PREGAME: Okay, this one doesn’t appear to stack up well for the Tigers. The Rays are really good at home. Like 40-16 good. The Tigers are kinda eh on the road. The Rays send out Scott Kazmir and his 2.84 ERA (1.68 at home) and 9.9 K/9 against Zach Miner and his 1:1 K:BB ratio.
Here’s the lineup:
- Granderson
- Polanco
- Guillen
- Ordonez
- Cabrera
- Sheffield
- Thames
- Renteria
- Inge
DET @ TBR, Friday, August 1, 2008 Game Preview – Baseball-Reference.com
POSTGAME: Well this was a different way to lose. Facing a stud pitcher with no idea where the ball was going, the Tigers drew 4 walks in the first inning. Of the first 21 pitches Kazmir threw, Detroit only swung at 2 of them, and that was Polanco only after he had 2 strikes. A visit from the pitching coach came next and Miguel Cabrera jumped on a first pitch fastball right down the middle – and fouled it off before popping out. A walk b Sheffield was followed by Marcus Thames swinging at the first pitch and ending the inning. In Thames defense he was probably anxious to not strike out.
Miner was fine. Not great, but not bad for a replacement starter. He got into a few jams, and wiggled out for the most part. Joel Zumaya followed and wasn’t so good, wild pitching in a run, crossing up Inge and damn near killing him, and allowing a homer. Bobby Seay was actually quite good and should be the set up man the next time the Tigers carry a lead to the 8th.
The Tigers walked 9 times and had 3 extra base hits, yet only scored 2 runs.
C’mon Miggy!!
I’ll take a few more walks here…I wonder what the Tigers win% is in games where Inge bats in the 1st inning?
Ah yes, the ol’ 1 run on 0 hits 0 errors inning…
Personally I think it would be pretty cool if we got no-hit and won 1 – 0.
Kazmir might try to throw a Dontrelle no-hitter.
So Kazmir’s going to need 40 strikeouts to keep that ratio going…
The Tigers can strike out with the best of them, but that’s asking too much.
EDIT: Oops, that’s K/9 innings… whatever.
On FSN Florida the gamecast was showing Polanco in the dugout and just as I was going through my normal routine of wondering how he got such a large and awkward cranium, the announcer called him a “heady player”. I coudn’t help but almost choke on my popcorn. Yes, I eat popcorn and wear a large foam finger as I watch the tv.
I eat foam and wear popcorn; I gonna try your way it sounds better.
Q. When is it enjoyable to see the opposing team hit a triple?
A. When the previous batter singles, then is thrown out trying to steal.
Inge already saved us a run.
This game has a good vibe: Detroit 1 run, no hits; Tampa, a single and triple and nada.
Way to waste their triple, Miner. We basically just made Crawford run really hard for no reason. Although I guess Thames did do a face plant so I guess we’re even.
Hopefully Kazmir (cue Zeppelin music) nails Inge in the ribs; if it’s like Cleveland that means his next AB he hits it about 375 ft…
Ken in Sin City: “Thames did do a face plant so I guess we’re even.”
Damn, I’m sad I missed that. Although: I’m guessing it was an Everyday Left Fielder face plant?
Actually I even see a good omen in this: “E. Renteria struck out looking.” Edgar, taking pitches. You know, from the guy who walked half the team in the first inning. Cool.
“Damn, I’m sad I missed that. Although: I’m guessing it was an Everyday Left Fielder face plant?”
It was more of a I see my everyday left fielder status slowly slipping through my fingers due to plummeting batting average so maybe I can make up for it will sweet diving face plant kind of face plant.
“Weather: INDOORS”
Good thing it’s indoors, too, since there are reports of dark air accumulating in the Tampa area, and it is likely to envelop the city in complete darkness within a matter of an hour or two.
“Last Play: C. Pena grounded bunt out to pitcher”
So, like, these guys are in 1st place? Dude…
You should of seen Inge almost make this play in foul territory. Would have been sick. Pudge wouldn’t have even been close. Inge is lightening fast in his catching gear.
On the other hand: their catcher has a cool Satan beard. Oops sorry, they’re just the Rays this season, nevermind.
Ken in Lost Wages: “You should of seen Inge almost make this play in foul territory.”
Did you ever see the one he caught against Seattle? I always thought he lost the ball at first, then sprinted almost out to 1st base to catch it…but then I watched it on a large tv and you can see his eye is on the ball from the time it leaves the bat, then he looks down–and presumably sees Cabrera–then sprints like hell toward first. Then after he catches it he smirks and mutters something to Cabrera, I wish I knew what. It cracked me up though.
