PREGAME: The division leading White Sox come to town. It will be Jose Contreras and Nate Roberson tonight.
Contreras isn’t the same crappy pitcher the Tigers have beaten up on lately. He’s only allowed 10 walks in his last 7 starts. In his last six starts he’s averaged 7 innings a start and has a 1.50 ERA.
Robertson is Robertson. So the first team to five runs wins.
CHW @ DET, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Game Preview – Baseball-Reference.com
Game Time 7:05
POSTGAME: Hey, the Tigers beat the White Sox and have taken 3 of their last 4 against division opponents. Yeah they are still 10 games back but it beats being 12 games back, at least by a little.
- Robertson held the White sox to 3 runs, one of which plated after he left the game. And he pickedup 19 of the 27 outs meaning a tired bullepn got a reprieve.
- Speaking of the bullpen, for the second appearance in a row, The New Sexy came in with the bases loaded and one out. This time one run crossed the plate on a ground ball and a pop up. We call that minimizing the damage.
- The next inning wasn’t so sexy for Freddy Solid. He gave up a shot to center, and a single, and he had a weird balk resulting in a run. Further damage was limited by a money throw from Brent Clevlen to gun down a run at the plate.
- Miguel Cabrera didn’t hit the ball particularly hard, but he had 3 hits including a big 2 out hit that pushed the Tigers ahead.
- Everybody managed hit(s) today save for Edgar Renteria who did hit a ball hard, but into the glove of Joe Crede
- Interesting defensive replacements tonight. Not surprisingly Brandon Inge came in to play 3rd for Carlos Guillen. But with a twist with Guillen moving to first base. That’s first I can remember that happening in quite awhile.
I’d be happy if the Tigers’ pitchers could go 7 innings without giving up 10 walks…
“So the first team to five runs wins.”
This statement causes a dark premenition. The Tigers stake Nate to a 6-run lead. Robertson wastes most of it. Then Golden Boy Freddy loses the game by doing a masterful Bautista impersonation. Worse still, we learn after the game that D-o-l-s-i…..i-s…..o-(n) D-L.
My predictions never materialize, so I’m only predicting Tigers losses from now on.
Please oh please can we beat the White Sox so that it makes the insufferable Hawk and DJ slightly less so.
God I hate the White Socks.
These games are important to me, too. Mark. Not because I hate the White Sox so much, but because I hate the way a clearly better* Detroit team insists on rolling over for them time and time again.
* yeah yeah yeah.
Man, you are right on the money with that one, Sean. It’s pretty disgusting how much the Socks have owned us the last few years, especially when we’re in Chicago.
Okay, Robertson never pitches good against the Sox. And to think Joe Crede comes into the series on a hot streak. and Jim Thome, and Carlos Quinten, and ……….. We’re getting creamed this series.
Sean: How dare you say such things about Big Sexy? You should be ashamed.
I’ve got a GREAT feeling about tonight. And no, I’m not being facetious. 6-3 tonight. Robertson doesn’t give up his customary 4 runs tonight, either.
You heard it here first!
Guys I can not stand the Who sox either so I will be REALLY happy with a win tonight. I have MLB EI and we will surely get one game of the Who Sox crew which if you have ever heard them will make you puke.
Go Tigers …………..
Steve
PS Lets get out of the first inning with out a major deficit
Here’s the lineup:
Granderson, CF
Polanco, 2B
Guillen, 3B
Ordonez, RF
Cabrera, 1B
Larish, DH
Renteria, SS
Rodriguez, C
Clevlen, LF
Steve: Puke doesn’t begin to describe it. I’d say those two make me vomit with rage. That’s more like it.
I heard DD say on the radio yesterday that the Tigers have used 9 (!) different starters in left field so far this season. They are batting a paltry .220, albeit with 12 dingers.
everybody get your Joe Crede voodoo dolls out
let the vomiting commence.
come on Nate and everybody.
“They are batting a paltry .220, albeit with 12 dingers.”
Probably because anyone who starts in LF knows they won’t start the next day no matter what they do.
Then again, .220 is actually higher than the team BA, so why am I complaining?
5 pitches?
jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez……
I know I’m behind as usual, but was Ball 3 on Thome a close call?
6 pitch first inning…we are battling tonite…if nate keeps his innings short i hear the boys are going to see sex and the city as a group…team hug
and on the 6th batter of the game, Contreras finally throws his 10th pitch.
*sigh*
when was the last time Maggs really stung a ball?
Yay! A single! Man am I glad we’re getting what we paid for with this guy.
/sarcasm.
no Sean, Nate threw ball 3 way inside and threw the HR pitch right down the middle.
Way for Renteria to strike out and keep the rally going!
elmer and his pink bat does his job
Classic ABs by Renteria and Rodriguez in the 2nd. Instructional video stuff.
i hear pudge said he wasn’t worried about having to split catching duties with inge…he said ” sure. and marcus is our everyday lf and inge is going to get more games at 3b and guillen is going to play lf too”. “i’ll prolly have to fake an injury just to get a rest”.
Robertson was ahead 0-2 and walked a guy that has walked a total of 5 times in 127 AB.
And we wonder how Nate manages to give up 4 runs every start.
Can someone explain to me why a rookie is DH when Thames is on the bench. And I don’t buy this left-hander against right-handed pitching business that much. All my instincts say to rely on Thames over this rookie……….any comments?
And how can Robertson give an 0-2 pitch that is hittable?…….These are the things that are so frustrating to watch.
Great execution on the bases by the ChiSox. Something the Tigers can only dream about.
sweet. 2-0 socks. AJ with the RBI single.
God I hate this team. It’s really beyond description.
Mark: We don’t wonder too hard.
A rookie batting .136 no less. Seriously, I think Jim must hate Marcus.
You’re right, Sky. That’s how Robertson can have good peripherals with walks and strikeouts and everything, but he makes one terrible 0-2 pitch after another and they come at the worst time (i.e., with runners on base).
Yeah, SO frustrating.
Ah – RADIO!!
Mark in Chicago: “Way for Renteria to strike out and keep the rally going!”
That isn’t really fair. Everyone knows Renteria only hits with bases loaded. If Ordonez would have gotten on to start the inning everything would have been fine. $%@!! Ordonez, you messed up Renteria again!
