Just hours after winning the ALDS vs. the New York Yankees, Jim Leyland released his starting rotation for the ALCS. Facing the Texas Rangers, at Texas for the first and last 2 games. Leyland has decided to go with this rotation for the big series:

Game 1: Verlander (1-0, 5.00)

Game 2: Porcello (0-1, 6.00)

Game 3: Fister (1-1, 6.52)

Game 4: Scherzer (1-0, 1.23)

*Game 5: Verlander (1-0, 5.00)

*Game 6: Porcello (0-1, 6.00)

*Game 7: Fister (1-1, 6.52)

You guys are probably wondering why Rick Porcello will be starting Game 2 and 6, right? Well, mainly in part to Doug Fister pitching last night. Doug is obviously not gonna go out out there on 3 days rest. The move could be questioned all night, considering Leyland could have slated Max Scherzer into Game 2, and possibly, Game 6.

The only question I have is, is starting Rick Porcello TWICE in a huge series, too risky?

Part of Leyland’s decision to pitch Porcello in game 2 could be that Rick is a ground ball pitcher. In a hitters park like Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, a ground ball type pitcher is more likely to succeed. On the other hand, the other option for Game 2, Max Scherzer, is more of a fly ball pitcher. Scherzer and a hitters park would not be a good mix, even though Max defied the odds in his last start, shutting out the Yankees on their turf.

The other part could be strength/rest. Max Scherzer just pitched last night, but only threw 32 pitches. Doug Fister also pitched last night, while throwing 92 pitches. Fister’s start last night automatically crosses him off the list to start Game 2. I guess Max could go, if the Tigers REALLY needed him. But the young Ricky Porcello was the most rested starter, and he will project as the Game 2 starter.

Notes for ALCS:

• According to Leyland, Magglio Ordonez RF, Brandon Inge 3B, and Ryan Raburn 2B will all start tomorrow night vs. C.J Wilson. Raburn is hitting .385 in 22 games against Texas in his career.

• 1st pitches:
Saturday at Texas 8:05 ET
Sunday at Texas 7:45 ET
Tuesday at Detroit 8:05 ET
Wednesday at Detroit 4:19 ET
**Thursday at Detroit 4:19 ET
**Saturday at Texas 8:05 ET
**Sunday at Texas 8:05 ET

• Pitching match-ups:

Game 1: J. Verlander (0-0, -.–) vs. C. Wilson (0-0, -.–)

Game 2: R. Porcello (0-0, -.–) vs. D. Holland (0-0, -.-)

Game 3:  C. Lewis (0-0, -.–) vs. D. Fister (0-0, -.–)

Game 4:  M. Harrison (0-0, -.–) vs. M. Scherzer (0-0, -.–)

Game 5: C. Wilson (0-0, -.–) vs. J. Verlander (0-0, -.–)

Game 6:  R. Porcello (0-0, -.–) vs. D. Holland (0-0, -.-)

Game 7: D. Fister (0-0, -.–) vs.  C. Lewis (0-0, -.–)

For the first time in 5 years, and the 13th time in franchise history, the Detroit Tigers will be in the playoffs. In fact, the last time Detroit played in the ALDS, it was against the Yankees. The Tigers will enter the division series in search for their 5th WS title, while the Yanks will be going for their 28th.

Game dates:

Friday, Sept. 30 in New York: Justin Verlander (five days rest) vs. C.C. Sabathia (nine days rest)

Saturday, Oct. 1 in New York: Doug Fister (four days rest) vs. Ivan Nova (seven days rest)

Monday, Oct. 3 in Detroit: Max Scherzer (five days rest) vs. Freddy Garcia (eight days rest)

Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Detroit: Rick Porcello (five days rest) vs. C.C. Sabathia (three days rest)

Thursday, Oct. 6 in New York: Justin Verlander (five days rest) vs. Ivan Nova (four days rest)

Game 1: 

Both the Tigers and Yankees will run out their ace’s in game 1. The clear cut CY Young winner, J. Verlander (0-0, -.–) will face one of the best lefties in baseball, in C. Sabathia (0-0, -.–). This could possibly be the best match-up in the first round.

