Leyland, Tigers prepare for noise level in Oakland

OAKLAND -- Decibel level has never been a problem at O.co Coliseum. The Tigers remember well how loud it was when they met the A's in the 2012 American League Division Series.

"This is one of the rowdiest baseball experiences I've ever been a part of. The fans here go absolutely nuts from the first pitch to the last, and that's just something you got to deal with," said Max Scherzer, Detroit's Game 1 starter.

For this series, the Athletics will open up an additional 12,000 seats, which will only make the atmosphere that much more electric.

"I guess that means it's just a little bit louder," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "This is obviously a very loud, energetic stadium. And the only thing you do when you come to a place like this is you try to live on that energy that the opposing teams fan's provide, thrive on it, live on it. Enjoy it.

"I love it at Detroit. We see the white towels, or whatever they are. I like it when the Oakland A's are waving the yellow towels and the fans are screaming. The acoustics are a little tough, they're a little loud. I like bars with music, but this is a little bit loud. So it does get in the ear drums. Thank God I don't hear that well. But it's a great atmosphere, it really is and there is no question about it. They're into it. They should be. They're proud of their team, they're here for the playoffs. I enjoy this experience, and that's what you ask your players to do, thrive on it."

Added third baseman Miguel Cabrera: "It's tough to play; people are very loud. Even if they lose, they're loud, too, doesn't matter. Nine innings in the game, that's very impressive. I don't know how you are going to prepare, but I think we're going to be ready for that. We know it's going to be loud, but we've got to focus and play our game."