Meanwhile Polanco is about 19 for his last 20, which has resulted in…any?…runs….
Is that actually – STEVE STONE? Awesome!!
Good on yer, Nate. Nice inning.
Agree, Sean. Steve Stone is one of the best color guys around. He was good with Chip Carey on the Cubs and he’s good today.
He has a nasty habit of telling the truth, which apparently some people don’t like.
Cabrera with 2 knocks, hasn’t hit either ball even close to hard.
All right, Miguel! This would be a good game for him to bust loose. Any game, really, But let’s start now.
Here’s what I don’t get about Leyland (I know, I know, try to understand Leyland, therein lies madness…)
OK fine, it’s Monday we’re going to alternate Pudge/Inge (Pinge? Idge?).
After some preliminary calculations, I estimate you can either do that by playing Pudge then Inge, or else Inge then Pudge. (Still with me?)
So I look at today’s game and tomorrow’s game, and I see, wow, Inge is hitting .429 against Contreras. Therefore obviously I use Inge…Monday???
Meanwhile on Tuesday Pudge grounds out mightily against Contreras….
Yes! Jeff!! Way to take 2nd too!
Nice hit by Cabreras! (and yet it reinforces my realization during one of the non-raining Cleveland games–it may be that right now he is a “warning-track power” guy).
That one run is lucky. Miguel was out by a mile
Can’t fault Edgar there. Too bad.
Guillen makes that play, too. Easy.
Disclaimer: the above commentary regarding Pinge/Leyland is a dramatization, and by no means is intended to imply that coach Leyland knows the various players’ batting averages against Contreras.
This is where you’d like Polanco.
Do you think Pudge watches video of himself?
well at least we won’t get shut out (always the optimist)
West Coast Tiger
Not baseball ones.
It is sad to see a Hall of Fame player with the history that Pudge has swing so ineffectively at so many bad pitches. It is like he has forgotten what hitting is. Up to last year he still provided a threat. Nowadays he is an automatic out.
I forget, somebody help me out – is this the inning where Nate gives that run back (and more) or is it next inning?
I can never remember.
Sean C: Oh, that’s why they call him…nevermind, I can’t do it.
Stone says Nate’s upper limit is 90 MPH? True? Wow.
No matter. Big K. Nate. Make Crede pop it up again.
Yee. Watch out with Nate when those fly balls start reaching the warning track.
I dun tole ya.
Woo yeah! Tigers make the OTHER team look stupid. Nice change.
That is really the only redeeming value Pudge has left.
Coleman – I-Rod?
I like that move by Leyland – fake the sac bunt and try the hit and run with Polly on the next pitch.
Didn’t work, but good idea.
Yes! The Sox are sleeping! Ha ha ha ha!
I like that move Polly, single in a run.
A BUNT! WTF? I’m stunned. Good stunned.
Sac bunt with your #3 hitter?
Why not just call Ozzie and ask him to walk Maggs?
I really hope Guillen was trying for a base hit there.
Magglio gets in done here. Money.
Sean: I-Rod, and don’t forget V-Rocket
Fortune is smiling upon us! When fortune’s wheel turned to Polanco’s turn at the plate–there were men on base!! Whoo hoo!
Ay. No worries. Cabrera. Oh yeah. But they’ll walk him.
4-2, thanks to the bullet single by Cabrera.
Very nice.
Miguel – you are off the disappointment list. For good, I hope.
Ugly, Larish. The pitcher just got burned. You take that pitch, always.
One thing Nostraleyland was right about–I don’t think I either have seen so many deep fly outs to RF by RH hitters.
It looks like CF is their weak spot…
I still like the bunt, Mark. What do you say?
This is the inning, Mark. It’s big for Nate. Hopefully in a good way. Amd looking good so far.
I still like the bunt, Mark. What do you say?
Contreras was struggling to get outs, why give him one, especially from Guillen? 8th inning, tie game, different story.
Uh-oh. Long ball Nate again.
The percentages are on your side, Jeff. I still like the bunt.
I prefer to think Guillen was bunting for a hit. Sometimes that can really push a struggling pitcher over the edge (see: World Series, 2006)
Oh yeah – OUT of there, White Sucks.
I could really get used to THIS – Tigers on the radio, Ed Farmer (he has a soft spot for the Tigers, and you can really tell) and Steve Stone.
Pudge, it’s safe. No one on.
But, but…on the radio there’s no Homer Harrelson
I think Pudge enjoys confusing us like this.
Nice hit, Brent. But whose mistake on the running – coach or player?
Fortunately, Coleman, I don’t have a TV. It would be muted if I did.
keep it up boys…this is pretty enjoyable so far
I’m afraid that Clevlen getting caught could come back to haunt.
Boy, you can really see just how much Miguel Cabrera doesn’t care and is only at the ball park tonight to pick up his pay check!
I know you’ve gotta do it, but Robertson still in makes me nervous. Why? You’ll see. starting with that single.
By Decree of the Blogmaster this contest has ended, Detroit is victorious!! (See: “So the First Team to 5 Runs Wins”)
What? Warming up in the bullpen? What a novel strategy.
This is the part where the bullpen let’s in Nate’s runs. Get ready for a heartbreaker.
No intentional walk. I like that.
Let’s hope lightning strikes twice here . . .
Oops. I guess that was kind of intentional. Don’t like it.
Dolsi had better be the more recent one.
Ground ball, freddy. That’s what you DO.
Don’t tell me – does Inge get that DP?
I don’t know, Dolsi has been fine so far, but it just occurred to me his name sounds like a dessert…
First and third, 5-3 Tigers, one out. Ground ball, Freddy. Right side please.
Sean: “Don’t tell me – does Inge get that DP?”
Beats me, I’m still wondering what happened to his 2-for-3 against Contreras.
And clearly Inge would have easily turned a quadruple-play on that one.
Oh – 2 outs. I forgot. Bonus! Freddy gets us out of the jam. He’s already Mayor, let’s make him President. Let him pitch the 8th with a clean slate, so we can see that heat again.
I would like to direct everyone to my first post in this game thread tonight. Here’s a link in case you can’t find it and the exact quote was:
Not tooting my own horn, I just never get things right in predictions and with this years team predicting ANYTHING correctly should be rewarded. Laud me with your praise!
