2008 Season, Game Post

Game 71: Tigers at Giants

283 Comments

PREGAME: The Tigers will try to embark on a new winning streak with Kenny Rogers taking the mound. Rogers has only allowed 3 earned runs over his last 4 starts. He’s still not striking many out, he only has 34 on the season, but he’s cutting down on the walks which were hurting him early in the season and running up his pitch count.

For the Giants it will be lefty Jonathan Sanchez. Sanchez is another guy fanning a batter an inning, and limiting homers to the tune of 6 in 80.1 innings this year with no one taking him yard since May 16th. In his last start he snapped a string of 5 consecutive quality starts when he was touched for 7 runs in 7 innings.

Your lineup for tonight:

  1. Renteria, SS
  2. Polanco, 2B
  3. Guillen, 3B
  4. Ordonez, RF
  5. Cabrera, 1B
  6. Thames, LF
  7. Rodriguez, C
  8. Granderson, CF
  9. Rogers, P

Notice that Pudge is starting for the second game in a row. According to Beck it isn’t the end of the alternating catcher plan, but Leyland thinks Inge is still bothered by the oblique.

DET @ SFG, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Game Preview – Baseball-Reference.com

Game Time 10:15

POSTGAME: Very nice bounce back win for the boys and combined with a Cleveland loss the Tigers are now tied for 3rd place. Sanchez was some kind of filthy as he fanned 6 in his first time through the lineup. But the Tigers made some adjustments and got to him a little after being no hit for 5 innings.

  • Kenny Rogers brought it again tonight going 7 strong yet again and keeping the team inthe game when there was no margin for error.
  • Marcus Thames is some kind of wonderful. He got down to his last AB with a full count before crushing a ball to centerfield for a 5 game, 8 hit, homer streak.
  • Edgar Renteria gets on base 3 times including his 2000th hit.
  • Ryan Raburn comes through with the big pinch hit homer and Jeff Larish gets a pinch hit RBI as well.
  • More excellent defense today with diving plays from Brent Clevlen and Marcus Thames and some nice picking by Guillen and Renteria as well.

283 thoughts on “Game 71: Tigers at Giants”

  1. I know I’m a E-Rent defender, but I’m already tired of this nonsense of him leading off ever. What part of his .273/.318/.366 line screams “lead off hitter!” to Uncle Jimmy?

    I’m still kind of hesitant about tonight. I think Thames’ HR streak ends tonight.

  3. Craig was at last night’s game and is heading there tonight. He wanted me to post this about his experience:

    A Great Baseball Experience

    I disagree with MarkSF, who notes his distaste for Giants fans. I have lived in the Bay area since 1989 and have seen the Giants have their ups and downs. These folks are dedicated baseball fans. They turn out to the games. Monday’s game was freezing, like the old Candlestick and they drew 33,000. The Bay area knows basesball, The Bay area seems to be a natural talent pool for MLB, and game is embraced year round at all levels. Little League is played 12 month a year(Summer Ball, Fall Ball, Winter Ball) families make the annual pilgrimage to Scottsdale in droves for spring training. In addition I would argue that you will find as many fans keeping score at a Giants game as in any ballpark in America. If you ask an older San Franciscan to name the greatest events in the history of the city, you will get one of two answers; the discovery of gold in the foothills, and the Day the Giants moved to San Francisco.

    The Ball Park is unbelievable with the Bay beyond the right field wall. Facilities for kids are great. Sure they serve Chardonnay and Starbucks but that’s only marketing to the demographic. They also serve a great hot dog and a reasonably priced beer. Beyond the confines of the Ball Park you have a multitude of good restaurants and pubs to serve you before and after the game. I say this because compared to attending a game in area 51(Oakland Coliseum) this is like Disneyland. I had a great time with the fans. They were awed by Marcus Thames’ monster blasts. One fans comment. “You need to let him out of the house more.” Maybe Mark was sitting in a bad section, or I might be lucky but I had great banter with those around me and I can’t wait to get to the ball park today. I even had a beer bought for me “Because your boys swept the Dodgers”. My girls and I will be sitting in the right field porch Row 2 to cheer on Mags with McCovey Cove at our backs. Go Kenny, Go Tigers, Let’s start a new streak.

