Let's talk about...

As the previous post mentioned, all anyone can talk about is Miggy's quest for the triple crown.  Sometimes, the commentators will mix it up and talk about how many combine hits or RBIs Miggy and the Prince have.  Here's two people that should get more talk time:

1. Dirty Dirks- Sure, he missed two months of the season, but he is hitting .320 in 86 games with 18 doubles and 35 RBIs.  How are we not talking about this guy?  If those were his numbers have way through the season (about what 86 games would be) he'd be up for an All Star team.  Instead, Smokes has him batting 6th or 7th most games and sometimes plays BBoesch over him.  Wake up folks, coming off his heroic efforts in winter ball (see here), Dirty Dirks has put together a great season.  Consider he played 78 games with the big club last year after being bumped around between Toledo and DTown and only batted .251.  Take notice world, I think Dirty Dirks is playoff ready.

2. Drew Smyly- Rario made some comment about how surprised they were with Guy's performance on Friday.  No one here at the Tigress (either myself or Magglio, the kitty) was surprised at all!  Smyly won the coveted 5th starter spot out of spring training and was dazzling in his first few starts.  In fact, I'm going to direct you to a past Tigress post.  Just know Guy, I've been in your corner since April and I'm pretty sure Cousin Tigress was with you way back on St. Patty's Day.

One more game to clinch.  Let's hope it's tomorrow.  Scratch that, it WILL be tomorrow.

Stress

The Tigress has been under a little stress lately.  Everyone has those periods of their life.  What's not helping, is watching El Diablo (Benoit) and Papa Potato in the 8th and 9th, trying to give up a 6 run lead the Tigers have built.  I felt JV's pain when he walked into the clubhouse.  He was pitching a shut out into the 8th, and an error was the only reason someone got on base!  Suddenly, the game was slipping away before his eyes.  I'd be stressed too.
 

Someone else feeling stress is Cabby.  All any announcer, especially my good friends at Fox, can do is talk about the Triple Crown. The pressure to perform... soon-to-be Mr. Tiger says Miggy needs to pop a Viagra and get over it.  Miggy has resorted to wearing his eye black all crazy to try and break the tension he is feeling.  In fact, his eye black is similar to Bryce Harper's.  In honor of Bryce Harper, the Tigers have the following headline on their webpage:
"Tigers pad cushion?  Crown question, bro."

Get it?  If not, click here.  Also, if you don't get that, you need to get out more, bro.

So with all the pressure, I was elated to walk into a gin joint just in time to see Miggy send number 43 into the stands.  I immediately started clapping, knowing the implications, knowing the gravity of the situation.  As I was standing there, doing my best Tigerberry impression, I had two dudes at the bar looking at me, baffled. 

So here's my plea to the tens of Tigress blog readers, start dealing with the stress of the postseason push by spreading the excitement.  More people need to jump on the Tigers' bandwagon.  What the world needs now is not love, it's more crazy Tiger fans so I don't look like a goof clapping in a sports bar, or yelling at the TV when El Diablo gives up a grand slam.

Only four games left Tigers and Tigerettes.  Don't get stressed, get pumped.

MY Tiger

Can we talk about MY Tiger?  I was leery of choosing a pitcher as My Tiger.  Then he went on the DL.  He had a couple shaky starts.  Then, today...nine strikeouts in a row.  That's right, he struck out the entire Royals batting order, consecutively.  That's bananas.  I didn't even know that was possible.  That's My Tiger folks.  So fresh and so clean.

Oh and by the way...the Tigers are in 1st place!  By themselves!  Two days in a row!  Woah, I'm excited.  Sister Tigress even scored us some playoff tickets today.  Now, just the final push and I'm sitting pretty at Comerica cheering for My boys.

Don't breathe

A tie is like kissing your sister or brother.  Well pucker up Sister Tigress!  Put on the chap stick Brother Tiger, because we are in a tie for first place in the Central!!!!

Now it's time for us, the fans (all you little Tigers and Tigerettes out there) to do your part.  Whatever you did yesterday to ensure a win, make sure it happens today too.  You know what I'm talking about, superstitions.  Hold your breath past graveyards.  Don't change your socks.  Jump over cracks.  Avoid those black cats.  Personally, Tiger Dog will be wearing his Tiger bandanna today and I'll have my rally cap close.

One thing is for sure, I won't miss a game!

