Bless You Boys - 2014 SB Nation MLB awardsA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-11-17T08:00:06-05:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/69953502014-11-17T08:00:06-05:002014-11-17T08:00:06-05:00SB Nation MLB Awards: BYB's winners are...
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>The results weren't particularly close, but we have our nominees for the SB Nation MLB awards!</p> <p>Over the past two weeks, we have been asking for your nominations and votes for the SB Nation MLB awards. Today, our poll winners will be passed onto the MLB-wide award committee -- led by <a href="https://twitter.com/bybkurt" target="_blank">a familiar face</a> -- to determine the overall nominees for each category.</p>
<p>Without further ado, here are our winners!</p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/3/7149351/funniest-detroit-tigers-moment-2014" target="_blank">Funniest moment:</a> Binocular-gate</h5>
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<p><span>Ian Kinsler</span> with perhaps the best troll job of all-time right here. <a href="http://t.co/KxXFPAbgd7">pic.twitter.com/KxXFPAbgd7</a></p>
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldofIsaac/status/514859821913608193">September 24, 2014</a>
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<p><span>Chris Sale</span> got upset. Ian Kinsler made him pay. OK, so Kinsler technically hit his game-winning RBI double off reliever <span>Javy Guerra</span>, but his gesture was meant for Sale, who thought that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> had binocular-wielding spies in the center field bleachers. Except that there are no center field bleachers at Comerica Park...</p>
<p>The mystery lives on.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/5/7158631/what-was-the-tigers-most-regrettable-moment-from-2014" target="_blank">Most regrettable moment:</a> pulling <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> in Game 2 of the ALDS</h5>
<p>Despite my best attempts to make this a lighthearted award, Tigers fans could not get over the decision to remove Anibal Sanchez from a pivotal Game 2 of the ALDS against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a>. Sanchez had retired six consecutive batters in 30 pitches. Naturally, the Tigers' bullpen coughed up their lead in the next inning. Manager Brad Ausmus said after the game that giving Sanchez two innings was the plan all along, only adding fuel to the fire.</p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/8/7176651/detroit-tigers-defense-ezequiel-carrera-alex-avila" target="_blank">Best defensive play:</a> Ezequiel Carrera's diving catch</h5>
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<p>'Nuff said.</p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/15/7220065/what-was-the-biggest-hit-of-the-tigers-2014-season" target="_blank">Biggest hit:</a> <span>Rajai Davis</span>' walkoff grand slam</h5>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JIiWu4SSDPM" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Was there a bigger hit this season? Even with the bases loaded, the Tigers' win probability was still only at 20 percent when Davis stepped to the plate. After he took Oakland's Sean Doolittle deep to the left field seats for a walkoff grand slam? A nice, round 100 percent. Rajai jumped around like a kid afterward, which is understandable when you consider that every baseball-playing kid ever has dreamed up this exact scenario in his or her back yard.</p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/15/7225487/what-was-the-tigers-best-pitching-performance-of-2014" target="_blank">Best pitching performance:</a> <span>Rick Porcello's</span> Maddux</h5>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=34215015&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Zero walks. Zero strikeouts. Ninety-five pitches. That's all it took Rick Porcello to shut down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>, who had the best record in baseball at the time. Porcello was masterful, allowing just four hits. Only one baserunner reached scoring position. It was his second consecutive shutout, making him the first Tiger to accomplish the feat since Jack Morris. And did we mention it only took him 95 pitches?</p>
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<a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/16/7228593/sb-nation-mlb-awards-who-is-the-team-of-the-year" target="_blank">Team of the year:</a> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a>
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<p>They didn't win the World Series, but that doesn't matter. Neither did the 2006 Tigers. I think that our fanbase saw a bit of that squad in the 2014 Royals. Led by a pitching staff with a veteran ace and a flamethrowing rookie, the Royals also lost the AL Central by one game before blowing through the ALDS and ALCS. They put together a far better performance in the World Series, though. If it were not for <span>Madison Bumgarner</span>, we may very well be talking about the World Champs right now.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/17/7228937/sb-nation-mlb-awards-and-the-winners-areRob Rogacki2014-11-16T09:47:38-05:002014-11-16T09:47:38-05:00POLL: Who is the team of the year?
