84-67, 1st place, 1.5 games up.
KC lost last night to CWS, which allowed the Tigers to keep their slim division lead at 1.5 games despite another 9th inning implosion. The Royals face Chris Sale tonight, which sounds nice on paper. But you never know with #Sep-Tober (no matter how hard I try, this isn’t really becoming a thing, is it?)
There was a lot of discussion on yesterday’s thread about Joe Nathan, and the Tigers bullpen found itself a topic this morning on Buster Olney’s podcast. Rightfully so. Even if Carrera doesn’t misplay the single, it’s still a single. More frighteningly, Nathan has made walking batters a fad now, having issued 12 walks in his last 16 innings. It’s simply inexcusable.
Let me highlight the concern. In the past three years, the Tigers have played in 35 postseason games. Of those 35 games, 15 have been decided by 1 run, and 26 out of 35 (nearly 75%) have been decided by 3 runs or fewer. There’s not enough time for Nathan to “work it out.” The auditions have to start now.
The Tigers wrap-up the series with Minnesota tonight before their final off-day of the regular season tomorrow. Then it’s 6 at KC & CWS, follows by 4 at home versus these same Twins to end the season.
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In other news, Peter Gammons reported today that the Tigers (along with the Phillies, Padres, Giants, and Rangers) are among the favorites to sign 23 year old Cuban outfielder Yasmani Tomas. The reported price tag is $100M.
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David Price is 3-3 with the Tigers. He has 2 or 3 starts left.
Drew Smyly is 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA and .755 WHIP for Tampa Bay. Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz?
We need Price to be an ace from here on out. #DoItForTheRotation
1. 2B Ian Kinsler
2. RF Torii Hunter
3. 1B Miguel Cabrera
4. DH Victor Martinez
5. LF J.D. Martinez
6. 3B Nick Castellanos
7. C Bryan Holaday
8. SS Andrew Romine
9. CF Rajai Davis