ALCS 2013: Conspiracy Behind Jose Iglesias Error in 9th Inning, SS Helps Red Sox Win? (Commentary)

Oct 14, 2013 01:38 PM EDT
ALCS 2013: Jose Iglesias
Detroit Tigers players Jose Iglesias (1) , Austin Jackson (middle) and Torii Hunter (right) celebrate after game four of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park."

The Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox were tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth in Sunday night's Game 3. Jose Iglesias fielded a groundball deep in the hole. Only a Derek Jeter or Nomar Garciaparra in their prime could have made that an out at first, maybe. So why did Iglesias go full out and make a throw on a play that was essentially over? I smell conspiracy. 

Jonny Gomes is not a speedy runner, but only Jose Molina would have made that play close at first base. Why did Iglesias even bother throwing that ball? Maybe he loved Boston so much, he wanted to leave this in their memory bank. 

Back in July, as the Red Sox were hunting for starting pitching and Jake Peavy was a sure trade candidate, the Tigers needed a shortstop as Jhonny Peralta's 50-game suspension loomed and the Red Sox thought it would be appropriate to move Iglesias.

As a member of the Red Sox, Iglesias was hitting a surprising .330 with a .376 on-base percentage through 63 games in 2013. He is young, (23 years old) and filled a void in the Tigers' infield. What more could the Tigers ask for? He has performed decently in Detroit, but nothing like the way he played in Boston at the beginning of the season.

Maybe Iglesias helped the Red Sox win, sort of saying, "Hey, remember that one guys, so when I become a free agent in a few years, you can remember me." 

I'm probably not the only one to think this. True Tigers fans probably remember the trade and are yelling the same thing "This moron threw the ball!? He is trying to help the Red Sox win!" The guy only committed two errors in 164 opportunities while with the Tigers, so of course it might look suspicious. 

Ironically, Jim Leyland removed Jhonny Peralta from short, as he figured Iglesias' range on defense could have helped the team.

Iglesias might have been too eager and desperate to make a great play. In reality, Prince Fielder should have caught the wild throw an prevented the ball from getting past him and into the stands. However, Iglesias had no business throwing that ball, especially as the Red Sox had already stripped the momentum from the Tigers. 

Ultimately, Iglesias' 

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