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<img alt="We can't vote for the Tigers, so here's Jim Leyland." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X_KhCaRA1_Rur_eY3ve6uDvxb0M=/0x10:2672x1791/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44166682/20140510_ajl_aa1_001.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>We can't vote for the Tigers, so here's Jim Leyland. | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>You can't pick the Tigers. That's the only rule.</p> <p>As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the "team of the year" in Major League Baseball. However, there's a catch. Since we're the SB Nation community most likely to be biased towards the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>, we cannot vote for them. If you're doing the math at home, that means we have to choose one of the other 29 MLB teams. No pressure, right?</p>
<p>Below is the biggest poll in BYB history. Here is a short snippet on each team as to why you should (or should not) vote for them.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Orioles</a>:</b> Won the AL East. Beat the Tigers in the playoffs. Manager uses the bullpen sensibly.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a>:</b> /stands and claps for <span>Derek Jeter</span></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Blue Jays</a>:</b> With a player nicknamed "Joey Bats" you can pretend that they're the Canadian Mafia.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Rays</a>:</b> <span>Drew Smyly</span>!</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a>:</b> Shaved those awful beards.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a>:</b> Were actually kind of fun to watch in the playoffs. Were also fun to beat 13 times in 2014.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a>:</b> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY">FUN TIMES IN CLEVELAND TODAY!</a></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a>:</b> Just about everything troll-worthy the Tigers did this season happened against them.</p>
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<p><span>Ian Kinsler</span> with perhaps the best troll job of all-time right here. <a href="http://t.co/KxXFPAbgd7">pic.twitter.com/KxXFPAbgd7</a></p>
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldofIsaac/status/514859821913608193">September 24, 2014</a>
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<p><b><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Twins</a>:</b> Tried to spoil our division hopes yet again. Shoo, Twins.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Angels</a>:</b> Won the most games in baseball. Didn't break <span>Rick Porcello</span> this year.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a>:</b> Made trades because of the Tigers. Bowed out of the playoffs early just like the Tigers.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Mariners</a>:</b> Lloyd McClendon! <span>Austin Jackson</span>!</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a>:</b> Didn't finish last. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24772123/astros-mulling-minute-maid-park-renovations-could-remove-tals-hill">Might get rid of that stupid hill.</a></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a>:</b> Took Prince Fielder off our hands. Pity points for literally everyone on their roster getting hurt.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a>:</b> <span>Doug Fister</span>! Led the National League in wins. Let Teddy win.</p>
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<p class="caption"><i>Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</i></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Mets</a>:</b> Finished in second place! You will probably google that because it's so unbelievable.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a>:</b> <span>Andrelton Simmons</span> highlights make me excited for a full season of <span>Jose Iglesias</span>.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Marlins</a>:</b> Owner is a scumbag, but the team is actually pretty fun to watch.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Phillies</a>:</b> NOT OUR FUTURE NOT OUR FUTURE NOT OUR FUTURE</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a>:</b> Don't vote for them.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>:</b> <span>Andrew McCutchen</span> might be the most likable player in baseball.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a>:</b> THEY HAD A DOG!</p>
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<p class="caption"><i>Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</i></p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Reds</a>:</b> Employ both <span>Brandon Phillips</span> and Joey Votto. It's like Harold Reynolds vs. Brian Kenny in an MLB clubhouse.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a>:</b> Still didn't win the World Series. Have all of the prospects.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>:</b> You either love them or hate them. Vin Scully is a treasure.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a>:</b> Won the World Series. No big deal.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Padres</a>:</b> <span>Joaquin Benoit</span>! That is all.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a>:</b> You'd have to be high to choose this team.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>:</b> They care about defense even less than we do!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/16/7228593/sb-nation-mlb-awards-who-is-the-team-of-the-yearRob Rogacki2014-11-15T12:06:17-05:002014-11-15T12:06:17-05:00What was the best pitching performance of 2014?
