http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2011/07/doug-fister-mariners-detroit-tigers/1
Detroit gets Fister and Pauly. Seattle gets Charlie Furbush, Casper Wells, Double A third baseman Francisco Martinez and a player to be named later. A Seattle newspaper columnist has said that the player to be named later could be a "pretty significant name". Hmm, Ryan Raburn? Maybe Detroit has another trick up its sleeve for a third baseman and will turn around and move Wilson Betemit again, or maybe Seattle wants Brandon Inge?
I've seen some Facebook chatter from fans lamenting the loss of Martinez. At this stage though it seems like Nick Castellanos is carrying the "third baseman of the future" mantle even though he's 19 years old and 3-4 years away from Detroit. So I don't see the big deal in trading Martinez. Sure you never know who might boom and who might bust, but given Detroit's long term plans for the last year this seems the reasonable move. They can have Bitemit hold down third base for several years, or move Peralta back to third and bring in another shortstop, until Castellanos is ready. The skills he brings seem comparable to David Wright of the Mets. With that upside Castellanos is certainly worth giving the future shot to.
This sets up Detroit pretty nicely for next year, presuming Fister is the talent stuck on a terrible team that people are saying. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, Fister, and probably Turner. A left hander in the rotation would be nice but unless they put some more work in on Phil Coke and give him another shot, or Andy Oliver gets his control problems fixed in the minors and jumps back ahead of Turner for next year, that's not going to happen unless Detroit makes a deal, This is assuming that Brad Penny does the expected and doesn't re-sign with Detroit since he was signed to a 1 year deal. That's likely. At best he'd get another 1 year deal with Detroit and if they're going to have a pitcher around .500 with an ERA near 5 it's better off being a younger guy with talent and plenty of career upswing ahead of him rather than a guy on the downslide of his career.
In theory this gives them fewer holes then if they'd have landed Jimenez, That lineup would have been Verlander, Jimenez, then either no Scherzer or no Porcello, no Penny, then Turner. So you'd still have to find another pitcher even if Turner makes the team to start next season. In addition Brennan Boesch would have been gone. I think Magglio Ordonez is gone after this season unless he accepts a very steep pay cut. He's on his final team option contract year and getting paid $10 million. I think Ryan Raburn is going to be gone, either in a last minute deadline deal this year or some off-season maneuver so he's out of the mix. I think Boesch will be getting a fulltime corner outfield shot with both Raburn and Ordonez moving on, so keeping him is big, especially if he produces like he's starting to show.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
and still more trade rumors
Multiple source are now saying that the previous mentioned trade for Fister has been completed and will be announced later today. Charlie Furbush is the pitching prospect involved, not Jacob Turner. Turner is called up to make a spot start in the current 5th Starter of Doom spot for today's game against the Angels at 4:10, rather than Duane Below. Hey why not? I don't think they've gotten a productive start out of that spot in a couple months.
My personal guess would be that both Turner and Below will get sent back down to make way for the newcomers.
I also saw online that Doug Fister has the lowest run support of any starter in the major leagues this year. He's on a 9 game losing streak. Along the way he's lost by scores of 3-2, 4-1, 4-0, 1-0, 5-1, 4-0, and 4-1.
Reports say that the Jimenez trade with Colorado fell apart when the Rockies wanted Jacob Turner, Brennan Boesch, and something else. They'd originally wanted Turner and a pitcher from the starting rotation, either Rick Porcello or Max Scherzer. The latter was definitely not happening. The former was not reasonable either. Detroit's desire was not to deal anyone on the current Major League roster. That has apparently happened.
My personal guess would be that both Turner and Below will get sent back down to make way for the newcomers.
I also saw online that Doug Fister has the lowest run support of any starter in the major leagues this year. He's on a 9 game losing streak. Along the way he's lost by scores of 3-2, 4-1, 4-0, 1-0, 5-1, 4-0, and 4-1.
Reports say that the Jimenez trade with Colorado fell apart when the Rockies wanted Jacob Turner, Brennan Boesch, and something else. They'd originally wanted Turner and a pitcher from the starting rotation, either Rick Porcello or Max Scherzer. The latter was definitely not happening. The former was not reasonable either. Detroit's desire was not to deal anyone on the current Major League roster. That has apparently happened.
more news about a possible trade by Detroit...
I'd say it's pretty much a given that something will be happening before the trade deadline tomorrow afternoon, but the question of what, and who Detroit will be parting ways with, remains.
