2007 Season, Game Post

Game 90: Tigers at Mariners

97 Comments

PREGAME: The Tigers will try to salvage a split in their first post ASB series. They’ll face Jeff Weaver, who they lit up earlier in the year. Of course at the time Weaver was getting lit up by everyone. However in his last 4 starts he has a 0.98 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. He’s only allowed 1 homer in that time span and opponents are hitting just 208/266/287.

But the Tigers have a pretty good pitcher of their own taking the mound in Justin Verlander. Verlander has turned into a strikeout machine with 47 K’s in his last 41 innings pitched.

Game Time 4:05pm

POSTGAME:
That was an interesting game. You had the slugfest thing going on for the Tigers with 3 homers. But there was the small ball thing with 5 stolen bases. Justin Verlander struck out the side in the first inning, but only after 2 hits, a walk, and a wild pitch resulted in a run. It took Verlander 31 pitches to get through that first inning, but he only threw 77 over the next 6 innings.

Three runs scored on wild pitches in the game. Sean Casey stole a base, and without a bobble or bad throw or being on the backend of a double steal. Gary Sheffield even stole home.

In any case, a split is fine. Let’s take on the Twins.

  • Curtis Granderson was 8 for 10 when not striking out in this series. But he did fan 6 times. Not that I’m complaining, what with all the lines drives and the triple and the homer and the stolen base and good base running.
  • Sean Casey had hit 2 homers since Magglio’s last long ball.
  • So is Casey going to finish the year with more homers or stolen bases? He doubled his numbers in each this series
  • Thrilled to see Magglio Ordonez go deep, and his at bat the time before was an opposite warning track flyball. After really struggling the bulk of the series, it was nice to see the mini-outburst at the end. The guy is definitely allowed to go into a funk after being so good. I just want him to keep it going because he’s in the middle of a pretty special season. And a game or two without line drives becomes pretty obvious.
  • Marcus Thames is certainly making it hard for Craig Monroe to get back in the lineup. Leyland made Monroe play himself out of the starting spot. Let’s hope he affords Marcus the same opportunity to man the position and doesn’t just hand it back to Monroe.
  • The last inning was pretty ugly, but if it’s going to happen better in a blow out.

DET @ SEA, Sunday, July 15, 2007 Game Preview – Baseball-Reference.com

97 thoughts on “Game 90: Tigers at Mariners”

  1. I was absolutely incensed after watching the noon Baseball Tonight and hearing Steve Phillips and John Kruk add themselves to those screaming that Gary Sheffield is wrong and needs to shut up. I think it’s telling that hours after he made his last round of comments about Torre and the Yankees, Kenny Lofton was backing him up, saying “Gary knows what he’s talking about”. I also think Gary has been in enough places to diagnose one that is abnormally racist. To dismiss his comments out of hand like most of the media has is an absolute travesty, not to mention quite a snobbish, holier-than-thou thing to do. As for the comment about Jeter not being all the way black, I don’t see the issue. It is very germane to his discussion that, despite being half black, he does not look black. Ninety years ago, I believe it was called “passing”. I’m also pretty sure he wasn’t casting aspersions which would imply that his own half black/half white children are somehow inferior to those that are ‘all the way black’; it is just a fact that racism tends to target those that look and sound black rather than those that are black. As everyone knows, the truth tends to lie in the middle. If the truth is in the middle here, the Yankees have a serious problem. Is Gary bitter? Sure. Could he use a year in tact school? Most definitely. But as far as I can tell, besides Jeter, the only American born black player on the Yankees 40-man roster is a backup outfielder. That sort of makes me think that maybe he’s not just being ‘crazy Gary’. Sheff’s not always right. But I’d always rather know more than know less. Does a fear of racism fuel the lack of american blacks in baseball? It’s hard to think that it doesn’t. If Gary is putting his butt on the line to shed a little light on it, he deserves to be celebrated rather than mocked. Sorry to ramble, but like I said, I’m angry.

