The Machine has been slightly off thus far in the World Series (we are taking credit for calling Fister’s solid performance—travesty that he got credited with the loss) but we’re not ready to give up on the Tigers yet…although we should.
Just four days ago, everyone was lamenting the Giants’ predicament, having to start Zito in Game 1 and not being able to set their rotation after a grueling 7 game series with St. Louis. What was an unfortunate situation has now turned golden for San Francisco, who now have their two best pitchers (Vogelsong and Cain) for Games 3 and 4.
The Tigers, meanwhile, trot out underperforming Anibal Sanchez. A big name pick up at the trade deadline, Sanchez has been shaky at best for the Tigers. He’s stepped up his game as of late (2.43 ERA in September) and has been almost unhittable in the post season, posting a 1.35 ERA with hitters batting .174. Plus, as a Marlin, he threw 2 complete game shut outs against the Giants. Sanchez, a free agent at the end of the season, could cement the Top 5 contract he’s looking for with a clutch performance.
However, as Game 2 showed us, great pitching isn’t enough. Where the hell are the Tigers’ bats??? Miggy and crew have looked downright befuddled, and have coupled poor hitting with even poorer base running decisions (if only Prince could only slim down to 250, he’d have been safe). For Christ sake, someone pass the Patron to Miggy, desperate times call for desperate measures.
The Giants, meanwhile, have played smart baseball, and have risen to the occasion, as every champion must. Kung Fu Panda has been absolutely dominant, and even though Buster Posey still gets carded for buying lotto tickets, his .428 average this series is impressive.
While the momentum clearly favors San Francisco, The Machine still believes there’s life in the Tigers (chalk it up to our innate stubbornness). Sanchez wants that contract (paging: Brian Cashman) so look for him to continue his post season dominance. And the Tigers’ bats cannot be quiet three games in a row (right?).
Look for the Tigers to ride the Mo Town love to a Game 3 victory.