The Tigers need a pad. Jones in sight.
And Polly at 3-1… infield single, broken bat!
“Laud me with your praise!”
If you insist…
Oh Laud almighty, that horn-tootin’ Mike R pulled one out of his…fine mind!
Guillen has hit a HR every single time in his carrer, i mean a single, every time previous AB was a sac bunt. I’m sure of it. 1st and 3rd, none out! Maggs!
That is a mystical statistical knowledge beyond my power of comprehension.
Oh yeah – cheap but effective! Maggs with the infield single, hard-hit I take it. Polanco scores, let’s pad it some more. Miggy is on fire, put it on the board, yyyyyyyes!
“Last Play: M. Ordonez singled to third, P. Polanco scored, C. Guillen to second”
Whoa, I just had an out-of-body experience where I felt what it was like being a fan of a Tiger opponent watching the game…
It’s privileged information, Coleman. Baseball-Reference Platinum Card members only.
Oh well, one less RBI for Miggs.
I think that’s the 3rd time you’ve mentioned “members” fella, let’s not lose focus here.
Miguel did not just strike out. Impossible.
Was that a double steal attempt? If so, dumb call by Leyland in that situation.
3 pitch K for Larish. Party’s over. Hang on, Tigers.
Larish just looks overmatched.
Cue Chris complaining about Miguel Cabrera striking out in that AB.
Lose focus. Coleman? You mean Autofocus? But where was I?
Dolsi still there. Top 8th. Yes.
Here we go.
“Was that a double steal attempt? If so, dumb call by Leyland in that situation.”
That’s why they call him the Magician. 2 on, nobody out? {poof!}
What do you mean, look, there’s 1 on and 2 out!
Ouch, Curtis. Over your head, late break, 2b. No way to treat Dolsi.
Now 1st and 3rd. Stinks.
This is the time of game, if he were pitching, that Denny McClain would employ what he once called the “1-pitch intentional walk”, probably in the ribcage area.
And away we go. We haven’t lost with quite this scenario yet, buckle up.
Bring it now, Freddy.
Oh man. lousy break. Balk. Spikes caught. Icky.
Heat, Freddy!
That is Dolsi. Yeah buddy. Big K. Let him face Thome, that no talent load.
Another opportunity for that 1-pitch walk….
That was a very untalented single by Thome.
Clevlen nails Quentin at home! He is our everyday LF. Who’s gonna be there tomorrow?
Hey I’ll take that.
Nice throw by Sheff– er, Ing– er, Jaque– er, whoever that guy is
Dolsi is making this hard. WP, Thome to 3rd.
Dolsi… gets out of it. Somehow. Barely.
Clevlen’s having a game to remember.
Boy, the strike zone sure grew from the top of the 8th to the bottom of the 8th.
Renteria. K. How long must we suffer between grand slams?
The Tigers can’t hit relievers, now can they?
Pudge, infield single. Bit of luck.
Do they send Pudge?
If I were Dolsi when I were facing Thome I would have called time, and said, hey, excuse me, but this is really bugging me, do you pronounce your name like Toam, or is it To-MAY or is it THoam, or is it Tho-MAY, or….
He would have struck out after that I bet.
They’re just trying to make it interesting for Jones in the ninth.
I say yes.
First correct call by me in 647 attempts.
“Last Play: I. Rodriguez singled to shortstop”
Holy Milt Cuyler, the Tigers are playing…themselves!
Granderson, man on 2nd, 2 outs…. 2-1 count. I feel a single coming on.
Granderson singles into a flyout to LF. Tough break.
I love TJ Rollercoaster time!! We haven’t had nearly enough rides this season.
“He would have struck out after that I bet.”
Ha.
Inge at 3B and I feel better. Todd Jones in the 9th. I’m not worried. Should I be?
Whoa, Jonesy is perfect in save situations, so why shave the ‘stache?
I blame Pudge. I mean, would it have killed him to steal 3rd and home also? Pure laziness.
A leadoff walk from Jones is… big trouble, people.
No mustache?
DP. Yeah, classic Jones. I’ve never had a bad thing to say about the guy, unlike you all.
Big K here, Todd. I know it.
That single was wrong. Not in the script.
Granderson catches the final out in CF, and it’s a wrap.
Wow. An unwasted evening, courtesy of the Tigers.
Tig’s win.
You’re welcome for my prediction that was perfect save for the weird balk from Dolsi.
I miss Dave BW and his updates. Mine suck.
Jones himself admits that what he does is not pretty, but he seems to get it done. But he sure makes me nervous when doing it.
Jones is still perfect, but he’s living more dangerously due to his climbing walk rate. He’s up to almost 4.3/9 innings, in 2005-06 he was 1.6-1.7 (that rate doubled last year). And he’s got 1 HR per 8 innings, as opposed to 1 per 15-20 the previous two years. Thankfully it’s a 1-year deal.
Sean in Ill:
Make that 1 in 648. But hey, nobody is perfect.
Observations on tonights game:
1. Robertson is Robertson
2. Rollercoaster is Rollercoaster
3. Leyland is Leyland
4. Dolsi is not Papelbon
Good pitching, good hitting, hustle and good D. Great team win.
Steve Stone: This game was not particularly well-managed (Ozzie). Wow. Do any Detroit guys ever say that about Leyland?
“Observations on tonights game:’
All spot-on, Vince.
Good performance tonight — except for the play of that worthless scrub Cabrera, I mean.
I like the double steal call… with someone else up. Not Cabrera. Surprising, maybe. Not surprising enough. Why mess with the hot guy at the plate?
Ooh – now I get to listen to White Sox fans calling in. I think I’ll turn the radio off now.
Did Stoney have an operation of some sort? Different mic, better engineer? Voice coach? His voice is much less flat and nasal. Just thought you’d like to know.
If Cabrera was really “clutch”, he would have willed Guillen’s steal through comraderie, hustle, and a positive attitude.
Hey, where have you been, Dave BW? At the game, by chance?
To give Leyland some credit, I think the call for Pudge to steal was a good call, and not just because it succeeded. Even if he was tossed out, that was a good situation to send the runner. And with that decision Leyland is now inching closer to Sean’s “winning” percentage.
