It’s easy to be upset with Coke following last night’s loss, but let’s focus on the real cause.  1 for 16 with RISP.  Even Laird should get 3 hits in 16 ABs.  And I still don’t get pinch-hitting Santiago for Boesch in the 7th.

It looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us today.  Morrow strikes out well over a batter per inning, though he also walks over 4 batters per 9.   He’s been fantastic over his last three games, allowing only 4 ER in 19 innings (1.89 ERA, .84 WHIP) and striking out 31 batters during that time.  He had a complete game shutout where he beat the Rays 1-0 on Aug 8 and struck out 17 (17!).  For the season he’s been up and down, with a dominating June and very good August, yet a 4.39 ERA overall.  He’s only give up 10 HRs in 137 1/3.

Bonderman was scratched with rib-cage inflammation, so Figaro will be making his first big-league start (though he does have 3 relief appearances with the Tigers this year).  Figaro started 23 games in Toledo this year, going 10-6 with a 4.14 ERA.  He’s 0-2 with a 10.05 ERA in three day starts.  He’s shown great control as he has struck out over 8 batters per 9 and walked less than 3 per 9 this season.    But he has given up over a hit an inning which has led to a 1.42 WHIP in the minors.