This Is What They Did Wrong...

Alright, before everyone jumps off the wagon (oph, there was the last one). Let me say one thing: This technically is not over. Unless game five ends with Texas having more runs, this is not over.

Having said that, this series could and should be tied at two games a piece. I can not say that any more concise, black and white, cut and dry, etc.

The game game down to the last four innings, that is when you know it is a good, ney, great game. Because, that is when you not only have the players trying to place themselves in baseball record books. But, that is when the managers really have to micro-manager games. The last four or three innings of a game is when you really see what a manager is made of.

Now, I really have to put aside my opinion of Jim Leyland here. And even with my already less than savory or positive view on his managerial skills, I can say he was one of two people to cost the Tigers this game.

Not Gene Lamont sending Cabrera.

Not Valverde giving up that Home Run.

I can say that this game and lose boiled down to two people:

Leyland and Cabrera.

Now, Cabrera did give the Tigers the lead and two RBIs early on. But, he cost the Tigers their most important run. He weighs at least 240 pounds. I would not be surprised if it is more like 255. He at least has a 20-30 pound difference with Napoli.

It is game five of the ALCS, you are tied in the 8th, you are at home, you are down in the series 2-1, you are supposed to be a leader on this team.

You run that catcher over.

I do not care if he gets fined, I do not care if Napoli holds on.

You still run the catcher over.

Cabrera should be smart enough to know that he was going to be beat. He should have known half-way down the line that he was going to go into him.

In my mind that cost the Tigers the game.

All the momentum, all the energy, all the more runs than the Rangers. Gone.

And do not pin that play on Gene Lamont. He had to send him. It was bottom of the 8th and it was the best chance for the Tigers to score. You can argue otherwise, but how many people have they left on base? And you had Martinez on first. Who you could also argue is maybe the second slowest runner on the team.

That was Cabrera.

Now, this is what Leyland did wrong:

First, he chose to send Jackson for one of the first times this off-season right in the bottom of the 10th. Jackson should have been on second, not for the reason that he may or not of actually been out. But, because of the fact that he should be more of a runner. Leyland should have him steal more. Jackson should know what to do in that situation, and not have to think, "Oh, god. I have to steal now". He just have ice in his veins in that situation. He just of had that base. Yes, you can blame Jackson or the Ump. Because, we all know the Umps cost the Tigers every game (sarcasm). But, that is on Leyland. For the sole reason of not having Jackson personally comfortable in that situation.

Second, he intentionally walked someone who was 0-4 with two strike-outs, and was injured. Why? I do not know.

Third, he put in Valverde in a non-save situation. All people who know Valverde, know non-save situation Valverde is akin to a lose. And tonight was no different.

Leyland made many moves and decisions that I thought were detrimental to the Tigers. In sort, I think we found out what kind of manager he really is.

Let me leave with these two numbers that drive that point home.

26 and 6.95

26- How many games Valverde pitched in non-save situations in the regular season.

6.95- His ERA from those 26 apperances.

6.95....

"...Rock Me Mama Like A Wagon Wheel..."

Look, if you are going to be a Tiger's fan now, you should at least get a crash course in how to be a Tigers fan.

Do not try to hide now.

You are very easy to spot.

You were the person wearing the Ben Wallace afro in 2004. Who had a signed spelt: "FEAR THE FROWW!!". True story, I saw a guy with that sign. You were also the person in 2006 who bought a Joel Zumaya jersey. You were the person who made the Tigers finish last in 2008. You were the person in 2011 who defended Jimmy Howard and called him "The greatest goalie ever".

Again, you are very easy to spot.

So, let me help you not get challenged to a duel by an actual fan, by cracking a small egg of knowledge for you the Tiger fan who was a Tiger fan in 2008 because of Miguel Cabrera, left half-way in 2008 because they were in last place, and then came back two days ago because, hey-ho-whatta-ya-know the Tigers are back in the playoffs again.

Guess what.

They did this five years... to the Yankees. Well, at least five years ago they were about to close it out at home.

Yes, that was a subtle jab at the Tigers for that 10-1 display in game four.

But, after tonight, that point is moot.

If you want to be a fan DO NOT:

- Post exaggeratory statii on Facebook. Example: "Oh my god. Don Kelly is like the greatest player ever! :)". Even with his home-run tonight, Tiger fans will still look at you dead in the eye and say, "No. Dear god, no".

- Buy apparel of players on a hot-streak. Everytime I see people with Boesch, Dirks (Yes, I saw a guy with an Andy Dirks jersey T-shirt today. Could not tell if I was more surprised in the person for buying one, or for Majestic for even making them.), and or Avila jersey I want to troll them. BUT AARON, AVILA IS AN ALL-STAR CATCHER!! Yeah, just to make sure we are on the same page, Avila existed last year too. And last year he could not even beat out Gerald Laird for the starting catcher position. So, shut up.

- Post statii negating all accomplishments the Tigers made if they get knocked out. Example: "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. The Tigers suck. Valverde sucks. Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!" I really do not want to waste energy describing my view on this.

- Tell me that their pitching totally sucks. Only Brad Penny. Do the names Matt Perisho, Mark Redmond, Jeff Weaver and or Dave Milicki ring a bell? Well, for the bandwagon fan probably not. But, for a person who knew the Tigers of the '90s or early '00s just had 'Nam flashbacks, because they thought they never had to see those names again.

- Do not tell me that Jose Valverde is the most entertaing pitcher in Tigers history. Jose Lima. Rest in peace, you crazy m'fer.

- Do not say that Magglio is worthless. Would you rather have Robert Fick in right field. Sorry for another 'Nam flashback.

I know there are more things. But, I am getting too angry thinking about them.

But, let me say this:

Please do not ruin this for us. For the love of Allah, please do not ruin this for us.

Ten years ago are deadline deals involved trading away Jose Macias to Montreal for Chris Truby and three used baseballs.

Now we can actually be proud of the Tigers. Just give us this moment. You had 2008 and you ruined it. All of it.

So, let us real Tiger fans rejoice in our second trip to the ALCS in six seasons. For us Tiger fans this is a big-deal. If you told me in 2002 that the Tigers would be in the ALCS twice over the next ten years, I would have thought you were stupid.

Or high.

Or stupid high.

And for some of your parents who may be saying that the Tigers of this year were nothing compared to those of 1984 or 1968. Well, they are right.

But, that is a whole different lesson for a different day.