They tried to blow that one, but overall, the best game I’ve seen from them in a while. Maybe Clevelen is the answer in left? They need to find someone, I’m even willing to let Timo have a shot at it at this point.
sean: My internet kicked in an hour or so ago, after having deserted me upon the arrival of Sunday’s storm. I pray such a thing never happens again.
That’s not fair, Dave. I’m going to have to call a Chris-baiting balk on that one.
btw, Todd sans mustache looks wrong. The first time he was on camera tonight I was like, “Why the hell is Andy Van Slyke pitching??”
Just thought I’d post one from Billfer from last night since I liked it so much, and maybe because Caberra had a good night.
From Billfer “Chris – a guy hitting 270 in a third of a season isn’t capable of hitting 280? When he has a track record of hitting 310?
I think I’ve reached my limit of stupid.”
Chris in Nashville
Personally, I can’t fathom the “search for answers” in LF. What Leyland has against Thames… i just don’t know. He’ll put up with Dead Inge for a full season, Dead Pudge for who knows how long, Dead Shef in between obliques, Dead Renteria till the cows come home. Marcus hits home runs and doesn’t start the next game. Oh no, the sacred lefty/righty thing must not be violated. Not for LF. It’s been key in winning so many against RHP.
Well …………. most of us thought that was the Tiger team that would show up this year. We are still a ways off from that but I will take the win tonight. No pressure but a string of lets say 14-4 would really be nice to follow up with.
Love the throw by Cleven
Steve
On the double-steal:
Not with a bonafide #5 hitter up in that situation (2-on and 0-out), and with anyone else at the dish you really should have a “scooter” on 2nd. I don’t think “Gimpy” Guillen qualifies. In fact, I’m not sure it is wise to have Guillen try to steal anytime. Maybe his legs are OK, but it seems kind of chancey to me.
Dave, Todd got wind of your “intimidation factor” comment. Frankly, he was pretty hurt. He’s rebuilding the ‘stache from the ground up, and he hopes you’re going to like the more menacing look he has in mind. I hear it might be a Salvador Dali-type thing.
Yeah. Todd Jones reads this blog. You know he does.
Sean, Marcus is our every(non-work)day LF. Just wait for the weekend.
I can’t figure it out either, or the fact that we have Maggs DH ever. He’s one of the only guys who is above average defensively.
Yeah, Todd Jones sans mustachio was as startling as the time I first saw my Dad without a mustache after he had shaky hands with the electric razor. I cried.
Sean on Chris:
I would point out Thames poor numbers with RISP, etc, except that the guys playing instead of him aren’t any better. And how Thames could look bad to Leyland after several weeks of watching Jockitch Jones in Left is beyond me.
Guillen, Pudge, and Sheff have as many or more steals as Granderson. What gives?
Neal —
Cabrera may be capable of hitting .278 (as he is as of tonight), but .280? I don’t think so.
Coleman
Unless Thames’s numbers have taken a recent dump, he’s been phenomenal with men on. It would be strange if that didn’t apply at least partially to RISP, but not impossible. Maybe he’s just good at hitting HRs and 2Bs with a guy on first.
I am thoroughly biased in favor of giving the guy a real chance, have been ever since they cut Monroe loose.
Cabrera may even still be in baseball after this year, who knows.
When does Granderson come around? That’s when this team will get a streak going, when Granderson plays well. I mean, hits well, he always plays well.
Don’t cry, Ken. Todd will grow it back.
Sean: I think it’s possible that Thames hasn’t received playing time for the same reason that so many people don’t like Adam Dunn — a bizarre and misguided attachment to batting average.
Neal, Dave BW, Mike R
Shameless. Shameless, I tell you.
Are we starved for post-game entertainment or what?
Sean and Coleman:
Thames should actually be our everyday LF. BTW, who is it now, Guillen??
The only question I have is if he makes any of the throws to the plate that our AAA LF’s have been making.
But will the mustache grow back as it once was? You can’t guarantee that, can’t you?!?
Yes, starved.
Dave, I know Thames isn’t known for a good BA, but everything they’ve thrown out there besides Thames has tanked even worse, save maybe Guillen, which last I find objectionable on grounds of sanity. Thames can do and has done much more with his sub-par BA than some other holes in the lineup I won’t mention.
I’m hoping that Todd’s mustache grows back to resemble that of Daniel Day-Lewis’s in the Gangs of New York. That or Wario’s.
Just got back from the game. here’s a pic of the tshirts they gave out tonight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/bub838/grandy.jpg
Here’s somthing else, just for comparison sake
http://www.barackobama.com/downloads/files2/Logos_Taglines/Obama/4color/obama_4color_wordmark.jpg
just sayin!
Oh, I agree with you. But do you really think Leyland, for instance, knows what OPS is?
Next Tiger promotion: Pick the stache that Jones grows!
Neal: Unfortunately it is bound to be a letdown, as it will literally be impossible for any mustache to be funnier than the one Todd had.
Leyland knows what OPS, it’s Malbaro’s Optimum Premium Smokes, the stuff you buy after you sweep the division leaders.
I will put everyone’s mind at ease on the matter of Jones’s mustache. A plaster cast was made before its removal. A return to proper form is virtually assured. Mustache Club For Men guarantees it.
You could add a goatee, or big elvis burns, or better yet, both.
Is still a real stache if it’s a rug? or a weave?
Thames numbers with RISP are getting better, I think he’s hitting .256 now with RISP (last season though, he was very good)…
Although he seems to be suffering the same day game/night game deal as Cabrera:
Day games:
Cabrera .195
Thames .143
Night games
Cabrera .311
Thames .300
When it was just Cabrera I was looking at, it was just a sort of fun stat…when you add them together…I mean that could effect the team…oh and for the love of Bill Fahey, what is going on here? Placido “Mr Consistency” Polanco: Day games: .189 Night games .340 (and that’s not even counting tonight)
Oh and look at that–is Detroit really 20-20 in night games, and 7-17 in day games??
OK somebody, figure out what goes wrong in the daytime and save the season for us!
It’s an actual smoking expression, that OPS thing. Bob Seger named an album accordingly. “Smoking OPS” means “Smoking Other People’s (cigarettes).” Mooching smokes. No lie, for you non-smokers out there.
