Three Reasons to Love and Hate the Tigers Chances in Game Five
By Matt Snyder
Reason #1: Doug Fister will take the mound for the Tigers
Why we love it:
Fister was brought in from the Mariners to be a “number three or four” starter in Detroit. Instead of doing that, he decided to challenge Justin Verlander in an attempt to be the best performing pitcher on the staff (and in the American League) for the last two months of the season. He put together a ‘quality start’ in eight of his ten starts as a Tiger.
Why we hate it:
Fister, although he has been striking out more batters since coming to Detroit, doesn’t have a history of missing many bats. He traditionally relies on excellent control, ground balls, and a low home run rate to get through games. The Yankees are exceptional at putting the bat on the ball, and when they do, they usually hit it hard.
Reason #2: After being taxed in games two and three, the Tigers’ bullpen is in good shape.
Why we love it:
I don’t doubt that Leyland would have used Jose Valverde in the ninth inning last night if the situation had dictated it even though the Tigers’ closer had been used on the previous two days, but the game was well out of hand by the late innings. The good news is that Valverde and setup man Joaquin Benoit have had some time off and should be fully rested for the fifth game. Leyland will have no hesitations about asking either of them to give him an extended outing tomorrow if the need arises.
Why we hate it:
New York’s bullpen is rested for the same reasons. Everyone gets a day off today, so no one even has the concern of availability for tomorrow. Should the Tigers find themselves down by any margin after the sixth inning, their fate will be in the hands of Robertson, Soriano, and Rivera. Not many teams can mount a comeback against that trio.
Reason #3: Miguel Cabrera is on “our team”
Why we love it:
Going into a one game playoff, it’s always nice when the best hitter that either team has to offer is on the team you root for. Cabby used Yankee Stadium to his advantage when he hooked a line drive just inside the foul pole for a home run in game two. That particular ball would have either been off the wall or foul in Comerica Park.
Why we hate it:
The short fences of Yankee Stadium counteract the advantage of Miguel Cabrera by making everyone a power hitter. I haven’t felt comfortable for one minute with the game in New York and a Yankee hitter at the plate.
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