A's Are In The Tigers Heads [BLOG]
By: Dennis Fithian
@dennisfithian
Tigers vs. A's: Couple things don't feel right about this series from a Tigers standpoint. In late August, Oakland came to Comerica Park and dominated the Tigers winning three out four games in dominating fashion. Detroit's lone victory was when Torii Hunter hit a two-out, three run homer, providing what seemed to be a miracle blast after watching the A's outscore 34-17 to that point and coming within one out of the sweep. Shouldn't have been that big of a deal. The Tigers did take two out of three from the A's in April in Oakland. However, the following day Detroit manger, Jim Leyland reflecting on what happened the last four days sounded as if Detroit had been cheated by Oakland. Leyland sounded like it was something more than the other team just stealing some signs. I've never heard Leyland sound so suspicious like he did after that series loss to the A's in August.
Of course the Tigers can move past any perceived mental edge that occurred in the summer. If Detroit beats Oakland it will likely be because they have outstanding starting pitching and hit some timely home runs. The Tigers will have to overcome a less than 100% (33%?) Miguel Cabrera. There's a chance that Cabrera returns to his dangerous form, but it's much more likely that you'll see a power hitting star reduced to a singles hitter. The Cabrera injury, Oakland's bullpen, defense, home field and mental advantage tilt my series pick to the A's.
Prediction: A's in four over the Tigers
Other MLB Playoff Predictions:
- LA Dodgers in four over the Braves
- Cardinals in four over the Pirates
- Rays five over the Red Sox
- NLCS Cardinals in 6 over Dodgers
- ALCS A's in 6 over the Rays
- World Series Cardinals 5 over A's
