Monthly Archives: July 2011

2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.93: White Sox at Tigers

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Well, the Tigers start the 2nd half of the season tied for first place and with the most favorable schedule in Majors (yes that’s Majors – see ouchudied’s authoritative post) but with seemingly more roster questions that answers.

The glaring ones are at 3B and2B, where Inge and Raburn, respectively, have become post/text/email/twitter/headline trends, and not in a good way.  Though they represent the majority of the PAs at 2nd and 3rd, their combined OPS would only be 61 points less than that of Jose Bautista.  Raburn is what’s left of the lot of Sizemore and Worth, and is really just keeping the dirt warm at this point in time.  Inge may be the most polarizing player in recent Detroit sports history, but even JL’s once unbreakable loyalty to him seems to be fading.  But the Tigers also need another starting pitcher (they currently have 4 starters on the roster, though Furbush should be back soon), and some bullpen help.

Funny, because while there is little disagreement as to the vortexes at second and third, the Tigers seem fixated on a starter and potentially a corner outfielder.  Jon Paul Morosi is of the opinion that Hiroki Kuroda is a top the Tigers wish list (Buster Olney confirms the pitching search), and Olney recently tweeted that the Tigers may pursue Carlos Beltran (and maybe Ulbado Jimenez?), mostly because of the Tigers’ willingness to absorb salary obligations.

It looks like Guillen will be our starting 2B sooner rather than later (he’s hitting now), though there is no official time table for his return.

On to tonight’s game.  Due to masterful scheduling by the schedulers (and Ol’ Smokey), we get JV in back to back games.  The White Sox come in for the beginning of an AL Central heavy rest of 2011.  If we can continue to play above .500 ball against the Indians, White Sox and Twins, we likely win the division.

Tonight’s Ingeless Lineup:

1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Brennan Boesch, LF
3. Magglio Ordonez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Jhonny Peralta, SS
7. Alex Avila, C
8. Ryan Raburn, 2B
9. Don Kelly, 3B

2011 Season, Minors

Minor League Wrap 7.11.2011

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Erie 3, Akron 6 (Indians)

Brooks Brown gave up 5 runs (4 earned) over 5 IP as he took the loss. Austin Wood (LHP) pitched three innings of 1-run relief and struck out 3.

Carlos Guillen went 1-5 with 3 strikeouts. In 52 minor league ABs, spread between Lakeland, Toledo, and now Erie, Guillen is hitting .250 with a  .304 OBP.

Michael Bertram (LF) went 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Bryan Pounds was 2-3 with a double, a run scored, and a walk.

Lakeland 9, Bradenton 2 (Pirates)

Trevor Feeney (RHP) threw his third quality start in a row. In fact, going back to May 19th, Feeney has thrown 8 quality starts in 10 chances. Feeney’s line: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K, W. Nelson allowed 2 runs (1 earned) and White pitched a shutout ninth.

Corey Jones (2B) had a stellar night offensively: 3-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 3 RBI. Jordan Lennerton (1B) was 0-2 but drew 3 walks and scored 2 runs.

West Michigan 4, Bowling Green 2 (Rays)

Brian Flynn (LHP) was the winning pitcher. He gave up 2 ER over 5 IP with 5 hits and 2 walks. Rondon earned his 17th save after he struck out the side in the 9th.

Dixon Machado was 3-4 with a run scored. Rob Brantly (C) also went 3-4 with a run scored. Moya, Krizan, Robbins, and Hamme had an RBI each. Castellanos was 1-3 with a run scored.

2011 Season, Minors

Minor League Wrap 7.9.2011

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Toledo 5, Columbus 2 (Indians)

Andy Oliver posted a quality start but did not factor in the decision. He threw 6 2/3 innings and gave up 2 ER on 4 hits and 5 walks. Brendan Wise (RHP) recorded his first win of the season after coming on in relief of Oliver. In 1 1/3 IP, Wise held Columbus to 1 hit and 1 base runner.

Carolos Guillen DH’ed and went 2-3 with a double, a walk, and a RBI. Iorg (SS) also went 2-3 with a double, a walk, and a RBI.

Erie 6, Akron 8 (Indians)

Erie lead this contest 4-2 after 5 innings. In the bottom of the 6th, Akron put up 6 runs, most of which were charged to the starter, Mark Sorensen. As a result, Sorensen dropped to 7-7 on the year with an ERA of 6.49.

Shawn Roof (LF) drove in 3 runs on 1-4 from the plate. In 105 ABs with Erie, Roof is hitting .324 with a .393 OBP. Michael Bertram (DH) went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and a double. Johnson, Douglas, and Bishop each added an RBI.