  4. On Thames homer streak it’s just a matter of time until he hits an 0 for 20 streak with 12 K’s. Not because he sucks, but because that’s baseball. And everyone will blame it on him going for homers all the time and Chris Shelton’s name will be invoked.

  5. Thames is a very very good platoon player. His HR/AB ratio over the past 4 years is ridiculous, but Leyland has made all the right calls with this guy.

  6. I want to see Rodney redeem himself Tonight. I wonder if he’ll be available.

  7. I don’t expect an extraordinary amount of production from Marcus just because he’s hot as of late. He will of course regress to the “normal Marcus”, as I believe he’s beyond the age that you break out to show your true potential. However, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the “normal Marcus”. I just always have thought he needed more time as an every day player and it’s great to see him having the time of his career. He just has that mild mannered, friendly giant thing going for him that makes him so likeable. Not to mention he has the humility of Barry Sanders, the power of Cecil Fielder, and the curves of Halle Berry. Wait.

  8. Time to start a new winning streak. I hope Kenny can pitch great again, and actually get the win.

  10. Similar numbers that apparently scream “pudge at leadoff”, Mike. It’s a joke, just learn to accept it.

  12. Billfer: I can’t wait for all the comps to Chris Shelton.

    Ken: Pretty spot on. I’m not convinced he’s an everyday player on a club that has world series aspirations, but there’s no better option for the Tigers and I’m anxious to see him prove me wrong the rest of the year. He should be starting in LF 4 out of every 5 games the rest of the way.

    Mark: I know it’s a joke, but it’s just so annoying. I’m not asking Leyland to peruse Baseball Prospectus 10 hours a day but, c’mon.

  13. Adam, the answer is in the game post. Leyland feels like Inge’s oblique is still bothering him. I wonder “how can you tell?” since all his check swings and K’s look the same to me whether he’s healthy or not.

  14. Mike, it’s completely annoying. I think Leyland reads this board and does it to screw with us. It’s the only explanation. Even Ozzie Guillen put Swisher in the leadoff spot for a while because of his high OBP.

  15. Very nice play by Guillen on the short hop. Terrific play, just like a real third baseman!

  16. Ah, yes. I have a habit of not reading past the lineup unless it’s a big chunk of text.

  19. My god, Sanchez is pitching out of his mind right now. I was really dreading this. Hopefully Kenny can blank the Giants tonight.

  20. [insert dirty Sanchez joke] is sharp right now, the SF announcers pointed out the tough hitting backdrop behind a lefty pitcher right now.

    Hopefully results are better once the sun goes down.

  22. Mike – It’s probably Edgar’s 426 OBP against lefties this year that screams leadoff hitter. It’s not like he does it against righties.

  23. Sanchez is dealing, wow. Let’s hope we can squeak something out… Grrr, would be a lot nicer to already have one in this series…

  25. Thanks Bill, I didn’t notice that earlier. It makes some sense, then.

    But, still. Comment of the night isn’t coming from this blog, it’s from Rod Allen:

    “That just shows you how in-depth this Tigers coaching staff is.”

  26. Sanchez has no-no material tonight. Let’s see what happens the second time through.

  28. Interesting post from Craig on how experiences at the same game can differ so much.

    Ken in Cincy (the only way I dare try to spell it), you’re a funny man.

    Keep me posted, please, guys and gals.

  31. Thank you, Adam. How’s Kenny looking? Like he can last? That guy has quietly put together quite a run.

  32. Tigers need to just try to get Sanchez to spend his pitches tonight. Hopefully Kenny can keep it at 0-0 and the Tigers can get to the SF bullpen.

  34. Keven – you’re crazy.
    Everyone always accuses Thames of being a part-timer because no one’s given him the job, despite his production. Except he’s been completely consistent his entire career: He’s a .250 +/- guy with high K’s and a HR avery 14-15 ABs. Adam Dunn is making All Star games and Thames is regarded as a “platoon” guy. Same production.

    This is one of Leyland’s mistakes, in my opinion: Play Marcus. He’s a good Joe and has historically great power ratios. He’s a huge thread in a lineup that’s too often lacking this season.

    To put in in perspective: yesterday, we’d have been entering the 9th facing our 11th shutout, were it not for Thames and blown call at home plate.

  36. “Hey, this guy’s got it goin’ on. Let’s help him out a bit and just swing at the first pitch every time. K?” OK.

