Whatever. The corollary to "pride cometh before the fall" is that is that a lack of pride encourages success.
If Nelson Cruz' pride makes Derek Holland and/or Colby Lewis pitch worse than they ordinarily would, then you have a point about "karma". And if the Tigers need this to fuel them up any furhter than they already are, then they're not where they need to be in the first place. Like they'd be coming into Arlington all broken and defeated if not for Nelson Cruz.
Besides, word is that Cruz was actually giving that to Cabrera, not Verlander. Apaprently they've been jawing back and forth all series, spirited but not angry. And most importantly, it was not contrived and meant for the camera, unlike some player's "routines" (won't name names...).
Otherwise, fierce competitors in the heat of battle get a little chesty sometimes. I've seen it in the office, on the bandstand, in the arena, it's just a fact of life, and only truly bothersome when it's done by somebody who can't back it up. That was an emotional game. This has been an emotional series, and will continue to be.
One thing it won't be is "torture".
Enjoy the game!