That's the whole point. People who followed the team all year--REALLY followed the team--knew that they weren't playing up to their potential and were frustrated waiting for it to "click." True, guys were hurt for large parts of the season, but other teams dealt with the same problems and found ways to win. This club was BETTER than a 83-win season, and now when it counts they're finally starting to play like it.
The only hope for the Tigers is to pitch Pine Tar Kenny tomorrow, but unless Leyland goes back on his word, he's already stated that he will NOT alter his rotation. Verlander, who proved his mortality in Game 1, goes tomorrow against Weaver, rather than a rematch with Reyes.
THAT, I think, is exactly why the Cards are up 3 games to 1. LaRussa has done a better job of making adjustments where and when he needed them. Look for moving up Weaver to the delayed Game 5 over Reyes to pay off big time for St. Louis.