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Sunday..game 162. It's been a long season filled with ups, downs, surprises, and both the literal and proverbial curveball. The always anticipated playoff races have finally dwindled down, and the last day of the season is one that only the minor leaguers can find exciting..
wait, did you say we still have a pennant race going on? This is Vintage baseball we're talking about here.
In a division that nobody wants to win, most likely because they don't want to log useless frequent flier miles to New York, the A.L Central has narrowed itself down to two contenders. The Twins, who 3 weeks ago were not much of a factor in a division that was all but sewn up by the Tigers, have clawed their way back into contention. The Tigers are melting faster than the Arctic Ocean.
Both teams sit at 85-76. Not a strong record at all, but an 86 in that win total may be the most refreshing thing that both teams see all season. How it will shake out.
The Detroit Tigers are free falling. Losing 5-1 to the Chicago White Sox Saturday must be a minuscule afterthought come Sunday. A playoff berth won't come easy for the Tigers, who have to face John Danks, who boasts a 3.69 ERA and a 13-10 record. The Tigers counter with an ace of their own, sending fireballer Justin Verlander to the mound. Verlander has been dominant all season, posting an ERA of 3.45 and an 18-9 record. The Tigers main focus is to win. The next chapter of 2009 will only unfold if they indeed win.
The Minnesota Twinkies however, may have an easier path to the post-season. After beating potential Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke, the Twins are on fire. What better way to keep the team sizzling than to face Luke Hochevar of the Royals. Hochevar is going through some tough growing pains, as he brings a 6+ ERA to the table and a 7-12 record. Classic KC Royals pitching development before our very eyes. Carl Pavano will pitch for Minny, a team that has relied on him down the stretch. Coming off a horrendous start against Detroit, one would think Pavano just has to "manage" the game per say. Hoping to do his best Kyle Orton, Pavano needs to lead the Twins to a victory.
If the Tigers win and the Twins lose, the Tigers are obviously in. It also works vice versa..duh.
If both teams win(or very possibly lose) we will see a one game playoff. The scene is already set. 5:00 first pitch in what will be a raucous Metrodome in Minnesota. The date, Tuesday October 6th.
So the question is posed, who do you see faltering and who do you see making the trip to Yanke Stadium?
wait, did you say we still have a pennant race going on? This is Vintage baseball we're talking about here.
In a division that nobody wants to win, most likely because they don't want to log useless frequent flier miles to New York, the A.L Central has narrowed itself down to two contenders. The Twins, who 3 weeks ago were not much of a factor in a division that was all but sewn up by the Tigers, have clawed their way back into contention. The Tigers are melting faster than the Arctic Ocean.
Both teams sit at 85-76. Not a strong record at all, but an 86 in that win total may be the most refreshing thing that both teams see all season. How it will shake out.
The Detroit Tigers are free falling. Losing 5-1 to the Chicago White Sox Saturday must be a minuscule afterthought come Sunday. A playoff berth won't come easy for the Tigers, who have to face John Danks, who boasts a 3.69 ERA and a 13-10 record. The Tigers counter with an ace of their own, sending fireballer Justin Verlander to the mound. Verlander has been dominant all season, posting an ERA of 3.45 and an 18-9 record. The Tigers main focus is to win. The next chapter of 2009 will only unfold if they indeed win.
The Minnesota Twinkies however, may have an easier path to the post-season. After beating potential Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke, the Twins are on fire. What better way to keep the team sizzling than to face Luke Hochevar of the Royals. Hochevar is going through some tough growing pains, as he brings a 6+ ERA to the table and a 7-12 record. Classic KC Royals pitching development before our very eyes. Carl Pavano will pitch for Minny, a team that has relied on him down the stretch. Coming off a horrendous start against Detroit, one would think Pavano just has to "manage" the game per say. Hoping to do his best Kyle Orton, Pavano needs to lead the Twins to a victory.
If the Tigers win and the Twins lose, the Tigers are obviously in. It also works vice versa..duh.
If both teams win(or very possibly lose) we will see a one game playoff. The scene is already set. 5:00 first pitch in what will be a raucous Metrodome in Minnesota. The date, Tuesday October 6th.
So the question is posed, who do you see faltering and who do you see making the trip to Yanke Stadium?
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