Hinske hit that one too far for my comfort. How bout we don’t let the team nerd beat us for one series. Is that too much to ask? We already made Kelly Shoppach look cool. No more.
For this series, they are the DEVIL Rays.
That is quite hilarious indeed. You really painted the picture for us there, Mitch Albom.
Miggy just crushed that ball.
Jimmy was jawing with those umpires for awhile, claiming that the ball hit off the top of the wall and should have been a homer. Of course these Tampa Bay turds won’t even show a replay. Sometimes when you see Jimmy arguing with umps it looks like he is talking at a pace of 800 words per minute. I always wish I could hear him. Can you really talk sensibly at that pace or is it just “blib bag bonk should of been homer dip flap….”
Ken, he probably sounds kind of like the Swedish Chef from the Muppets only without the swedish accent, of course.
So my friend and I are trying to figure out what the Rays name actually refers to. It could be the animal, a line with one end point, a sun’s ray or some unfortunate reference to Rachel Ray. Thoughts?
I like the Tampa Bay Rachel Rays. Free frying pan night would be a big hit.
I think its the half line that goes on to infinity. But the Sun ray would be cool, free sunscreen night.
C’mon Inge!
I don’t know if frying pans is such a good idea. What if the fans get angry and start throwing those on the field?
If the mute button didn’t exist, someone would have invented it for her. “Alex, what is Rachel Ray?”
ding ding ding ding
come on Zach, 1-2-3 inning
Anson, that only appears to happen in Minnesota
well not bad, 77 pitches through 4 for Miner, but it’s clear the Tigers game plan is to get Kazmir out of there, cuz even when he’s behind in the count, we’ve only seen 1 or 2 good swings today by the Tigers.
89 pitches for Kaz, let’s get him out now!
Inge’s double looked like he hit it pretty hard, and Cabrera’s hit…well, it was far enough for Cabrera to get a triple. I think we have the potential for a run splurge at some point in this game
I don’t see Kazmir coming back next inning…
Sheff sucks
crap, come on Zach
When did Eva Longoria start playing for the Rays?
Is that how they’re drawing so many fans?
Or is my hearing going?
Andrew: “When did Eva Longoria start playing for the Rays?”
And Girardi thinks Pudge is hot? Dude…
good, ok we really need to break away at some point
I’m not an expert, but Inge just appeared to zip that one to 3rd in a tad under No Time Flat.
When was the last game that the funk Dr. (lowercase until he’s out of the funk) had fewer than 2 Ks?
It feels like we are playing the Twins.
Another great job by the bullpen. Nice Zoom.
frig..another bad loss
Lately Zoom does not look comfortable. he looks scared
Joel:
To answer your question about Thames, he has k’d 20 times in his last 40AB (plus 3 BB).
Is there a stat that tracks how often relief pitchers come on and give up runs that are actually charged to the previous pitcher? I would like to know. It seems to me that an effective relief pitcher stops the other team cold……he doesn’t come in and throw wild pitches and then gives up two hits and then says ” my ERA is unaffected because those were not my runners.”
Anyway, I have long thought Zumaya is way overrated, like Rodney. But you all know that already.
Sky, I have seen them give that stat on fsn. Needless to say, Tigers bullpen not good.
To be fair to Thames, he has had 6 hits in those 40 ABs though.
And did Renteria really hit over .300 last year? Where….AA leagues?
Thanks, mcb. I was really hoping Billfer might be online and be able to tell me. I bet Kevin in Texas knows.
Again, Tigers fail to advance a runner.
I wonder how much of the Rays success this year is due to playing in this really weird ball park.
Well, Shef is getting his chance again. But so many pop-ups and grounders this year. I don’t care so much if he goes out…………at least hit it hard for a change! These wimpy pop-up undercuts and grounder overcuts are getting to be too much.
Another overcut…
The Rays bullpen looks incredible… All these guys have ERAs under 3.00…. I’m sooooo envious
Billfer, a few years ago a Detroit sportswriter created the “quality start” stat. Someone has to come up with a “quality relief” stat if there isn’t one already.
Whatever it is, I am sure the Tigers are not at the top of the list this year. I am tired of people spouting saves, ERA, or K’s, or anything else. The only thing that matters for a relief pitcher is relief, i.e., no more runs!
Tiger relief pitching is like relief from nausea….you can take Pepto and feel better, or you can throw up and feel better. Our pen seems to prefer the latter method.
How can you foul off 6 pitches and let one at the knees go by for strike 3, Thames?
Has anyone noticed that the Tigers have not one a single game since Pudge was traded?
……..LOL won>>>>>
what about the 13 inning marathon?
Twins up 4-1, W.Sox up 4-2, Tigers down 5-2. This might be the weekend the fat lady sings, although to be honest, she has been warming up for quite a long time – since April 1 or thereabouts I think.
