The downside of going to the game is less time to write about what happened. But I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Ernie was perfect as always and instead of being sad to see and hear him for what would likely be the last time, I was just thrilled to be a part of it. Ernie just makes things better, even the saddest of days. With that said, here’s some links and videos from around the internets.
(if you’re reading this in an RSS reader, the video embeds and such won’t appear)
PREGAME: Tonight it will be Eddie Bonine and Lenny Dinardo doing that pitching thing. I think the Tigers will hit DiNardo pretty hard and I am certain they won’t hit into 5 double plays tonight. I can’t make guarantees about the Bonine/Royals interaction.
Yes, the game should be the focus tonight. But there is something else really big going on and that is Ernie Harwell returning to Comerica Park to say thank you to the fans. I will most certainly applaud until my hands hurt. I will most likely cry. But I feel compelled to be there tonight to say thank you.
Harwell will address the crowd in the 3rd inning and Fox Sports Detroit will carry it live. I’m sure it isn’t in his wishes to be disruptive in any way. The game at hand always comes first with Harwell. I just don’t know that is possible when the living embodiment of the game shows up to say Thank You.
POSTGAME: I’ve heard this game described as an ugly win. I had some of those same thoughts as first, but I quickly pushed those away. First, all wins are beautiful at this point. Second, while the Tigers did have to rely on the Royals ineptitude to pull this out it wasn’t like the Tigers were making a bunch of mistakes. Detroit played a pretty crisp game with two outfield assists, a caught stealing, and some nifty defense by both Adam Everett and Placido Polanco. They also got the hits when they needed them to capitalize on the Royals mistakes. I see nothing ugly about that at all.
Eddie Bonine did a fine job. He is a spot starter and he gave the team 5 innings and held Kansas City to 3 runs. The numbers weren’t outstanding, but they certainly were acceptable given the situation. That the game was close was more about the Tigers inability to pound Lenny DiNardo. He was followed by Zach Miner who had an easy inning thanks to a nice throw by Ordonez. Seay followed and benefited from a caught stealing in the 7th, and then some magic from Brandon Lyon.
Lyon once again came up big. With runners at the corners, nobody out, and Billy Butler at the plate I was sure that David DeJesus would score from 3rd to tie the game. I didn’t know if it would be a sacrifice fly, a hit, a ground ball double play that scored the run, I was just sure that Butler would get the job done. Yet Lyon induced a come backer, followed by a strike out and suddenly there were 2 outs and thoughts of extra innings didn’t seem so imminent.
Granderson had a good game picking up 2 singles against the lefty and then driving a ball to the wall in left center.
Adam Everett doesn’t hit a lot, but he certainly makes the most of the hits.
There was much rejoicing in the comments about the BOOBs (bottom of the order boys) and it was well deserved.
The Tigers have activated Alfredo Figaro from the DL. There is no word yet on his role but with the Tigers down to 3 healthy starters and Eddie Bonine filling in already one could presume he’ll be used as a starter.
Tom Gage pens a marvelous column about Ernie Harwell and tonight’s events. The itinerary is that Harwell will meet with the team, and then the media, and then take in the game from Mike Ilitch’s suite. In the 3rd inning he will head down to the field, get behind the microphone, and address the fans. Those are the facts, but I highly encourage you to click through to the article below. Gage was masterful in expressing his thoughts and those of thousands. I quoted the end of the article, but really, read the whole thing. I mean it.
You all, of course, have shown what Ernie means to you. You’ve shown it with your letters to him, your notes, your e-mails, your thoughts, whatever you’ve directed toward him for years — but specifically lately.
Now you’ll be required to make a difficult adjustment when facing the thought of losing him.
Don’t be sad.
He’s not.
He’ll be out there on the field, in front of all of us, celebrating the magnificence of a relationship.
We won’t be entirely successful in not being sad, of course. As Marc Antony said in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.”
And tears will be shed, no doubt.
But, otherwise, cheer yourself hoarse.
That’s what you do at celebrations.