CBSSportsonline is reporting that Detroit is close to acquiring Doug Fister and reliever David Pauley from the Mariners. Pauley has a 2.15 ERA in 39 appearances for the Mariners. He'd add insurance to the bullpen, especially with Detroit now concerned about Al Alburquerque's arm. Alburquerque has been unavailable the last 2 games due to some soreness and inflammation in the forearm of pitching arm. He's gone to the 15-Day DL just before the All-Star break for the same problem. After the break he's pitched 4.1 scoreless innings but there's some concern since the issue has apparently returned.
In their end of the trade Seattle is rumored to receive Charlie Furbush and Casper Wells. That's the rumor at least. Jacob Turner is not part of that trade according to this particular rumor, but is starting tonight and will be taking Furbush's spot as the current long reliever in the bullpen.
EDIT: Just to show how how speculative the rumor mill is, a tweet from a Fox Sports analyst says that Detroit is back in the running for Jimenez, possibly out front, as they have changed their mind and decided to include Turner in a possible trade.
Ultimately though the fact that the number one super-prospect in Detroit's farm system was pulled from a start tonight and isn't even with his minor league team right now means something, when it happens right at the trading deadline. Either he's moving or he's coming up to replace someone who's moving.
CBSSportsonline is reporting that Detroit is close to acquiring Doug Fister and reliever David Pauley from the Mariners. Pauley has a 2.15 ERA in 39 appearances for the Mariners. He'd add insurance to the bullpen, especially with Detroit now concerned about Al Alburquerque's arm. Alburquerque has been unavailable the last 2 games due to some soreness and inflammation in the forearm of pitching arm. He's gone to the 15-Day DL just before the All-Star break for the same problem. After the break he's pitched 4.1 scoreless innings but there's some concern since the issue has apparently returned.
In their end of the trade Seattle is rumored to receive Charlie Furbush and Casper Wells. That's the rumor at least. Jacob Turner is not part of that trade according to this particular rumor, but is starting tonight and will be taking Furbush's spot as the current long reliever in the bullpen.
EDIT: Just to show how how speculative the rumor mill is, a tweet from a Fox Sports analyst says that Detroit is back in the running for Jimenez, possibly out front, as they have changed their mind and decided to include Turner in a possible trade.
Ultimately though the fact that the number one super-prospect in Detroit's farm system was pulled from a start tonight and isn't even with his minor league team right now means something, when it happens right at the trading deadline. Either he's moving or he's coming up to replace someone who's moving.
a little intrigue in Tigerville
Jacob Turner, Detroit's top pitching prospect in the minor leagues and a likely candidate to make the starting rotation next season as another young phenom like Rick Porcello, was scratched from his start for Double-A Erie tonight. He was scheduled to square off against another top pitching prospect. Reportedly, Turner is no longer with the team or in Erie. Detroit has not had any comment regarding Turner's whereabouts.
Some rumors are indicating that Turner is being called up for a spot start against the Angels tonight. Sources are saying thought that Duane Below, the currently scheduled starter, is still with the team as of this morning. One would assume that if Turner was coming it would be Below getting sent back down. Maybe those moves are in progress right now.
But the story gets more interesting considering that Detroit has had interest in Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez. At one point the Rockies wanted Turner as part of the package. Publicly at a least Detroit had backed off their interest. Could Turner being pulled from the start mean that deal, or another is imminent? Detroit has showed in the past that they're not afraid to trade highly regarded prospects for a proven major league talent. They traded Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin, then the top two prospects in the organization, to Florida for Miguel Cabrera. The outcome of that so far has been hugely in Detroit's favor.
CBSSports is saying that Detroit is hoping to seal a deal with the Mariners for 27 year old right hander Doug Fister. Fister is only 3-12 for Seattle. Seattle though has one of the worst hitting teams in history this season. Majorly offensively challenging. Even Ichiro is hitting only .271 this season. Even with that poor record Fister has a 3.33 ERA. That's 20th in the AL for starting pitchers, and lower than all Detroit starters other than Justin Verlander. His 1.17 WHIP is 15th in the league among starting pitchers.
Turner for Jimenez? I could live with that. Jimenez started out slowly this season, in part due to oddly poor run support at home. His road record has been very good and his home record poor. He's been heating up though, and last season he was utterly unhittable for a large portion of the season for Colorado. He's got nasty stuff.
Turner for Fister? I'm not so sure about that one. I admit I'm not familiar with Fister. But Turner himself could possibly be as effective as Fister for the remainder of the year and he's only 19 I think. Jimenez is 56-45 with a 3.62 career ERA. He was 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA last year. 15-12 with a 3.47 ERA the year before that. He's a multi-time All-Star and has led the Rockies into the playoffs. If they can get him and sign him to a deal so he's not just a rental for the rest of the season that's a great trade. Still though, the Tigers organization has good eyes for pitching talent. If they see something in Fister, there must be something there.