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<figcaption>He didn't make the list :( | Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>This one is actually a debate.</p> <p>As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>' best pitching performance of 2014. This definition can be left up to interpretation (as you'll see), but with so many great pitchers on the staff it should be a decent competition.</p>
<h5>May 22: <span>Danny Worth</span> blanks the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>
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<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=33072287&topic_id=75205754&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>It wasn't the longest pitching performance of the year, but it was definitely one of the most surprising. Shortstop Danny Worth entered the game with the Tigers down 9-2 in the ninth inning. Four batters later, the score was still 9-2. Worth utilized a dancing knuckleball to stymie the Rangers' lineup, striking out two of the four hitters he faced. His career ERA would remain at 0.00 for two days, when he allowed a run in a second relief performance against the Rangers.</p>
<h5>July 1: <span>Rick Porcello</span> throws a Maddux</h5>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=34215015&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Pick a shutout, really. Porcello delivered a league-high three of them in 2014, all of which were impressive in their own right. My favorite was his second, a 3-0 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>. Why was it more impressive than the other two? Porcello blanked the A's in under 100 pitches, a stat now known as a <a target="_blank" href="http://groundballwitheyes.blogspot.com/2012/04/maddux.html">"Maddux."</a> The A's were the best offense that he shut out in 2014 -- the Rangers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> were his other victims -- and he <i>did not strike out or walk a batter</i>.</p>
<h5>August 3: <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> dominates the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>
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<p>Sanchez dealt with injuries throughout the 2014 season and took a small step back from 2013's ERA title, but he was at his best against an overmatched Rockies lineup in early August. Sanchez allowed just two hits and no walks in seven innings, striking out 12. The only thing that stopped him from going longer was his pitch count, which reached a season high of 117 after he recorded his 21st out. The win capped off a sweep of the Rockies to open up the month.</p>
<h5>August 14th: <span>Max Scherzer</span> blanks the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a>
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<p><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=35362421&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400" height="224" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Scherzer threw his first career shutout against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> two months earlier, but his performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates was arguably more impressive. Scherzer struck out 14 hitters while walking two in eight shutout innings, picking up his 14th win of the season. It was his best performance of the season according to Bill James' Game Score.</p>
<h5>August 21: <span>David Price</span> one-hits the Rays</h5>
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<p>In arguably the most embarrassing moment of the Tigers' season, David Price was at his very best. He allowed just one hit in eight innings in his return to Tropicana Field, but took the loss thanks to an unearned run that scored in the first inning. Price struck out nine and didn't walk a batter, but got no help from a Tigers offense that could only muster four hits of their own.</p>
<h5>September 28: David Price delivers the Central</h5>
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<p>Last day of the season, division title on the line...no pressure, right? David Price was brought in for this exact type of moment, and he delivered with a brilliant performance. Price tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings, scattering four hits and a pair of walks. He struck out eight and the Tigers coasted to an easy 3-0 victory, locking up their fourth consecutive AL Central title.</p>
<p>What was your favorite performance?</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/15/7225487/what-was-the-tigers-best-pitching-performance-of-2014Rob Rogacki2014-11-15T10:44:55-05:002014-11-15T10:44:55-05:00What was the biggest Tigers hit of 2014?
