This evening's Tigers-A's matchup, a.k.a. game 5 of the ALDS, has all the signs of being one of the top playoff contests of the season. Oakland, making their third playoff appearance in 2006, is looking to avenge losses to Detroit in 2006 (ALCS) and 2012 (ALDS). The Tigers, meanwhile, returned to the postseason for the fourth time in the same span, with a loss to the 2011 pennant-winning Rangers bookended by defeats in the 2006 (Cards) and 2012 (Giants) World Series.
Precocious rookie Sonny Gray vs. a possibly rejuvenated Justin Verlander. A team without superstars and their accompanying egos against a star-studded lineup that's seen its bats go silent at the worst possible moment. The West Coast matched up with a flyover state.
Will the A's lose focus on the ultimate prize as they continue to make a mountain out of a molehill and laughably claim Victor Martinez's homer shouldn't have counted? Will Justin Verlander, who had an off year by his standards, come up big when his team needs him the most? Will ANYONE score any runs in this game? Will Prince Fielder earn more free nachos? Tune in this evening to find out. You know where this here blog's loyalties lie.