Comparing 2006 to 2009 Tigers

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

As we make our way through the final month of the 2009 season, there seems to be a lot of negativity toward our boys wearing the Olde English D. The national media scoffs at the AL Central whenever they come up, and our own fans sometimes seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

This squad hasn’t hit the finish line yet, but the skepticism reminds me of what was being said about another team as it headed into the postseason. That and a poll during the game the other night got me thinking. How do these 2009 Tigers stack up against the American League Champions of 2006. 

Before we make the comparison, we have to set a few ground rules. First, we’ll be comparing the 2006 playoff roster to what looks like the most likely 2009 playoff roster. The other thing is we’re comparing this team to the 2006 team as it was when the playoffs began. 

It may be true nobody is going to step up like Kenny Rogers did in 2006. It may also be true this lineup wouldn’t disappear for the World Series. But we don’t know and it doesn’t seem fair to give the 2006 Tigers credit and blame for their postseason before we know if this one will have one. 

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