But oh how I wish that Jair Jurrgens for Edgar Renteria trade hadn't happened a couple years ago. Renteria was a bust for the Tigers and lasted only a season. Jurrgens was an All-Star this year and is rapidly becoming one of the National League's best pitchers for Atlanta.
Some rumors are indicating that Turner is being called up for a spot start against the Angels tonight. Sources are saying thought that Duane Below, the currently scheduled starter, is still with the team as of this morning. One would assume that if Turner was coming it would be Below getting sent back down. Maybe those moves are in progress right now.
But the story gets more interesting considering that Detroit has had interest in Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez. At one point the Rockies wanted Turner as part of the package. Publicly at a least Detroit had backed off their interest. Could Turner being pulled from the start mean that deal, or another is imminent? Detroit has showed in the past that they're not afraid to trade highly regarded prospects for a proven major league talent. They traded Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin, then the top two prospects in the organization, to Florida for Miguel Cabrera. The outcome of that so far has been hugely in Detroit's favor.
CBSSports is saying that Detroit is hoping to seal a deal with the Mariners for 27 year old right hander Doug Fister. Fister is only 3-12 for Seattle. Seattle though has one of the worst hitting teams in history this season. Majorly offensively challenging. Even Ichiro is hitting only .271 this season. Even with that poor record Fister has a 3.33 ERA. That's 20th in the AL for starting pitchers, and lower than all Detroit starters other than Justin Verlander. His 1.17 WHIP is 15th in the league among starting pitchers.
Turner for Jimenez? I could live with that. Jimenez started out slowly this season, in part due to oddly poor run support at home. His road record has been very good and his home record poor. He's been heating up though, and last season he was utterly unhittable for a large portion of the season for Colorado. He's got nasty stuff.
Turner for Fister? I'm not so sure about that one. I admit I'm not familiar with Fister. But Turner himself could possibly be as effective as Fister for the remainder of the year and he's only 19 I think. Jimenez is 56-45 with a 3.62 career ERA. He was 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA last year. 15-12 with a 3.47 ERA the year before that. He's a multi-time All-Star and has led the Rockies into the playoffs. If they can get him and sign him to a deal so he's not just a rental for the rest of the season that's a great trade. Still though, the Tigers organization has good eyes for pitching talent. If they see something in Fister, there must be something there.
But oh how I wish that Jair Jurrgens for Edgar Renteria trade hadn't happened a couple years ago. Renteria was a bust for the Tigers and lasted only a season. Jurrgens was an All-Star this year and is rapidly becoming one of the National League's best pitchers for Atlanta.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tigers bounce back to crush the Angels tonight
Rick Porcello gave up a solo home run on his second pitch of the game. It looked like it could be another tough pitching night, but he settled down to allow only 1 more run, and 5 hits overall in 8 innings pitched. He upped his record to 11-6 on the season.
The offense gave him plenty of support. Victor Martinez was 3-5 with a double and 4 RBIs. Carlos Guillen was 2-4 with a double, a triple, and also had 4 RBIs. Brennan Boesch was 2-3 and hit a solo home run, his 15th of the season. Ramon Santiago was 3-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Alex Avila was 2-4 with an RBI, and Don Kelly also drove in a run. Detroit rolled 12-2. Coupled with Cleveland getting shut out 12-0 by the Royals, Detroit's lead in the Central increased to a season high 2.5 games.
The offense gave him plenty of support. Victor Martinez was 3-5 with a double and 4 RBIs. Carlos Guillen was 2-4 with a double, a triple, and also had 4 RBIs. Brennan Boesch was 2-3 and hit a solo home run, his 15th of the season. Ramon Santiago was 3-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Alex Avila was 2-4 with an RBI, and Don Kelly also drove in a run. Detroit rolled 12-2. Coupled with Cleveland getting shut out 12-0 by the Royals, Detroit's lead in the Central increased to a season high 2.5 games.
a shakeup for the US Men's National Team
Yesterday Bob Bradley was fired as the coach of the Men's team. Kind of odd timing, but I can't say it was unreasonable since their post World Cup performances have demonstrated the same holes and inabilities that cost them a favorable opportunity in the last World Cup. Still though you'd think there's not going to be enough time to do any significant shakeup of the talent pool.
I guess there was some method to the madness. Juergen Klinsmann was named the new coach, after turning down the job the last time it was offered. He certainly has soccer credentials. He's got a great soccer mind. He's lived in the US for quite awhile so he should understand American soccer.