Not to mislead anyone – it’s phrased “Smoking Oh-Pees,” not literally O-P-S.
Sean said: “I will put everyone’s mind at ease on the matter of Jones’s mustache. A plaster cast was made before its removal. A return to proper form is virtually assured. Mustache Club For Men guarantees it.” I certainly hope not, or there is a good chance we’ll see Magglio strutting around wearing it soon,…
Yeah, okay, I forgot about that. Bad example.
No matter, Coleman, it’ll end up on eBay sooner or later, and I’m grabbing it.
(invisible)OK, now I’m bored.(invisible)
Miguel Cabrera removed all doubt this evening that he has arrived, and big-time. Stellar play at the plate and in the field, the lone blemish a very questionable call on a strikeout that shouldn’t have been. There’s talk of a contract exiension already, and it’s understandable.
Personally, I hope they send Rick Porcello to the Marlins as a kind of belated “thank you pitcher.” That trade is already among the most lopsided in baseball history.
Miguel has carried this team on his back all season, and once again tonight he did it with scant support for his teammates.
Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter in all of baseball. Mark my words, he will be the first player elected to the HOF before his 5th year in the majors. I love him and I want to kiss him always.
(invisible)Different tack.(invisible)
Sean C.-I love Thames being on the team and getting starts a few times a week, but nights like last night shows why he’s not an every day player. He strikes out too much. IMHO, he’s not a 3rd hole hitter. He needs to be down in the lineup to be more effective.
Clevelen looks good, but so did Joyce at times and even Clete. I mean, it’s nice to see them giving all these young guy chances, but they all make mistakes, especially on the base paths (like Clete last week and Clevelen tonight). Sometimes it costs you, sometimes it doesn’t. Tonight it didn’t. I’m starting to wonder why Timo isn’t getting more of a shot. He played well (at times) last season, is a left handed stick, can move runners along and is a seasoned big league vet. These are all things I think the Tigers could use at this point. Again, IMHO.
Ah well, it’s funnier with the typo. I’m cooking while posting. Didn’t see it in time.
Chris in Nashville, I can see Timo getting up here in the not-too-distant future. It’s been a real LF carousel, so why not?
Marcus got what, about 350 at bats in 2006, and didn’t exactly stink. Yes, he strikes out a lot, but he’s got enough upside to live with that. I say give him that big chance and let him stand or fall for once. If he can’t make it, I don’t even want him on the team. If Nate Robertson = Brandon Inge, then Marcus Thames = Zach Miner, except I don’t think Thames’s time has passed. But evidently Leyland thinks so.
Also, while I’m not sure about Thames’s arm, I think he’s a pretty decent outfielder.
Just play him in night games and he’ll do fine (actually I’m not sure that’s true; last season he hit better in day games)…I’m trying to work out who I’ll platoon in the Tigers new day/night platoon, the first of its kind. Like Captain Lucky Strike said, it’s time to start doing something about it.
[Tigers in day games: 7-17, .236 team BA
Tigers in night games, 20-20, .272 team BA]*
*Biggest team day/night BA differential in the league
anyone need 2 for the game tomorrow around ann arbor? section 116 row 15
Timo Perez hitting .259 with .335 OBP and .762 OPS at Toledo – not exactly tearing up the league.
Pretty good early call by Mike R. Pretty good early call by Mike R. So good I said it twice.
Chris in Dallas, I am ashamed of myself for speaking ill of Sexy Freddy Solid. Even postgame. It won’t happen again, for I do love the man.
“And with that decision Leyland is now inching closer to Sean’s “winning” percentage”
You got that right, Vince.
Neal, it dawns on me that Granderson isn’t stealing because of the finger injury. One base isn’t worth weeks or a month without Granderson.
Todd Jones needs the handle bar ‘stache. That is the only logical reason to get rid of his glorious ‘stache he had.
Handle Bar ‘Stache or stay home!
Imagine seeing this beauty on Jonesy every time he comes into the game.
Sean: Granderson also can’t steal if he doesn’t get on (1st) -base – last ten games: 39PA, 5H 3BB – two of the hits were homers.
The damaged finger condition makes me wonder if there is a special kind of glove a player can wear to protect the hand while running the bases and/or if such a device would be legal. Didn’t players used to wear sliding gloves and such?
Coleman
You’re really got something there with Captain Lucky Strike and the day/night platoon.
My question is, do you have a voice-activated mainframe computer that spits out stats on demand? It’s either that, or you’re making all this stuff up. You should challenge Billfer to a duel. The stakes? The keys to DTW, the very matrix our virtual lives depend on. Good luck, my short-lived friend. Mwah ha ha ha ha….
Mike R:
That’s stylin’. I like the muttonchops too.
Mike R
That’s beyond handlebar. But it rocks. I’d grow that mustache if I could. Yeah, Vince, the muttonchops are indispensable. Inge, for one, might get some respect with something like that on his face.
Vince
That occurred to me, Granderson’s getting on base problems in relation to the SB. But he must have more than 3 (or whatever it is) combined singles and BB this season.
Also, I think the team’s losing ways and the tendency to either win or lose by rather large margins have been factors.
With a mug like that Inge could dispense with the “Babe” nickname and we could start calling him “Rajah” instead.
Sean:
Granderson is 3/5 in SB, but with only 171PA coming into tonight’s game and a .297 OBP there have not been a lot of opportunities either.
Besides, Leyland’s strategy (?) seems to be favoring the station-to-station approach so far. With the tentativeness of the youngsters and the leadfootedness of the rest, the running game in all its guises appears to have been shelved for the most part.
Tigers offense is middle of the road (AL) in all major categories, with the exception of stolen bases where we are dead last.
Mike R, you ARE the man. Nice call. Can you give me six lotto numbers to play?
6 digit lotto will be: 8-1-4-16-22-3
and that picture I linked too is what i”m dubbing the Hutton or the Mandlebar.
Miggy had a good game……
Did anyone else notice in the 2nd that it took Cabrera twice as long to “trot” from 1st to 2nd base on Larish’s walk (even with a lead) than it took Larish to get to 1st?
I think somebody either posted or linked to a story about Cabrera having a choice between being good or getting in shape and being great. Maybe I’m making a big deal out of nothing, but I’m just saying I’d like to see a little more…uh whats the word…zest? verve? pep?
