In 2006, the Tigers won’t just make the playoffs. They are a team of destiny. They’ll win it all. Some would say that as long as Joe Torre is around, the Yankees will cobble together a mix of pitching and offense, using long-in-the-tooth veterans and guile. In the past month, their DL has looked more like an All-Star Ballot (Sheffield, Matsui, Mussina, Giambi, Damon, etc.) That team will need a lot of luck to get everyone healthy for a playoff run. The Mets might present a viable obstacle in the NL, with a team ERA of 4.12. But, Pedro Martinez has been on the DL twice in the past two months. And, Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel last saw their prime when Reagan was President.
With apologies to the Twins and White Sox; both solid squads, here are five reasons why the Tigers will win it all in 2006.
5. Pudge Rodriguez – The guy is the greatest catcher in the history of the great game. What is all this talk about Mike Piazza being a Hall of Famer? Rodriguez is simply the best ever. There are currently thirteen catchers in the HOF. Here are some of Pudge’s numbers compared to the greatest ever.
Pudge is a career .304 hitter. That would place him 4th all-time among HOF catchers, better than Johnny Bench, Gary Carter and Yogi Berra.
Pudge has a .487 career slugging percentage. That would place him 3rd among HOF catchers, better than Bench, Fisk, Berra and Carter.
His OBP is tied with Fisk and better than Carter. Johnny Bench is roundly regarded by the old school as the best ever. But, Pudge’s offensive numbers are better. Also, Pudge has a career .990 fielding percentage compared to Bench’s .987. Mike Piazza can’t compare to Pudge.
4. Jim Leyland – Like Torre and Ozzie Guillen, this ain’t his first rodeo. He’s had 15 years in the big chair, during stints at Pittsburgh, Florida and Colorado. He took over a last place Pirates team in 1996 and helped them become competitive, finishing first in their division from 1990 to 1992. His poker face masks his competitive fire, but lends itself well to his veteran-laden club.
3. The Tony Soprano Factor - I don’t generally question the methods of Vegas oddsmakers, but I do think its generally smart money to rely on their advice. It is kind of like if Tony Soprano told you that you should stop eating all the calamari at Meadow’s private party. You probably wouldn’t question his methods. But, you would certainly follow his advice.
As of August 15th, only the New York Yankees had odds equal to the Tigers of winning this Year’s World Series (7/2). But, that was before their horse, Mike Mussina went on the 15 day DL yesterday.
2. Pitching – Team ERA is the strongest indicator of success. Last year, the two World Series teams were both in the top five Team ERAs. Houston’s: 3.51: Chicago’s 3.61. This year, the number one Team ERA belongs to….(You guessed it.).. The Tigers at 3.65.
1. The Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg Factor – This year (2006) marks the 50th Anniversary of the induction to the Hall of Fame of the greatest Detroit Tiger. Much is said about the courage shown by Jackie Robinson, in breaking the color barrier. But, Greenberg’s courage was similar, being an Orthodox Jew. Also, although excused by the government, Hammerin’ Hank was the first MLB player to enlist after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. His baseball numbers were staggering. But, measuring this man by mere numbers would be an injustice.
There you go. Based upon these factors, there is a definite symmetry to a Tiger Championship, if you get Mr. Soprano's meaning.
