May I introduce to you the (one and only) 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tiggers. They totally dominated the A’s in both hitting and pitching on the way to a four game sweep. Plus the final game of the series was a great game; coming back from a 3-0 deficit and leaving a runner at third with fewer than 2 outs in two separate innings only to win it on a 2-out 3-run walkoff home run by Magglio Ordonez. (A bit of trivia, what was the last team to win a playoff series with a walkoff home run? Answer below…) It’s not question that this Tigers team is streaky, and they’re certainly on a hot streak right now. For their sake, I hope the week off between the end of the ALCS and the beginning of the World Series doesn’t give them too much time to cool down. Remember, this team was swept by the RoyAAAls, at home, less than two weeks ago.

There’s still the question of who the Tiggers will face in the World Series. Both the Mets and the Cards are reeling for pitching right now. I think they’d both be ecstatic if they could get Lenny DiNardo to start a playoff game. Hell, the Cards “ace” is Jeff Weaver who was kicked off of the Angels roster just a few months ago. Pathetic.

I got a big kick out of Dusty Baker doing commentary on Sportscenter though. The host asked Baker if he’d keep pitching to Carlos Delgado since he has 9 RBIs in the series through four games. This raises an interesting question. Why would you bother to ask Dusty Baker how he would manage a critical in-game decision? That’s like asking Kate Moss what dessert you should order. Baker is famous for being “the best manager for 23 hours a day.” In other words, what ever he suggests LaRussa should do I would fully endorse that LaRussa does the opposite. I’d even hire Baker just so I know what NOT to do.

Anyway, we’ve got (up to) three games left in the NLCS. I’m rooting for the Mets, but only if we don’t have to see Mookie Wilson in the crowd anymore.

Trivia Answer: 2004 Red Sox (ALDS vs. The ANAHEIM Angels — Big Papi, who else?)