News and links that just don’t seem to fit anywhere else…
- It’s old news now, but Magglio Ordonez is an All Star, Justin Verlander isn’t, and Kenny Rogers might be starting the All Star game based on availability. I’m happy Rogers made the team, but he probably isn’t the most deserving even amongst his Tiger teammates let alone the rest of the AL. He’s a possibility because of the timing of his last start. Now the pitchers probably won’t be throwing more than an inning or two, so why would any of the pitchers be more available in the first inning than the 5th?
On another note, I’m not one of those bemonaing the inclusion of Mark Redman. I still like every team having a representative. The problem isn’t Mark Redman keeping more deserving players off the team, it is Ozzie Guillen (and other manager’s before him) keep more deserving players off the team.
- Reader Chris sent me a heads up on this ESPN Page 2 article that compares all of the AL teams to 1984 Tigers. It’s hardly an in depth piece, but it is fun nonetheless.
- My ESPN the Magazine came today and featured a large article by Buster Olney about the Tigers and how their play is effecting the city. It is insider content online, but there is a picture of Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, and Curtis Granderson on the carousel that is worth making a point of checking out at your local convenience store.
- I was looking to get 4 tickets for the weekday afternoon game against the White Sox on July 20th. It turns out if one wants 4 tickets you are already relegated to standing room only.
- I caught this on the MotownSports message boards as well as on 1270, but Ken Rosenthal said today that the Tigers have been pursuing Alfonso Soriano. He isn’t the best of fits in terms of need, but he is a heckuva player. He has a rep as a hacker at the plate, as do many Tigers, but his OBP is better than 4 of the Tigers current starters. Plus he brings speed to the team. I know the desire is a left handed bat, but it is better to get a good hitter from any side, than to settle for someone based on which side of the plate they stand on.
Justin Verlander
Francisco Liriano
Jonathon Papelbon
All great rookie arms in the AL, does any of you think Zack Miner will be among them? I’ve never seen him pitch, never heard about his stuff, but the kid started 5-1 with an ERA below four (or was it three?) He wasn’t even one of the top prospects last year yet no one is noticing him yet
I was listening to the Sox/Sox game today on XM. The Chicago announcers were bemoaning the fact that Crede didn’t make the All Star team, as if 7 spots isn’t enough. Gotta love those Chicago guys. Breaks my heart the Red Sox did them again.
I also like the “one guy from every team” rule. Lord knows it might have been 10 years since the Tigers had an all-star otherwise. I can’t quite believe that Ozzie is so pigheaded about getting his own guys on that he managed to leave off the best hitter in the league, Hafner, and arguably the best pitcher, Liriano. Starting Rogers is the bone he is tossing to the Tigers. Rogers is arguably the Tigers’ 4th best starter at this point. Pretty amazing; Rogers’ numbers are excellent.
Soriano is intriguing. I would have had him on my “all-over-hyped” team until this year. The way he is hitting in Washington is a real surprise. But I don’t see how he fits in. Presumably he would go to LF and either Thames or Monroe would go in the trade, plus of course a pitcher (or 2). I don’t know if Jim Bowden would settle for Monroe and I wouldn’t want to see Thames go. Soriano is a good player but his OPS isn’t anywhere near Marcus. So I don’t know how that helps except for the speed. I guess for Monroe and a mid-level arm it’s a no-brainer, but if it’s Thames and Sanchez they can pound sand. I’d rather see DY get another shot than do that.
I don’t want Soriano AT ALL. We need guys who can get on base (Abreu), not another hacker.
FWIW, I will be at Safeco tomorrow to hopefully see the Tigers win in person for the first time ever (I’m currently around 0-18!). So if we lose tomorrow, you know who to blame.
Soriano is Ok as long as he is not going to upsate the all ready good chemistry we have and want to play second base. We have a good second base man signed and happy to be here. I really do not want a what about me guy here. We have a team where everyone can and will contribute. Lets not bone that up.
I agree what about Big D. I think he deserves another shot, if for nothing else that he has always been a team guy and at this point in his life he could really use a break.
I am in my mid fourties which are the begining of the prime heart attack years. Todd Jones is doing me no favors. While I like his experience can we get the odd 1 2 3 inning when its close. What kind of medicine will I have to take if we make it to the ALCS 7th game and Todd wheels in from the bullpen, do I call for the medavac right there and listen on xm on the way 😉
Have a great rest of the weekend. Hey Billfer what about a couple of “open” types of stories for the All Star break?
Steve
I too would worry about chemistry with the addition of Soriano. No doubt he is a plus offensively, but is it worth the potential disruption in the clubhouse? Do you trade Polanco and put Soriano at second in an attempt to have a satisfied player? I think Abreu would be a far better fit, both attitude-wise and “game-wise”.
All the focus is on Monroe in left field, but what about first base? Shelton has too many cold streaks when he looks completely overmatched at the plate.
He’s still better than average, but if we could get a truly special player – think along the lines of Shelton, Rodney, and Humberto Sanchez for Prince Fielder – it would be worthwhile to trade him.