Illitch might keep the wallet open. The Tigers went over 3 million for the first time in attendance. Hairpuck has to be happy about that so he might keep spending.

It's too late now, right?

yeah, but I was speaking more to your point about it being 15 years before the Tigers sniff it again. I think moves will be made in the offseason. I think the Tigers will continue to be competitive.

Ilich is going to have the wallet open. Also, they are planning on adding more seats to increase the capacity (reduce bullpen = more premium seats). Verlander will have one more year of experience. Robertson should have a better year next year. So should Bondo. Rogers may be back for one more since he saved a year on his arm. Pitching will be solid. Need some bullpen help, either 1B or SS, and some left-handed power. A leadoff man wouldn't hurt. I'm sure Dombrowski is going to look at all the options in the offseason. Tigers should remain competitive for the forseeable future.

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I think the Washington Wizards have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization. - C.Barkley

It would be stupid not to invest now as we will not see the likes of this batting lineup again.
Rogers has said he won't play for anyone else.
So he's here or done.

That would be correct. Batting carried the team throughout the season. The Tigers are #20 (out of 30) in MLB and #9 (out of 15) in AL in ERA. So, the pitching had issues. Yes, there were injuries. But can we count on Miller to step in and pitch consistently? Is Jurrjiens ready to pitch on the high level for the whole year? How Rogers' health going to hold up? Have we seen the best of Bondo and Robertson last season? Can we get some free agent bullpen help and possibly some young guns to step in? Who will be the closer? The balance of Tigers pitching for the next season is quite delicate. If everything works out fine we could have a repeat of the 2006. If not it will be "close but no cigar" situation.

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I think the Washington Wizards have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization. - C.Barkley

If they hunt well in the off season maybe we can find another crusty ole Rogers out there. Under valued starter.

There are a lot of teams in our position. In other words, they have a chance at glory if their pitching stays healthy.

The Cubs were rearing to go with Prior, Wood, Maddox, and co a few years ago and couldn't put it all together.

It is a tough thing to do because pitching is expensive, delicate, requires youth physically, and veteran savvy mentally. You either get guys who fall apart, or guys that can't come through in the clutch.

And the worst part is that pitching always trumps hitting deep into the playoffs. When an ace is on, our great lineup will be totally neutralized.

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"Defense fuels your offense. No mystery about that." AA

Wood snapped.
Hopefully Verlander won't.

The Tigers are on a 5-game winning streak...