Detroit Tigers News: Former Tigers Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez find World Series glory

The 2019 Major League Baseball season is officially over after the Washington Nationals triumphed over the Houston Astros in a thrilling Game 7 to win the World Series. The biggest news to Detroit Tigers fans in these trying times was the trio of former Tigers pitchers who finally accomplished their long-held dreams of hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy at the end of the season. The three hurlers join a laundry list of former Tigers who have won a ring in just the past three years, a rather bitter pill for many to swallow.

Former Tigers have been racking up the rings

There were three familiar faces for Tigers fans among the champagne-soaked victors on Wednesday night, two of whom were part of one of the greatest pitching rotations the franchise has ever seen. Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez — erstwhile anchors of a group that also included Justin Verlander, David Price and Rick Porcello — helped lead the Nationals to their first World Series title.

However, these two are just a couple of members of the former Tigers club to have tasted the sweetness of the ultimate postseason victory.

Over the past three seasons, 10 former Tigers — including former team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski — have reached the pinnacle of baseball accomplishments. Among those are the aforementioned members of the 2014 rotation, as well as J.D. Martinez, who was traded for an extremely underwhelming return, and an aged but seasoned Ian Kinsler. While it it would be unreasonable to hold any resentment against these guys, it sure does put the salt on an already festering wound after a season of historic futility.

For one former Tigers alumnus, thanks in large part to many years of separation, watching him finally hold up the trophy is something every Tigers fan should be able to appreciate. Having played for 11 different teams over 17 seasons and currently holding the distinction of the oldest active MLB player, it is wonderful to see Fernando Rodney finally get his due.

However, despite Rodney’s fairytale finish, watching all of these former Tigers winning the World Series when the boys in the Olde English D came so close for so many years has to be difficult for the fans. Hopefully, the franchise will turn things around sooner than later, so that those loyal to Detroit will have something to cheer about again.

Tigers make roster moves

Tigers have made several roster moves in anticipation of an offseason full of transactions. The most obvious move was the reinstatement of JaCoby Jones and Michael Fulmer from the 60-day injured list.

The team then followed up that move by allowing Edwin Jackson, Tyson Ross, Matt Moore and Gordon Beckham to leave as free agents. The 40-man roster is now 33 players deep.

A bit of history

Did you know that the Detroit Tigers once had a female owner, way back in the year 1900? Check out the link to read all about how Mary Van Derbeck came into possession of the team for just a brief tenure of ownership back at the turn of the previous century.

Base hits

• The Tigers should sign Jason Kipnis because he would make the team better... if only just to keep from having to pitch to him.
• What did Tigers get with Roberto Campos, their $2.85 million signing? Lynn Henning takes a look at the 16-year-old Cuban-born prospect.
• Toledo Mud Hens manager Doug Mientkiewicz has been relieved of his duties as of Thursday morning. A year after inking him to a two-year deal, the Tigers will move in a different direction.

Around the horn

Do you believe in miracles: The highly unlikely tale of the 2019 World Series champions. Howie Kendrick carves his niche in World Series history. And now a word about Bryce Harper. These charges against Josh Hamilton are different than his prior slip-ups. Kansas City Royals name Mike Matheny as their new manager. The New York Yankees decline the option on Edwin Encarnación’s contract. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies name new pitching coaches.

Baseball is awesome