Verlander’s regular season numbers were far from normal, they were unimaginable. JV lead in just about every catagory there is, ERA, wins, K’s, whip, and innings. You name it, he has got it. Career in the playoff’s, Verlander only has 4 starts (1-2, 5.82), but that was as an inexperienced rookie. This time, Justin is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. JV in his career against the Yankees is 4-3 with an era just a tad south of 4. Both Jeter and Posada hit Verlander great, posting .300 averages against him.

Another Dominant force, CC Sabathia, will toe the rubber in game 1. CC’s regular season numbers were more then acceptable (18-9, 3.00). But if the powerful lefty wants to win on Friday night, he will need to pitch incredible, no joke. CC will be pitching on 9 days rest. He has made 41 starts on six or more days rest, and in that situation, his ERA is 4.04. His career numbers vs. Detroit aren’t that flattering, as he has gone 15-12 with an era of 4.54. Detroit hitters have pounded him throughout his career, especially slugger, Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera sports a .563 average including 2 dingers, and 11 runs driven in.

Game 2:

The workhorse, D. Fister (0-0, -.–) will square off against rookie, I. Nova (0-0, -.–). Fister has been nearly untouchable since arriving in Detroit in late July, while Nova has made a name for himself in the big leagues. First pitch, like Game 1, will be at 8:37 ET in Yankee Stadium.

8-1, with an 1.79 era — Doug Fister’s numbers with Detroit. Talk about lights out, Fister has even outpitched his teammate, Justin Verlander since Aug. 3rd. Career vs. NY, Fister is only 1-2 with an era of 6.00, but can easily shutdown them on any given night. Granderson (.333, 1 HR) and Posada (.667), both have had success against Fister this year.

The sensational rookie, Ian Nova, came out of nowhere this season. He has forced his way into a struggling Yankee rotation. Nova lead all rookies in wins and whip, on his way to a 16 win campaign. He has only appeared in one game vs. the Tigers, a game in which he pitched 2 shutout innings.

Game 3:

New York’s, F. Garcia (0-0, -.–) and Detroit’s,  M. Scherzer (0-0, -.–) will duel it out Monday night. First pitch is currently slated for 8:37 ET, in Detroit.

Freddie Garcia has been a “Tiger killer” in his long, adventurous career. In 32 starts vs. MoTown, Garcia has recorded 18 wins and has produced an 3.88 era in the process. But in his 1 start against the Tigers this year, Freddie fell to Detroit. In that game Garcia went 7 innings, while conceding 4 runs. First basemen, Miguel Cabrera has hit the veteran the best, stroking a .391 average against Freddie.

The ever-so inconsistent, Max Scherzer will be making his first career playoff start. In 33 regular season starts, Max picked up a career high 15 wins, and had an era north of 4. Scherzer has only 3 career starts vs. NY, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been great. Mad Max is 3-0 with an era of 2.84!!! On May 4th, Scherzer tossed 8 shutout innings against the Yanks.

(Potential) Game 4:

In a potential game 4 matchup C. Sabathia (0-0, -.–) will be taking on R. Porcello (0-0, -.–). First pitch has not been announced yet.

Rick Porcello will (potentially) be making his first career playoff start. Porcello joins Fister and Scherzer as other Tiger starters who will be making their first playoff starts. In the regular season, Rick collected 14 wins and finished with an era of 4.75. The 22 year old, has made 4 starts vs. NY in his young career, splitting them both.

CC Sabathia, barring a sweep, will be pitching on 3 days rest. Joe Giaradi has already stated this.

(Potential) Game 5:

J. Verlander (0-0, -.–) and NYY: I. Nova (0-0, -.–), will be making their 2nd start in the series, if it goes that far. First pitch has not been announced.

DET player to watch out for throughout the series:

Who other then Miguel Cabrera? The guy is a flat out monster, and I’m not talking about one of those monsters who hide under your bed. I’m talking about the monsters who suck blood, kill and destroy everything in their path. Cabrera had that kind of September. The big fella hit at a .429 clip over the course of September, along with 6 homers, 21 RBI, and 12 doubles. You would think teams would just pitch around him, but that’s not the case this season, with Victor Martinez hitting .330 in the #5 spot. In addition to Cabrera’s just plain dominance in September, he has owned Yankee pitching, tagging them for a .374 average, along with 10 round-trippers.

