Congratulations to the Detroit Tigers on winning their first American League pennant since 1984.

What an absolute bomb that Magglio Ordonez hit to end the game in the bottom of the ninth. Ordonez hit a shot over the left field wall with two out and two on in the bottom of the ninth to break a 3-3 tie and send the Tigers to the 2006 World Series. The game’s action doesn’t matter much now since the series is over, but what does matter is what an incredible job Jim Leyland did in turning around this organization. Consider this, a lot of the ballplayers that the Tigers won with this year, were part of one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball history just three years ago. It’s not like Detroit did it with a lot of free agent pickups or lofty dollar signs, either. The Tigers won with homegrown talent, great cohesiveness and a manager who put it all together. Don’t forget that Detroit was pronounced dead on arrival just two weeks ago after getting swept by the Kansas City Royals. They lost the division title, limped into the playoffs, and were heavy underdogs against the New York Yankees. Despite facing all of that, the Tigers have emerged winners of seven straight in the playoffs and are now on the verge of facing either the Mets or Cardinals in the World Series.

Motown has been on a great ride this season and the train doesn’t stop here either.

As for Oakland – what are you going to say? Blown opportunities and lack of hitting killed this team for four straight games. You can’t lose two games at home and expect to turn things around on the road. They won a lot of games in the regular season with smoke and mirrors as far as their hitting is concerned and it was no more evident against the Tigers. They’ll have a big decision to make this offseason with the future of Barry Zito, but Oakland still should have a solid pitching staff for ’07 and undoubtedly will be in the race again next year in the AL West. Nice season A’s.

I guess my prediction of Tigers in six came up two games short, huh? Once again, congratulations to the Tigers and the city of Detroit.