Let’s be totally honest. Before the series started, no one saw this being a Tigers sweep. The Yankees had not been swept in a 7 game series in 32 years and the Tigers had too many holes to completely dominate – or so we thought. Were fans confident that they could beat the Yankees in a best of 7? Yes. But expecting it to happen in this fashion? No way. Nonetheless, here we are on October 21st, with many still basking in the glow of a Tigers sweep and filled with excitement about the World Series.

One month before this sweep, we sat 3 games behind the White Sox for 1st place in the AL Central. Thanks to a choke job by Chicago, coupled with clutch pitching and hits by the Tigers, we are enjoying a postseason to remember. There is still a bigger job to do, but let’s take one more moment to enjoy what they just accomplished….

• The Tigers starting pitching only allowed 2 earned runs all series with an ERA of .66
• Although the bullpen was shaky at times, Drew Smyly was huge in extra innings and Phil Coke (who struggled often in the regular season) was dubbed “Coke Zero” with his postseason ERA of 0.00
• The mighty Yankees, with the best record in the AL, never led in any game in the series and their team batting average for the postseason of .188
• Delmon Young, who many thought was MIA at different points this season, was again a Yankee killer as he played his way to being the ALCS MVP. He had the game winning RBI in all 4 games and drove in as many runs this series as the whole Bronx team did. Just a great performance that definitely helped carry us.

Now, the job falls on the management to make sure they are ready for whoever their opponent is, and I really like the strides they are taking with scrimmages against the minor league guys to try to keep everyone hot and hopefully get some confidence back for certain members of the bullpen.

Have I been critical of Leyland all year? Of course. Is there any way he won’t be back next year? Only if he wants to walk away. Although he’s made some questionable decisions this season, he’s still got them to the goal of the World Series and I’m honestly not sure if there’s currently a better option out there for us. Like him or not, Jim has the team winning at the right time and has earned his chance to come back if he wants to. This is his time to shine!

Now that the media has shifted their attention to what the Tigers have accomplished instead of the latest Yankee locker room drama, this team is finally getting some respect.
There are so many things that I love about this team – both talent and personalities. When you have a Triple Crown Winner, the best pitcher in baseball, and play many other legit players, you never know what could happen.

Now, it’s time to go out and win one for Mike Ilitch. He’s a great owner who deserves it, and unfortunately doesn’t look like he’ll be around to see many more seasons. His passion for the team, city, and fans is heartwarming. As much as he loves the Stanley Cups the Wings have won, everyone knows that the one thing he really wants is a World Series Ring.

Four More Wins…Four More Wins…