He was still with us Coleman!….It was a lame attempt at humor……….
Vince, there is still a lot of ball to be played, but the team has not connected well at all today. Actually, Miner did a pretty good job on the mound. Just no offense showed up. (So far!)
Besides, Inge has a .455 OBP since the trade so it’s not like that’s where we’re hurting…
aww, it looks like we’ll have to wait at least another day for the unveiling of the Sobbing Barber
Oh great, sure, rub it in with Percival. Now I’m starting to get the bloodthirsty urge a la Chris from D.
I think since the trade Detroit is 1-2, NY is 1-2, so it could be one of those “mutually beneficial” trades….
Does anybody else think the Rays hats look dumb? I mean, TB.
That reminds me of a story about the Twins when they first came to Minn. They were having a contest to decide what kind of emblem they would wear on their hats. As you know, they decided on TC for Twin Cities, but for a time there was some serious thought of using the abbreviation for Minnesota Twins until it was pointed out that nobody would really want to have the initials MT on their head.
Loss or not, this game just simply sucked…….it just sucked. No hitting, bad fielding, and a loss to a team that really didn’t do anything that special.
The game was a bore to watch and sad to lose.
“MT on their head” someone was just looking for a nickname for Twins fans, I think “MT heads” works pretty well.
(Besides the obvious problem with the MT logo, there is also the danger of the post office periodically dumping them in Montana).
By the way I-Rod 1 for 6, 2 Ks 2 GIDP since the trade. They’re gonna love him in NY.
I caught myself wondering if the team would be better off swapping Inge and Thames in the order and realized I may have hit on the answer to the question, how do you know when a “slump” has been achieved…
Simple solution . . . $500 fine to the next SOB that fails to bring a runner home w/bases loaded and one out. $500 fine for each walk from a reliever.
Look at this team, they are not hungry, they are simply going through the motions. Thames 0-4 how many times in the last few series? I can’t remember the last time I saw Magglio hit a solid EBH or homer.
Illitch and DD have assembled a collection of sluggers who either produce 19 runs a game or 3,4 hits a game and 10 LOBs. That is not the way you make it to the post season . . . consistency, fundimentals . . . two things this team sadly lacks.
The front office and coaching staff is trying to polish a turd here . . . just when they reveal a glimmer of hope, that hope is dashed by an effort from a team which looks like it didn’t even show up . . .
sky:
Take heart, there is a lot of baseball to be played. Unfortunately, most of it will probably be like tonight (after all, consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative), but you never know.
Coleman:
I suppose a certain portion of baseball fans anywhere fall into the MT head category, but reading some of the comments in various Twins blogs here, the logo is certainly applicable to a sizeable number in Twinsland.
I think Inge is 3rd now behind Guillen and Sheffield in BB per AB, I think it’s something like Guillen 1/7.0, Sheffield 1/7.2, Inge 1/7.4…yet he also is among the team “leaders” in strikeouts (although with no legitimate chance to catch Thames)…and yet also he seems to sometimes swing at pitches. So I think there is some kind of trickery involved.
Ah yes . . . and $1000 fine for a called third strike. At that rate, Thames is going to have to take out a loan to pay the club back!
“but reading some of the comments in various Twins blogs here, the logo is certainly applicable to a sizeable number in Twinsland.”
Perhaps it has to do with the TYPE of Twins they are…not identical, not fraternal…but siamese twins, so that there is only one brain for every two fans, or 0.5 brains per fan if you prefer. I’m sure that some of their fans will jump in and claim that hey, they got the whole brain. But that still leaves the other guy with none, right? Now go back to your own blog.
mark_in_gr:
“I can’t remember the last time I saw Magglio hit a solid EBH or homer.”
Your memory doesn’t extend to last Saturday?
Dave BW “Your memory doesn’t extend to last Saturday?”
To be fair, the guy did say “I can’t remember the last time I saw Magglio hit a solid EBH or homer.” So just cause Magglio is hitting homers and whatnot, doesn’t mean dude SAW him do it.
On the other hand, he could be the evil twin (siamese) of Chief Monday, who doesn’t remember the Tigers playing like crap at all this season…
Ah, so it was just an anecdotal statement, like “I can’t remember the last time I ate eggs.”
sky: you can find the Inherited Runners Scored stat on espn’s site. For example, of Zumaya’s 9 inherited runners, 5 have scored.
“Ah, so it was just an anecdotal statement, like “I can’t remember the last time I ate eggs.””
I think that’s more likely than it being a statement of the legal response variety, such as “I have no recollection of speaking with the senator, or if i did, of discussing that particular subject.”
