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....
