Yankees vs. Tigers: Detroit Closer Jose Valverde Crazy to Light Fire Under Yanks

The Detroit Tigers barely had enough time to fully comprehend their crucial Game 2 win against the New York Yankees before closer Jose Valverde turned on the pressure cooker.

After closing out the 5-3 victory, Valverde told reporters the win punched Detroit's ticket to the ALCS (via CBS Sports).

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"Oh yeah," the Tiger closer said late Sunday afternoon. "It's over already. Verlander has it [Monday]. Next day, have the celebration in Detroit—100 percent. The Yankees have a good team, but I think that's it for them."

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After being questioned by fellow reliever Phil Coke, Valverde said he was only joking. Even so, why would you give a high-powered offense like New York's any bulletin board material?

The last thing that Detroit needed was to give them even more motivation.

In reality, Game 3 is a must-win situation for the Tigers if they have any chance of advancing to the next round. In a rematch of the rain-shortened Game 1, Justin Verlander will matchup against C.C. Sabathia in a battle of aces.

In Games 4 and 5, Detroit will throw Rick Porcello and Doug Fister. While it's possible that one of them could slow down the Yankees' offense and pick up a series-clinching win, the likelihood of them both prevailing is minimal.

Valverde's decision is even more questionable when you consider his comments end the Tigers' role of being the big underdog against the powerhouse Yankees. Now the entire team has to go out and back up the words of one player.

Verlander will need to possess better control in Game 3 than he showed in his one inning of the opener. The dominant righty walked two guys and looked jittery throughout.

You don't post a 2.40 ERA and 0.92 WHIP unless you are a great pitcher—now he has to prove it against a well-rounded lineup.

Will the Tigers win the series? Maybe or maybe not, but either way, Valverde is now the story.

Tigers fans have become accustomed to sitting on the edge of their seats when he comes in to close a game, and now he'll have to sit on the edge of his, hoping his teammates can back him up.

Otherwise, it will be looked backed upon as the series Valverde lost in the clubhouse, and not on the mound.