More on the Tigers

Alright, so apologies (sort of) to Jim Leyland. I should have known that the master planner wouldn't blow up his plans for the playoffs just for today's game and the chance to win the division. Instead, Kenny Rogers won't be starting Game 1 because he's really bad in Yankee stadium (0-5, 11.25 ERA in the past 13 years).

Of course, that explanation doesn't really explain anything. Had the Tigers won the game, they wouldn't have been worrying about whether Rogers was horrendous in Yankee Stadium; instead they would have been thinking about the A's. So, Rogers shouldn't have been available period, because the Tigers should have expected that they would win today. Rogers is the Tigers best, most experienced pitcher; he shouldn't be languishing on the bench until the third game they play.

The Tigers are going with Nate Robertson in Game 1, Justin Verlander in Game 2, Rogers in Game 3, and Jeremy Bonderman in Game 4. Robertson has a solid ERA, but is he anybody's idea of a Game 1 starter?

This is the last time I'll blast the Tigers before the playoffs start, but I think this move was too cute by half. Rogers should be starting Game 1, not languishing in the wings to start Game 3. And this is just another reason why the Tigers will find themselves down 2-0 going back to Detroit, when all will fall on Kenny against that monster lineup.