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>There were several, but we want to know which one you thought was the best!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>' most important hit from 2014. With one of the best offenses in the league, the two-time reigning MVP and the 2014 MVP runner-up, there are plenty of big hits to choose from. It’ll be tough to narrow it down, but here are our nominees.</p>
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<span>Bryan Holaday</span>’s bunt single</h5>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2173921/tigersqueeze.gif"><img alt="Tigersqueeze_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2173921/tigersqueeze.gif"></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember this one? It happened way back in April when the Tigers visited the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">White Sox</a>. The Tigers staked an early 3-0 lead, but the bats went quiet and the South Siders came back to tie the game in the sixth. In the top of the ninth, facing <span>Ronald Belisario</span>, <span>Austin Jackson</span> ripped a line drive to <span>Dayan Viciedo</span> that the right fielder misplayed, allowing Jackson to scamper all the way to third base.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With two outs and Jackson still standing on third, Holaday dropped a perfect bunt down the third base line and beat out a wide throw from Belisario. It was just about the last thing you’d expect from a backup catcher, and it caught the White Sox totally off guard. <span>Joe Nathan</span> would come in to close out the 4-3 victory.</p>
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<span>Miguel Cabrera</span> hoses the <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a>
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<p>A sentimental favorite -- Rob was in the stands for this one -- Miguel Cabrera delivered a crowd-silencing blow when he hit a three-run homer off closer Tommy Hunter. Victor Martinez followed up the shot with a solo shot onto Eutaw St. and the Tigers completed a comeback, winning 4-1.</p>
<p>This is just the end of the story, though. The Tigers were fortunate to get to Cabrera in the first place. <span>Alex Avila</span> singled to lead off the inning, then was replaced by pinch runner <span>Rajai Davis</span>. During the next at-bat, Davis was called out while attempting to steal second base. The umpire crew reviewed the call, and overturned a very close play. After a pair of outs, <span>Torii Hunter</span> drew a walk in a seven pitch at-bat, bringing Cabrera to the plate for the final blow.</p>
<h5>Rajai Davis' backyard grand slam</h5>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JIiWu4SSDPM" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>It <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/7/1/5861418/rajai-davis-ultimate-grand-slam" target="_blank">spawned a blog post </a>about what to call it, because "walk off home run" just isn't enough. Down 4-1 with the bases loaded, Rajai Davis took a 1-0 <span>Sean Doolittle</span> breaking ball deep to left field for a walk-off grand slam. In terms of pure reversal of fortune -- it was worth a whopping +.791 WPA -- it might be the biggest hit in baseball this season.</p>
<p>Oh, and did we mention that it happened the night that the Tigers honored the 1984 champions? Nope, Sean Doolittle didn't wanna walk him.</p>
<h5>Victor Martinez's never-ending home run</h5>
<p><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=33307911&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400" height="224" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>If you zoned out a little bit during this at-bat, we won't blame you. Victor battled <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mariners</a> starting pitcher <span>Hisashi Iwakuma</span> for 12 (!) pitches, eventually hitting a three-run homer that gave the Tigers a 5-2 lead. He fouled off five consecutive pitches in the at-bat. The Tigers would go on to win 6-3.</p>
<p>The best part? This wasn't a late season matchup. It was May 30th. This wasn't a ninth inning showdown. It was the top of the fifth. This wasn't a tight pennant race battle. The Tigers were up 5 1/2 games in the Central at the time. This at-bat above all shows the kind of laser-sharp focus Martinez had in 2014, resulting in the best offensive season of his career.</p>
<h5>
<span>Ian Kinsler</span>: binocular-gate</h5>
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<p>Ian Kinsler with perhaps the best troll job of all-time right here. <a href="http://t.co/KxXFPAbgd7">pic.twitter.com/KxXFPAbgd7</a></p>
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldofIsaac/status/514859821913608193">September 24, 2014</a>
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<p>It was funny, sure, but it was also a big moment. The Tigers were locked in a pennant race with the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> at the time, and Kinsler's double gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead. They would eventually go on to win 6-1, taking a two game lead into the final series of the season.</p>
<h5>
<span>Tyler Collins</span>' pinch-hit single</h5>
<p>The Tigers didn't get many offensive contributions from their farm system in 2014, but Collins delivered one of the biggest hits of the season in a September showdown with the Royals. Up two games in the AL Central after a 10-1 beatdown of the Royals the night before, <span>Max Scherzer</span> and <span>James Shields</span> were locked in a pitcher's duel in the seventh inning. After a single and a walk, <span>Brad Ausmus</span> pinch hit Collins for catcher Bryan Holaday. Collins rewarded his manager's faith with an RBI single, driving in <span>J.D. Martinez</span> to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.</p>
<p>The single becomes even bigger when you consider the events of the inning prior. With runners on second and third, <span>Omar Infante</span> lined out to second baseman Ian Kinsler. Kinsler threw the ball away when attempting to pick <span>Eric Hosmer</span> off second base, but the Tigers were fortunate that <span>Salvador Perez</span> did not tag up at third base. After appealing the call, the Tigers were granted a video review that confirmed Perez's gaffe. Instead of a 2-1 Royals lead, the inning was over, bringing the Tigers (and Collins) to the plate in the seventh.</p>
<p>What was the biggest hit of 2014?</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/15/7220065/what-was-the-biggest-hit-of-the-tigers-2014-seasonFielder's ChoiceRob Rogacki2014-11-08T07:50:09-05:002014-11-08T07:50:09-05:00What was the best defensive play of 2014?