  2. Buster Olney wrote this:
    Sheffield has his perspective. So does Darryl Strawberry, an African-American who wept on the steps of City Hall after the Yankees won the World Series in 1999 and thanked Torre, in particular, for being there for him. And so does Derek Jeter, who — regardless of how Sheffield defines race — has an African-American father and a white mother, and has always had the highest regard for Torre, as have many other former teammates and friends and players — Paul O’Neill, Bob Gibson, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, Yogi Berra, Roger Clemens, Mariano Rivera. White, black, Latin American. (It must come as a great surprise to the esteemed Charles Jeter, by the way, to hear from Sheffield that his son is not African-American. Derek Jeter “just ain’t all the way black,” Sheffield said.)

  3. Daryl Strawberry is one of those “yes sa, yes boss” types. He wouldn’t have the balls to say what he really felt. If Joe Torre treated his black players like Sheff said, it’s Joe Torre’s problem but I doubt if he’ll ever own it.

  4. What is their dysfunction in Seattle? Why can they not start a baseball game at the correct time? I understand if its 1:06 for a 1:05 game, but this entire series has started atleast 6 or 7 minutes late. Its annoying

  5. Wow, you guys are willing to trash Torre’s sterling reputation based on the statements of Sheffield and Lofton, two of baseball’s Hall of Fame malcontents? Between the two of them, I think they’ve been on 12-13 teams. After a while, you gotta look at yourself and take some responsibilty that it might be as much your fault as the boss man.
    And I never ever heard Daryl Strawberry described as a ‘yes sa, yes boss’ type. One of the reasons Strawberry isn’t going to the Hall of Fame is because he never listened to anyone, black or white.

  7. I see pudge is out today; i know it’s a day game after a night game, but is he serving the suspension?

    If not, he should just go get it over with.

  9. I see the MLB extra innings is still on preview, but I can’t find the Tigers game. Is it some sort of blackout? If anyone knows, post it up.

  11. I think the 4:00 games fall under ESPN’s exclusivity rights, because Sunday Night Baseball starts early tonight.

  12. Nate, I bet you’re right. That blows and that’s the kind b.s. rights thing that makes me skip out from purchasing these plans. If you can’t watch a game on Sunday afternoon what is the point?

  13. I can’t watch the game because ESPN must show me the scintillating Cards-Phils matchup early so they can show the utterly pointless Jimmy Kimmel hosted ESPYs. Good times.

  14. Honestly, this is the first time that ESPN’s exclusivity has messed with the Tigers. If you were a subscriber, the network that you’d really hate is FOX, because they eliminate almost every Saturday afternoon game. I’ve been stuck with the Cubs almost every weekend.

  15. In general, if you’re out of market, I think the package is worth it, assuming you have the money and watch a lot of baseball. I haven’t lost that many games to blackout and have gotten to know a lot of baseball teams that otherwise I wouldn’t have watched much.

  16. I am trying to watch on MLB.TV and was able to get the first inning, but now I can’t connect and get the game, neither the TV broadcast or either radio broadcast. Very frustrating. Is anyone else using MLB.TV and having probs?

  21. Rabelo missed the hit and run. Casey almost took the bag out of the ground. Awesome.

  28. can anyone explain to me how thames has trouble getting into the lineup every day…and while we are on the subject why would you ever sit granderson…ever?

  29. Extra innings kinda sucks. I’ve been more than satisfied with watching games on my computer for half the price the past 3 seasons.

  31. I use MLB.tv on my laptop, and then bought for a 22″ LCD monitor – well worth it for when I’m at my desk. But the great thing about MLB.tv is that I can access it on any computer…

    Also, you can split the subscription to MLB.tv with a friend…or so I’ve heard.

  33. I’m sure that everybody is as sick of Inge striking out as I am and he’s on pace to set a new personal high this year.

  35. It took restarting the PC, but I finally got MLB.TV working again. Thanks for the help, Kevin in Austin.

  38. So Sheffield will get another HBP? Or will they plunk Granderson who has 3 hits, or Thames who has the homer?

  39. I’m thinking Weaver plunks somebody. We all know first hand what a baby that guy can be.

  40. “I’m sure that everybody is as sick of Inge striking out as I am”

    I don’t mind the strikeouts, since he walks enough to maintain a pretty good OBA. The players that irk me are guys like Pudge, who generally has an OBA about ten points higher than his batting average.

  43. Now would be a good time for Magglio to get the ball out of the infield for the first time this series.

  44. True Dave, it just seems like he K’s at the worst times. The catch from last night though bides him a few weeks of complaints from me.

