2011 MLB Playoff Bracket: Detroit Tigers Have a World Series-Caliber Rotation

The Detroit Tigers have arguably the best pitching rotation in the MLB postseason, and it features the undisputed best pitcher in baseball–Justin Verlander.

You can't help but feel sorry for any team that has to play them in a series, which means that right now you should feel pretty bad for the New York Yankees.

Not only do the Yankees have to start off with Verlander, but the Tigers will follow him up with Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and the Rick Porcello if need be.

I have a feeling they aren't going to get past Scherzer.

This Detroit Tigers team has a World Series-caliber rotation, but that's only scratching the surface.

The bullpen is one of the best in the American League and features lights-out closer Jose Valverde and stellar set-up man Joaquin Benoit amongst others.

If the starters can get the ball to Benoit in the eight it's pretty much a done deal.

Joanne C. Gerstener of the New York Times writes about the Tigers rotation and how they match up with the Yankees:

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This season, Verlander has faced the Yankees twice–once at home, once away–and had no decision in either game. He uncharacteristically struggled, allowing eight walks, a .250 batting average in 12 innings.

Fister (11-13) was acquired by the Tigers on July 30 from the Mariners, and has gone 8-1 since. He was named the A.L. pitcher of the month for September.

He only has one appearance this year against the Yankees, a 4-1 loss in New York in his last start for the Mariners.

Scherzer, the third starter, is known for his success pitching at Comerica Park–which is why he will likely be starting Game 3 in Detroit. Scherzer is 8-4, with a 3.80 E.R.A. in Detroit, and 7-5 with a 5.23 E.R.A. on the road.

Curiously, the Yankees are the exception to Scherzer’s season numbers. He is 2-0 against them, with both wins at Yankee Stadium. He’s carrying a 4.15 E.R.A., highlighted by a 4-0, four-hit gem tossed on May 4 in New York.

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The beauty of postseason baseball is that once you get in, anything can happen.

The Detroit Tigers are beginning the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league. As a team that has grown notorious for their second-half collapses, they went out and did the complete opposite in 2011.

The Tigers have gotten stronger as the year progressed, and they did so by leaning on their pitching staff.

With an offense that features Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Alex Avila all the Tigers' rotation needs to do is hold their opponent to a few runs and let the bats take care of the rest.

That's quite a formula to success in the postseason, so don't be surprised if the Tigers ride their success all the way to the World Series