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<p>The image sort of gives it away, doesn't it?</p> <p>As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>' best defensive play from 2014. The Tigers weren't a great defensive team by any stretch, but there were a few good plays among all of the errors and gaffes. There was also one play that stood above the rest, so today's poll will simply be champion vs. challenger.</p>
<h5>The champion: <span>Ezequiel Carrera's</span> catch</h5>
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<p>I mean...</p>
<p>It was amazing. <span>Jacoby Ellsbury</span> -- who has god-like numbers against Tigers pitcher <span>Max Scherzer</span> -- scorched another Scherzer pitch to deep left center. It seemed like a sure double, but Carrera was able to run it down and lay out for the spectacular catch. And the play was somehow made even bigger by the situation; with the bases loaded and no outs in a 0-0 game, Carrera's catch saved two runs. The Tigers eventually lost 2-1, but Carrera's amazing play kept it from getting out of hand early.</p>
<h5>The challenger: <span>Alex Avila's</span> net catch</h5>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I-nBWFLmT1Y" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Avila's acrobatic play did not have the same in-game impact that Carrera's catch did. The Tigers were already up 3-1 in a game that they would eventually win 7-2. There was no one on base, and Aviles didn't even hit the ball into fair territory. But it was pretty cool, though. Have you ever seen another catch jump into the netting to catch a foul ball like this? I haven't, and that's what makes this play special.</p>
<h5>Other nominees</h5>
<p><span>Joe Nathan's</span> pick off of <span>Jarrod Dyson</span> was pretty cool.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=36103845&topic_id=78370164&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>What do you think? Is Carrera's catch the best defensive play of the year? Or is it Avila's Spider-Man catch? Or something else? Sound off in the comments.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/8/7176651/detroit-tigers-defense-ezequiel-carrera-alex-avilaRob Rogacki2014-11-05T08:00:06-05:002014-11-05T08:00:06-05:00What was the most regrettable moment of 2014?
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There are several potential answers to this question.</p> <p>As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the most regrettable Tigers moment from 2014. There were a lot of ups for the AL Central champions, but there were also plenty of downs. The nominees are below, but feel free to add to the list in the comments!</p>
<h5>Pulling Anibal Sanchez in Game 2 of the ALDS</h5>
<p>An already infamous moment got even worse for Tigers fans after they watched Madison Bumgarner vanquish the Kansas City Royals in the World Series. Brad Ausmus pulled Sanchez after two shutout innings in relief during Game 2 of the ALDS, only to see his bullpen promptly give away the lead in the next inning. The move was second guessed by every armchair manager from Monroe to Marquette, but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/10/3/6905353/brad-ausmus-anibal-sanchez-tigers-bullpen">Ausmus' line of thinking never wavered</a>.</p>
<h5>The zubaz</h5>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="3" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/oKmTJwKzMW/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Roooaaarrrrr!!! Fun flight to Cleveland. #tigerzubaz #dressforsuccess #turndownforwhat</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#c9c8cd; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Torii Hunter (@tnutts48) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2014-05-19T04:49:51+00:00">May 5, 2014 at 9:49pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>It seemed alright at the time, especially because the Tigers were winning, but let's keep zubaz where they belong: in the early '90s.</p>
<h5>Alex Gonzalez, shortstop</h5>
<p>It seemed to work on Opening Day when Gonzalez drove in a pair of runs, including the game-winner in the bottom of the ninth inning. After that? Not so much. Gonzalez was worth -0.3 WAR in nine games, which was enough for the Tigers to determine that he needed to go.</p>
<h5>This</h5>
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<img alt="Max Scherzer WTF" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UghnkVRASS8vvHMTKSJf85pIdQY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/4264849/Max_Scherzer_WTF.gif">
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<p>(Presented without comment).</p>
<h5>Signing Joe Nathan</h5>
<p>This "moment" may technically be ineligible for winning the MLB-wide competition because Nathan signed in December of 2013, but his performance in 2014 warrants a mention on this list. Between the 4.81 ERA, the seven blown saves, and the friendly little gesture he gave fans at home after a converted save, Nathan was not a popular man in Detroit. The only thing that made Tigers fans queasier than seeing him come into a game was thinking about the fact that he will be back in 2015.</p>
