If the Red Sox couldn't be in the post-season, this is the next best thing.

I'm watching the Detroit Tigers celebrate their defeat of the Yankees in the ALDS, 3 games to 1. After Kenny Rogers pitched the game of his life last night, Jeremy Bonderman shut down the Evil Empire's high priced lineup as the Tigers won 8-3. Keep in mind that this is a team that lost 119 games in 2003.

The Tigers players had a fun, exuberant celebration on the Comerica Park field, spraying the fans with champagne. Kenny Rogers had the best moment, as he climbed up on the dugout, sprayed the fans sitting back there with bubbly and then gave a nearby Detroit cop a champagne shower and a hug. Priceless.

The Yankees collapse was reminiscent of what happened against the Sox in the 2004 ALCS. All the big guys stopped hitting. Jeter only had three more hits after his 5-for-5 performance in the first game. Johnny Damon had a three-run homer in game 2, but only batted .235 for the series. Sheffield hit .083, Matsui .250, Cano .133 and A-Rod .071.

Ah yes, A-Rod. He is going to continue to get killed by the New York press and fans. He did nothing offensively in this series and even committed an error today. The Curse of A-Rod contines. Here's the evidence:

2003: No A-Rod: Lose in World Series to Marlins
2004: A-Rod slaps Bronson Arroyo with his purse and the Sox beat the Yankees in the ALCS
2005: A-Rod and the Yankees lose to the Angels in the ALDS in 5 games
2006: Yankees lose to the underdog Tigers in the ALDS in 4 games

The results have been worse every year since A-Rod joined the team. Teams he has left have gotten better. Not exactly what they are paying $252 million for, is it?