A Bit Surreal

It's been a strange week, my Detroit Tigers have officially signaled the new era, by first departing with Justin Upton & then got rid of the last remaining member from the 2006 World Series team by trading long-time ace Justin Verlander. Upton's departure was predictable, considering he was very likely opting out of his contract with the Tigers at season's end... Verlander's departure was a bit of a surprise, but yet wasn't.

My long-time readers know that Verlander is my favorite current player in the majors, so to watch him last night (Tuesday night) pitching for the Houston Astros was to say at the very least... was quite surreal.

I stayed up late to watch him debut against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, and he gave the Astros fans & Verlander fans quite a bit to be excited about. He would go on to pitch six strong innings, allowing only 1 run (a solo HR to Kyle Seager) with 7 K's & he survived Nelson Cruz as well (who, like Seager, has his number).

Verlander is the workhorse that the Astros & the city needs right now.

Like I mentioned above, Verlander's departure was not a complete surprise, MLB Network (on MLB Now), proposed some deals involving Verlander, including the Houston Astros & Milwaukee Brewers.... Personally, I'm not sure why it took Houston this long to go for it, they made their team, their fans & many insiders scratch their heads that they didn't do something back at the original trade deadline.

Better late then never though, they finally came through... Verlander is the workhorse & ace that the city of Houston needs right now after all the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has caused. Always one for charities, it won't take long for J.V. to team up with J.J. Watts of the Houston Texans, you can count on that.

Justin addressed his fans via Instagram with a wonderful heartfelt message, tied in with his excitement towards the next chapter of his storied baseball career. Here is a video highlighting the excitement during his Astros debut...

Detroit's reaction to the trade news, below....

The Tigers fans' reactions...

People have been wondering about my feelings on the whole deal, I am actually thrilled for Justin, of course its bittersweet, but I want him to play for a winner, because he is so damn good, that it would be a shame for him not to be on display this postseason.