<h5>Bryan Holaday: swimsuit model</h5>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Too many bikini models in 1 room <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nofilter?src=hash">#nofilter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KateUpton">@KateUpton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jbholaday">@jbholaday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Max_Scherzer">@Max_Scherzer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander">@JustinVerlander</a> <a href="http://t.co/ypLhfQmBAz">pic.twitter.com/ypLhfQmBAz</a></p>
— Joba Chamberlain (@Joba_44) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joba_44/status/440296752047198209">March 3, 2014</a>
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<p>This was also a nominee for funniest moment of 2014, but something tells me that Holaday awoke with a headache the next day and suddenly regretted everything that happened during Taco Night.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/5/7158631/what-was-the-tigers-most-regrettable-moment-from-2014Rob Rogacki2014-11-03T10:00:06-05:002014-11-03T10:00:06-05:00What was the funniest Tigers moment in 2014?
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>No, Joe Nathan was not funny.</p> <p>As part of the SB Nation MLB awards, we are nominating and voting on the funniest <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> moment in 2014. There were several hilarious moments throughout the season, and the winner of this vote has a strong chance at winning the MLB-wide award when voting takes place in a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>Let's get to the nominees!</p>
<h5>Ian Kinsler: Binocular-gate</h5>
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<p>Ian Kinsler with perhaps the best troll job of all-time right here. <a href="http://t.co/KxXFPAbgd7">pic.twitter.com/KxXFPAbgd7</a></p>
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldofIsaac/status/514859821913608193">September 24, 2014</a>
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<p>A meme-inspiring moment is a strong candidate for the funniest moment of the year, and that's exactly what <span>Ian Kinsler's</span> gesture did. On September 24th, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> starter <span>Chris Sale</span> seemed to think that there was a binocular-wielding spy in center field, relaying signs to the Tigers' hitters. Oblivious to the fact that he had struck out 10 batters in six innings, Sale plunked <span>Victor Martinez</span> and the benches emptied. After things calmed down, Kinsler hit an RBI double off reliever <span>Javy Guerra</span> in the seventh inning. Not content with just the 2-1 lead, Kinsler let Sale know that he knew exactly what was coming.</p>
<h5>Ian Kinsler: wave to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>' bench</h5>
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<img alt="Kinsler homer wave" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CaxbRKr0L2R3I2H4MaYkJ4G9yhQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/4664855/Kinsler_homer_wave.gif">
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<p>Kinsler was a lightning rod for funny moments in 2014, as his two moments were the first two that came to mind when this category was announced. After some inflammatory comments about the Rangers before the season, Kinsler stirred up more controversy in his return to Arlington. In his first at-bat as a visitor at Globe Life Park, Kinsler homered to left field. On his way around the bases, he <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/6/24/5840002/gif-ian-kinsler-wave-texas-rangers-dugout" target="_blank">paid his respects</a> to his former teammates. Kinsler after the game: "I was just having fun." Sure, Ian. Sure.</p>
<h5>Lingerie football</h5>
<blockquote style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-version="3" class="instagram-media">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a target="_top" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/s8ShVMEWFg/">Rookie dress up day! #mlb #turndownforwhat #rooks #youngwhippersnappers</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#c9c8cd; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by JD Martinez (@jdmartinez20) on <time datetime="2014-09-14T22:04:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 9, 2014 at 3:04pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Rookie dress up day is always one of the funnier moments of the year, but the Tigers took it to another level in 2014. With a slew of rookies on the roster after September call-ups, they were able to hold a football game that would have challenged the Detroit Lions of the early aughts for starting jobs.</p>
