They say this was the year.
They often said that for the Tigers in recent years, a team that clinched the division four years in a row.
But this year, at the very beginning, it really did look like the year. The Tigers looked faster. The starting rotation was billed as one of the best in the majors. The Tigers landed legendary closer Joe Nathan.
Soooo, the team looked complete.
Then we saw Nathan was no better than Phil Coke some days or Jose Valverde in his final season (Though he pitched great on Sunday). They acquired reliever Joakim Soria, and he did poorly. The Tigers had a problem: Even the top relievers from other teams turned to mush when they came to the Tigers.
The Tigers had some great moments. They also had a ridiculously long losing streak. Midway through the season, Kevyn Orr should have taken over the Tigers and done some serious reorganizing, says my good friend Bud.
Then, almost miraculously, the Tigers turned on the steam at the end of the season and squeezed out Kansas to clinch the division. Midway through the season,
Then came the playoffs. The bullpen let everyone down in the first two games. Then in the third game, David Price pitched a great game. But the Tigers' batters had no juice. They played as if it was just another regular season game. There was no electricity. No hunger.
So, frankly it was heartening to see the end. The Tigers lost to the Orioles 2-1.
It was a painful season that needed to be put to rest.
Expectations can be painful.
