[cripplecreek]

How many different pitchers did Cabrera see? Seems like it would be harder to do with today’s relief pitching, not to mention interleague play.

Batters tend to specialize these days as well. I also think having Prince Fielder right behind him in the line up helped. Pitchers weren't willing to walk Cabrera only to face Fielder. Next year Victor Matinez will be back and make things that much tougher.

[dfwgator]

I like the Tigers’ chances against the A’s....I think the A’s will be “We’re Happy Just to Be Here”, while the Tigers will be on a mission.

[Ransomed]

Right, there are specialist hitters as well, beating all of those types at the same time is amazing. But I think the big one is all the different pitching, I bet he didn’t see the same guy four time too often at all. Plus, he plays half the games in a giant cavern. Just amazing.

I actually think it helped Cabrera that there were so many strike outs this year, I think if less hitters protect with two strikes it’s easier for the real cream to rise to the top.

Freegards

[CommerceComet]

Pitchers weren't willing to walk Cabrera only to face Fielder.

No question that helped Cabrera. In the season that Roger Maris set the single-season HR record, how many times was he intentionally walked? Zero. Why? Because Mickey Mantle was hitting right behind him. Who would you rather pitch to: Roger Maris or Mickey Mantle with a man on base?