Now that the sting of Game 163 has faded, and we look forward to the 2010 season, the Tigers seemed to be primed to compete again.  Will they contend in 2010 or simply compete?  The off season will probably give us a better indication.  For the time being, however, I think it's pretty safe to say that the Tigers will, at the very least, compete.

While the final week of the season exposed some flaws that would ultimately torpedo the Tigers chances for the post season, it also showcased why the future is still bright.  Pitching.  It's what every team craves, and the Tigers have some very attractive pieces.  Justin Verlander put the finishing touches on his 19-win season with 7 2/3 strong innings against Chicago on the final day of the year.  He is a legitimate ace.  Two days later, Rick Porcello showed a cast iron stomach pitching into the 6th inning, while striking out eight and allowing only one earned run in the loss to the Twins in the play-in game.  He is a future ace.

At the very least the Tigers will feature three impressive starters next season.  Edwin Jackson may have faded down the stretch, but his All Star season opened plenty of eyes.  Jackson has won 27 games in the last two years.  The Tigers philosophy of drafting and trading for prime time pitching is paying dividends.  I'll like their chances three of every five nights next season.  Most teams dream of having a solid 1-2 punch.  The Tigers can boast of a 1-2-3 punch.

Add the intrigue of Aroldis Chapman to the mix and you can see how much the Tigers value pitching...especially power pitching.  Chapman is the 21-year-old Cuban pitcher who has been clocked at 100 mph and beyond.  The Tigers are just one of several teams that are interested in signing the lefty, so the competition will be stiff.

While the Tigers have plenty of decisions to make in the off season, the emphasis on pitching will keep them in the race.  The ball club has its share of free agents that are critical to the team's chances in 2010.  Free agents aside, the starters will give this team a chance.

Tuesday night, the Tigers will make one last push to get into the A.L. playoffs as Central Division champs.  Not the ideal situation, but it's the bed they have made for themselves.

On Sunday, Rod and I discussed the Tigers starting pitcher for the game.  As you know, Rick Porcello will get the nod for the Tigers in the biggest game of the season.  Seems like we have been saying that for a month now.  Rod suggested that maybe Edwin Jackson should get the call because of his experience.  While I agree that you couldn't go wrong with either guy, I am of the opinion that this should be Porcello's game.  Next to Justin Verlander, Porcello has been the Detroit's best pitcher down the stretch.  I am all about results right now.  While throwing a 20-year-old to the wolves in the Metrodome might seem risky, Porcello is not your average bear. 

I have had the pleasure to be around Rick for an extended period of time now.  From Tiger caravan stops in the off season, to the heat of pennant stretch starts in September.  The look on his face has never changed.  He is poised beyond his years.  In fact, he is poised beyond my years, and I'm old.  When I think about the fact that he is only four years older than my son and has already won 14 games in the big leagues, it's mind boggling.  Especially when I think about the fact that my son just started driving.

Porcello will not be intimidated on Tuesday.  Does that mean that he will win the game?  No, but in my opinion, he gives the Tigers the best chance.  Critics will look at the numbers and point out that he is 0-2 in the Metrodome this season.  True, but in his last start in the Metrodome he allowed only three runs in six innings.  In his last start vs Minnesota at home on the final home stand, the Tigers wasted a one run in 6 1/3 inning performance.  In his final eight starts from August through September/October, Porcello is 5-2 with an ERA slightly over 3.00.  Again, I am all about results right now.  Plus, anyone that can body slam Kevin Youkilis into the Fenway turf is OK in my book.

Can the Tigers win this game a make a run into the postseason?  Sure, why not?  One thing to remember is that the Tigers have played high pressure games for the last two weeks and have had to play at a level of intesity required in the post season.  They haven't gotten stale waiting for the playoffs.  If they win Tuesday night, the Yankees could be in for a surprise.

