I'm worried

Hi, my name is the Tigress and I'm a worried Tiger fan.  The Tigers got swept...yes swept, by the last place in the NL East and overall disappointment this year Miami Marlins.  The pitchers had decent outings, but there was no run support.  You can't win playoff games without run support.  You just can't.  While starting pitching has been on, relief pitching has been...not.

The Tigers start the ALDS against the A's on Friday.  There's two things that are certain about the A's this year.  1.  They can hit the ball with authority.  Not just the 3 and 4 hitters either, but just about everyone.  2. The Oakland fans are some of the loudest and most supportive fans in baseball.

Don't fret, Tiger faithful.  I have a foolproof plan.  Smokes just needs to stop moon walking long enough to read, learn, and love the plan.  Here it is broken down into steps:

But do you own the rest of MLB?

Step 1: Start SchEYEzer and Sanchez on the road in Oakland.  These two don't count on the crowd support like JV and Fister.  The S&S boys are basically lights out no matter what.  With a win from one of these guys, we'd come back to Comerica at 1-1 and hope to take both at home and end the series before it has to go back to Oakland.  I remember the ALDS last year versus Oakland and it was no slice of cake.  Let's take our wins when we can get them.

Step 2: Start who is hitting.  Don't play the odds, play who is hot.  I know Dom has said that Iggy is the shortstop but if he's not hitting, he should be sitting (Dr. Seuss would be proud).  Peralta may be a screw up, but his bat is getting hits.  Same goes for anyone playing the outfield or catching.  Forget loyalty, this is the playoffs.  Everyone gets a ring, whether they pick up a bat or chew Double Bubble next to Lamont.

Step 3: This is where the fans come in.  Be louder and rowdier than the Oakland fans.  Not bad rowdy, just effective rowdy.  It frazzles people, and we need to be the tenth man that Detroit deserves.  I'll be there Monday for game three.  If someone could take the initiative on Tuesday for game 4, then we should be covered.  Smokes is always crying and thanking the fans.  Let's give him something to really cry about.  Thanks in advance for your support.

Step 4: Bullpen needs to step it up.  Good news is that Porcello will be joining the bullpen and Alvarez should be too.  Let's just "rest" the guys that have been a little shaky (you know who you are.  You don't need me to fake cough and say your names).  New rule: You walk somebody, you come out.  Don't give away free lunch or free base runners.

Step 5: This is the most important thing so come close.  Closer.  Are you ready?  Relax!  Stop pinning all your hopes to one at bat or one play in the field.  Games are sometimes lost on one play, but a series is not.  It's the first to 3.  Have some fun and enjoy this.  Even though it's your third straight year in the playoffs, it's still something to be savored and enjoyed.  Like tiramisu.  No one inhales tiramisu.