<h5>
<span>Joba Chamberlain</span> says hello to an old friend</h5>
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<img alt="Joba Jeter Tongue 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q4WLKk7_V3hjnuv3DAWBZpMsFz8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/4866956/joba_tongue_jeter.jpg">
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<p>Long-time <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> great <span>Derek Jeter</span> is famous for giving a short nod to former teammates whenever he steps into the batter's box against them. Joba Chamberlain, who played for the Yankees from 2007 to 2013, was well aware of this. Said Joba before the game: "I've seen the [Jeter] head nod every day for seven years and I always said if I faced him, I was going to stick out my tongue." Way to keep your promises, Joba.</p>
<h5>
<span>Max Scherzer</span>: replay specalist</h5>
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<p>Replay became a big part of baseball in 2014, though the process seemed to be a bit flawed. Managers would slowly meander their way out to the field after a close call in order to give their replay team a moment to review the play. Most of the time, one of the Tigers' coaches would man the dugout phone and relay a signal to Brad Ausmus. But on one special night in Oakland, replay guru Max Scherzer took over. Naturally, the Tigers got the call overturned. Thumbs up to you, Max.</p>
<h5>
<span>Bryan Holaday</span>: swimsuit model</h5>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Too many bikini models in 1 room <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nofilter?src=hash">#nofilter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KateUpton">@KateUpton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jbholaday">@jbholaday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Max_Scherzer">@Max_Scherzer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander">@JustinVerlander</a> <a href="http://t.co/ypLhfQmBAz">pic.twitter.com/ypLhfQmBAz</a></p>
— Joba Chamberlain (@Joba_44) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joba_44/status/440296752047198209">March 3, 2014</a>
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<p>Technically this one happened in Spring Training, but that still counts as 2014, right? Several of the Tigers players (and one particularly famous swimsuit model) were having an otherwise uneventful dinner when, suddenly, a one-piece bikini came into the picture. Next thing we know, "Taco Night" was a national sensation.</p>
<h5>
<span>Austin Jackson</span> knows your secret, Miguel</h5>
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<p><span>Miguel Cabrera</span> is an otherworldly talent. The two-time MVP was visibly not himself in 2014, yet still ranked among the best hitters in the game at season's end. After a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> in May, Austin Jackson was thinking what the rest of us were: "Is he human?" We still haven't figured that one out.</p>
<h5>Other</h5>
<p>Any other nominees? What was your funniest Tigers moment in 2014?</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/3/7149351/funniest-detroit-tigers-moment-2014Rob Rogacki2014-11-03T08:22:22-05:002014-11-03T08:22:22-05:00Introducing the SB Nation MLB awards!
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>The SB Nation MLB blogs will be holding their own award season for 2014, but we need your help for nominations!</p> <p>Every year, the Baseball Writers Association of America votes on awards for both leagues. And they stink at it (though we'll keep those last three MVPs, thank you very much).</p>
<p>So, late last night, the SB Nation MLB team decided to take matters in their own hands. This year, we will be participating in the SB Nation MLB awards, a collective effort to hand out honors to those who truly deserve it from the 2014 season.</p>
<p>However, these aren't your usual categories. We will be posting an open thread on the days listed below asking for <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>-centric nominees for each award. Later this month, the SB Nation MLB writers -- you know, Grant Brisbee and those other guys -- will determine finalists and hold a vote to decide a winner.</p>
<p>Here's the schedule!</p>
<p><b>November 3:</b> Funniest moment</p>
<p><b>November 5:</b> Most regrettable moment</p>
<p><b>November 7:</b> Defensive play of the year</p>
<p><b>November 10:</b> Most important hit</p>
<p><b>November 12:</b> Pitching appearance</p>
<p><b>November 14:</b> Team of the year (we cannot nominate the Tigers)</p>
<p><b>November 17:</b> Voting at sbnation.com/mlb for the winners</p>
<p>Start thinking of your 'funniest moment' nominations, the thread will be up shortly!</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/3/7149319/introducing-the-sb-nation-mlb-awardsRob Rogacki