  37. Rogers has been okay. Throwing strikes. Usually has a guy on base the whole inning though.

  39. I’m really coming around on Ordonez as an above average RFer. (and as I type that the SF color guy says “If Ordonez plays here every day he probably catches that ball).

  40. rings,

    There is one significant difference between Thames and Dunn – Dunn takes a ton of walks. I like Marcus too and think he should get a shot to play every day, but he’s not Adam Dunn.

  41. Rowand looks so uncomfortable in his batter’s stance. Like he’s got a pole up his…. Sanchez.

  46. Sean,

    You’re pretty hilarious yourself. (Sean and Ken sittin in a tree….shut up guys) I’m befuddled, however, over your fear of spelling the word Cincinnati considering I’m pretty sure you’re my college English professor guised as some guy from Illinois. Was I sposed ta capitalize English teach?

    As to the game, I’m pretty sure I just saw someone accidentally spill their scalding hot Starbucks into their lap and upon jumping up in horror, knocked over a lady’s Merlot onto her white sundress.

  48. Sanchez is at 63 pitches through 5. Yikes. Gotta make him work, boys. It would be nice to at least get a ball out of the infield, much less a hit.

  50. Being no-hit through 4 1/2. I don’t think Sanchez can do it though, unless he gets his pitch count down a little. He’s already at 63.

  51. This series blows…. The Bay area is a hopeless trap of losing for the Tigers…. Can’t leave soon enough.

  53. I’m sorry, Ken, but I’m already betrothed to Mark in Chicago. Let’s just be friends.

    The Tigers got to Lincecum. What’s with this Sanchez guy? What’s he trying to prove? He’s gotta make a mistake soon.

  54. We have to find a way to win this game. White Sox won and Indians lost.

    Gotta win, and win tomorrow.

  57. This just feels like one of those games where we all stay up really late and lose a painful 1-0 game in the 13th inning or something…

  59. This does not look good, Tiger Fans. Every single hitter looks fooled and tied up. Hard to see a win at this point. Tigs just seem to be unable to hit the ball at all.

  61. Maybe I’m way off, but it looks like they’re trying to pull Sanchez. I wonder if a little adjustment to go the other way would make any difference.

    Have faith, we’ll win this game.

    Sean, I always knew you cared.

  64. Granderson ends the no-hitter bid. That was the first ball the Tigers hit out of the infield!

  65. “FWIW, Dunn in LF makes Marcus Thames look like a graceful swan.”

    I don’t know, Greg. I’m pretty sure a graceful swan would be awful in left field. Probably just hiss at the bullpen and ignore fly balls.

    No, I get what you mean. People here in Cincinnati often call for Dunn’s head because of his fielding ability. They don’t care how many home runs he hits. They just look at him as American League trade bait.

  66. Yeah, like that Curtis!

    We’re in the ‘H’ column! Now for the ‘R’ column…

  68. Sky the Optimist returns! Hey Sky – the Tigers are going to win this one just for you, just to cheer you up.

    Cheer us all up.

  70. C’mon, Polly. Fly ball here. Get it out of the infield.

    Great play by Burris to save a run, BTW.

  74. oooooh, a break for the Tigers as Polly’s chopper goes over Aurilia’s head. 1-0

    Carlos needs to bust it open here. Something…. extra bases.

  81. Chris in Tampa,

    You at the game? Awful far from your neck of the woods.

  82. They’re not so much prying the lid off the can, just kind of poking some tooth picks through the foil on top of the can.

  84. Okay, okay, well we gained some ground.

    Went from being no-hit to being three-hit.

    Let’s go Kenny, keep us safe.

  86. Man, would have liked to have gotten more there. At least they made him throw some pitches.

  88. 1-0 Tigers going into bottom of 6th seems to always means at least 2-1 for the opposition by the end of the game. I sure hate to make that comment but it has just been that way all year. If we do not have a big lead it is certain to be lost.

  89. I’ll take the toothpicks in the foil, Mike. Do they rip the foil off next inning?

  92. So far, I like Kenny’s strategy of shutting out the Giants. I hope he sticks to that game plan.

  93. And I seriously LOATHE the person who taught the FSN Detroit Crew how to use the split screen. If I wanted to watch the game on a screen that’s about 10 inches across, I’d buy a 10 inch television.