Andre
I’m just hoping he’ll start hitting home runs with regularity. He can take his time circling the bases then. I’ll take pop if I can’t get the pep.
I don’t know if Cabrera is misunderstood or not. Guys who don’t look intense can be. But as far as staying in shape goes… I don’t know you make a guy care about that. I hope someone with the Tigers does, perhaps even some of his teammates.
Tigers are a 500 team during night games! Let’s just reschedule all the other afternoon games til after nightfall!
And Chris just said that Miggy/Gil had a good game! I feel the ground spinning. Where am I?
Sheffield will be back soon, presumably. Is it going to be the same old story? Wait, and wait, and wait, then DL?
And who’s going down? Clete Thomas? Jeff Larish? I wonder if Brent Clevlen earned an extended stay with what Leyland called a game-saving play last night.
I hate asking, but has the upside of Larish vs Inge been explained yet? Why are we calling up minor-leaguers to DH? Isn’t that the one “position” we kind of have covered? I know that Inge will see more time…but its gonna be behind the plate, not at 3rd where presumably he’s a bigger upgrade…i mean the point is to lock that corner down, not just get Inge more at bats…right?
Andre, these are the questions I’ve been asking for the past 2 weeks. I have no idea what the hell Leyland is thinking anymore.
tiff, there was an ellipse at the end of Chris’s post. I sense a “but still” coming.
Maybe Coleman could tell us whether this day/night thing the Tigers have going is something new. I wanted to look up their day/night records for 2006 on, but I don’t know where to find the info.
Sean: You should know. You can find that on the team pitching splits at baseball-reference. A quick look at 2007 shows that they were 30-25 during the day. In ’06 they were 28-30. And so it goes.
So I live in Chicago and in the past week I’ve seen the Bears finally cut Benson for being a fantastic waste of space, locker room cancer and general eff-up off the field. I’d say they were a little late in cutting ties but the fact that they did is slightly encouraging for sports in general.
I’m not saying we do this to any of our boys, but it got me thinking about the way sports contracts are handled these days.
Now I know that this idea would never work but I’m gonna throw it out there anyways.
Move contracts towards some kind of league minimum based off of years played (vets get more) and the rest be completely incentive based.
Estimate the value of things like HRs, ERA, Ks, etc… and assign corresponding values so a player with MVP stats gets paid roughly what an A-Rod or Santana makes once bonuses are totaled.
No more teams getting burned on Zito-esque contracts (as hilarious as they are to see…assuming they don’t happen to your team) and you can stick the rest of the money into benefits packages for current and retired players.
I know, wonderful idea right…
“…Whoa, Jonesy is perfect in save situations, so why shave the ’stache?”
As an insider to the clubhouse (who’s to say I’m not?), the remains of Todd Jones’ ‘stach is officially in a zip-lock bag in Magglio’s locker. Make of that what you will.
Sean:
I’m with you on the Thames discussion — I like him and think he needs more ABs and more playing time — the only thing I don’t like is to see him in the 3 hole — even though recent numbers, excluding Monday night’s game, support it. I’m with Chris in Nashville on that one.
Billfer commented:
“…Interesting defensive replacements tonight….with a twist with Guillen moving to first base. That’s first I can remember that happening in quite awhile…”
I think this was a good move. These are some of the rare times I like Leyland. It’s a lateral move defensively (it certainly isn’t a downgrade from Cabrera) but why not do it? You pull Guillen night after night from in late innings to upgrade the defense at 3rd or LF (a must move) — positions you’ve forced him to play to accomade the team — why not prop up Guillen’s confidence a bit and give him the slap on the back for a job well done? He’s been a team player, and I think it’s the right move to give him props by allowing him to contribute back to the team with a vote of confidence. Save for seeing Miner warming up for a potential 8th-inning appearance, I say Leyand gets an A- for all the strings he pulled last night.
Leyland hates the DH rule and has utter contempt for the lineup position. He reveres the idea of lefty/righty matchups. He doesn’t like inexperienced players, but there are no lefty bats with any power on the Tigers bench. Add it all up, and without Sheffield to plug in there, you get a jumble of DHs. His only concession to being clever with the position is using it to rest guys from the field while keeping their bat in the lineup.
Chris in Dallas
Thanks. I looked and looked, but didn’t think to look in pitching splits. So this day/night thing is a fairly extreme new development.
You know what I kinda liked? I meant to bring this up a couple of days ago but I forgot. The whole hanging of Bonderman’s jersey in the dugout was kinda cool. Team unity and all. At least it appears they may in fact like each other…
T Smith
I agree that Thames doesn’t really belong at #3. I get so excited to see him in the lineup at all that I overlook this. He’d be good at #6, I think, because Maggs and Miggs are no slouches at getting on base. 3 righty power hitters in a row is a cardinal sin in Leyland’s book. Not mine. I’d like to see Granderson at #3 and Guillen leading off, but pigs will fly or the Tigers will have a new skipper before that happens.
Are they still hanging Bonderman’s jersey? I agree, that is kind of cool. But what about Shef? Santiago? Willis? Wilson? Rodney? Zumaya? Cruceta (ha ha)? Could get kind of crowded in there.
And somewhere, in a safe and secret place, in the inner sanctum of the clubhouse, there is simply… a blue glove.
Jose? We still miss you. Talk amongst yourselves, I’m furklempt.
Don’t worry Sean. I’ll have Leyland take the spam filter off your emails. I suspect we’ll see Grandy in the #3 hole in no time.
Actually the day/night stats last season were pretty close to even: .283 vs .289 BA, .545 vs .552 win %–the small extra edge at night probably attributable to having the Vampire on the roster.
(Sean “Prince of Darkness” Casey was .235 day .327 with all 4 HR at night…this season so far in night games he’s .388! And that great WS he had–exactly, all night games…hmm actually Jason “not the same without Sean Casey” Grilli likes to wear high collars…you lookin’ at my neck? why you lookin’ at my neck?…I better check out his night stats…)
lol the “blue glove”. That actually made me giggle. I don’t know if they had Bondo’s jersey up there last night or not. I missed the game because my girlfriend made me take her to see ‘Kung Fu Panda’. On a related note, she promised to return my testicles from the safe deposit box tonight, so I’ve got that going for me.
