Why are the Detroit Tigers so good? They have the same team as last year (almost).?

Question

I have my own opinions but, I would like other peoples opinions that follow baseball.

Answer 1

Being a Tiger Fan For Life I'd have to say that David Dombrowski is the main reason for the success of The Tigers.

He took over as President of The Tigers in 2001. He fired Randy Smith in 2002,a nd took over the GM duties as well.

Since then he has stocked out farm system and has made some very good trades.

Of Course the hiring of Jim Leyland is icing on the cake.

Jim Leyland is absolutely working wonders with this team.

he has them believing in them selves.

Justin Verlander & Joel Zumaya are absolutely incredible..both are form our farm system.

Dombrowski got Polanco in a trade, Carlos Guillen in a trade, took I-Rod from free agency (when no one else wanted him) and he got Mags (Ordenez ffrom free agency as well when no one else would have him)...

Dombrowski is a very smart baseball man, and I am glad he is on our side.

On a side note, Dombrowski put the 1997 Florida Marlins together and guess who manged them?

Yep, Jim Leyland.

So, who knows?

The Tigers could win The WORLD Series....but after 12 straight seasons under .500 I'd be happy with 2nd place.

Right now I am simply enjoying this season.

It's actually fun to see The Tigers play ball...and the most important thing in all of this is that the players are having fun too!


For me, the bottom line is that the players look like they are playing---not for money (like the yankees)---but for the love of the game.

It doesnt matter to me where they end up (Of course I'd love for them to win the WORLD Series)....I am simply enjoying the heck out of this.

I like to think it's my reward for remaining a loyal die hard Tigers fan for all these years.

The baseball Gods are smiling on us!

Answer 2

The Tigers are much better for several reasons.

First, Jim Leyland is a great manager and his managerial style has really helped.

Second, A starter at the top of the rotation like Kenny Rogers takes the pressure off the younger guys like Bonderman.

Third, The roster is almost the same as last year, but those players have gained more experience now and can fight through the difficult periods in a season without falling to pieces.

And of course the lack of quality teams in the AL Central helps their W-L record with Chicago being the only other real team there. Cleveland's dropped off the map and KC is just plain awful.

Answer 3

Two words: "Jim Leyland". Last year with Trammell at the helm (and I hate to admit this because he is my all time favorite Detroit Tiger) the team was disoriented, fighting amongst themselves, and pointing fingers at each other. Rumor has it that Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez often cussed Tram out in front of the rest of the team, and then walked away, and Tram did not take any disciplinary action against him. How can a team be expected to respect a manager like that, as well as be motivated and focused to win when the player leader of the clubhouse can get away with that?

Leyland's presence commands respect, and he treats all players equally. He demands that they bust their ***, and that they approach each game with a professional attitude. Leyland is the reason the Tigers have, as of June 27, won 16 more games then they had as of this date last year, and why they will be in the pennant race throughout the season.

Answer 4

They're healthy.
They have Jim Leyland as a manager and are flourishing under his style.
Ordonez, Granderson, Rogers, Bonderman, Verlander, Shelton, and Polanco are having god years.
They added veteran pitchers in Rogers and Jones.
Their youngsters are coming through: Verlander, Zumaya, and have more down on the farm in Humberto Sanchez.
I still predict they'll win it all next year.

Answer 5

Well, the team is different. They acquired Kenny Rogers who is been excellent at pitching and they have a great rookie pitcher Justin Verlander. Leiland has been doing a great job. Their offense has been doing its job. Shelton, Inge, Pudge Rodriguez, Granderson, Polonco and the pitching has kept them in games. Bonderman, Verlander and Rogers and closer Todd Jones have been great.

Answer 6

pitching, and the teams been healthier this year. But being a white sox fan I think it's luck and won't last much longer

Answer 7

GPC has said it all and very well!! He should get the 10 points!!

I hope you agree!!

Answer 8

I dunno...
steroids?

But what I do know is that they better cut the crap before the white sox are forced to open a can of whoop-a** on their candy a**es.