Second, I was never a big Robertson fan because of his second-half collapses, and when he got touched up early this year I was very worried. Now, I have to say he impressed me with his year. He showed guts and no matter if he didn’t have his best stuff would scuffle and keep the Tigers in games. You’ve got to love that.

Finally, I’ve heard people talk about the Tigers being a team that overachieved this year and that they might not be that good. I fell into the group that at least was in the “overachieved” category. Now, that I’ve thought about it, I’m not so sure. Here is why: Who on the Tigers had a career year? Usually teams that are one-hit wonders or overachievers have guys that played out of their minds for that one season.

OK, maybe Verlander gave us a year that we shouldn’t rightly expect from a rookie, but it is the type of year that was expected of him down the road. Rodney — who worries me too — might have pitched above his head for most of the year. But really, who else had a year that you wouldn’t normally expect? In fact, in many cases, you could argue a lot of guys are capable of better seasons. So, I guess in that way, they overachieved by having the result exceed their play. The whole was greater than the parts. But I see no reason to believe this is a one-year deal.

Agreed on Rodney. Too bad too, ’cause he has good stuff. With his considerably unclutch performance down the stretch, he blew his chance to be a significant part of this postseason ‘pen and show other clubs what kind of closer he might make. His bad attitude just bought himself a few more years as a set-up guy (or worse) — exactly the kind of thing that apparently ruins his attitude.

(God, I hate the unbalanced schedule.)

With the Tigers looking like they’ve regained their form, and the A’s running on all cylinders, I can’t think of two more evenly matched clubs.

http://www.mlive.com/tigers/we.....tml#193014

The more I think about it, the more I like this. Leyland continues to send a message that he’s not going to overreact to the situation–be it bad or good. Rogers has a great record at Oakland, but he’s great at home, too.

If anything, I’d probably vote for moving Verlander back to game 4, just to continued to rest his arm for the future.

I think Leyland has lost confidence in Rodney. I certainly have. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think he walked two or three guys in the KC comeback on the final outing. His control can be off, and everybody knows the Yankees are a patient hitting team. If KC could come back against Rodney, the Yankees could easily put up five or six runs with just a couple walkes, a few hits, and one or two long balls. I think it was important for this team to close the door on the Yankees just like we did. Walker (left hander) was a much better call.