The Tigers are in the playoffs with today’s win against Kansas City–they’re guaranteed to at least get in as the AL wild card. But it could be a neck and neck race with the Twins down to the last game for the division title. Detroit is playing the Rangers, and then gets to beat up on the Royals again, but Minnesota gets to play the Royals for a while, then finish up with the White Sox. Detroit has an arguably easier final schedule, and they’ve finally started hitting again, so they’ve still got a good shot at the title. The good news, though, is that if they can keep hitting the way they have been (and hopefully it’s not all lousy Royals pitching) they might actually be able to acquit themselves well post season.

This is a big morale boost for the Motor City, which badly needs one.