  95. See, now men on 1st and 2nd no one out for SF. It happens every time and is as certain as rain in Seattle.

  96. Frankly, it’s just disgusting it happens so often. They NEVER stop at the critical moment.

  99. Rejoice. This is the kind of game Detroit was almost never in earlier in the year. Exciting, nerve-wracking… and a feeling that it’s winnable. At least that’s my feeling.

  101. Sky: Not making this up but Seattle gets less annual rain fall than NYC and Atlanta both. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

  103. You know what always happens. A player makes a great defensive play, and then gets a key hit next inning. Country Strong up second.

  108. I did Sky, many thanks. I emailed it you yesterday if you’d like to see it.

  110. Once again…….stupid baseball…………don’t tell me that truck should even think of going on a hopper to 3rd. Way to really place the ball in a good place Pudge.

  111. And then the coaching staff comes in like an Arctic freaking snow storm to just cool off any good thing. Who is sending MIGUEL CABRERA on contact? You don’t send him on contact even if Aurilia is playing in San Diego, let alone, a couple feet behind the cut of the grass.

  113. Has no one on the Detroit staff ever even heard of the suicide squeeze? I mean, I know it is risky but we can not seem to score men on 3rd any other way…..why do they not try it in close games like this?

  117. sean: I was playing off the ‘just as certain as rain in Seattle” from Sky when Miggy doubled to lead off the inning.

    Seriously, what manager thinks “hey, Miguel Cabrera should come on contact on this play?”

  119. I’m travelling without my Univac, so I can’t answer my own questions as usual…but I’m wondering here, has any team had more runners thrown out at home this year than the Tigers?

  120. Mike, i got the reference, just not the double part.

    What manager trusts Pudge to hit the ball to the right side when he’s supposed to? Sounds bad all around.

  121. Strangely enough I am in Seattle, bitterly, under clear skies…then to San Francisco a few hours after the Tigers game will have ended.

  122. OK, I should shut up. I thought Miggy was going to 3rd. He was out going home?

  123. FYI – I’m switching from the MLB.tv broadcast to Dan & Jim, that should do it.

  126. Coleman, of what possible use to us are you without your Univac/ Be gone, unless you can tell me the score.

  127. Sean: Miggy doubled, Thames hit a sac fly to RF to get him to 3rd and then with the infield playing about 3-4 feet behind the cut of the grass (and Rod Allen said “they’re playing there because Cabrera’s not coming home on contact so they don’t have to play as shallow as they would if another runner were on 3rd.”) and pudge grounded to 3rd and Miggy was coming on contact and out at home.

  128. Sean C – he tagged from 2nd to 3rd on a flyout to deep right field. Then he was coming home on contact when Pudge bounced out to 3B. 3B Coach should have been in his ear “on contact on the ground, unless right to Aurilia.” Miggy should already know this, but he’s young and has made many baserunning mistakes already this year, so I’ll put that one on Lamont.

  132. Kevin comes through!

    Ryan Raburn with a BOMB. Marcus Thames would be jealous of that shot, holy crap.

    Rod Allen: “Ry-an Ra-burn, stop it! Stop it!”

  133. So who comes in the 8th inning to pitch now? Rodney? Dolsi? Miner? Bautista? Everybody make your pick now so you can second guess later.

  135. Radio switch is working so far. I’d like to recommend it to all the MLB.tv watchers out there right now (though I’m a bit jealous that I didn’t get to see that bomb, sounds like he drilled it).

  137. Thank you, Mike (and Sky). Man, they’d better not let this one slip away.

  139. Well, I am stupid….I missed both Miguel’s double and Rayburn’s HR in my bedroom typing here!

  141. I say Miner…

    Ryan Raburn? He hasn’t caught up to a fastball in weeks but that was clobbered!

  142. Hopefully we’ll score some more runs so it won’t matter. I’m not comfortable with any one of them, if the truth be told.

  144. “Everybody make your pick now so you can second guess later”

    That would force us to commit to something that might not work. No fair.

    I say Miner. Not my choice, just guessing what will be.

  146. Now, can we just score the guy on 3rd?…If we don’t I will be sick. By the way, my doctor today told me I am a prime candidate for a deadly heart attack. Wish me well boys!

