One last gasp
The Tigers, a team that just 2 weeks ago appeared headed for a disastrous ending to what had been an up-and-down, but generally disappointing season, appear to have righted their ship, and are poised to make a strong finish. Unfortunately, they waited until going a season high 8 games under .500 before remembering that they are major leaguers and began to act like 'em.
They have now won 7 of 8, and are 60-62. Now, that is far from stellar baseball, but they have demonstrated something Detroiters love about their teams: resiliency, a willingness and ability to fight back and stave off the death of their season. Unlike earlier versions of hope (see 2000), this team, led by Tram, Gibby, and Parrish, has shown some stones. They may lose a few due to lack of talent, depth, or managerial acumen, but they never fall too far because of the intagibles some of the players have, and the strong will of the coaching staff.
Yes, Tram and his staff have been much maligned for pre-game lineup decisions, in-game managerial decisions, and post-game rhetoric, but even the doubters (and I count myself as one of them) have to applaud the team for not quitting. Do they still have a chance at the wild card? Well, did they ever have a chance at the wild card? They would have to string together and additonal 7 of 8 run or a 15 of 20 run to (a) pull close to the leaders and (b) be taken seriously. Do they have that in them? probably not. But at least I'll enjoy watching them bust their butts trying. And that's the least we ask here in Tigertown.
posted by SportPsych Detroit @ 10:19 AM
9 Comments:
they could still lose 100 games this season...
air,
You're really down on them aren't you?
My sense is that they've teased you, disappointed you, and let you down one time to many...and now you seem to enjoy it most when they stumble!
My guess is 85 losses.
They have surprised me this past week and a half. First boston, then toronto.
Lets hold off on the parade until after Oakland.
I, too, am not ready to jump on the bandwagon. I think I was fairly reasonable, and was very cautious in my assessment of their performance. The only thing I am applauding them for is the resilience they've shown the last 2 weeks (and there is nothing wrong with celebrating that, even if they now lose 10 in a row).
I have no idea what the remainder of the season will hold, other than the fact that it is unlikely to be what we expect.
Zwicker thinks 17-23 the rest of the way. I think they'll either be 5 wins better than that or 3 wins worse.
I believe that they could've been serious wild card contenders if they only played Higgy a little more often.
And Fernando Vina
I completely forgot about Fernando Vina!!! Of course we needed him. Just like we needed Carlos Pena. Mr. August has been lighting it up now that the Tigers are out of contention!!
and don't forget marcus thames
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