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ALCS Is an October Surprise
Nate Robertson will be the Tigers' starting pitcher in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series in Oakland, where he will face Barry Zito.
(By Julie Jacobson -- Associated Press)
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Which all fits in well with a favorite saying of Detroit Manager Jim Leyland, one he repeated Monday when asked about his team's surge of momentum coming off the victory over the Yankees.
"Momentum," Leyland said, "is as good as your next day's pitcher."
Which is one reason Leyland doesn't want to hear about the Tigers' supposed offensive advantage. Though right fielder Magglio Ordoñez and catcher Ivan Rodriguez are likely the most recognizable faces in the lineup, the Tigers are dangerous because of players such as shortstop Carlos Guillen, who hit .320 during the season and .571 in the ALDS, and Sean Casey, the first baseman acquired in a midseason trade with Pittsburgh who has helped provide balance by providing a left-handed bat. Detroit clubbed 203 homers this year, third-most in the AL, without a 30-homer man. Six Tigers had 19 or more home runs.
Other than the powerful Thomas, the Athletics make their reputation -- one that was amplified in a flawlessly played division series -- by doing every single thing correctly. They hit the opposite way, draw tough walks, bunt the ball, come through with key hits.
"Most importantly, they play the game the way it's supposed to be played," Leyland said, "and they play it with an added amount of enthusiasm."
So beginning Tuesday, forget who isn't here, the Yankees and the Twins and the Sox -- both White and Red. They're not coming back. Introducing the only two teams who can represent the AL in the World Series -- Detroit and Oakland, the Tigers and the A's.
"Both teams are going to come out with confidence," Leyland said. "Both teams have reason to be confident. Both teams had very good regular seasons. Both teams are going to be ready to play.
"I don't think there's an advantage to either team."