  147. Nice rip by Polanco to move Renteria from 1st to 3rd with no outs. Takes Mr. Sanchez out of the game. Receives standing ovation and a future loss.

    Ken lights a Basic and pours himself a Ginger Ale because he is a 25 year old living in a 60 year old’s body.

  148. I know you’re all getting tired of the man on the dark side of the moon here, but… score please?

  149. Maybe I shouldn’t watch close games!……and did anyone see Tiger win that US Open…….? What a round of golf that was!

  150. I’m going with Miner as well. We’re gonna get Jonesy in the 9th, and he got drilled last time up, which means he’s due for a harmless out, single, pop out, K inning.

    What I’d like to do is tack on 3 more runs here (more radio switchers please) and then go Miner/Rodney or Bautista, and save Sexy and Jones for tomorrow.

  151. I’m going with Bautista. That’s my choice.

    Did you notice on that last hit and run that nobody broke to cover second? Didn’t matter cuz Polanco hit it, but E-Rent would have had himself a steal.

  152. 3-1 sean, guillen beat out a DP ball — run would’ve scored regardless but now it’s 1 out runner on 1st Tigers up two.

    Sky: That was the best round of golf, and most entertaining round, I’ve ever watched. And I’m a big golf fan. Such enthralling tv.

  155. RABURN BLAMO! Sorry, I forgot to post my exclamation when that happened 15 minutes ago. That’s really what we live for on here isn’t it?

  156. Billfer: When Magglio hit the deep fly ball the day of miggy’s walk off shot and then hit another one deep but at the warning track on that home stand Rod Allen mentioned he got his hair cut a bit and that “he should grow that back out… regain some power” and then started that little giggle of his. So yeah, he did, apparently.

  161. I just do not know what Maggs is doing……he was out at 1st on the throw.(despite a bad call that only serves to fire up the ops!)…….how does that happen to a baserunner ?

  163. Ok, what the f was that? Double steal with Cabrera and Ordonez? Is Jimmy out of his Papa Smurffin mind?? Did Thames miss a hit and run call there?

  164. Wow. First sending Miggy on contact from 3rd with less than 2 out and now sending magglio on a steal (hit and run?) after he just busted his butt to get back to first to not get doubled up. Outstanding managing. Seriously, who does that?

    P.S. Those watching the FSN Detroit telecast, is it just me or has Rod Allen used “hump” about 8 times tonight? “He had to hump it down the line.” “Tigers had to hump out Sanchez tonight.” Kind of creepy.

  170. The Tigers have been playing very well the last week or so, but Leyland is still an idiot.

  173. “Sadly, if I had $20.00 to bet on this game I would have to put it on SF.”

    Sad that you would have put money on the opposition or sad that you don’t have $20.00

    Well I had $60 to bet on this game and I put it on the Tigs. Bring home the bacon, bullpen.

  174. JIM LEYLAND GOT A DECISION RIGHT TONIGHT! HOLY COW!

    Or “Hey, Hey!” depending on what famous Cubs call you prefer.

  175. I am very glad to report to anyone not seeing it that Miner did not surrender a 2 run homer in the 8th.

    Is roller coaster time coming?

  176. After the play just described (double steal, missed hit and run), the next thing I want and need to read is “Tigers win.” I’ll accept nothing else.

  177. Yeah leyland stinks…fortunately baseball managing is the least important coaching function in professional sports

  178. greg: I wish I was making that stuff up, haha. He’s said some peculiar things. Notably his overuse of the word “hump” in awkward context, saying that the “tigers coaching staff is so in-depth” and “that’s what makes Jim Leyland such a great manager.”

    Hysterical.

  179. Adam:

    I would have been happy with a single from Thames in the 8th, but when the manager takes the bat out of your hands…..

  181. i’m really enjoying the games for the past several weeks. i think it was the sarcasm here that turned things around…miner loked good there but i guess rollercoaster will pitch the 9th.

  182. Forty, I agree. However, he’s continuing to give away outs and just failing to make the proper decisions. It’s frustrating and just dumb.

  189. Thank goodness the ump called that outside pitch a strike or else Marcus would just be standing on first.

  191. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

  192. No freakin way. I’ve really sacrificed a bunch here going radio, I hope that you all appreciate it. Mike R is up next game.

  195. i bet Thames was getting nervous that he might not play tomorrow, so he smashed one out for Leyland.

