The Tigers drafted Johnny Smoltz very late in the 1985 draft, just as the steroid era was beginning. A couple years later he was involved in that infamous Doyle Alexander trade that helped Detroit win the AL East in 1987, and in the longer term helped Atlanta win over a dozen division titles and a world title.
He has won over 200 games, and if it weren't for the four years he was saving almost 40 a year as the best closer in the game during that stretch, he would be easily on pace to win 300. He has proven to be one of best postseason hurlers in the history of MLB.
Can you imagine had he not been traded? Sure the Tigs would've been spared the '87 division title, but instead of one title in the '80s, with Jack Morris and John Smoltz at the top of the rotation in that era they would've had at least one more.
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...I'm watching Javier Vazquez throw 90-91 mph fastballs past Tiger hitters ! They are missing these pitches by a foot. They have 6 hits and no runs in last 14 innings with umpires getting in the way of the Tiger defense as they try to field the baseball, but I still think they will win 92 more games.
6 comments:
Finally...Al Anagonye has won his spot atop the Spartan Hoops historic rankings.
What the hell is 2nd Best, Moonie?
Furthermore, the 3rd Base Umpire didn't get in the way of anyone. Just as the home plate Ump and the catcher have an "exit right, exit left" agreement, the 3rd base up and the 5 spotter have an agreement...ump stays put, 3B locates and avoids.
When it rains it pours with these Tigs. It's 2003 all over again, except at 5-6 times the price.
Bringin' it tough.
Skiles is #1
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