NYY player to watch out for throughout the series: 

Former fan favorite, Curtis Granderson has literally hit his way into the A.L MVP race. Curtis has been amazing all year, hitting 41 longballs, and collecting 119 RBI. Also, for all those Tiger fans who still thinks he still struggles vs. Lefties, think again. In 2009 Grandy hit .170 off of them, this year he is hitting 100 points higher at .272. In his 11 games vs. the Tigers Granderson has hit 3 dingers, all of which have been crucial. Watch out for this cat Tiger fans.

Prediction:

I don’t care if the Tigers are in a weak division and I don’t care about all the fans who think Verlander is the only player we have. The Yankee’s, and the rest of the nation, will finally find out that the Tigers are legit. I’m going with the Tigers in 3 games. Yes, we’re that good.

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians enter their final series of the regular season. While it may be the last series for the Indians, the Tigers are far from done.

Game 1: For the 2nd time this season, Doug Fister (10-13, 2.94) and Ubaldo Jimenez (10-12, 4.52) will square off. Since August 3rd, Fister has gone 7-1, 2.02 era, while on the other hand, Ubaldo has gone just 4-3 with an 4.62 era. Both pitchers were picked up at the deadline by their teams, its pretty obvious at this point which team got the better deal. First pitch is slated for 7:05 ET at Comerica.

As mentioned above, Fister has been dominant since his arrival to Detroit. He has a better era than CC Sabathia, Jon Lester, Felix Hernandez, and Dan Haren. Keep in mind that he is just 26 years of age and his better years are still ahead of him. Against the the Tribe in 2011, Doug is 2-1 with an era just a smidge over 2. He has pitched 8 innings twice vs. them, and also has 4 quality starts against them. Fister’s latest start vs. Cleveland produced an astonishing 13 strikeouts. His final line that day in Cleveland was; 8 innings, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 hits, 1 walk, and 13 K’s on 101 pitches.

The Ubaldo Jimenez deal, could possibly be one of the worst mid-season trade of the year. You can think of Ubaldo one of two ways. You could think he has only had one good half of a season (2010, when he went 15-1 before the break), while he has been mediocre the rest of his career. Or you could think of him as an ace type-pitcher with legit stuff, which he does have. So you could believe the stats, or you could believe his stuff. Either way, he is just a gigantic mystery. He could pitch a shutout one night, then he could get lit up his next start. Against the Tigers this season, Jimenez has gone 1-2 with an era hovering in the 5.40 range. His previous start vs. Detroit resulted in a loss, a game in which he was opposed by Doug Fister.

Predictions: Fister has been an absolute machine since coming to Detroit. That being said, I think he will continue his dominance tonight, in his last regular season start.

Final: 5-1 Detroit

Game 2: Max Scherzer (14-9, 4.37) will start for Detroit, while Jenmar Gomez (5-2, 3.52) with go for Cleveland. The scheduled game time is 7:05 ET at Comerica Park

Scherzer has seen his fair share of highs and lows this year. He could be compared to Ubaldo Jimenez, if you must say. He has had the stuff, but not the results. This month, Max has compiled 3 quality starts, good enough for an 1-1 record. This season vs. the Indians, Max has been relatively solid. His 2-0 record is not decieving whatsoever. He has struckout 17 Cleveland Indians in 2011 within 3 starts. His home numbers are outrageously better then his road numbers. Home: 17 starts, 7-4, 3.66 era, 82 K’s. Road: 15 starts, 7-5, 5.23 era, 85 K’s.

Cleveland will counter with rookie, Jenmar Gomez. Gomez spent a portion of 2010 with the big league club, collecting 4 wins. This season in the majors, the righty has had even more success (5-2 record, 3.52 era). In 3 career starts vs MoTown, Jenmar has had mild success, with a 1-1 record along with a 4.60 era. His lasted outing processed a quality start, 6 innings with a 1 earned run.

Prediction: Max Scherzer will more then likely continue his success vs. Cleveland and pitch good. But it won’t be a cakewalk, I’m predicting some kind of late-inning heriocs from one of Detroit’s stars. Tigers win 3-1.

