Despite the abundance of inconveniences posed by the two toddlers who dominate my house, I was able to watch most of this game. A few observations:

1) Topping out a 94 on his FB is going to make for a long season for JV. He’s throwing it less and less, with good cause, but man, he’s gotta hit 95/96 on occasion. He doesn’t have the command to just “pitch.”

2) Props to the pen. 3 IP, 1 H, 2 Ks. That was a dominant pen. Good to have Wilson back.

3) The Tigers had 16 baserunners and went 2-12 with RISP. This was a hot topic last year, but as I pointed out, we were decent w/RISP last year (.265/.768 OPS). If they continue to put men on base like that, they’ll win more than they lose.

4) I think that when Castellanos was thrown out at 3rd, it should have been a ground rule double. The center fielder put up his arms. Castellanos was running all the way, but I’m wondering if he figured he had nothing to lose. Not sure what the rule is there on when an OFer signals like that.

5) Cabrera is going to be just fine.

Sanchez takes the mound in today’s rubber match. Game preview here.

Well, we’re one inning (1/9th) into the season, and we’re 3 games over. I’ll take it. Play anywhere close to like this for the remainder of the season, and there will be October baseball.

Now, it’s early, but let’s take a look at a few of the key concerns coming into the season:

1) The bullpen – the bullpen has been less than stellar. The pen ERA is 3.34, but the WHIP is 1.48 and BAA is .301. Those peripheral stats are cause for concern. We’ll revisit after another 9 games.

2) Verlander – JV has been downright awful. It’s only 2 starts, but 7 Ks to 4 BBs in 10.1 IPs is a concern. WAAAAAY too many flyballs (.38 GO/AO). Today is important.

3) VMart – VMart could use a few more hits, but the power looks to be there. So far so good.

4) Bottom of the rotation – Pelfrey was fantastic yesterday, and about what we expected in his first start. Greene was solid in his only start thus far. Too early to tell.

The DTW faithful generally find it easier to complain than to praise, but that’s what the site is here for. There are going to be many worse “innings” than 6-3, so I’m thrilled with the start.

Alex Wilson back up, Farmer down.

JV climbs the hill shortly. Baseball Reference Game Preview here.

1. 2B Ian Kinsler

2. LF Justin Upton

3. 1B Miguel Cabrera

4. DH Victor Martinez

5. RF J.D. Martinez

6. 3B Nick Castellanos

7. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

8. CF Anthony Gose

9. SS Jose Iglesias

Today’s lineup.

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B

2. Justin Upton, LF

3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

4. Victor Martinez, DH

5. J.D. Martinez, RF

6. Nick Castellanos, 3B

7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

8. Anthony Gose, CF

9. Jose Iglesias, SS

If you need a reminder of how a manager can galvanize a team and what that can mean to a W-L record, look no further that the Texas Rangers. This team was written off by everyone, trust me, everyone, in May.

Now the Rangers are strong favorites to win the division.

And on the other side of the diamond the Tigers are bringing back Brad Ausmus.

Goodness.

Here’s a picture of Verlander in a Rangers hat.

Also, has anyone noticed what a slump Miggy is in? .202 with 0 HR and 8 RBI over the last month. This has been a trend…last few years it was the injuries. Hopefully he will still win the batting title.

Iglesias may be done for the season. I’d shut him down. Slow down Miggy as well.

Key Series for the Twins as they are 1 game behind Texas for the 2nd wild card spot. Texas starts a 4 game set with the Astros, only 2 games behind the ‘Stros for the division. September baseball is fun for other teams.

Tonight’s lineup:

1. CF Anthony Gose

2. 2B Ian Kinsler

3. 1B Miguel Cabrera

4. RF J.D. Martinez

5. DH Victor Martinez

6. 3B Nick Castellanos

7. LF Steven Moya

8. C James McCann

9. SS Andrew Romine

1. Anthony Gose, CF

2. Ian Kinsler, 2B

3. Miguel Cabrera, DH

4. J.D. Martinez, RF

5. Nick Castellanos, 3B

6. Tyler Collins, LF

7. Jefry Marte, 1B

8. Alex Avila, C

9. Dixon Machado, SS

The only suspense left in the season is whether the Tigers can improve their draft position.

Fun fact: hitters are batting .417 off of Matt Boyd when he’s ahead in the count.

Career numbers off Erasmo Ramirez

1. Anthony Gose, CF (1-for-3, walk, K)
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B (1-for-5, double, walk, K)
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. J.D. Martinez, RF
5. Nick Castellanos, DH
6. James McCann, C
7. Dixon Machado, SS
8. Andrew Romine, 3B (2-for-2)
9. Rajai Davis, LF (0-for-3, K)

In years past I planned my Labor Day around the game.

Career numbers off Drew Smyly

1. Rajai Davis, LF (0-for-1, K)
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B (3-for-7, HR, walk, K)
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. J.D. Martinez, RF
5. Nick Castellanos, DH
6. James McCann, C
7. Dixon Machado, SS
8. Andrew Romine, 3B
9. Anthony Gose, CF