The Detroit Tigers in 2019 are worse than those of 2003. Here's how

The historic futility series of the Detroit Tigers is over.

Even the 2003 team was not this bad.

The Tigers tied an MLB record with their 59th home defeat of the season Thursday, when they fell 10-4 to the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. The loss was the futility of the 1939 St. Louis Browns, who had finished 18-59 in four games less at home, and one less loss than the 2003 Tigers, the most losing team in history. the American League.

The Tigers have moved to fifth place in the history of the American League with 112 losses this season and could climb to third on the all-time list if they are coached in a four-game series at White Sox's Chicago this weekend.

You may remember, the Tigers set the US League record with 119 losses in 2003. And although the misery index this season has not quite reached these levels, it was definitely worse at home.

The Tigers finished their draw with a differential of -221, the worst in the history of the LA (the Philadelphia track and field of 1954 finished with less than 207, in four games less). In comparison, the 2003 Tigers had a more respectable differential minus 162 at home.

So, what does all this mean?

Well, the Tigers have locked the top pick for the 2020 MLB draft. And we know that General Manager Al Avila and Director Ron Gardenhire will be there to make the choice in June.

Avila signed a multi-year contract extension in July and announced that on September 13, Gardenhire, 61, would return next season.

Gardenhire is 110-210 in two seasons as manager of the Tigers.

Chris Thomas is the sports editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @bychristhomas.