I'm not mad...

I feel like Danny Tanner or Tim Taylor, or some other self righteous parent on some 90s sitcom.  I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed.  Although really, in those shows, the kids never do anything that is really disappointing.  I mean, DJ wears makeup to school and gets a lecture.  In this situation, the Sox get swept by the Angels and leave the door wide open and the Tigers can't even get their foot in.  That's true disappointment. 

Here's what I really don't understand Smokes, why put in G$ to pinch hit as the last out?  I'm not anti-G$, in fact, he's been clutch with Avila's concussion (lesson here kids, never run into a wall.  The wall always wins).  However, he had already played earlier in the day, then he sat for HOURS, and then he's expected to perform.  G$ is no spring chicken anymore.  Same reason he should never be used to pinch run.

I'm not even mad at Papa Potato, although I think I swore at him.  If the Tigers had actually got some runs, then the bullpen wouldn't have to deal with all this pressure.  It seems like it's either a drought or a flash flood when it comes to hits and runs.  Maybe just sprinkle some here and there boys.

Now I want you to stay in your room today and think about what you've done.  I'll see you tonight at 7 for dinner.  I expect hits and runs to be on the menu.

Fall fever

It's inevitable, with the change of seasons comes illness.  I've wiped runny noses, been coughed on, and seen the remnants of vomit this week.  Lovely, right?  There is one illness that I'm dying to catch though (I'd even drink out of the same glass as an infected person to get it), and that's "fall fever!"  It's the mysterious illness that makes normal, active folk virtual couch potatoes for entire weekends. 

The fact is, I've caught it.  I've watched Central upset Iowa, Wisconsin beat UTEP, Tigers CRUSH the Twinkies, and am in the process of watching MSU and Oregon State finish off their opponents.  And the evening games haven't even started!!!  There's still the epic Michigan versus Notre Dame rivalry, Clemson versus Florida State, and LSU and Auburn.  It's been a very busy day.  I don't mean that I've been busy, but that sports teams have been busy today.  I'm only happy to oblige them with my laziness.

Besties.  Side note: How big are JV's teeth?

Part of "fall fever" involves sitting alone in a room, yet having enough excitement about a game to equal the buzz created when watching a game live.  I actually clapped with Tigerberry-like glee when Cabby hit his 42nd homer.  Be still my Tigress heart!  I'm with Verdiggity, keep the MVP in the D.

Tomorrow will be another busy day (and by now you know what "busy" means).  The Lions and Tigers both play at one, so the multiple TVs are a necessity tomorrow.  Also nothing better than a Tiger double header.  Let's play two tomorrow, boys.

Name game

I'm not giving up on the Tigers yet.  I'm in it for the long haul.  In truth, I'll watch them on their last game even if they're down by three games and have no chance of any playoff action.

Here is a small public service announcement:

Number 26, the right fielder (most days)...his name is Brennan.  No 'd' in his name.  No 'a' in the first syllable.  In fact, here are some names that are NOT his:

Brandon
Brendan
Brannon
Bradford
Brady
Brenner

Let's try and get it right people!

Burden of the Tigress

It's not easy being me.  A lot of responsibility comes with being the Tigress.  Here's two prime examples:

1. I'm quite popular on The Internet.  I have 30 or so regular readers.  Don't act like you aren't impressed.  These people are what I like to call "fans" or "Tigerettes."  Sometimes, Tigerettes come up to me with theories or ideas that they think are revolutionary enough to run past their favorite blogger.  Here's one I heard yesterday. 

The team that wins the World Series is often not the team with the best record, but the team that got the hottest down the stretch.  Thus, the Tigers will either NOT make the playoffs OR win the World Series. No in between.

As far as theories go, it's not bad, although I'd like to see the stats on this, since the end of the season is all about stats.  My response to this theory was that the team that wins the World Series is the team that can stay healthiest down the stretch.  Following either logic, the Tigers still have a good shot at making it to the playoffs.

2.  I often feel the responsibility to express my expertise as a professional fan to those around me that may not be exhibiting the best fan-like habits.  Case in point: Yesterday Anibal Sanchez got through 6 and 2/3 innings with no hits.  An experienced fan knows that talking about a no-no is a no-no (haha, see what I did there?), but to what extent?  Somehow, the Fox broadcasters (including our buddy Mario!) got through 6 innings without whispering a word about it.  However, in my viewing room, Brother-In-Law Tiger made the no hitter reference at the end of the 6th inning.  SOMEBODY (I won't name names because it's rude) called him a naughty name because he was "jinxing the no hitter." 