But seriously, T, I think this is one of those areas where JL is just blind to reason. I could be wrong, but I think he has gone on record at some point saying that Granderson would never, ever, ever bat #3 for him, and if he gave any reasons, it was probably along the lines of the Miguel Cabrera to 1B “baseball history proves it” thing. Where he’s stubborn, he’s stubborn beyond stubborn.
Tigers stat of the day: In his last 81 1/3 innings pitched, Bobby Seay has allowed exactly 2 HR. Discuss.
But this season there is something sinister happening under the midday sun, some evil not caught by the filter when you inhale. OK, my theory is…
I got nothing. Beats the walewander out of me.
It seemed like an interesting oddity until I saw the W-L record, and realized we’re at .500 but for the games played under the evil eye of the sun. As I pointed out before in night games, Cabrera’s actually hitting just as well as last season. It’s just that the last 2 seasons’ .350+ BA in day games is a far cry from this season’s .195…Thames, .293 down to .143.
Oh for the love of Barbaro Garbey! I just looked up Polanco’s numbers–last season day night .390(!) .318, this season .189/.351 (!)
Could it just be, since it’s only 24 games so far, that it just happened to work out that Cy Young’s turn in the rotation came when teams had day games vs Detroit? The majority of day games occurred in the Jacques Jones era? Or is it something far more insidious?
(and is it normal for the bullpen pitchers to nap in coffins in-between warmups?)
Leyland has said that he thinks that Granderson will move down in the order eventually and has said he’s not a true lead-off hitter. But with a team with Guillen/Ordonez/Cabrera, and a theoretical Sheffield, Granderson fits better at the top of the lineup.
It’s not a blind spot at all.
Thank you, Billfer. The sooner Sheffield proves to be theoretical again, then, the sooner we may see Granderson move down.
Here’s a more complicated project for you, Coleman. Fire up the Univac and check these day/night splits for 2006-2008 to date, up to June 11 for each season.
Yes, I’m full of interesting suggestions.
Congratulations, Chris, on the safe return of your, um, boys. Don’t leave home without them.
Re Bobby Seay: I submit, with no evidence, that relievers who face fewer batters per outing tend to yield fewer home runs per IP. Discuss.
Sean: I submit to you one Oscar Villareal, RHP Houston Astros. Over his last 10 outings (8 2/3 IP), he’s given up 9 hits, 5 of which have stayed in the yard (i.e. 4 HR). OK I just talked like Hawk Harrelson. Please shoot me.
Chris – Yes, but how do his last 80 IP stack up against Seay
a) in batters faced per appearance?
b) in HRs per IP?
c) in LHB faced (vs. Seay’s RHB faced)?
d) average OPS of batters faced at time of ABs?
e) day vs. night game HRs allowed?
You’re still useful, so we have no plans to shoot you just yet.
That’s too much work for me Sean. He has given up 11 HR in 29 IP this season though. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that would skew his totals for the last 80 innings. I’m going to start looking at some other LOOGY’s to see how Seay (haha get it “see” and “Seay”) stacks up HRA wise. I shall return with my findings.
Mike R, thanks for the numbers. I will play the NY lottery for a month and cut you in for 1%.
Could someone please check our record as it applies to moon phases. Tonight is Waxing Gibbous where 61% of the moon is exposed.
LOL ron. The Tigers actually lead the league in OPS in games played under waxing crescent. Take note.
“Tonight is Waxing Gibbous where 61% of the moon is exposed.”
I wouldn’t count on waxing Gibbous, especially considering how tough he is on RH batters.
Sean: A quick glance at some LOOGY’s around the league:
Jamie Walker – last 79 2/3 IP, 10 HR
Mike Myers – last 85 IP, 9 HR
J.C. Romero – last 80 IP, 5 HR
Dennys Reyes (a.k.a. Fernando Valenzuela v 2.0) – 80 IP, 4HR
Boone Logan – last 74 IP, 7 HR
Randy Flores – last 73 IP, 3 HR (previous 83 IP, 10 HR)
These are all lefties with significantly more appearances than innings pitched. Bobby compares pretty well, at least in keeping the ball in the park.
I really like that name, Waxing Gibbous. That’s a very good baseball name.
I think Miggy has a new nickname. I shouldn’t have to explain.
Chris, I concede the point without further demands for evidence that Seay stands out as a remarkably low-HR short relief guy.
Several of Seay’s last appearances have been a letdown, though. I suspect that he is at least somewhat worse this year as opposed to 2007 in letting inherited runners score.
It’s not a moon phase, but the Tigers – I believe – have a better record on Wednesdays than any other day, by a fair margin.
“Several of Seay’s last appearances have been a letdown, though” Clearly Sean is remembering his NIGHT appearances, since as we know Seay’s season ERA in DAY games is .000 (No Vampire He!)
Also there seems to be some relationship between Sean and Seay involving NY in some way but I cannot unravel the significance.
All,
Thanks again for an entertaining thread. I’m a little sad that these last few wins have all come when I haven’t had the time to listen/watch the games. If it helps the team win, I’ll boycott most of the season, but damn, that’d break my heart more than the baffling play and managing have this year.
* * * * *
Specifically Sean C.,
I just have to say that I’ve been impressed with the musical knowledge that has crept out in your posts over the season.
It could be that Seay gave up one of his last 2 HR against the Yankees, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t involved.
Sean: OK I’ll throw you a bone. Your suspicion thus far is correct. Bobby Seay v. 2007 inherited 42 runners, allowing 6 to score. So far Bobby Seay v. 2008 is working at a 23/9 ratio. I still think he’s underrated, though.
Well, thanks, Greg. I am a musical guy.
I was thinking that baseball and music is an unusual juxtaposition, but then a few musical names popped up in memory. Geddy Lee, George Thorogood, and John Fogerty are all big baseball fans. There must be others. Any other famous Tigers fans, besides Tom Selleck?
I remember specifically the only one he gave up last year was to Pujols. Albert, not Luis. Speaking of Luis Pujols, I went to a Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros AA affiliate) game over the weekend, and the team is managed by him. I had to restrain myself from throwing a beer bottle in his general direction…
I know Jeff Daniels is a big Tigers fan. And (cough) Kid Rock has an Olde English D tattoo if I’m not mistaken.