Lakeland 5, Bradenton 4 (Pirates)

Kenny Faulk earned his 20th save after cleaning up the mess left by Matt Little. In 2/3 of an inning, Little allowed Bradenton to close a 5-1 deficit to 5-4.

Corey Jones (2B) was 1-4 from the plate but his lone hit was a 2-run homerun. Tony Plagman (DH) was 2-2 with a double, a triple, an RBI, and 2 walks.

West Michigan 11, Bowling Green 3 (Rays)

Alex Burgos (LHP) started, recorded a win, and posted the following line: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. Over 37.2 IP, Burgos has K’ed 32 and has a 2.15 ERA. Patrick Cooper recorded arguably the least stressful save of the season (Cooper came on in the top of the 8th  before WM scored 4 in the bottom).

Nick Castellanos (3B) played a tremendous game. He was 3-4 with 2 homers, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. In his last 10 games he has 2 homers, 12 RBI, and is hitting .375 with a .395 OBP and .675 SLG. James Robbins (1B) and Jeff Rowland (LF) added 2 RBI each.

2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.92: Tigers at Royals

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Yeah, that was the fur game of the series.  Like the fur on the bottom of the strawberries that have been in the refrigerator a week too long, like the fur on your tongue at 7 am after a long night of drinking, like…well, you get the idea.

So here’s a fun one to keep you occupied over the break:  when is the last time the Tigers gave up 8 unearned runs? (I mean, after that ambushing, Furbush still has a 4.03 ERA).  And when is the last time Detroit scored 6 runs in the first 3 innings and lost?  Even the bullpen, which gave up 4 runs, was only on the hook for 1 earned run.

They say that there is no such thing as an ugly win.  Certainly, though, there is such a thing as an ugly loss.

At any rate, Charlie Furbush was optioned to Toledo after the game.  Danny Worth was recalled.

Luckily this afternoon brings The Antidote (no, I didn’t enter this in the Free Press official Let’s Make Up Some Nickname for Justin Verlander contest).  JV From the D (also not entered) looks to make it 3 of 4, and take the Tigers into the break on a winning note.  Which is a good thing, since I think Don Kelly is about 3rd on the bullpen depth chart at this point.

The Royals will counter with some guy who is not Justin Verlander.

Today’s Player of the Pre-Game:  Justin Verlander

For obvious reasons.

Today’s Ghostly Leadoff Lineup:

  1. Casper Wells CF
  2. Brennan Boesch LF
  3. Magglio Ordonez RF
  4. Miguel Cabrera DH
  5. Victor Martinez 1B
  6. Jhonny Peralta SS
  7. Ryan Raburn 2B
  8. Alex Avila C
  9. Brandon Inge 3B
2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.91: Tigers at Royals

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Well, Rick Porcello did his part, the bullpen held on in roller-coaster fashion, and the Tigers head into the fur game of the 4-game series only 1/2 game behind the Indians in the Central.

Fur game because the performance of Furbush will be key tonight;  with Valverde done until the break and Alburquerque out until the break, the bullpen is a bit light right now, and Furbush is on a limited pitch-count.  If Furbush and the Tigers do come through tonight, they head into the first-half finale with none other than Justin Verlander holding the broom, and with 1st place in sight.

The Royals will turn to Luke Hochevar, who may look a bit nervous as the 5th inning begins–in his last start he gave up a 5-run 5th.

As noted yesterday, Austin Jackson will be kept out of the starting lineup for the rest of the series with wrist soreness (he will be available for defense and pinch-running).  Tonight Casper takes his turn haunting CF.

Today’s Player of the Pre-Game:  Don Kelly

They pitch around V-Mart to get to Kelly, and The Donkey makes them pay

Today’s All-Star Peralta Gets the Dhay Off Lineup:

  1. Andy Dirks LF
  2. Ramon Santiago SS
  3. Brennan Boesch RF
  4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
  5. Victor Martinez DH
  6. Don Kelly 3B
  7. Alex Avila C
  8. Ryan Raburn 2B
  9. Casper Wells CF

 

2011 Season, Minors

Minor League Wrap 7.8.2011

Toledo 8, Columbus 6 (Indians)

Bryan Villarreal won after 6 IP and 5 H, 4 R (3 earned), with 2 BB and 3 K. Brad Thomas (LHP) allowed 2 ER over a 1/3 of an inning. Schlereth looked terrific as he struck out 3 in 1.2 IP.

Will Rhymes went 3-4 and fell a homer short of the cycle. Timo Perez (LF) 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI. Clete Thomas (CF) was 2-4 with a homer and 2 RBI.

Erie 1, Akron 4 (Indians)

Jay Voss was the losing pitcher after posting the following line: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K. Wood, Stohr, and Gayhart combined to hold Akron scoreless over the remaining frames.

