We certainly have our hands full here against a highly-talented Tigers squad hardened by that fairly ferocious three-way stretch battle. Their batting lineup is the equal of any in the league - led by Al Kaline, sparked by Curt Flood and powered by Norm Cash, it is without a weak spot. Dick McAuliffe’s maturation this year is another mole needing to be whacked and adds another X factor to a fantastic group. The Hendley loss leaves them a bit thin on pitching, and Moon’s absence will be felt keenly, but still they are the deserved favourites here.
But how can I ever doubt my guys? They just never let me down and I am confident if they do go down here it will be with all guns blazing, which is the only way they know. Our pitching is the key here – if we can’t keep their guys relatively quiet then we’re in all sorts. I expect Games 3 and 4 – and therefore, Game 7 if needed – to be some sort of crazy games given the pitchers slotted up for them. If we can get Podres back to how good he has been for us and how good we know he still can be, that will really swing things back in our favour.
Should be an enthralling match-up, whatever the outcome.