Let the Fall Classic Begin!
posted in World Series |We’ve had a week of talk, rest, conjecture, dreams, perspective, lack-of-perspective, and just plain wanting to get it started. But none of that fancy pants, spiritual stuff now. It’s time to play the game.
Tonight. Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Tigers. He’s received a lot of accolades and a lot of national attention this postseason, but as Bilfer points out, just hasn’t pitched like the Verlander we’ve come to expect. Maybe it’s because he’s putting the most innings on his arm in his life, who knows. But he’s been a cool cat on the mound even while giving up some hits, so starting the first game of the Tigers’ first World Series in 22 years shouldn’t be a problem for him.
He’s rested at least. He hasn’t pitched for 10 days — since Oct. 11 — a long layoff. He had the extra rest before taking on the Yankees, too. That worked alright. He came out throwing fire, but gave up four runs. His last extended rest period in early August wasn’t especially helpful either. But all it takes is one more good start, and with a little luck and little skill, maybe it will be the last time he’s needed this season.
He’s got a good defense behind him, and a lineup that’s riding a wave of six straight playoff games won by three runs or more. And there will be 43,000 screaming Tigers fans, many of them new to the baseball playoffs but certainly experienced in making noise for a championship team.
Today, only two teams are still playing baseball. By Halloween, it’s all over until spring training. Let’s see if our guys will be the last ones standing.
Go get ‘em, Tigers!
Sphere It
I still don’t think it has sunk in that the Tigers will be playing in the World Series tonight (although the Michigan game before it probably has something to do with that).
Good luck! I hate the Deadbirds even more than the Yankees, so I’ll be rooting for the Tigers! I think most of the country is on your side.
~a Reds fan
Hypothetical here, Jacob.
1) Let’s say you’re an MSU grad.
2) Let’s say MSU is playing football on the tv.
3) Let’s say MSU football sucks.
4) Bring on the World Series!!
Okay, you got me. None of those were hypotheticals.
I instead started making my way through Sports Illustrated’s NBA Preview as best I could.
Oh my goodness, MSU came back to win.
I am going to the game on Wednesday. Can anyone help me get a Detroit Tiger navy and white dugout jacket XL by Tuesday. Apparently they are on backorder all over. I will pay overnight shipping. Please help me support our Tigers in the lower deck Wednesday night. Please help.