Detroit Tigers’ Phil Coke showing composure and dedication – MLB News
Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland will be very pleased with what he saw from relief pitcher Phil Coke in Tigers 8-1 win in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
Ace Justin Verlander provided the Tigers with the kind of start they were hoping for. The 2011 American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award winner tossed brilliantly to lay the foundation of an impressive victory.
''I can't tell you how many free meals I've had in the past 24 hours. I'm almost embarrassed, but every time I go to pay a check they said somebody picked it up,'' Leyland said. ''They've been great, really neat, in the grocery store and stuff everybody's
pumped up obviously.''
"See you after the game, boss," Coke told him.
Then it was Coke’s turn to step on to the mound. Coke was included to the pitching rotation as a replacement for Jose Valverde, who blew the save in Game 1 of the series. The 30-year-old grabbed opportunities with both hands, helping the Tigers complete
a memorable series sweep at Comerica Park.
Coke was thrilled with the way he absorbed the pressure. He even nicked Leyland on the head with the bottle of champagne while celebrating the triumph. He joked. He smiled. He laughed. However, Coke insisted that title belongs to Valverde.
"It's a blessing," Coke said, "with all the craziness (of the playoffs), to be able to throw the way I'm throwing is awesome. So I'm not questioning anything."
"This makes me ... artistic," Coke explained, "at least that is what the scientists say."
A couple of months ago, Coke could not get anybody out. He seemed to have no control over his fast-balls and sliders. Yet here he was facing the mighty Yankees in a post-season game.
Coke is a very straight forward person. He does not want to think how he is here and why Leyland asked him to pitch the ninth inning. He is happy in his role and the team wants him to perform.
Valverde, Tigers’ closer, is also reported to have taken part in training sessions at Comerica Park on Saturday and it will be interesting to see if Leyland inserts him back into the pitching rotation for the World Series.
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