While I agree that it's best not to talk about it (even though in any Verdiggity game the announcers make a big point when the first hit happens), if someone happens to mention it, that's no reason to name call.  I'm all about the fun atmosphere while viewing sports, no matter the level (that includes you crazy soccer moms and dads).


Good thing about the Tigress though is I've been told I carry the burden with grace.  I'd have to agree.

Prince of the field

The Prince was in fine form tonight.  Let's recap my favorite two moments:

1. Obviously, his diving stop of the ball coming down the first base line to end the 5th was amazing.  Verdiggity was pumped.  The Tigress was pumped.  Life is good.

The Prince bat flip from Wednesday, so tasty

2. Even better than great fielding (or maybe on par) is a little humor.  Prince thinking it was three outs, running to the dugout, and then getting a drink of water was priceless.  The group I was with re-winded to watch...twice!  It was a classic move.  Way to play it off The Prince.

One question I have...last night was supposed to be when Verdiggity started.  So, did he have Taco Bell two nights in a row?  These are the stories that Shannon Hogan needs to grab onto.  Also, I'm hoping he's incorporating tomatoes into his diet.  Prostate health is so important.

Cabby also has different handshakes and different attitudes for each player and each situation.  His handshake with The Prince at the end of the game was so chilly, even the penguins shivered.  He also does some kind of hoop action with Laird...of course.  G$ is such a jokester.

Fridays are so money as it is, and then when you throw in a Tiger victory, it can't get much better than that.

Counting our chickens

The season is winding down and only one thing is for certain...NOTHING IS FOR CERTAIN!  (see how I did that there?)  The best chance for the Tigers to make the playoffs is for them to take the Central Division.  Period.  Tonight's game should be epic.  Verdiggity versus Sale part two, this one for a chance to tie for the lead.

Ridiculous stats have been thrown around the past week.  How many different lineups Smokes has used, how many games the Tigers have won when AJacks scores a run, BBoesch's average versus any given pitcher.  I don't care about stats, I care about wins.

So this is what baffles me.  Today, tickets for a "potential" wild card game and a "potential" Division series go on sale today at 10 AM.  There is NO certainty that the Tigers will make it to any post season game.  Can't we just wait?  I can be patient.  In fact, I've been patient for five months already.  What's a few more weeks?  Paws looks ready to wait, I bet we can too.

No such thing

If there's one thing I've learned in my life time, there's no such thing as "too much sports."  There's just not.  So when the good people of Detroit get bombarded by multiple sports converging on each other, the smart, crafty people of the state look for solutions.  Here's the solution at the Tigress household:

Two TVs side by side.  During the Tigers/Lions games on Sunday, there was no need to "flip channels" during the game.  Remember "picture in picture?"  Well we laugh at PIP at our house.  What's not shown in this picture is the TV to the right.  That's correct, three TVs.  You may be thinking, is that necessary?  Of course it is!  Even better?  The third TV had NFL RedZone on, which is this great channel that continually switches games to give you the most action all the time.  So, on Sunday, Mr. Soon To Be Tiger and I watched basically every NFL game PLUS the Tigers while double fisting (no need to hold any remotes for switching here!). 

I have to admit that, at first, it was difficult to watch all three TVs at once and keep my sanity.  However, once my ADD kicked in, I started wondering where the fourth TV would fit in our living room.

Ideally, I'd like to have the "problem" of having the Lions and Tigers on at the same time well into October.  The Tigers have to hold up their end of the bargain though.  Basically, stop being so stinky.  Start getting hits and playing better.  I'm 94% sure I could be an MLB manager with just that advice alone.  It doesn't seem so hard Smokes, and I can guarantee I wouldn't be playing Suckburn (since he just dropped an easy fly ball) EVER!

Blanket

Summer is over.  School has started.  And although the weather in Michigan is unpredictable, it's best to be prepared in spring and fall when watching Tiger baseball.  Here are some Tigress musts when traveling to Comerica in September and October for a game:

Tigers sweatshirt- If you don't already have a Tigers sweatshirt, then what are you doing?  Go buy one now!  You are missing out.  Sweatshirts are the best the first 3 wears.  They are so fuzzy and warm on the inside.  The first wash is always such a disappointment.  Part of me doesn't even want to post a picture of a Tigers sweatshirt, because...come on!  Here's one anyway.  I'm getting too nice in my old age.

