When Gerald Laird’s parents told him they wanted to make airline reservations so they can join their son for the postseason, the Tigers’ catcher warned them to wait. He didn’t want to jinx his team.
        But with the Tigers’ magic number now safely in single digits, it’s time to look ahead to the postseason schedule.
        The Tigers will open the American League Division Series in New York on either Oct. 7 or 8 -- that will be the Yankees’ choice by virtue of building up the best record in the league during the regular season.
        Either way, the Tigers will host Games 3 and 4, if necessary, at Comerica Park, on Oct. 11-12.
        That means, on Sunday, Oct. 11, the Tigers will host the Yankees at Comerica Park and the Lions will entertain the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers across the street at Ford Field.
        If the Tigers advance to the Division Series, Games 3, 4 and 5 will be played in Detroit on Oct. 19, 20, and 22 -- unless the wild card Red Sox eliminate the Angels in the first round.
        In that case, Games 1 and 2, Oct. 16-17,  and Games 6 and 7, Oct. 24-25, if necessary, would be played at Comerica.
        The World Series? That would begin at the corner of Woodward and Montcalm on Oct. 28. Games 1 and 2, Oct. 28-29, and Games 6 and 7, Nov. 4-5, will be played in the AL team’s park.