A quick World Series Preview for Detroit Tigers fans
3 former Detroit Tigers players are competing for a World Series Championship.
Former Detroit Tigers players and staff competing in World Series.
It's October, and the 2023 MLB postseason is nearing the end; the World Series is upon us. The Detroit Tigers may be a far cry from a World Series contender, but several former players and staff members are still alive in their chase for glory.
Three former Detroit Tigers players are competing for a chance to be crowned World Series Champions in 2023. The Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks are squaring off in the best-of-seven series as the sides look to cap off an incredible run.
Looking at the Texas Rangers...
There are two former Tigers who play for the Rangers and are looking to become World Series champions in 2023. Max Scherzer is looking to add a second World Series ring to his trophy case after having a down year. He's joined the Rangers rotation and is looking to help them take home a win or two in this series to secure a victory.
A more recent Tiger, Robbie Grossman, is looking to take home his first career World Series championship. He spent a season in Detroit and not even a full one after he was traded to Atlanta in 2022. But Grossman has been a solid option for Bruce Bochy to rely on to play match-ups with Grossman's ability to switch-hit and the ability to get on base.
Beyond the players, another former Tiger is looking for glory, a coach. Catching coach Bobby Wilson is looking to help keep the Rangers churning as they aim to capture the World championship.
Looking at the Arizona Diamondbacks...
There's one prominent player for the Arizona Diamondbacks and another who might bring about some rough memories for the Tigers faithful. Joe Mantiply is a left-handed arm who Arizona has been able to use, as needed, to help with their slew of interesting bullpen arms. He came up with Detroit, playing only five MLB games, but has been with Arizona since the 2020 season.
The other name is one that may hurt to hear he's back with Arizona. Sergio Alcantara is serving as an extra body with the World Series roster, and he's been an extra man for the postseason. He was someone Tigers minor-league enthusiasts know all too well. He was acquired when Detroit moved J.D. Martinez back in 2017, being someone who may be able to turn into something of a middle-infield prospect. Things never worked out and he's bounced around since, but has found a home back in Arizona.
As is the case with the Rangers, some Diamondbacks staff members have Tigers ties as well. Torey Lovullo is the manager for Arizona, competing for the World Series championship in 2023 alongside another staff member with Detroit ties. Hitting coach Damion Easley is also on staff with Arizona. Easley spent seven years of his 17-year big league career in Detroit.
A Quick World Series Preview
The Detroit Tigers may not be anywhere near a World Series, but then again, I'm not sure many folks were expecting a Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks match-up. However, both teams are fun to watch. Bruce Bochy knows how to manage in October and will do things right with the Rangers. Texas has the leverage in this one, having some serious experience at the helm in Bochy.
The other side is young, quirky, and fun. Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll are both 23-year-old breakout performers who are on an absolute heater right now. Not to mention, the Diamondbacks are getting success from pitchers with names that sound made up. Brandon Pfaadt has been lights out, Kevin Ginkel was nails in Game 7 against the Phillies, and Anthony Saalfrank has been solid for Arizona when called upon.
It's going to be a fun one, but I'm rocking with Bochy and the Rangers. I have a hard time betting against Bochy and his ability to manage in the postseason. I think Texas will take the series in six games.