  199. I couldn’t live with myself if I bet against any Detroit team. Can’t tell you how much money I’ve lost on the Lions.

  200. Quick stat-check: When’s the last time we’ve scored in the 9th inning on consecutive days?

  201. By the way, if anyone is interested, Mark McGuire holds the record at 11 consecutive hits for HR. But I believe Marcus Markley Thames would be # 2 at 8.

  204. THAMES FOR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK! GOTTA BE. HOLY CRAP I CAN’T STOP TYPING IN ALL CAPS!!! EXCLAMATION POINT!!!

  205. Lol at the bonds comparison by the sf announcers…marcus would be exactly like barry if he played like this for 20 seasons

  206. So, was there a reason at least approaching sane why two runners were going with a guy at the plate who hasn’t hit anything but a homer in a week last inning?

  214. I honestly don’t even know what Rod said because I was too busy saying a bunch of words that are not allowed on this site out loud, to myself.

    hahaha, they’re showing Thames on the bench and Rod goes: “Yup, I used to hit them like that.”

  215. Mark McGuire loses 5 off of his record for being a needle butt. That puts the Funk Doctor first all time. (I’m just going to keep force feeding that nickname if I have to)

    Good to see Larish get in on the action. We always need a nice cushion for the coaster.

  222. PLEASE JONSEY…….DON’T MAKE THIS GAME SEEM CLOSER THAN IT IS……..OR MAKE IT CLOSER THAN IT IS!

  223. Funk Doctor! I second that emotion, Ken. But you’ve gotta admit, he’s country strong.

  224. I’m trying to do a play index list on baseball reference of the most consecutive hits being homers but it’s taking forever to search and just timing out on me. booo.

  225. I love it when these outfielders try to throw out a runner at home by bouncing the ball because they have no confidence in their ability to throw it on the fly on a line to the catcher. Is this little league?

  226. I know he’s got the streak going, but Marcus could have helped us out with a walk or a base hit there. I hate rally-killing HRs…

  237. Mark? That’s steroid strong not country strong. Strike him and his anabolics from the books.

  238. It’s one thing to have faith in your closer. It’s another thing to be stupid. After 3 straight singles you might want to get someone up. This stubborness drives me crazy.

  239. Typical Jones in a non-save situation. He should never be allowed to pitch with more than a 3-run lead.

  249. Bases juiced with 2 outs. I’m fanning myself like a fat lady at church. Oh, lawdy lawdy

  250. Good old Jones. Get everyone’s heart racing, and then get 3 straight outs.

  253. LOL TODD JONES

    ONLY pitcher in the history of baseball who can give up 3 hits in an innings without giving up a run

  256. Great performance from Jones. It’s tough to come in with 3 guys on base and no one out… even if you put them there.

  257. i think jonsey must have shares in companies that sell heart medicine. good win though. let’s take the series tomorrow.

  260. McGwire has the most consecutive hits being HRs. It’s either 10 or 11…and I’m fairly sure it’s 11. Thames is now all alone in 2nd place with 8. (a few others had 7 as well)

  261. Joel strikes again.

    Thank you Adam.

    Thank you, Todd Jones. I think.

    You guys think it’s tough WATCHING Jones? Try knowing he’s pitching with bases loaded and none out and then having no idea what was happening for 5 minutes thereafter.

  262. Baseball Tonight said Marcus tied Albert Belle with 8 straight hits being HR’s. McGwire leads it at 11 straight hits are HR’s.

  263. GUYS, you know what I didn’t realize. The Texas Rangers, yes those very same Rangers who got annihilated by the Tigers and had Rod Allen mocking their mediocrity calling their pitching minor league material, are 36-36.

    That’s shocking. Ron Washington’s doing a great job.

  264. I caught some of the postgame radio on the SF station (Jon Miller is absolute greatness), and they were going on and on about Marcus. Specifically about the blast that he hit tonight, but they were singing his praises for a while. It was fun to hear.

    I’m really enjoying this stretch by Marcus, we may not see anything like it again for quite some time. Props to you Funky Country.

  265. Great game, fun to watch.
    Thames home run was a Monster, that left everyone in Giant land speechless for a moment. I think it brought back memories of Barry. On to tomorrow.

