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Cabrera's Collapse
Right on Tony. Sounds like you were taught right from wrong at an early stage. There can be no excuses for his poor choices. He let his team down and much less all of the thousands of loyal fans that stayed with them through this season-long rollercoaster ride. Leyland and Dombrowski are to blame as well. They knew the score but didn't act. I wonder what all of the reserve players thought when Cabrera (with an .08 blood alcohol level) was inserted into the starting lineup. They did Cabrera no favor by letting it slide when they did. My respect for both has been diminished. What a major let down. On a brighter note, keep up the good work.
scoopsdad
Crucial to Alleviate MetroDOOM Curse
Tony
I totally agree with your assessment of the MetroDOOM haunting effect on the Tiges. Numbers don't lie. However, there is too much at stake to allow this to beat us. Failure is not an option and here is why:
Unlike the Cinderella season of 2006, the fans will not be so forgiving after flopping at the end. I doubt if the front office will be either. In fact, anything short of a division title this year will result in a long winter for the players themselves. The blame game will taker over and any chemistry they may have had will diminish quickly. So failure is not an option. They cannot afford to think of all the ill effects the DOOM has had on them. They need to realize that the title is theirs and they are going to take it decisively. If not, that place will haunt them long after its torn down.
scoopsdad
Consistency Down the Stretch
The time for experimentation has passed. For the Tigers to win the Central Division, pure consistency is needed down the stretch. This means we have to live or die with Maggs in right, batting third each and every night for the duration. Guillen's bat has to be in the lineup every night as well and since we have two other capable hitters (Thames and Huff) to fill the DH spot on a platoon basis, he will have to be our everyday left fielder (despite some deficiencies). Since offense is paramount,Santiago has to be regular shortstop. Even though his offense has been less than stellar, Laird's still the best field captain we have and should be behind the plate every night. Finally, the remaining positional players (Raburn, Thomas, Everett and Avila) will be the integral role player, utlized in critical game situations. Again, the time for hit and miss lineups should be over as consistency down the stretch will add the needed stability in an otherwise chaotic pennant race. What do you think?
scoopsdad
Smoltz Acquisition; Nothing to Lose
Tony
I appreciate your objectivity in weighing the pros and cons of a possible Smoltz acquisition. He brings a great deal to the table including but not limited to character and experience. He also possesses a winning attitude that can only be contagious. Also, being a hometown kid, who will be a first ballot inductee to the HOF won't hurt either. I know some of your readers still believe it was a terrible trade in 87 that should have never occurred. If we all had crystal balls detailing the career Smoltz was going to have, I would be in that crowd as well. However, no one could have predicted such. At the time, it was a wise move to acquire Alexander as we could not have won the division without him. As for today's decision, I would be in favor of the Tigers taking the chance and signing him (if it does not cost the team a fortune). I too, believe that Zack Miner would be the likely piece to replace. Again, I don't see much of a downside for the move.
scoopsdad
Porcello's role of Protector
Tony
I agree with your assessment re the cage match in Beantown last Tuesday. As you already know, the pitcher has more roles than any other position player. The role least talked about is that of Team Protector. Who else has this much control and responsibility? When Cabrera got hit twice in two games (both could have been season ending injuries) Porcello had no choice but to send a stern message to the opposition translated as "Knock it off boys because I have excellent control and can place that pitch anywhere I want so don't mess with Miguel". The only mistake he made was to talk about the incident on the record. That was a no win for him. His denial was not very convincing and it could have diminished the moment. However, after seeing his latest start (post suspension), it has not effected his ability to compete. Take Care
Scoopsdad
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