Wednesday night at Comerica park was a special evening for the 25,000 fans that attended the Tigers/Royals game.  Yes, it was a nice comeback win for the home team.  Yes, the Tigers are in the middle of a pennant race.  The night was special however because of one special human being.  Ernie Harwell provided the crowd with a very special heart-felt moment in the third inning.  He addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support and loyalty.  Except, we are the ones the should be thanking him for those very traits.

As a native Detroiter, I am keenly aware of what the greatest Tigers broadcaster of them all means to this city and to the game.  He is the single greatest inspiration in my professional career.  Ernie's abilities grab hold of you and never let go.  His call of Tigers baseball in the 70's and 80's drove me to pursue a career in broadcasting.  In my mind he was, and will always be, the voice of the Detroit Tigers. All of us are just keeping his seat warm.

So, on Wednesday night, for one last time, I had a chance to share a booth with Ernie.  This time, we weren't calling a game.  We just talked.  I thanked him for inspiring me to become a broadcaster and more importantly for setting the bar so high, that you can't afford but to give it your best every single night.  For being one of the truly great people in the game.  He smiled brightly and thanked us for we have done for him.  Classic Ernie, always shining the spotlight on others.

Tigers fans have been blessed with a rare talent since 1960.  On Wednesday night, weakend by his illness, Mr. Harwell showed yet again why he just may be the greatest sports figure this town has ever seen.

What do Joe Nathan, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Frankie Rodriguez have in common.  Aside from the fact that they are considered some of the best closers in the game, they have also each blown five saves this season.  Bobby Jenks has blown four and Jonathan Papelbon, three.  Tigers closer Fernando Rodney has blown just one.  Yet, Rodney, who is in his free agent year, is not mentioned among the best closers in the game.   I wonder why?

Rodney, as most Tigers fans know, features a mid to upper 90's fastball and one of the best change-ups in the game.  While his innings may not be the cleanest around and, as Todd Jones used to say, he'll send you to the fridge to make a sandwich when he pitches, Fernando has been remarkably consistent.  Many are reminded of Jones when Rodney enters a ballgame.  Many times Fernando will find himself with a few runners on base and a somewhat stressful situation.  The difference between the two however is that Rodney can get a strikeout when he needs it the most and Jones relied a lot more on his defense.

Fernando is setting himself up for a big payday at the end of the year, but right now he continues to establish himself as one of the top closers in the American League.  We should probably enjoy his talent a little more.  And when he gets in his next jam, don't worry, that change-up is coming...and so is his next strikeout.

Thursday's game at Comerica Park illustrated how important the Tigers minor league system has been to the team's success this season.  On a day in which a struggling Curtis Granderson took a much needed day off, Jim Leyland inserted Clete Thomas in centerfield as his replacement.  No problem.  Clete was on base four times and delivered the game winning, walk-off hit with two outs in the ninth.  Thomas also delivered a walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth inning on August 3rd against Baltimore.

Ryan Raburn added two hits including a home run in the 4th inning to put the Tigers on the board.  Raburn's contributions this year have also included a pinch-hit home run against the Cubs in the ninth inning of a walk-off win.

Alex Avila continues to impress as well.  His two-run pinch hit single for a struggling Gerald Laird in the 6th inning after a 58 minute rain delay sparked the Tigers comeback.

While the young guys have had their ups and downs, and as fans we may get frustrated at the inconsistencies, their contributions in key spots cannot be discounted.  Leyland said as much after yesterday's game.  These guys are important.  There is no doubt the veterans will still have to do most of the heavy lifting in September, but the kids have done a nice job of spotting.

As a side note, a lot of folks are clamoring about Avila and increasing his playing time.  He has surely impressed and may get some more reps.  Keep two things in mind though.  Maybe his success is tied to the fact that he is allowed to get his feet wet with limited playing time at this point, and the Tigers have had some of the best pitching in the league all season in large part to the job Laird has done.  Let's not abandon Gerald.