as far as calling a game, he does a good job, and he always comes up to you after innings and makes sure we’re on the same wavelength.
If Weaver is getting along with Rivera, this can only be a good sign. Also, a catcher who can call a good game will be a huge asset this year. Last year we kept hearing from Warthen and Garner about poor pitch selection, yet they always let Inge/Fick/Cardona call most of the pitches.
There’s definitely a new-and-improved atmosphere around the Tigers, but even so, some of them wonder whether that will last if this turns out to be a ninth straight losing season.
Weaver throws a lot of smack for a pitcher with a career record of 33-43 and a 4.57 ERA. But his combination of sinker, fastball and overhand curve are good enough that he could develop into a legit ace.
Palmer’s arm still isn’t right. Plus, Randy Smith and Phil Garner have a difference of opinion about Matt Miller. Miller gave up 5 rus against the Yankees the other night.
Garner said it was unfair to judge the outing because Miller was pitching out of his role. He’s a situational lefty who will be required to face mostly left-handed hitters. “It’s not his job description to face right-handers,” Garner said. But it is his job to get hitters out, which is the point Smith made Thursday. “I know his role is to face left-handed hitters,” Smith said. “But I haven’t seen him get people out yet.”
We will drive our cars within radio distance of a Detroit Tigers broadcast, tune the dial to Ernie Harwell and treat ourselves a final time to a three-hour poetry class. After more than half a century at the microphone, this is Harwell’s final summer. Losing his voice will be like losing the crack of the bat or the pop of a fastball in the catcher’s glove.
“I think it’s awesome,” Steve Sparks said. “How long’s it been (since the Tigers added payroll in spring training)? The players should take note. We need to show we appreciate the commitment. We also need to show the fans we’re worthy of support.”
Brian Moehler continues to make steady progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery. He threw 60 pitches against minor-leaguers Wednesday “and is throwing all his pitches but still needs to build his arm strength,” Garner said. “You can’t speed that up.
It’s easy to forget that the Tigers ranked second in the AL in bullpen ERA two years ago, and the addition of righthander Jose Paniagua could help return the ‘pen to that level. Utility infielder Damian Jackson was another quality pickup, and GM Randy Smith says the team is comfortable with Jose Macias in center field.
The bullpen is beginning to shape up. A trio of non-roster pitchers look like they’ll make the cut: Juan Acevedo was pretty much a lock, but Matt Perisho seems to have redeemed himself, and Julio Santana appears to have come back from the dead. Along with the pickup of Jose Paniagua and probably lefty Matt Miller, that looks like a functional pen to support Matt Anderson.
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