The Score: The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 3 games to 1 in the ALDS.
Sfvftc's Shot: The Detroit Tigers pitching staff executed "Murders Row and Cano."
Tigers manager Jim Leyland dubbed the New York Yankees lineup, "Murders Row and Cano." At the time, it seemed an appropriate and catchy nickname. All-Stars filled out the Yankees lineup card from top to bottom. Second baseman Robinson Cano finished third in the American League in batting average with a lusty .342 average. Yet Cano found himself batting ninth in the series.
Cano and his mates seemed to justify their lofty nickname with 8-4 win in game 1. The Bronx Bombers pounded out 14 hits and bashed two home runs en route to the victory.
The runs continued to pour in for the Yankees in game 5. Johnny Damon belted a 3 run homer in the fourth inning to give New York a 3-1 lead. Then, Detroit's pitchers held New York scoreless for 15 innings spanning including a shutout in Game 3.
Jason Verlander, Jamie Walker, Joel Zumaya and Todd Jones started the shutout streak in Game 2. Next, in game 3, Tigers starting pitcher Kenny Rogers continued the onslaught. Rogers pitched a brilliant 7.2 innings, allowed zero runs and limited New York to 5 hits. Zumaya and Jones completed the Rogers masterpiece.
Then, in Game 4, Detroit pitcher Jeremy Bonderman dominated "Murders Row and Cano." Bonderman carried a perfect game, 15 batters up 15 batters down, into the sixth inning before Cano singled to lead off the sixth inning.
Still, though, Detroit maintained its impressive shut out innings streak. In the seventh inning, New York scored a run on a fielder choice by Hideki Matsui. Bonderman went 8.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits before giving way to Walker who got the last out after surrendering another run.
In total, the Tigers pitching posted a sterling 3.84 ERA for the series. Also, they compiled a dazzling 15 innings of shut out baseball over the span of 2 and half games.
In fact, the Tigers pitching snuffed the life out of "Murders Row and Cano."
Key Play (s):
1. The Detroit Tigers pitching staff executed "Murders Row and Cano."
The Score: Numerous baseball fans and sports broadcasters alike are suggesting that the 2006 Detroit Tigers are this year's version of the '05 Chicago White Sox.
Sfvftc's Shot: The '05 Chicago White Sox were superior to the '06 Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers, similar to the '05 White Sox, feature a dominant starting pitching rotation. Detroit's starting rotation combined E.R.A. is a sterling 3.85 and they have compiled an outstanding record of 54-29. The top starter, Justin Verlander, is 14-6 and opposing teams batting average versus him is a terrific .254.
In addition, Tigers manager Jim Leyland's coaching style is akin to '05 White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Leyland is feisty and he demands first-rate effort from his players every night.
Nevertheless, the '05 White Sox were better than this year's Tigers. If you conceed that the '05 Sox and '06 Tigers are equal in pitching and managing, you have to compare Chicago's position players to Detroit's position players. Listed below is a comparison:
'05 Chicago White Sox Starters v. '06 Detroit Tigers Starters
Catcher-A.J. Pierzynski v. Ivan Rodriguez Edge-Tigers
1B-Paul Kornerko v. Sean Casey Edge-White Sox
2B -Tadahito Iguchi v. Placido Polanc Edge-White Sox
SS-Juan Uribe v. Carlos Guillen Edge-Tigers
3B-Joe Crede v. Brandon Inge Edge-White Sox
LF-Scott Podsednik v. Marcus Thames Edge-White Sox
CF-Aaron Rowland v. Craig Ganderson Edge-White Sox
RF-Jermaine Dye v. Magglio Ordonez Edge-Tie
Closer-DustinHermanson/Bobby Jenks v. Todd Jone Edge-White Sox
Key Play (s):
1. While there are similarities between the '05 White Sox and the '06 Tigers, it is a myth that the '06 Tigers are as good as last year's White Sox.
2. '05 Chicago Pitching & Managing = '06 Detroit Pitching & Managing
3. '05 Chicago Position Players Superior to '06 Detroit Position Players
