers swept the home series with the A’s and now have 3 tries to finish the job in Oakland.

John Lowe gives 3 reasons why we shouldn’t assume a Tiger series win:

  • The Tigers haven’t really hit the A’s well yet
  • Joaquin Benoit
  • Home field advantage–the A’s just swept 3 must-win games there against Texas

I’m sure our faithful readers can add more reasons of their own.

Here are 3 reasons I think the Tigers will win it:

  • Strikeouts: The A’s led the AL in striking out; the Tiger pitchers led in strikeouts, a match made in heaven, or at least a match made to reduce the clown show opportunities.  The playoff rotation is without the one Tiger non-strikeout pitcher (Porcello).
  • Al Alburquerque: The Q-Factor has continued his clutch pitching, and Jim Leyland had said during the season the team could use a big of swagger, and Alburkissy certainly swaggered it up.
  • The Twos.  Berry and Infante are a combined 4-8 in the 2 spot. Infante seems to have recovered from his fielding funk and his bat has heated up at the right time; the speed of Berry has put pressure on the Oakland defense.

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At any rate, apparently the most important even of Sunday’s game was that Al Alburquerque kissed the baseball before throwing it to first, at least judging by media coverage.  Al for his part has apologized;  Leyland doesn’t seem to be a fan of the move either. It seemed to crack up most of the Tiger players, many of whom referred to Alburquerque’s crazy personality, which is something I think we need to hear more about.

The A’s weren’t as amused; even Brandon Inge took issue (was afraid of going through this series without an Inge item).  Drew Sharp was in favor, since he thinks baseball is a bit too boring.

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Tonight Anibal Sanchez takes the mound for the sweep. Dave Dombrowski has come out as being in favor of keeping Sanchez, which will make for some interesting decisions over the offseason, financial and otherwise, which are outlined by Jason Beck.

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Stat of the Day: Regardless of what the RH/LH match ups say, Detroit should probably just go with whoever the DH is in the late innings. The Tigers pinch-hit for their DH 8 times in 2012, with an OPS of .000.

Today’s Player of the Pre-game:  Anibal Sanchez.  The Oakland A’s have struck out (literally) against Detroit pitching so far in this series, 23 times already in the first 2 games.  Anibal needs to get in touch with his inner K to make this a short series.

Today’s Righteous Righty Lineup:

  1. Austin Jackson CF
  2. Omar Infante 2B
  3. Miguel Cabrera 3B
  4. Prince Fielder 1B
  5. Delmon Young DH
  6. Jhonny Peralta SS
  7. Andy Dirks LF
  8. Avisail Garcia RF
  9. Gerald Laird C

13 thoughts on “Game 2012 Playoffs.3: Tigers at A’s”

  1. Even the most pessimistic Tiger fan has to admit that DET couldn’t have put themselves into a much better position going into game 3 (and a Verlander start if it goes to 5). Having said that, this team has not been known for taking the ‘easy path’.

    Best case scenario tonight, DET gets to Anderson early (again) and often, and Sanchez continues his recent effectiveness…thus Scherzer doesn’t have to pitch this week, and his next start in the ALCS finds him back to his post ASG form.

  2. The national baseball media has been touting an A’s win all day long on XM radio and MLB channel; it makes for a good series. I rather get this one over quick and fast and keep the Tigers string of manhandling the A’s entact. The Tigers can hit Anderson as proven in his last outing. It is uncertain on how healthy he is; just like Max Scherzer. The Miguel and Prince combo is overdue too. On a game two note, I am still impressed on Garcia pegging out Crisp at the plate which was the start of a long day for him. Also it was good to see Leyland recogonize that play and Worth’s play at short during his postgame interview.

  3. Same Tiger lineup that faced Anderson in game 148. He went 2 2/3 innngs before leaving early.

  6. Ok…Infante and Cabrera get on for a Prince blast and Porcello win!!!

  7. I Know a sweep is too much to expect BUT…once again on the road. 27 outs in the. Game and the “on the road offense” makes 20+ outs…outside of the strike zone……..again!

    1. Yeah…as Steven says, one of their Rookies is going up against Mad Max!

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