PREGAME: Dmitri Young’s activation will garner most of the attention tonight. Once we get past that hoopla there is a pretty good pitching matchup between Justin Verlander and Dan Haren.
Haren was knocked around a little in his last 2 starts against the Angels and Red Sox. However, his season numbers are still impressive and he fans almost 4 batters for everyone he walks. That doesn’t bode well for the Tigers style of offense.
Justin Verlander is coming off a carving-up of Kansas City. He’ll look to repeat that performance tonight against all the Athletics, and specifically Jay Payton who was instrumental in Oakland taking the last series against the Tigers.
If you’re there early, Hebrew National will be selecting the best hot dog vendor from 4 finalists in an on field ceremony.
I’m heading to the game tonight, and I’ll have a report later tonight.
POSTGAME: Though the game got a little more interesting than it probably should have, it was nice for the Tigers to win one going away. That’s only happened twice since the break, and Justin Verlander was the starter for both of them. Only this year could a rookie be tied for the league in wins and have a sub 3.00 ERA and not even be considered a favorite to win the rookie of the year.
As for Dmitri Young, I was stunned by the reception he received. Both during pregame introductions and his first at-bat the crowd roared, with about 1/3 even standing up. Young delivered in his 2nd at-bat with a bases loaded single.
And in something that has been missing, the top of the order was clicking. Curtis Granderson had 2 hits, Polanco had 3, and Pudge and Magglio both added key doubles. The effect was enhanced with Brandon Inge picking up a couple hits at the bottom of the lineup.
From tonight’s game notes: “The Tigers have sold out four straight games for the first time in Comerica Park’s seven seasons.”
Here’s hoping it’s five straight tomorrow when my son and I will be in attendance.
I just found your blog after clicking on the link at the Jeremy Bonderman page on Baseball-Reference.com. Very cool blog.
After the Tigs game, I switched over to the ChiSox game on the MLB package. I’ve never enjoyed listening to Hawk and DJ so much. By the ninth inning, Hawk sounded like somebody shot his dog.
I think Verlander will get the Rookie of the Year if he keeps putting up Cy Young numbers and we win the division–even if he is not on the “Sawx.” He will be too hard to ignore.
I don’t know. Lirano has a strong case if he keeps it up. The Twins were absolutely dreadful without him starting. He starts and they turn their season around.
was Verlander’s pitch count at 100 after 6 innings? If it wasn’t I don’t understand why Leyland yanked him. He was pitching great. Good to see Walker get 2 innings of work and also pitch great. Now,Colon……hmm….problem with control. Can’t walk batters even with a 6-run lead. Luckily, the 3 “gift” runs he gave them didn’t matter, but still, this is a concern. And to allow the tying run to come to bat there is ridiculous. Should’ve never gotten that far….And Inge’s HR; what a shot! A line drive over the fence; he crushed that ball. Rock on, boys!……… 🙂