Tigers Get Choker Label, But Twins Earn Central Title

The baseball world is aflame with news of the epic tank job the Tigers pulled to end the season. No team has ever had a three game lead with just four to play and still lost the division title. It has never happened in over 100 years of baseball history folks. So that makes your Detroit Tigers chokers... or does it?

The Minnesota twins went 17-4 down the stretch. This includes a 5-3 record against the Tigers, a 1-1 record against presumptive Cy Young Award winner Zack Grienke, and an 11-0 record against everyone else. That's pretty darn impressive.

Even more impressive is the fact they did this without former MVP Justin Morneau. Francisco Liriano? Nope, he's on the DL. How about newcomer Joe Crede? He's gone too. With a litany of injured players and a patched together pitching staff, these Minnesota Twins didn't just beat the Tigers. They tore apart the entire league.

The fact is, this is not a random occurance for the Twins. Last year they lost a playoff game to the White Sox, thus finishing second in the Central. They have won 5 out of the last 8 division titles, and come from behind nearly every time they've won. The Twins ALWAYS charge hard at the end of the season. To finish ahead of them, you will need to go out and earn it.

To be fair, the Tigers didn't help themselves with their season long offensive woes. Nor did the legal troubles of Miguel Cabrera help. The Tigers weren't too shabby themselves however, going 8-6 over their last 14 games and having more success than anyone against the fiery hot Twins.

Some people would point out the misplayed ball by Ryan Rayburn, or the turf hits that plagued the Tigers during Tuesday's playoff game at the Metrodome. There is no doubt the 'dome gives the Twins a tremendous advantage, it could have been nuetralized by winning just one more game.

Please, don't call the Tigers chokers. Don't say the Metrodome helped the Twins win. Any excuses would do nothing but cheapen the incredible baseball this team has played for the last month. The Twins have the best manager, and the most well run 'small market' team in the majors. I'll leave you with this. No matter how you feel about the end of the season, tip your cap to the Twins. Wish them luck against the Yankees, and enjoy postseason baseball.