The Detroit Tigers' 2014-15 Season/Offseason in ReviewHappy Tigers takeover day everybody! Here's a brief rundown on our 2014 season and 2014-15 offseason!March/April/May (31-21)The Tigers came into the 2014 season as heavy favorites to win the AL Central for the fourth season in a row, despite massive questions with their bullpen. Things started out with a bang in the months of April and May, with the Tigers roaring out to a 27-12 start.Things didn't remain so smooth, however. After a Zubaz-fueled Sweep of the Red Sox in Fenway, the Tigers would close out May with a 4-9 Stretch. Stretches of feast or famine would prove to be a thorn in the side of the Tigers (and the livers of their fans) for all of 2014. But hey, at least we got to see a position player with a knuckleballHighlights(3/31) Tigers start the season on Alex Gonzalez's Walk-Off Single(4/2) Tigers win their second straight game in walk-off fashion(5/10) The Don Robs Suzuki(5/23) For Fun - Miggy and BeltreJune/July (27-26)June would start with the same whine that May went out with. The Tigers would start the month 5-11, dropping them to 37-32 after losing 2 of 3 to the upstart Royals. Not even RoboCop was able to kickstart the team.Things would start to right themselves for a bit, however. Following being swept by the Royals, the tigers would win 7 straight, and 9 of 11 to close the month at 14-13 (45-34 Overall)Just as things had started to look up in the month of June, July became the most up-and-down month to date for the Tigers. Throughout the entire month, all but two games were a part of a streak of 2 or more wins or losses. The team would bounce from Manic highs to Depressing lows (a theme of the season) throughout July, and would stumble to 13-13 in July, leading them to 58-47 overall.July would end with a bang, however, with Dave Dombrowski making the trade that would ultimately bring David Price to Detroit, giving us this ovation to Austin Jackson as he departed in the tradeHighlights(6/28) Kinsler puts the Tigers ahead late(6/30) Rajai Davis hits a Grand Slam to Walk it OffAugust/September (32-25)August began with a three-game sweep of the Rockies, but quickly reverted back into the form of the 2014 Tigers. They would play near-500 ball for the entire month The most memorable moment from the month, however, was a 19-inning marathon loss at the hands of the Blue Jays on Canada Day. The game was the longest in Jays' history, and the third longest in Tigers' history.Thankfully for the Tigers, they were able to keep their heads above water in the final month of the season. With Kansas city staying as hot as they had been all season, the Tigers started the month by taking 3 of 4 from the Indians. After losing two of their next three to the Giants, the Tigers would win 7 of their next 8, including taking 2 of 3 against KC. Despite the tigers taking 4 of 6 against the Royals in the month, and 13 of 18 overall, the division would come down to the last game of the season. Going into their final four game series' (Tigers v. Minnesota; Royals @ White Sox), the Tigers had a two game lead over the Royals. Ultimately, the Tigers would drop their magic number to 1 going into the last game of the season. The Tigers would go on to beat the Twins, 3-0, behind a great outing from David Price, clinching the division.Highlights(8/4) Carrera takes flight, Robs Ellsbury(9/9) Miggy hits Megatron with the bomb(9/12) Avila makes a catch in the netting(9/24) Chris Sale goes insane(9/28) Tigers clinch their 4th straight AL Central CrownPostseason (0-3)The Tigers would go on to meet the AL East Champ Orioles in the ALDS. I'd be lying if I said a whole lot went well for the Tigers in this series. After starting the season as favorites to win the AL, the Tigers were swept in 3 games by the Orioles by scores of 12-3, 7-6, and 2-1. Both of the first two games were a microcosm of the Tigers' season. The bullpen was hit hard in both games, and got the loss in Game 2.HighlightsUh, not much to see here.OffseasonThe Tigers had one of their most challenging offseasons in recent memory in 2014-15. After he rejected the Tigers' offer before the season, many began to assume Max Scherzer would not be returning (which likely led to the David Price trade). The Tigers traded for Yoenis Cespedes, Alfredo Simon, and Shane Greene while departing with 2014 regulars Rick Porcello, Eugenio Suarez, and AAA call-up Robbie Ray.Notable Additions:Shane Greene (Trade)Yoenis Cespedes (Trade)Alfredo Simon (Trade)Anthony Gose (Trade)Tom Gorzelanny (FA)Notable Losses:Andy Dirks (Released, DNP in 2014)Torii Hunter (FA, Signed with MIN)Rick Porcello (Trade)Eugenio Suarez (Trade)Don Kelly (FA, Signed with MIA)Max Scherzer (FA, Signed with WAS) via /r/baseball http://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/2wa4d3/takeover_a_review_of_the_tigers_rollercoaster/
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