Cheer — and be happy that you’ve known such a friend.
The Tigers 2010 schedule is out. Next year the Tigers are scheduled to play 162 games which is pretty much league average. They also have an even split of home and road games with 81 apiece. Let’s take an even deeper dive though and see what’s what.
Interleague-ness
One of the first things to look at is who do the Tigers draw in interleague match-ups. The Tigers host the Pirates, the Nationals, and the Diamondbacks. Let this be a lesson to other teams who go over slot and show complete disdain for Selig’s recommendations. MLB will try and limit your gate so that you don’t do it again.
On the road the Tigers will get the Dogers, the Mets, and the Braves. The Dodgers series is in the middle of a 7 game, 3 city left coast trip. Yep, they have a pair of 2 game series on the West Coast. Nice.
PREGAME: Tigers fans a couple weeks ago looked at the schedule and though, “dude we’re playing the Royals at home, that’s like a sweep,” and the dudes probably would have been thinking the Tigers would win. But then the Tigers lost. And Jarrod Washburn struggled in his last start. And Robinson Tejeda was bringing serious stuff in his last start and suddenly things don’t look so bright and shiny. At least not in this match-up.
Maybe the Tigers can learn from their last time out against the Royals though. Like maybe the hitters should try a different game plan against Tejeda and maybe Washburn should try a different game plan against the Royals. (oddly enough Washburn didn’t allow a homer in that game, just lots and lots of baserunners). It is noteworthy that Washburn has allowed homers in every game he’s pitched as a Tiger – except when facing the Royals.
Your, “Drinks are on Maggs, the boy is vesting tonight” lineup:
The Tigers are 6-1 in 2009 when Amber Grand sings the National Anthem. Leyland is a fan.
On Sunday the Tigers went into the game mired in a 5 game losing streak. I jokingly (well, half jokingly anyways) mentioned that the Tigers would win because Amber Grand was singing the National Anthem. It seemed that the Tigers have had decent success with Grand on the microphone this season (yeah, I try and take it all in when I’m at the game). That was later confirmed when after Sunday’s game she had pushed her record to 6-1 in 2009.
Here at DTW we are big fans of Grand. She’s got a tremendous voice and a wining record this year and we’d like to see more of Grand belting out the National Anthem. This is meant as no disrespect to the other singers in the rotation who all do an excellent job (especially my friend Cliff Erickson who you can check out around the metro Detroit area). But we’re in a pennant race here people.
DTW: How long have you been doing the National Anthem at Tigers games? Do you know your overall record and is it in line with your 6-1 mark this year? Why have you been so effective in bringing the Tigers wins this year?
AG: This is my 9th season with the Tigers now. I started right out of high school because Dan York who was one of the in house announcers also announced for my hometown’s high school sporting events which I also sang the anthem for. He gave the Tigers one of my basketball game tapes, and the rest is history.
To be honest, I don’t know my record, my dad keeps a good eye on it, so I do know that it’s normally pretty good and not too far off from this seasons, give or take a few. I don’t know why I’ve been so effective in bringing in wins this year, Jim Leyland has come up to me a few times though and told me he really enjoys when I sing…it’s probably just luck, but wouldn’t that be great if it wasn’t? LoL!
DTW: Do you sing the Anthem for any other teams? Do you have any other singing endeavors or are Tigers games your main gigs?
Grand aspires to be like Karen Newman (that's Grand in the picture, not Newman)
AG: I have done the Anthem for The Wings and Lions as well, but my home base is definitely with the Tigers. Other than sporting gigs, I sing for my hometown city in support of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. I also sing at weddings and other events when asked.
DTW: What do you do when you’re not singing the National Anthem?
AG: I am in my last year at University of Michigan Dearborn studying Elementary Education. I also work as a server/bartender at Chelis Chili Bar. I’ve been there since we’ve been open (6 yrs now) and absolutely love Chris and everyone I work with. Chris has helped in getting me a few of my singing gigs too.