A winter hat- Personally, I have several.  I've worn them in March, June, and October to Tiger games.  Like I said, you never know when it could be a chilly night at the ball park.

Scarf- As mentioned before (remember, there have been 100 posts so the things I've talked about have been extensive), the scarf doubles as a rally babushka.  They have some for sale in the Tigers store, but mine is home made by Sister Tigress.

Poncho- There's nothing I hate more than being cold, except maybe being wet AND cold.  The Tigers poncho is a must!  I got mine at Meijer for 6 dollars.  I'd buy just about anything for 6 dollars.

Boots- You have to keep your feet warm somehow.  Long socks, boots, slippers, whatever it is, cold feet can ruin a game.  Now, I don't own these, but Christmas is just around the corner friends!

Blanket- Finally, the fall/spring/winter item that is most crucial is the blanket.  Nothing is warmer than having a blanket wrapped around your already bundled body.  I bought a blanket with sleeves (you know, a snuggie) for Aunt Tigress similar to the one below.

There are also many choices in the team store.  HOWEVER, nothing beats my "vintage" Tigers blanket.  Aunt Tigress gave it to me one year.  She had used and love it for years.  Best gift...ever.  I remember bringing that blanket to parks in the summer and sprawling out to listen to an outdoor band or to watch fireworks as a kid.  Whenever I bust my blanket out now, there are usually several admirers.  No friends, it wasn't made in this decade.  The tag is gone, but my best bet is that this is a relic from the 80s.

There was one Polish American night in May 2011 when I brought the blanket in to the ballpark.  The dude that was sitting next to me started making fun of me for bringing a blanket in May.  Well, it wasn't ten minutes into the game when the same gentleman was telling me what a good decision I made.  When in doubt, bring the blanket folks!

Nice guys play 1st base

Donny Kelly is back.  Let's take a look at his stellar stats that got him back on the expanded roster:

.179 average
19 hits
7 RBIs
1 home run
2 doubles
20 strike outs
1 stolen base

Just amazing.  Rario was going on about him last night and how devastated Smokes was to option him out last time.  But fortunately for us, no one else wanted him.  Go figure.  Rario also said it's great to have a nice guy on the team willing to do anything to win.  Here's what a "buddy" of mine said on facebook (Alan calls everyone buddy in the Hangover):

I'm a nice guy. Does that mean I can hit 6th for the Tigers and play first base???

Answer: Obviously yes.  

I'm sure Donny is the greatest kid to ever walk into the Tiger clubhouse, but this is September.  Time to get serious.

Happy 100!

Guess what?  This is post number 100!  Can't believe it!  The memories have been outstanding.  Remember that one time when I made that comment about Rario?  What about that ONE time that Smokes got thrown out?  Or Papa Potato almost lost the game for us?  Ya, I remember those too.

Now to a darker subject: Hazing.  The aforementioned Potato initiates people into the bullpen by making them smell ammonia right before the game.  Which, come on, seems like a GREAT idea.  The most recent victim of Potato's shenanigans was Drew Smyly.  Seems like a great idea to me!  I mean, he is a long inning reliever, so if he was needed, it'd probably be right at the beginning of the game anyway.  Smyly said his eyes only watered for the first inning or so.  Great. 

I'm all for harmless hazing though.  In fact, when they prepped the story, I was intrigued and kept watching Tigers Live even though My Not FSN Reporter was presenting the story.  In fact, I thought it was hilarious when relievers had to carry the Hello Kitty backpack.  Here's Wilk below working it:

I distinctly remember Alburquerque (who is doing well in rehab) carrying it around, but all I could find was him with this sassy tiger one.

In fact, they must buy new styles every year, because here is Downs carrying one in July of this year.  Could be the plastic-like material popular with the K-2 set that easily tears, but we can't be sure of the change.  Maybe they just like to spice it up.

Speaking of backpacks, it's back to school for the kiddies, which can only mean one thing...the season is quickly drawing to a close.  The boys of summer only have a month left of regular season.  Crunch time folks.  There's nothing I like better than sipping pumpkin beverages (coffee or ales are the choice of every Tigress) and watching the Tigers.  Let's make it happen!