The Final Day.

[Yawkey Way]

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?​

 

[Chrispy]

Also the Rockies could win the West

 

[Yawkey Way]

booo you, the rockies already clinched

 

[nesper]

if the tigers have to go back to the metrodome i dont think they can win. but it would be a fitting end to that place if they did, leave a sour taste in a place that has always left a sour taste in the fans of detroit's mouth.

 

[BigHouseUSA]

This is great.

 

[Yawkey Way]

Not even with verlander on the hill tommorow kle?

 

[chazmaniandevil]

ya im looking at this as still wide open

verlander >>>>>> pavano on 3 days rest

i think they will either both win or both lose, going to a 1 game playoff

 

[kmanharris]

All I know is tomorrow is going to be an exciting day. I can see both teams winning tomorrow. In the end I think the Twins will move on and play the Yankees. The Yankees swept the season series with the Twins, so Im sure the Yankees are cheering the Twins on.

Yea but Detroit is on a downslide and Minny is on fire. I would rather play the team that is cold.

 

[Miami Flash15]

It was a great season, Florida. Can't wait till the next!

 

[Buzzman]

Why would Verlander not go more than 5-6? Leyland wont save him for the playoffs because he has to make sure they get in before thinking about that shit. I guarentee if Verlander is good he'll go 7-8. The reason Denks is good vs Detroit is ebcause every pitcher is good against Detroit, we have one of the worst offenses in the league.

 

[nesper]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4530794

rumors swirling that miggy got drunk and got into a fight at a bar last night in oakland county

 

[BigHouseUSA]

Cabrera's face has looked bruised up to me for a few weeks now.

Looks like this one is going to come down to a playoff.

 

[BigHouseUSA]

Managers these days are a bunch of pussies. I bet if Verlander is getting up there in pitch count in the 6th and is throwing a one run game, He will be pulled.

Wrong, apparently.

 

[Miggy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4530794

rumors swirling that miggy got drunk and got into a fight at a bar last night in oakland county

I bet he whooped the guy's ass. thats how us Venezuelan BAMFs do

 

[Sharkweather]

Well Twins up 7-1 in the 4th, Tigers up 5-3 in the 9th.

1 game playoffs FTW!

 

[Buzzman]

Wrong, apparently.

I know he doesnt watch Tigers baseball at all because Leyland keeps Verlander and Jackson in all time over 110+ pitches.

 

[mgoblue2290]

Yes. It's just the way things have been.

And this is Verlander who is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA against the White Sox this year.

Twins already found a way to beat Greinke going for a Cy Young...the Twins will find a way to fuck the Tigers over when they have Verlander on the mound against the White Sox, and Minnesota will find a way to be 1 game up Sunday evening.

Guess not. You are unbelievably negative. Have a little faith.

 

[Yawkey Way]

Porcello. Porcello has been pitching well down the stretch and I think he will pitch up to the drama.

 

[DJ Fog]

A-Rod brakes an AL record with 7 RBIS in one inning today with a grand slam and 3 run homer, bringing him to 30 hr's on the year and 100 rbis.

Not bad for a shortened season.