DTW: How about that Michigan-Notre Dame game?
AG: Oh Boy! You asked! I’m Michigan all the way, but I’m from and Irish Catholic Family whose love runs deep for those Irish. We survived the game through our love for one another…it wasn’t easy, I was there and had 10th row seats. It was a great game… and their broken hearts will mend right around January I’m sure!
DTW: Who’s your Tiger?
AG: Curtis Granderson all the way…I do love them all though!
DTW: Are the Tigers making the playoffs this year and if they do how far are they going to go?
AG: The Tigers are definitely making the playoffs this year, and they’re going ALL the way. Are you crazy asking me that question? This is our year baby!
DTW: Sparky Anderson or Jim Leyland?
AG: I have the utmost respect for Sparky…but I think Jim Leyland is amazing. I just love him!
DTW: Karen Newman became a local celebrity singing the National Anthem for Red Wings games. Do you have dreams of hearing “…the Tigers own Amber Grand” before every home game?
AG: That is my main goal. I’ve been at this for 9 years now, I love Karen…I’ve actually sang with her before at a Dearborn Fundraiser with the Red Wings and firefighters. She did the Anthem, I did the Canadian. She is so nice and it was so fun. I would love to follow in her footsteps for the Tigers. All they have to do is ask!
It won’t be a ceremony but Ernie Harwell will appear at Comerica Park on Wednesday night to thank the fans, the media, and the team. There are plenty of seats available, and even if you don’t buy a ticket head down and hang out on the fence and stand and applaud long and loud for one of the true treasures not only in baseball, but in the entire state of Michigan and beyond.
PREGAME: After Amber Grand delivered a big win yesterday (with some help from Rick Porcello, the bullpen, and a decent offensive attack) the Tigers will turn to Lori Adams who has a 4-2 record this season when performing the Star Spangled Banner. Sounds like a favorable match-up. Well, that and Justin Verlander taking on David Purcey.
Verlander gunning for a Cy Young (and having to pass Zach Greinke and Felix Hernandez) and Purcey returning to the rotation for the first time since April. Then again, Tigers have made lesser pitchers look great.
Your “Inge isn’t going to get anything good to hit” lineup:
POSTGAME: A walk-off FC E-6. Lori Adams gets to stay in the National Anthem rotation.
Justin Verlander had another one of those outings where he has his great stuff. Doesn’t look like he’s going to get touched. And then gives up a crooked number on less than 10 pitches. I don’t get it.
But how about that bullpen. They have now thrown 6 straight scoreless innings and have allowed only 4 baserunners after getting beaten up for 5 straight games. And it wasn’t even the big guns today with Fernando Rodney serving game 1 of his reduced 2 game suspension and Brandon Lyon having worked 3 straight days. This time it was Ni and Bondo and Perry and Seay.
As for the offense, I thought they had let this game slip away when they didn’t make Purcey hurt in the first. Raburn with the leadoff homer and 2 straight walks that never moved. But like in many of the Tigers recent wins, everybody contributed in one way or another. Inge fanned on 2 pitches at his shoulder, but drew the walk and scored the winning run. Granderson got on with an error and later walked. Raburn had 2 hits. Maggs reached base 3 times. Avila with a big pinch hit single. Oh yeah, and Huff.
Honestly I was kind of upset when Huff came into pinch hit. He hasn’t made a great impression with the stick since coming to Detroit. But crow tastes good. Give me seconds.
Flashback a week. The Tigers had a big lead in the division and they were surging. Nate Robertson had turned in two solid performances. Jarrod Washburn’s troubles were optimistically assigned to a sore knee that would hopefully be better with a little rest. Armando Galarraga’s struggles were tied to elbow inflammation and with a little rest there was reason to think he wouldn’t be awful. This would be great news to have potentially 6 starters down the stretch with a big lead and 3 key cogs to the rotation having worked more than they ever had and looking for rest. Oh well. It was a good thought at the time.