Bryan Pounds (LF) was 1-1 with 3 BB. Brandon Douglas (2B) drove in the only RBI on a 1-4 night.

Lakeland v. Bradenton (PPD:rain)

West Michigan 1, Lansing 2 (Blue Jays)

Despite a quality start from Kyle Ryan, he took the loss after 6 2/3 as the SP. He gave up 2 ER and 5 hits while striking out 4. Torrealba came on to close out the game and threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Hernan Perez (SS) had an explosive night from the plate. He was 3-4 with a triple and a run scored. Brantly (DH) was 1-4 with the only WM RBI.

2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.90: Tigers at Royals

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Last night Max Scherzer came through with a sparkling performance after falling apart the start before against the Giants.  Most impressively, he walked none, only getting to a 3-ball count 3 times.  This followed another solid outing by Brad Penny, who shook off a 4-run first to grind out a win.  Tonight is Rick Porcello’s turn to follow up the success of his last outing where he was wild but won.  Another good go by Porcello, and suddenly the starting pitching could begin to once again look like a strength of the team.

Porcello will by opposed by Kyle Davies, who has been having all sorts of trouble (1-7, 7.77), including rotator cuff inflammation.  In his April 13 start against Detroit he didn’t make it through the 4th inning.

And speaking of pitching, Jacob Turner, who began the season as Baseball America’s 21st ranked prospect, has jumped up to 11th in their midseason rankings. If the rotation continues to improve, and with Coke stabilizing the bullpen and Turner in the wings, is it possible the Tiger shopping list might veer away from pitching toward a position player?

Today’s Player of the Pre-Game:  Andy Dirks

Austin Jackson will miss the rest of the KC series with a sore wrist.  Dirks will try to hold down the fort in CF and takes over leadoff duties.

Today’s They Must Be Saving Kelly for the Bullpen Lineup:

  1. Andy Dirks CF
  2. Brennan Boesch LF
  3. Magglio Ordonez RF
  4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
  5. Victor Martinez DH
  6. Jhonny Peralta SS
  7. Alex Avila C
  8. Ryan Raburn 2B
  9. Brandon Inge 3B

 

2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.89: Tigers at Royals

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The Tigers start a 4-game series tonight in Kansas City, which currently has the worst record in the American League, so now might be a good time to find out if the Tigers have actually been struggling lately, or have just run across some very good opponents.  Avila, Cabrera, Verlander, and Valverde get to wear special stars on their hats and jerseys for the series because they are special.

The Tigers managed to salvage the last game of the Angels series when Miguel Cabrera woke up from a week long nap (.130) in time to hit a 2-run home run, and after Bad Penny re-emerged in the 2nd inning as Shiny New Penny, after going Bonderman in the 1st inning.

Max Scherzer continues his quest to become the first Tiger pitcher ever to win 20 games with a 5.00+ ERA (9-4, 4.90).  His last outing he was bombed for 9 runs by the Giants during Rick Knapp’s going away party.

Detroit will be up against the dreaded Rookie Pitcher Guy, who has dominated them the past few seasons.  Tonight’s version is named Danny Duffy, and he brings a 1-3 record and 5.09 ERA into the game.  As if statistics matter when you are facing Rookie Pitcher Guy.

In other news, Carlos Guillen, who reportedly will re-join the team after the All-Star break, is hitting .176 (3-for-17) in his Toledo rehab stint.

Today’s Player of the Pre-Game:  Victor Martinez

Victor gets an All-Star vacation after finishing 2nd to Paul Konerko in the last-guy-in All-Star voting.  Tonight he takes it to Rookie Pitcher Guy.

Today’s Avila-Sandwiched-Between-2-Slices-of-Whiff Lineup:

  1. Austin Jackson CF
  2. Casper Wells LF
  3. Magglio Ordonez RF
  4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
  5. Victor Martinez DH
  6. Jhonny Peralta SS
  7. Ryan Raburn 2B
  8. Alex Avila C
  9. Brandon Inge 3B

 

2011 Season, Minors

Minor League Wrap 7.6.2011

Toledo 5, Indianapolis 1 (Pirates)

Duane Below (LHP) improved to 9-4 after 7 innings of 1-run ball as the Toledo starter. He allowed 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. In 102 IP, Below has an ERA of 3.06. Schlereth allowed a walk in 1/3 of an inning and Wise finished out the game.

Carlos Guillen went 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI. Guillen was replaced in the top of the 7th by Clete Thomas. Will Rhymes was 3-5 with a double, an RBI, and two runs scored. Strieby and Iorg had an RBI each.