So the pitching que for tomorrow should be Rogers, Dolsi, Rapada, Fossum, Rodney and then Farnsworth in the ninth perhaps?
The Inherited Runners is also a bit of a rough stat too…one guy comes in with no outs and Ichiro on 3rd; another guy comes in with 1 out, and Thames and Cabrera on 1st & 2nd, with Renteria at the plate. There is no way to use # of inherited runners who scored to compare how the two pitchers perform…
Between Dolsi, Rapada, and Fossum, one of them will pitch 3+ innings, then we will know he is the one about to be sent down.
I forgot Lopez. Isn’t Farnsworth with the team yet? Is it further from NYC to Det than Det to NYC?
“I forgot Lopez. Isn’t Farnsworth with the team yet? Is it further from NYC to Det than Det to NYC?”
He’s having to take the bus, he can’t get through airport security on account of fitting the “huge sobbing guy” profile.
killer stat tonight: 22 LOB, Sheffield 6 LOB by himself..he just doesn;t have it anymore
well at least JL is sitting the guys that aren’t performing like he said he would do….oh he isn’t ….my bad
“Sheffield 6 LOB by himself”
Yeah, and this team is so slow it was all in the same AB.
Which brings to mind a rules question: I know that this year they institued a rule whereby the manager can get fined for not making his pitchers keep the pace of the game up (see Gardenhire). Does anybody know whether or not this applies to baserunners as well?
Which player was supposed to sit last night against the left hander then? Thames is the only Tiger not performing since the ASB.
He should have picked up the 3 base walk in the first inning so he wouldn’t have been charged with those 2 other LOB. Bad Sheffield.
Actually, when Leyland sits the guys that aren’t performing, you get something akin to Thursday’s lineup.
Sky, the Bombers have not won a game since the trade either. Probably see Farnsie today.
Sorry but I think Inge is horrible! He cant hit and has a terrible attitude. We will miss Pudge for more than his stats. I predict a downslide for the Tigers. I hope not but Im afraid it will happen.
I’m not sure what it is about Inge’s attitude you don’t like–he gives 100%, his teammates like him. Sure, he had bitter beer face for a while in spring training, but he got over it.
As for his hitting, he’ll always be only an occasional hitter, with a bit of power. But the 2 biggest complaints about the Tigers offense this season is 1). letting pitchers off easy by swinging at everything, and 1). untimely double-play balls.
Inge is among the best 3 on the team at seeing a lot of pitches per AB and taking walks, and Inge is #1 on the team (as in best, not most) in hitting into double-plays, just 1 in 184 AB.
And of the hits he does get, more of them come with runners on than with bases empty.
So while he is not hitting like Pudge, he’s not hitting in way that I wish Renteria, Thames, and some others were not hitting right now…
Also on Inge: I can understand his attitude problems in spring–going from starter to bench player is a huge demotion. And the numbers he has put up this year, while not great, were achieved while playing centerfield, then spot backup at 3rd, then backup catcher, then 3rd and being told he was going to play more at 3rd, then no more 3rd, then catcher so Pudge could have days off etc. I doubt you could find a player who put up good offensive numbers in similar circumstances. And I’ve heard nothing but positive things come out of his mouth since April.
Pudge on the other hand…even though the extra days off seemed to be helping him (that’s when his BA started climbing), apparently the idea wasn’t exactly his…and reportedly when told that Inge would be catching 2 of the 4 Cleveland games Pudge waived his no-trade clause and requested the trade to the Yankees.
Pudge’s response to the trade: “I’ve always wanted to play in New York.”
Inge’s response: “I wanna play every day not matter what position, so I’m pumped,” he said. “Did I learn a lot from Pudge? He’s a future Hall of Famer, so watching him makes everybody better. I’m not Pudge, I’ll just go out and do what I can.”
on my attitude meter: edge to Inge
Inge definitely has a better check-swing than Pudge who never ever thought about that.
“Inge definitely has a better check-swing than Pudge who never ever thought about that.”
Actually I don’t know if I’d still give Inge the edge there, now that he’s experienced the oblique thing…
Pudge is definitely the better hitter, but in a situation where you absolutely positively don’t want a double-play…I’ll take Inge every time.
And Inge is great on popups and throwing to 2nd or 3rd, but I’d give Pudge the edge defensively (Inge lets too many pitches get by him).
Actually my real concern is the issue of handling pitchers, and I have no way to even judge that, but obviously it’s something important.
“occasional hitter” is now my favorite euphemism for suckiness in baseball.
I’m not sure where I pulled that one from, though I do remember someone commenting how “Inge will hit the occasional home-run” and remember thinking, wow, what’s the occasion I wonder, when he homered Wednesday.