Miguel Cabrera, 2009 Upper Deck Goudey Mini Black Back #72 7/21

Since the Roar of ’84, we’ve endured 16 losing seasons – four of which consisted of 100+ losses. Detroit fans have been heartbroken and let down many times in recent decades. Yet, I cherish every single inning of Tiger baseball. The last few years, I’ve worn out several DVR devices… recording, pausing, rewinding, replaying, then replaying again… in slow motion – all Tiger games. Many friends and family members joke that baseball is my religion. It’s not funny guys… Don’t mock my religion!

I went into game three of the ALCS as a baseball fan hoping to just enjoy a nationally televised game in beautiful Comerica Park… It’s just my honest approach, as a humble Tiger fan who’s learned to stay grounded. But just after I slipped into a comfy pair of cry me a river sweatpants and tearfully notified the WHAAAmbulance of my impending trauma, the Central Division Champs showed up - crashing my pity party.

After just seven pitches, the Rangers had a 1-0 lead with runners at 1^st and 2^nd… but then Doug Fister started acting all Doug Fisterish, muffling a rowdy Texas lineup for the next 7 1/3. Then, the man who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat, took the night off. In his place, Bizzaro AJax… some guy we haven’t seen in a while – refusing to strike out. And then re-affirming a career year, Jhonny whent yhard! And as all things are eventual, our batting champ followed by getting all Miggy with it – with the lumber and the leather.

*Health Update: Except for a lingering case of nervousness, I’ve just about shaken my bout of Nelson Cruz heroism.

Cabby is the tenth Tiger hitter to capture a batting crown.

With the Tigers’ obvious injury/offensive woes, Cabrera will need to be the superstar he is. He always seems loose in the field, and from the looks of last night, he's loosened at the dish.

Hopefully Porcello took close notes last night, and continues to pound hitters in and off the plate. With just two lefties in tonight's Rangers lineup, Rick just needs to stay cool and keep the ball down. I have confidence in his mound presence, as he proved in game 163 in ‘09. As long as Texas doesn't get to him early, I think he’ll ride the crowd… the locals don’t want to see Verlander in an elimination scenario, Thursday. If it ends on the road, it ends on the road, but let’s give the faithful something to beat their chests about.