Erie 3, Harrisburg 4 (Nationals)

Despite a late-inning Erie rally, the starter, Brooks Brown (RHP), wound up as the losing pitcher. Brown gave up 8 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) in 7 IP.

Jamie Johnson (CF) had a terrific night in the leadoff spot: 3-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI. Francisco Martinez went 1-3 with a triple, a run scored, and a walk.

Lakeland 11, Dunedin 5 (Blue Jays)

This one was tied at 2 heading into the bottom of the 7th before Lakeland put up a Rod Allen “crooked number” (7 to be exact) and ran away for the win.

Cole Nelson (LHP) started and went 4 innings. He gave up 2 ER on 6 hits and 3 walks. Victor Larez (RHP) earned the win after throwing 3 perfect innings and striking out 3 along the way. Larez was relieved by Zach Samuels (RHP) who gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in the 9th.

Tony Plagman (DH) went 1-3 with 2 runs scored, a double, 3 RBI, and 2 walks. Wade Gaynor (3B) also drove in 3 and went 3-4 with a run scored and a walk. Garica and Jones each drove in 2.

West Michigan 0, Lansing 11 (Blue Jays)

There are two good things about this contest: 1) it’s over and 2) runs don’t carry over. 4 West Michigan pitchers saw action and each allowed at least one ER. The starter, Flynn, threw just 1 2/3 innings and managed to walk 5 batters. Logan Hoch (LHP) looked worse than that as he gave up 5 ER in 3 innings and allowed 6 hits.

James Robbins (1B) had the only night worth discussing as he went 2-4. Castellanos went 1-4 with a double.

2011 Season, Game Post

Game 2011.87: Tigers at Angels

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That’s five series in a row now where the Tigers have lost the opening game, and unless they win today, that will be four out of five series losses.  Not a good start to the 2nd half of the season.

JV looks to continue his dominance tonight.  I’d post the numbers, but you’ve likely already seen them.  In case you haven’t, 8 in a row would be big time.

He’ll be opposed by the formidable Dan Haren.  Actually, formidable might be downplaying it. Haren is 8-5 with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.  He was roughed up for 6 ER in 4+ against the Mets 3 starts ago, but 14 of his 17 starts have been quality, and he has 6 starts where he’s allowed 1 or less runs and pitched at least 7 innings.  Now quality doesn’t necessarily get it done against JV, but we’ll need JV to really be JV tonight.

Kelly Gets the Nod at Third Tonight:

1. Jackson, CF
2. Boesch, LF
3. Ordonez, RF
4. Cabrera, 1B
5. Martinez, DH
6. Peralta, SS
7. Avila, C
8. Raburn, 2B
9. Kelly, 3B

In my mind, this is a really, really big game for the Tigers.  A JV loss could turn a bad two week slide into an avalanche.  So JV is my pick to click tonight.  He’s gonna be filthy.

2011 Season, Minors

Minor League Wrap 7.5.2011

Toledo 2, Indianapolis 1 (Pirates)

Andy Oliver was the winning pitcher after starting and throwing six innings. He held Indianapolis scoreless, although he walked 6 and allowed 4 hits. Despite his high WHIP, he K’ed 8. Schelereth threw an inning and a third and gave up an ER. Chance Ruffin picked up save number 2.

Jeff Salazar (CF) went 1-3 with a walk, 2 runs scored, and a solo homer. Strieby (1B) had the other RBI on a 2-4 night. Guillen DNP.

Erie 1, Harrisburg 8 (Nationals)

Mark Sorensen (RHP) got shelled in 4 innings as the starter: 9 H, 1 BB, 8 ER, and the “L”. Gayhart, Stohr, and Marte combined to throw 4 scoreless innings.

Rawley Bishop had the only Erie RBI on a double in the 6th which scored Martinez.

Lakeland 2, Dunedin 5 (Blue Jays)

Luke Putkonen (RHP) took the loss but had a decent start nonetheless: 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3K.

Julio Rodriguez (C) went 1-3 and drove in 2 runs. Jordan Lennerton went 3-4 with a run scored. Although his numbers have slumped recently (.216 BA over the last 10 games), Lennerton is hitting .272 on the year with an OBP of .390. Maybe a 3-4 night is what he needs to bust out of his slump and head north to Erie.

West Michigan 4, Fort Wayne 3 (Padres)

With the game tied 3-3 in the top of the 9th, Luis Castillo drove in Jeff Rowland with an RBI single for the game-winning run. Despite the clutch hitting, Nick Castellanos had the top night offensively. He went 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI. After a terrible start to the year, Castellanos has his average at .306.

Ramon Lebron (RHP) got the win after a scoreless 8th inning in relief. Rondon earned his 15th save.