Although the season is over for the Orioles, the 2009 Playoffs are heating up, but before that starts, there will be a battle this afternoon to settle the American League Central as the Detroit Tigers take the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. Now, I assumed that the Tigers all had the division wrapped up in early September; however, they started to tank, and a Twins hot streak — made even more impressive with Justin Morneau’s absence due to injury — in the past few weeks have them primed for a postseason trip.
All things considered, Ron Gardenhire — Minnesota manager — should earn the Manager of the Year Award for his leadership and getting the most out his team (I’m not trying to disrespect Mike Scoiscia — especially after what he has had to endure with the Angels).
It’s too bad that the 2009 playoff rendition — aside from perhaps the Rockies, and barring a Minnesota win today — is one for the ‘haves’ in baseball; however, there are several compelling storylines (Angels/Red Sox — again, seeing the powerful Cardinals with the batting duo of Pujols/Holliday and the arms of Wainwright/Carpenter, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, and of course the Evil Empire) to keep everyone entertained.
I’d love nothing more to see a Yankees-Dodgers World series and for Joe Torre to give his former employers the finger. Ok, so Torre probably would never ever go out of his way to disrespect anyone; however, I’m imagine victory over New York would be very, very sweet for him.