Yeah, Chris, Seay was a great replacement for Jamie Walker. Anyone in the Tigers bullpen besides T. Jones is bound to be overshadowed by the very names and reputations of Rodney and Zumaya.
Wha’s up with you and Luis Pujols, Chris? Not familiar with the name.
I’m not a tattoo guy, but a Tiger D would be a great one to have.
Luis Pujols guided the Tigers to an impressive 55-100 record in ’02 after Garner got the axe.
What, Madonna’s not a Tiger fan?
Something tells me you can’t trust Madonna’s allegiances, Ron.
“Luis Pujols guided the Tigers to an impressive 55-100 record in ‘02”
Glad I missed that, though 2002 wasn’t a good year for me, either. Probably just glanced at the standings once in a while and shook my head, read the box scores and marveled at the weird names, like I’d done since, oh, maybe shortly after the Cecil Fielder era.
I’ll have to think about musicians who are Tigers fans; I know several musicians in S.E. MI who are Tigers fans. The only nationally known musician I can think of is Michael Ivans, the bassist for the Flaming Lips, and his allegiance is to the Red Wings.
Did anyone else notice this about Francisco Cruceta’s team picture? The dude has no eyes. That could have been part of the problem. In the game photos I saw, he appeared to have eyes, but they were obviously just painted on. I think the larger and noisier MLB crowds interfered with his echo-location.
Can someone explain how Cabrera got the nickname “Gil”?
I think it would make baseball more interesting if there were no photos at all, just illustrations a la the Wall Street Journal (maybe even caricatures). and everyone would be referred to as “Mr. _____” as well.
Carolyn
Legend has it that long ago, in a land far, far way (Dallas), a reportedly demented baseball fan had an “episode,” about which there are conflicting reports.
Thus, Gil.
Gil is a shortened Anglophile name for ‘Miguel’, and it’s also the name of the loser guy from the Simpsons. Really a perfect fit for him.
I like “Cabs” better. 😉
Uh-oh. Here we go.
Ah, Chris dodges a bullet. Pay no attention, Carolyn – he’s normally a courteous fellow. He was a very nice boy. He used to cut the grass.
Sean: “I think it would make baseball more interesting if there were no photos at all, just illustrations a la the Wall Street Journal (maybe even caricatures). and everyone would be referred to as “Mr. _____” as well.”
Have you seen the WSJ lately? it’s already halfmurdoched, it will look like the FSN website eventually….
Gil Cabs. That’s kind of like gelcaps, which is fitting because many of his AB’s have caused me to go running for the Tylenol.
No, Coleman, I must be thinking of the old WSJ. I kind of liked it, not to give anyone here the impression that I had any earthly reason to be reading the Wall Street Journal.
“Chris in Dallas” doesn’t equal “Chris,” right? So I know the former is being tongue-in-cheek.
Carolyn: You are correct. I love Miggy, I just like to give him a hard time once in a while. You know, gotta keep his ego in check and all…
Am I getting the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal confused? Some newspaper I used to read referred to people as Mr., Mrs., Ms..
Gil Cabs. Gel Caps. I like it. I like it a lot.
Gil is short for Gilbert. Chris pulled that Anglophile thing… from an undisclosed location.
Sean any day I can use the word ‘Anglophile’ in polite conversation is a good day, even if I have to pull it out of…well, you know.
Mr. C in IL:
WSJ.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120605911165653523-rSm4DSPPAKrG2g4YZjM6zcuZUbk_20090321.html?mod=rss_free
Case in point.
Great link T. The accompanying illustration is priceless.
Mr. T Smith
Tremendous link! I swear to everyone that I was unaware of this article, and based my statements on distant memories of reading the WSJ, though I recall more clearly that the sports writing there was very good, as in this article on Bonderman (has the Detroit press ever pninted something as lucid and in-depth on Bonderman or any Tiger?). I was also just making up the part about caricatures – great one of Bondo!
I don’t know why i get such a kick out of seeing “Mr. Bonderman” and “Mr. Cluck” repeated a couple hundred times each, but I do. It seems so ridiculously formal for baseball.
I really enjoyed the article for its own sake, too. Thanks!
I am not the same person as Chris In Dallas. I’m in Santa Monica, but I go by just “Chris”.
Billfer, can you please take me off the “Your comment is awaiting moderation” list.
Chris, “Anglophile” is just so passe. Gauche, if you will. I’ve moved on to Francophile and bibliophile, myself. I steer clear of other ophiles. In polite conversation.
O’Phile makes a pretty good baseball name. Frank O’Phile. Frank “Frenchy” O’Phile. C-1B, I’m saying.
This thread has become so much worse in my absence that I cannot even properly put it into words.
If you were really “clutch,” Dave, you would have willed a better thread through camaraderie, hustle, and a positive attitude. You’re just upset because Chris hasn’t said anything bad about Cabrera.
In the WSJ article about Bonderman (written in March), it’s interesting that they mention Rick Ankiel, whose name has come up in the Willis discussions. I don’t know about Ankiel, but it sounds like a sad story.
While bored at work, I found a photo of Gil from last season that I think you’ll all find quite amusing. A foul ball went into the stands, and his reaction his priceless:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c234/finsfan13/Cabrerascared.jpg
Very interesting about Ankiel, not such a sad story.
I wonder if Ankiel could be the Tigers everyday LF.
And he could pitch when they needed to stall for rain to take the game off the books.
Carolyn – That is funny. He reminds me of Estelle Costanza in that pose.
Sean – Since you hadn’t seen the WSJ article about Mr. Bonderman before, you probably didn’t see this article either.
http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/03/do-bondermans-pitches-fool-umpires/
As I shamelessly self promote
OK Sean you set it up, so I have to run with it. Ladies and gentlemen…..Estelle Cabrera!
Ankiel contracted an acute case of Steve Blass Disease. So much so in fact that the condition was almost renamed Rick Ankiel Syndrome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Blass
Billfer – I didn’t remember it until I saw it, but I did in fact read your article examining the points brought up in the WSJ article when it appeared. Thanks for bringing it back.
What I failed to do, for some reason, was follow the link to the WSJ article. Who has time for the Wall Street Journal when there’s the DTW?