Quick thoughts before ALCS game 3
If you went by the weather, mid 40's, winds in in the mid 30 MPH range, and the distinct possibility of rain, you'd expect a football game to be played at Comerica Park today. Instead we have game 3 of the ALCS. As much as I'd love to be attendance, after spending approxinately 30 seconds outside, I'm not at all disappointed to be watching game 3 from the comfort of my own home. A couple of the coldest events I've ever been to have been on Tigers opening days, and today's weather is much the same. F'N BRRRR!
By the way, in case you were wondering, the coldest game I've attended was a night game (Thanks a ton, Worldwide Leader), the 2001 MAC championship between Toledo and Marshall at Toledo's Glass Bowl. How do you know when you are absolutely freezing your ass off? When you stop drinking beer, and switch to coffee. Not to sober up, but to survive. That's damn cold. Good thing it was one of the most entertaining games I've ever attended, or being that close to becoming frostbitten wouldn't have been worth it.
But I digress...
I'm not expecting Kenny Rogers to duplicate his game 3 ALDS performance today. That was as close to a pitching "Perfect storm" as you'd find. The combination of the Gambler's awful New York City experience, his horrific playoff track record, it being the first Tiger home playoff game in 19 years, and the Gambler's need to prove himself a capable playoff performer, added up to one of the most dominating postseason performances you'll ever witness. Today, I'm just hoping to see what we saw from Rogers through most of the regular season. The Rogers that would bob and weave his way through 7 innings or so, holding the A's in check, and giving the Tigers the opportunity to win. That's all I'm asking...
It's interesting to see Detroit's keystone combo back in the lineup. I'm not talking about Polanco and Guillen. With Omar Infante and Ramon Santiago in today's lineup, the Tigers 2003 shortstop and second baseman are actually in a playoff game. Together. Ever think you'd see that back in the dark dark days of '03?
With Zumaya likely out, hopefully only for today's game, the bullpen load once again falls on the shoulders of Fernando Rodney. As well as he's been pitching, and we all will admit that he was damn impressive in game 2, Rodney still scares the bejebus out of me. Honestly, i think he always will...
On the other hand, I've been strangely calm when the Rollercoaster has been on the mound. Never thought I'd be saying that, after writing of my utter Jones hate, and calling him out as the "Anti-Christ" after a couple of his blown saves over 4 months ago. How times, and Jones' performance, for that matter, have changed.
I think there is no question that today's game 3 is a must win for the A's. I'm sure they will be treating this like a game 7. Considering their current circumstances of having to create history in order to beat the Tigers, I'd expect nothing less. We'll see how far desperation can carry Oakland.
Dusty Baker on the Worldwide Leader says the A's have to score first to get back into this... because you know, he says, they haven't had a lead in the series yet.... goes on to say that scoring first will really get teh A's fans into the game...
ReplyDeletewhich is being played in DETROIT
what is with these guys?
Annoy the media, Tigers- close this thing out!
Looks like you were a little off on your prediction for the Gambler, but it was hard to imagine him putting together two of those in a row.
ReplyDeleteI am SOOOOO looking forward to Game 4. I'll be at Comerica Park going crazy.
game 4, 1st inning; where the hell is this umps strike-zone?
ReplyDelete