Hernandez is out! In related news, the baseball gods paid attention to the season...

Well, Chuck Hernandez will be looking for work. He and Jeff Jones both received the ziggy from the Tigers. Now, the Tigers can go get Leo Mazzone to right the pitching staff. Mazzone's experience in Baltimore reeked, but that's okay. He's a great mind and when working with talented pitchers can make huge improvements. Jones, the bullpen coach, leaving may open up a spot for a former Tiger coach or manager to return, e.g. Lance Parrish or Alan Trammell. Trammell's stock will rise if the Cubs win the World Series, but they're not going to do that, so we'll have to see what the off season holds.

Did I mention that Chuck Hernandez is unemployed!

Another thing to consider as we enter the off season ...

The first game of the season (and first at Comerica Park) went 11 innings and the Tigers lost. The final game of the season at Comerica Park went 11 innings and the Tigers lost. Both times the bullpen blew leads. The season in between featured similar outcomes. The baseball gods are obviously shining down, though, because the Tigers' season has been extended one day. They are heading to Chicago to determine the winner of the American League Central and the final playoff team for the AL. I would enjoy to see the Tigers beat the Sox and propel the Twins into the postseason. The Twins deserve it.

You won't see many major changes in the off season. The team that finished the season is VERY similar to the one that will begin 2009.