Now remainder of the season could be 1 start, the actual remainder of the season, or something in between. Jim Leyland has been known to make decrees before only to change his mind a week later – at least he isn’t stubborn in that regard. The duration of Bonine’s spot is probably equally contingent on Bonine’s effectiveness and the health of Robertson and Galarraga. Though I suspect that Galarraga returning to the rotation would be a stretch at this point.
Robertson’s problem flared up after his start against Cleveland and he had hoped to make it through 5 innings against the Blue Jays, but it didn’t work so well. Still, if he can get back quickly he could find a spot as a starter.
The bigger downside of all the shuffling has to do with not just the potential effectiveness or ineffectiveness of injured and replacement players, but the increased importance that Verlander/Jackson/Porcello starts take on down the stretch. Extra rest or skipped spots don’t look to be an option for any of the 3 over the last 3 weeks of the season. And with a potential playoff spot and additional innings coming for all 3 pitchers that has to be a concern. Then again, just add it to the list.
PREGAME: I was worried last night. The Tigers lost 5 in a row and not even the backwards post could fix things. But this morning I’m at ease. I see that Amber Grand is singing the National Anthem. This is in the bank. No worries. If it seems strange to put the fates of a team in a pennant race on the vocal chords of the National Anthem singer, well then you just don’t understand baseball.
Rick Porcello and Ricky Romero reprise their debut match-up from the first week of the season. But it doesn’t matter because Amber Grand is singing the National Anthem.
Your “Amber Grand is singing the National Anthem so the batting order is largely irrelevant” lineup is:
POSTGAME: How ’bout that National Anthem? Money. Money I say. Sure, Porcello pitched pretty good (although he did allow quite a few balls in the air for the 2nd game in a row). And the Tigers hit the ball pretty well up and down the lineup. And the bullpen faced 9 guys and recorded 9 outs (it did take 2 GIDPs but I’m not complaining). But how about that National Anthem?
Magglio Ordonez had 3 hits and has pushed his average up to .294
Gerald Laird had a couple of big hits, which is nice because he doesn’t get a lot of hits.
Brandon Inge seemed to be making a concentrated effort to go up the middle and to the opposite field, and he got himself a couple hits.
Cabrera with an infield single and a stolen base. Typical day for the speedster.
The Tigers played some nice defense with Ryan Raburn getting it started in the 1st with a nice play going into the wall. Eeverett and Inge also made some nice picks on the left side of the infield.
It can’t be a good feeling for Jim Leyland when ever he ambles out to the mound and points towards the bullpen. It doesn’t seem to matter lately who gets the call, they will invariably allow more baserunners than outs. The numbers posted by the pen during the 5 game losing streak are simply staggering.
In the 5 game skid the bullpen has been called on to pitch 14 1/3 innings in 18 “calls to the pen.” Over those 14 1/3 innings they have allowed 23 hits, 12 walks, and 18 runs. Five of those hits have left the park. Only 8 hitters have gone down on strikes. It is simply amazing that they could perform so poorly as a group. They had to face 79 batters to record those 43 outs – and the last out came on a pickoff where Fu-Te Ni didn’t throw a pitch.
After the Royals series I laid some of the blame on the starters not working deep enough into games and thus exposing the less dependable members of the relief corps to high leverage innings. But in Saturday night’s game Jackson got the ball to Brandon Lyon – who picked up the blown save a wild pitch. And then a tie game was handed over to Fernando Rodney – and he allowed a 2 out 2 run homer. It doesn’t matter who comes trotting out, they are going to allow baserunners.
Of those 18 calls to the pen, the incoming reliever was charged with at least 1 run 10 different times. Miner, Bonine, Perry, Seay, Galarraga, it doesn’t matter. They’ve all been charged with runs in the last week. Ni is the only one to see his ERA unblemished and he even walked one of the 2 batters he faced.
Until the bullpen gets out of its collective funk the starters will need to find a way to pitch deeper and the offense will need to find a way to put games out of reach (in a favorable way). Neither of those events have been occurring and thus you have a losing streak.
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