  266. Just watched the end of the game on Tivo. I went to bed with the score tied 0-0. This mornings Tiger victory was a great early x-mas present.

    It looked like Thamas nearly got hurt on a diving play catch. I think it’s only a matter of time before he gets hurt out there.
    Todd Jones got my blood going with his wired performance. That’s what I call a wake up call.

    Great game and great poise on behalf of the team. Sanchez looked phenomenal, but we beat him anyway. Earlier this year he would of shut us out.

  267. I forgot to say Kudos to Rayburn and Larish for their pinch hitting, Roger’s for another excellent pitched game, and of coarse Thames for being the man on this team.

  268. things we wouldn’t have seen earlier this season
    -adjustment to lights out pitching
    -timely two out hitting
    -marcus thames’ country power
    -maggs or miggs on a hit and run

    well the last one we probably shouldn’t see for awhile.

    Evidence like this game gives me real hope that they’ve turned the corner. They like to play baseball now!

  269. Some catch by Thames. How did he hang on to that ball? That might have been bigger than the HR, as Kenny said.

    Clevlen’s catch was great, too. Do you get the feeling he might be sticking around?

  270. my favorite quote from the wraps, from Kenny “I told Marcus, if you don’t hit a HR for me, you don’t love me.”

  271. That is good, tiff.

    Well, he’s hit home runs for every starter currently in the rotation. Whole Lotta Love.

  272. I don’t see Clevlen leaving, although he’s a little redundant with Raburn already on the bench. Probably: Sheffield will replace Larish and Santiago will replace Hollimon.

    Am I missing anyone?

  273. “I told Marcus, if you don’t hit a HR for me, you don’t love me.”

    Kenny is awesome.

  274. Unless the Tigers intend to go after Adam Dunn (who strikes out quite a lot more often than Thames), I will take Marcus in LF every time, especially with OF company like Grandy and Maggs.

    baseball-reference.com 162 game average for Thames:

    470 AB 74 runs 114 hits 24 doubles 1 triple 33 home runs 85 rbi 41 bb 126 k .243/.308/.506 109 OPS+ 6 gdp

    I’ll take that from Thames, from Joyce, from Clevlen, from Adam Dunn for that matter. A team with WS aspirations can afford to “carry” a LF like this. A 2006 WS team did carry a 3B not quite this good, in addition to a two-headed version of the same LF.

  275. I guess last night we did to them what they did to us the night before…………….the Clevlen play was the game winner….it got “roller coaster” off his game!!! Jones was so shook up by that catch he got he next two guys out ,….no runs..

  276. “I don’t see Clevlen leaving, although he’s a little redundant with Raburn on the bench”

    Brian, I’m not positive – and I’m not basing this on the catch last night I just watched video of – but I get the impression that Clevlen is the better outfielder of the two, and since it’s hard to believe they’d risk Sheffield in the OF any more, Clevlen is anything but redundant. I only wish Raburn could play a better 3B.

  277. “Jones was so shook up by that catch he got the next two guys out”

    Nice. Messed up the plan, for sure.

  278. I like Clevlen’s defense, though Brian brings up a good point about redundancy with Raburn (say THAT five times fast). They’ve got a very similar profile and kinda play the same way (and no, I’m not just saying that because they’re both white), only Raburn can also play IF and thus is more valuable overall.

  279. Clevlen, historically, is a much better outfielder than Raburn. Raburn was a 2B in the minors.

  280. Clevlen’s excellent defensively, but I wouldn’t say Raburn is like Manny Ramirez or anything with the OF glove either. His versatility makes him the more valuable guy. He’s historically a better hitter than Clevlen, this year notwithstanding. One of the SF papers today called him a “.219 hitting scrub”. Ouch. That smarts.

  281. Thus, the bench going forward (I hate the term “going forward,” but it’s in vogue in this day of age), pending the return of Shef and Little Shef* and minus the Toledo-bound Larish and Hollimon, is:

    Inge/Rodriguez, Clevlen, Raburn, Santiago.

    *Similar in terms of 2008 power, but lagging far behind in RK and FRBI. Thus, “Little.”

  282. “One of the SF papers today called him a “.219 hitting scrub”.”

    They shoulda read up on his 2 HR, 7 RBI game last year.

  283. Please tell me that we are going to flat pummel Zito today. Please? Absolutely no reason not to…

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