Game 3: The final regular season game for the Tigers and Cleveland will go down in Detroit. Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.76) will square off against Zach McAllister (0-1, 8.53). The last first pitch of the regular season will be at 7:05 ET.

Still just 22 years old, Porcello has accomplished alot in his brief MLB career. From starting game 163 at 20 years old, to pitching like crap the next year.  His 2011 season, and career, have been plagued by inconsistency. His career numbers vs. Cleveland aren’t too shaby, 5-1 record and 3.80 era. His most recent start against the Tribe was impressive, Rick went 6.1 innings while allowing only 1 run. At home this year, the young gun has gone 5-5 with an 5.73 era.

Cleveland’s Zach McAllister has made only 3 career starts, none of which have came against Detroit. His last start resulted in a no-decision, he went 5.1 innings, conceding just 2 earned runs. In 25 starts in AAA, Zach had a record of 12-3 and era of 3.32.

Prediction: Detroit will look to take advantage of McAllister’s experience and knock him around early and often. Detroit will win once again 7-3.

Conclusion: Tigers will enter with a 7 game win streak vs. Cleveland, and will exit with a 10 game win streak. Yes that’s right, Detroit will sweep Cleveland for the 3rd straight time. Coming into Monday nights game, the Tigers will be trailing Texas by 1 game in the race for homefield adv, I’m predicting they will be tied in that race when game 162 is over.

After clinching the division, Jim Leyland now has the option to set up his 5 man pitching rotation anyway he chooses. Tonight the ol’ skipper will start Max Scherzer, who will then be relieved by Doug Fister after his 5 inning limit.

Scherzer (14-9, 4.39) will be making his 32nd start of the season, which is a new career high. Although Max will get the start, it won’t necessarily be like the rest, he will have limitations. Manager Jim Leyland stated earlier today that the right-handed Scherzer will pitch a max(no pun intended) of 5 innings. Against Kansas City in his young career, Scherzer has gone 4-4 with an era around hovering around 4.

Relieving Max will be, perhaps the most underrated pitcher in baseball, Doug Fister (9-12, 2.98). Fister bulldozed the A’s in his last start, delivering 8 beautiful innings, and was the winning pitcher of the division clinching game. Tonight will be totally different for Doug. Fister will be making his bullpen debut, discharging Max after 5 innings. Doug vs. KC in his career carries an 0-2 record to his name, along with an average era of 4.05.

Opposing the Scherzer-Fister combo, will be the flamethrowing Felipe Palino (3-10, 4.49). Take a good look at Paulino’s numbers, and yes they are correct, he is 3-10 but he does have an excuse. That excuse is run support. Felipe has had horrid run support in his career, therefor his career record of 9-31 is misleading. Paulino has only 2 appearances vs. Detroit in his life. In his last start against the Tigers, Paulino tossed the definition of a quality start, 6 innings and 3 runs. The run support factor took that game/win away from his as well.

Detroit’s player to watch: Austin Jackson has had success in his limited time against Paulino. On August 5th, the Gold Glove caliber center-fielder picked up 2 hits in 4 official AB’s. Jackson has hit .111 in his last 10 games, but has collected 4 hits in his last 2 alone. Watch out for this cat tonight, Tiger fans.

Kansas City’s player to watch: Eric Hosmer. That should be all i have to say, but for those fans who don’t know, Hosmer has gone 10 for 11 in his last 3 games vs. Detroit. Four of those 10 hits have been longballs, and not the cheap ones either. On the season, Hosmer finds himself hitting .300 with 75 RBI. STOP pitching to him Jimmy!!!

Detroit’s starting lineup: 

1. Austin Jackson CF, .249

2. Don Kelly 1B, .234

3. Delmon Young LF, .278

4. Victor Martinez DH, .325

5. Alex Avila C, .297

6. Jhonny Peralta SS, .300

7. Andy Dirks RF, .246

8. Ramon Santiago 2B, .266

9. Brandon Inge 3B, .203

Max Scherzer (14-9, 4.39), Doug Fister (9-13, 2.98) vs. Felipe Paulino (3-10, 4.49)

First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 ET at Kauffman Stadium. GO TIGERS!