As like other Tigers' fans, I endured many years of not being competitive. So, I am very, very grateful there was a competitive team in a 10-year span.
Now, here is where the frustration comes. The team(s) were built on starting pitching. They lacked defense, base running and an offense that could take a freaking walk or get a timely hit. The offense had a tendency to score early, when they did and that is it. The offense rarely ever came on after the 6th inning, if ever.
Final Series Run Totals
2006 (WS) = 11 to 22 (5 games = 2.2 R/G Offense, 5.1 R/G Season)
2011 = 25 to 39 (6 games = 4.2 R/G Offense, 4.9 R/G Season)
2012 (WS) = 6 to 16 (4 games = 1.5 R/G Offense, 4.5 R/G Season)
2013 = 18 to 19 (6 games = 3.0 R/G Offense, 4.9 R/G Season)
2014 = 10 to 21 (3 games = 3.3 R/G Offense. 4.7 R/G Season)
In 2006, 2 of the 5 games were decided by 4 runs or more (against DET). DET had a lead in 4 of the 5 games.
In 2011, 3 of the 6 games were decided by 4 runs or more (against DET). DET had a lead in 5 of the 6 games.
In 2012, 1 of the 4 games were decided by 4 runs or more (against DET). DET lead in the final game only and lost in extra innings.
In 2013, 1 of the 6 games were decided by 4 runs or more (in favor of DET). DET had a lead in 4 of the 6 games.
In 2014, 1 of the 3 games were decided by 4 runs or more (against DET). DET had a lead 1 of the 3 games.
15 of the 24 deciding series playoff games, DET lead. They only won 5. That is frustration. I do not expect they would have won every game. Even half would have been OK. And if they would have won half, then they just might have won something more.
Innings 7-9 in Final Series
2006 = 2 - 8 (4 games, 1.5 R/G offense after 6)
2011 = 4 - 8 (6 games, 1.5 R/G offense after 6)
2012 = 2 - 4 (4 games, 1.5 R/G offense after 6)
2013 = 1 - 12 (6 games, 0.5 R/G offense after 6)
2014 = 2 - 14 (3 games, 2.0 R/G offense after 6)
This is analytics. To see this and not having it resolved is frustrating. And it was the same style of offense and/or late inning pitching in 2015, 2016 and 2017. But, the Tigers probably never even saw this. Most fans didn't necessary know the numbers, but once seen, they are probably going "ah ha".
Having one or two free swingers in your lineup probably isn't a big deal. When the vast majority are free swingers, it is a recipe for failure. Hitters, even the best, go into slumps. Patient hitters who talk walks, still draw walks regardless of if they are not hitting and they are still getting on base.