  49. Sheffield’s traditionally not considered a great baserunner. He hasn’t had 20 plus stolen bases since 1990. To his credit, since he’s resting his body by not playing the field, he’s putting a lot of energy and intensity into his baserunning. Which is now awesome.

  51. I actually hadn’t thought of crediting his improved baserunning to the switch to DH, but it makes sense

  52. And on Sheff’s comments: I 100% back up and thought he was spot on with his comments on blacks vs. latin players. With these comments, I’m not so sure. Some of it may be true, but just because 1 or 2 guys (lofton and Sheffield) felt slighted by the Yankee organization and they thought it was based on race, doesn’t make the Yankees racist. It makes them victims of a bad experience that they are attributing to their race.

  58. btw, the strike call against thames in the 6th was a joke. You know, just so long as I have some officiating to complain about.

  61. Not only did he just homer, but that was Ordonez’s second hit to the outfield today. This makes me very happy.

  64. vince

    it just dropped again…good point. guess he will have to learn to hit lefties before he’s an all-star…i do like his d and his work vs righties.

  68. Let the rabble rain down on Sheff… Phillips, Kruk, and anyone else so inclined to expose their bias.

    I reserve all judgement; athough I can’t say I take no amusement from all the feathers ruffled from what otherwise should be valid commentary.

  72. Miner…if you were going to suck, at least you picked today.

    Inge is the only infielder worthy of a pat on the back tonight. Inge and Casey. That’s all.

  73. That was not pretty. At least it’s a win.

    On to Minnesota, hopefully Monroe can bust out of his slump.

  74. Ryan may be on to something. I’m waiting for Bernie Williams to chime in.If it’s no comment than I’ll take that as pro Sheff. I think Bernie is a descent enough fellow to tell the truth even though he may have an ax to grind with the Yankees himself that has nothing to do with racism [I think].

  75. Looks like it will be Garza, Baker and Santana for the Twins; Robertson, Miller and Bondo for the Tigs. Gotta take 2 of 3 from the Twins. They swept Oakland this weekend and are on a bit of a roll. The Indians are at home against the WSox, so we won’t get much help there.

  76. A couple thoughts from likely the last Tigers series I’ll attend at Safeco, as I’m moving to Braves country on Thursday:

    Amazing what a little winning does to crowd composition. If you had asked me what Mariners fans were like, I would have said some of the best in baseball, based on my previous experiences. After this series, now that they are winning a few more games, I would completely rescind that statement. Some real characters out there that made me thankful I didn’t bring my son to any of the games. Joykillers.

    As for the games, well you saw em. Officiating was far below the standard sub-par fare doled out this year by the AL officials. Froemming needs to hang it up.

    Inge’s play into the stands last night, from behind home plate, was incredible. It looked like he completely disappeared.

    Maggs got quite an ovation during BP Sat night as he put 2/3 (maybe 20 of 30) balls into the stands — several in places I’ve never seen balls go in Safeco. Pudge checked Maggs’ bat rather jokingly afterward. Thames spent alot of time with the fans. Still not sure how we didn’t pound Batista; not sure his stuff was any better than Rogers — which was poor.

    I wish the Mariners well, but they got a gift Friday and the Tigers should have put a few more runs up on Sat. The Mariners current record is the partial result of playing Texas and Oakland half the time. With their SP and weak DH, 1B (can anyone say Richie Mendoza?) and corner outfield positions, I don’t expect them to stick around much longer. They do have a junior league sked working in their favor, though.

    FWIW, the Seattle fans and sports editors all love the Ichiro deal at 18 mil per. May they rest in peace.

  77. Chris Y….thank you for sharing you experiences at the game. I love hearing about the details at the game that we can’t see on TV . Now, I know this is a joke to everybody, if I’d known you were there, I would have asked you to look at Pudges left hand and see if he’s wearing a wedding band!!

  78. Sure hope Verlander didn’t break Ichiro’s kneecap! A few milliimeters in a different direction and the Mariners have the baseball equivalent of the Magic’s Grant Hill contract.

