I remember watching the Pistons this past postseason and thinking "if I hear them say 'we've been here before...our backs against the wall...we play better, blah, blah, blah'-if I hear that one more time I am going to scream!" An awesome team that seemed to sel####estruct under the notion that they simply couldn't be too down. When they did fall, it was fast and ugly. But it wasn't so much that they were getting beat or losing a game, they were beating themselves. Error after error, bad passes, missed open shots. It was painful to watch-literally and figuratively.

 That is exactly how I felt last night watch the Tigers play. Don't get me wrong, I know they are not nearly a veteran playoff team like the Pistons, but they have such similar qualities, it's hard for me not to draw comparisons to the teams and the way they related to their fans. Both hardworking, gritty, underestimated, undervalued but deeply appreciated and supported. Lately, they have shared a more disturbing stat-all offense or all defense. When one is working, they other is going straight to hell!

 In Game 4 of the WS, the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but never looked comfortable. They looked like they expected to make a mistake somewhere-like it was inevitable that something would happen to cost them their lead. I’m not saying they expected to lose. But I am saying the looked like they expected to sel####estruct. A few weeks ago, the mantra for the team was that any Tiger could step up and be the hero. During this WS week, the new battle cry seems to be “which one of us will be the dog today!”

 I love my Tigers just as I love my Pistons. But watching them implode on the field is like watching one of my children slash his skin to see if it really does bleed and how much it can hurt. This season has been so gravy!! The Olde English D was worn everywhere and not just by guy’s named “Derek” or “Damon”!! I believe that they can pull this series out. I really do. I just hope that the player do too.

Dear Baseball Gods...

Thank you for answering our other prayers this season. You know-winning record, make the playoffs. You outdid yourself with that Magglio homerun thing-it was almost too much! It was hot though (sorry)!! Anyway, maybe in the midst of all that excitment we forgot to ask that you bless FOX and ESPN with good coverage. I mean, it's not your fault they can't coordinate around your "40 days and 40 nights of rain" plan. But if you see fit to rain out tonight in St. Louis and/or this weekend in Detroit, would you please, please, please bless the sports-earth with a basketball brawl or T.O. "episode" so these poor networks can have something to discuss. It was so sad today to see ESPN showing post-season highlights for the PADRES! They definitely needed some prayer!

I know you are busy but if you could please grant us with a little good weather along with a "good" storyline (you're perfect but I gotta question that Kenny Rogers thing). I, along with the other few baseball fans still watching baseball would be greatly appreciative.

Oh and if we could get a win tonight that would be great. Oh, and a special prayer for Jim Leyland and his lungs. If for nothing else, keep the rain away for him!!

AMEN

Detroit Tigers and Kenny Rogers. The names bring a mix of emotions and alot of commentary so I thought I'd add my take on it all.

1. Kenny Rogers is a good pitcher. He has had season after season in the "twilight" of his career with over 15 wins and this season was no exception. I don't believe for a second he would jeopardize his team with a palm full of pine-tar in the age of "FOX watchdogs". He pitched great with AND without the dirt. I hope we do take the series back to Detroit just to see him take the mound with the same whatever in the same spot on the same palm.

2. Brandon Inge said it best "we are just a good team-so deal with it." Yes we lost about 1,000 games a few years ago. Yes, we lost the division the last game of the season. And, yes, our team is filled with alot of talent but no "superstar." In the words of my kids, Big Whoop?

Are the Tigers supposed to be a sub-par team forever because it makes the huddled masses sleep better at night? Kenny Rogers gets the opportunity to pitch in, what may be, his last post-season appearances and we should be surprised because he doesn't suck now as he has in the past? Correct me if I'm wrong but don't we expect our professionals to IMPROVE? Why is it that everyone else can add to their team and get better but we, the Tigers, MUST remain the crappy, hapless Bad-News Bears of baseball?

Give me a break people. Let it go and buy some Ambien. The Tigers are good, they are for-real, they ARE NOT cheaters and they are here to stay. We true Tigers' fans are sorry you can't handle the truth but we are hopeful that you will stop trying to spoil this awesome experience for us.