First,  let me thank all of you for watching and sticking with us this season on FSN.   Without question, this has been one of the most frustrating seasons that I have ever spent broadcasting professional baseball.  Yet, I have always believed that even the worst days at the park are better than the best days on the golf course.  Then again, I don't golf.

I noticed a tone this season from Tigers fans that I have not felt before.  Even in 2003.  Tigers fans were not only frustrated with this year but seemed downright angry.  I don't blame you.  I spent a good portion of the season trying to figure out how the Tigers could roll out such a potent line-up on a nightly basis and finish in last place.

I think the answer lies in a statement Dave Dombrowski made after the season.  "You can't have an all-star at every position."  I agree.  It was painfully evident that the Tigers were one dimensional offensively this year.  The two American League teams sitll standing in the playoffs have a nice balance of power and speed in the line-up, and plenty of players that do the little things.  Ask Joe Maddon how important Jason Bartlett and Willy Aybar were this year.  I think the Tigers need to find that type of balance.

Obviously pitching is also an issue.  A big issue.  The Rays and Red Sox can both pitch and pitch well.  That's the major reason why they will play for the pennant.  There is a lot to fix this offseason, but I am confident that the same fans who were angry with this 2008 season will be there in 2009 to support the Tigers.  Detroit fans are too good to jump ship.

Have a great off season and I talk at you in March from sunny Lakeland.

P.S. Since I picked the Angels and Cubs in the World Series this year, I am sure you couldn't care less about my predictions.  In any event, I am rooting for the Rays.