A’s traded for Jeff Samardzija because of Tigers says Justin Verlander
By Bryan Rose
The rivalry between the Detroit Tigers and Oakland A’s likely didn’t need any fuel to fan the fire, but Justin Verlander apparently doesn’t care. The Detroit Tigers ace, who has had his way with the Oakland organization during the past few postseasons took notice of the Athletics acquiring Jeff Samardzija from the Chicago Cubs on Friday evening and has a line of reasoning as to why Oakland made such a move.
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So the reasoning behind it? None other than Verlander himself, and the rest of the Detroit Tigers, of course.
For two straight seasons, the Oakland A’s have faced off against Justin Verlander and his Tigers come the MLB postseason. And for two straight seasons, the Tigers have defeated the Athletics in gritty, hard-nosed series that both went the maximum five games.
Detroit was able to counter with Verlander for those clinching games but the A’s, they’ve struggled to find a top of the line ace to pitch against the Tigers. No longer, at least according to Verlander who believes the Athletics made such a move with he and the Tigers in mind.
Verlander on A's trade: "When I saw that trade, I thought that they made that trade for us. No doubt about it in my mind."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 5, 2014
It’s possible that the A’s did such, but more likely they wanted a more fortified rotation going into the postseason, be it against the Tigers or any other team. They achieved that and while the cost was relatively high, there’s no doubt the Oakland A’s are serious contenders for a World Championship.
As for Justin Verlander and the Tigers, the Detroit ace has struggled this season but things are still going well in Motown as they hold a four game lead over the second place Kansas City Royals.