  79. Well, we got the split that I was hoping for after Friday’s win. We needed to slow Seattle’s roll a little bit and I think we did that. Thank goodness for Sheff. He’s been way more productive than I had hoped he would be. I was just hoping for about 25 HR (over the full season) and maybe 90 RBI. He’s on pace to blow those numbers out of the water. The real bonus is his baserunning. I had no idea that Sheff could run this well, none at all. Being 38, I thought he’d strictly contribute with his bat instead of his bat and legs. On a side note it was so good to see Maggs driving the ball again. The guy had turned into Ichiro the last month with his hits being almost exclusively singles. When Maggs is driving the ball like he did today, this offense is the best in baseball. When Maggs does not drive the ball for extra bases, this offense becomes a half-step above pedestrian.

  80. O.K. Granderson is going to pull an Yzerman. I don’t see him in nothing but a Detroit uniform for the next 20 years. He is soooo good.

  81. charlie: Granderson is an All Star this season, just wasn’t on the team. Other than Ichiro, he is the all around best CF in the game.

    ron: I hope Granderson does pull an Yzerman.

    Working afternoons/evenings sucks. So I missed an Infante homer, a Sheffield steal of home, Maggs ending his XBH drought, AND Casey stole a base!!!! What’s next, I miss Verlander throw a no-no?

    And Keith G., you wouldn’t happen to be from Lincoln Park, would you? There can’t be too many Keith G’s out there, but I’m one too.

  82. Does anyone know when Suzuki switched to CF? I remember going to many Tigers-Mariners games a few years back and he was always in RF.

  83. He switched to center last year (August 20) and has started there ever since. He had always been in right prior to that.

  84. Kathy – I was watching “Detroit Tigers Weekly” and they interviewed the players about going to the all-star game, Ilitch used the plane to get everyone there with their families, and Pudge mentioned his WIFE. So he must have gotten remarried after the infamous divorce that allegedly precipitated all of his issues with Tram a few years ago. Some people never learn!!!

  85. @Ron and Keith: Even in this day and age, it seems improbable that Granderson will play until he’s 46. He’s not as young as he looks. 20 years is probably impossible for him.

  86. I actually had a dream last night that Granderson was traded mid-season. I don’t remember to who or who we received in return, but it was actually a nightmarish moment of panic. I remember thinking to myself…..”Why would they do this? I mean did they think he had reached his height of potential this year and will sell for more than he’s worth.” This dream signifies that I might need a life outside of watching the tigers and blogging every night. He didn’t get traded did he?

  88. There are very few players I would trade for Granderson, straight up. He might be near his peak as a player, but his attitude is exceptional. Right now he’s in the upper echelon of CFs in the majors, and could stay there for the next half-decade.

    In the middle of last season you couldn’t really say who in the OF Maybin would eventually replace. Now, its pretty much a guarantee that it will be Monroe/Thames. That, to me, is a credit to Curtis.

  89. cib……..thank you, thank you, thank you. I thought I heard the same thing (and he said it very quitely and you could see the ring on his finger). At first I thought maybe he remarried Maribel. Pudge has a new look to him. He never used to wear his socks up. Whoever she is would have to be good with his kids before he’d ever marry her.

  91. …or how many times he gets thrown out of a game for advancing a non-winnable argument… Some things are just better left “at work.”

  92. I too was at the Series at Safeco. And I also noticed a lot more jerkaholics at the games than usual. It was great to see Casey steal 2nd, the guy next to me said, you don’t have to worry about him running, just pitch the ball. and Boom, he’s off of to the…um well….races.

    Grandy was just ON this series. M’s fans were glad when he didnt start game 2. That was the most balls I’ve seen fly out of Safeco during a series.

    Another thing I didn’t know, a lot of Tigers were signing autographs sunday, I got Nates and noticed he was writing with his right hand, I said, ‘hey I thought you’re a lefty!’ he laughed and said ‘yeah i’m all messed up.’

    Friday I went to Die Hard during the day, I sit down, look over, oh thats Todd Jones next to me!

    Froemming – ugh. Being in the stands trying to explain what just happened to Tigs fan from the UK was interesting to say the least!

  94. Pingback: The Detroit Tiger Weblog » Blog Archive » The DTW West Coast Correspondents

  96. I wonder if Joey K had to explain the Infield Fly Rule to the fan from the UK. Now that would be interesting.

    Paul M.
    Fort Worth, Texas

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