How The Mighty Have Fallen
1984 was a pretty good year if you live in the state of Michigan. The first part of the year may have been kind of blah, but then the World Series happened. The Detroit Tigers won the world series and that was enough to make everyone have a happy holiday.
Unfortunately over the years, they have yet to be able to match that greatness that they had in 1984. Perhaps it was just a flash in the pan. They have come close a couple of times, but for many, the magic seems to have faded.
Even the years when we had Miggy, Maglio, Verlander, Scherzer, and Martinez were enough to remind us that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Then the past two years happened. The Tigers turned on the jets at the end of last season to propel themselves into the playoffs only to fall short once again. There was a lot of hope they would take things even further this year, but now it is looking a bit bleak.
With a fifteen and a half game lead in their division just a month or so ago things were looking pretty great for the Tigers. Sadly, we now find ourselves in second place in the AL Central and there is a good chance we might not even make it to the wildcard if they don't turn things around.
Sure, there is still a bit of life in the season, but I can't help but sit back and laugh at the Tigers doing something altogether "Tigerish". If I hadn't been a life long Tigers fan I might be a little more surprised than I am right now. Many people will tell you they saw this coming. With Skubal being our main pitcher, it was just a matter of time that the wheels would start to fall off a bit.
While the Yankees, Toronto, and Seattle have clinched playoff spots in the AL, Boson, Detroit, and Cleveland are searching for a wild card berth.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, The Cubs, and San Diego, and the Dodgers all look to be set over in the National League. That really just leaves the Mets and the Diamondbacks fighting for that last wild card spot.
With Houston close behind Detroit in the running, they really need to be on their A game through the rest of the season. I was really looking forward to finally getting to see the Tigers in some post season games this year, but that hope is slowly starting to fade. I have a feeling I am going to end up being left out in the cold.
The good news is, the Lions still seem to be doing okay, so hopefully that will keep me entertained enough to not be disgusted.
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Coincidentally I was looking at MLB stats last night and was looking at the Tigers pitching stats. Skubal appears to be on the verge of losing the Cy Young to Garret Crochet (Red Sox).
Skubal's record of 13-6 doesn't capture how well he's pitched though - I'd have to dig more but I'm guessing based on his ERA his run support has been anemic.
He's about all they have based on what I have heard. If he falls into a bit of a slump then they are toast. He had a minor injury a bit ago that I think is probably playing a part, and then hitting that batter in the face the other day probably gave him a bit of the yips. Who knows though.
Lol sports