How much of an impact can he make on the American team in advance of the upcoming World Cup? Can a change in formation help them out? Possibly moving players into field positions where they can be more effective? Can he find someone who can actually be an effective and scary striker rather than an "up and coming goal scorer?" They need someone to stop being up and coming and actually arrive.
I figure the timing probably comes in the aftermath of American soccer being more in the forefront right now thanks to the US Womens' team and the Women's World Cup. Win or lose (win AND lose as it turned out) we saw the US involved in two of the most scintillating games in international soccer history. You couldn't have asked for more in terms of games being dramatic and compelling. Nobody in the US is going to deny that if the US had to lose in the Final that it was nice that it was Japan. Japan hoisting the trophy and getting to go home as a Cinderella team to a hero's welcome in their beleaguered country was an outcome that was worthy. Now the Men's team has a window of national interest in which they can do whatever they can to rise above their recent stagnation to try to continue the momentum in America. The bottom line is that Americans hop on board winners. The US Men's team made an aggressive looking move that at least makes it look like they're trying to become winners, whether that is legitimate or not.
Pretty much I've lobbed this post out here as a softball for Christopher.
I guess there was some method to the madness. Juergen Klinsmann was named the new coach, after turning down the job the last time it was offered. He certainly has soccer credentials. He's got a great soccer mind. He's lived in the US for quite awhile so he should understand American soccer.
How much of an impact can he make on the American team in advance of the upcoming World Cup? Can a change in formation help them out? Possibly moving players into field positions where they can be more effective? Can he find someone who can actually be an effective and scary striker rather than an "up and coming goal scorer?" They need someone to stop being up and coming and actually arrive.
I figure the timing probably comes in the aftermath of American soccer being more in the forefront right now thanks to the US Womens' team and the Women's World Cup. Win or lose (win AND lose as it turned out) we saw the US involved in two of the most scintillating games in international soccer history. You couldn't have asked for more in terms of games being dramatic and compelling. Nobody in the US is going to deny that if the US had to lose in the Final that it was nice that it was Japan. Japan hoisting the trophy and getting to go home as a Cinderella team to a hero's welcome in their beleaguered country was an outcome that was worthy. Now the Men's team has a window of national interest in which they can do whatever they can to rise above their recent stagnation to try to continue the momentum in America. The bottom line is that Americans hop on board winners. The US Men's team made an aggressive looking move that at least makes it look like they're trying to become winners, whether that is legitimate or not.
Pretty much I've lobbed this post out here as a softball for Christopher.
Tigers fell to the Angels yesterday
The Tigers lost a slugfest to the Angels yesterday afternoon, 12-7. I'm not going to raise an alarm over 2 straight losses but losing 3 of 4 doesn't look good. Luckily Detroit hasn't lost much ground since Cleveland has had its own problems. Those include getting no-hit by these very same Angels, compliments of Ervin Santana, on Wednesday. It was the Angels first complete game no-hitter since Mike Witt pitched a perfect game in the waning days of the 1984 season. I have that clipping in my much-beloved scrapbook of the 1984 season, which followed what turned out to be Detroit's last World Championship. The only time I ever scrapbooked a season. It was odd. I just "had a feeling" during Spring Training.
Yesterday it was Mark Trumbo giving Detroit fits. He had a home run and 5 RBIs, and is certainly making himself look like the front runner to be the AL Rookie of the Year. 19 homers and 53 RBIs. His crushing of a double led to a very loud argument between Brad Penny and Victor Martinez, who caught yesterday.
Penny's problems amounted to 7 runs on 9 hits in 3.1 innings pitched. He fell to 7-8 on the season. Another reason why Detroit needs another starting pitcher within the next 2+ days. I'm certainly not saying Penny should get bumped from the rotation. But he has a 4.89 ERA. Detroit has to score some runs in his starts, as he's not a lockdown pitcher. That's not a total disaster but combining that with the 1-11 5 starter spot and that's 2 anchors that Detroit has dragging behind it a bit. The offense isn't a juggernaut and expecting it to have to put up 5 or 6 runs for 2 turns out of the 5-man rotation in order to get a win is asking a bit much if the team wants to win the division.
For Detroit Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with his 22nd home run of the season and a double. Andy Dirks and Brennan Boesch were each 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta had an RBI, and Wilson Bitemit hit a solo home run, his first homer as a Tiger and his 4th overall on the season.
Yesterday it was Mark Trumbo giving Detroit fits. He had a home run and 5 RBIs, and is certainly making himself look like the front runner to be the AL Rookie of the Year. 19 homers and 53 RBIs. His crushing of a double led to a very loud argument between Brad Penny and Victor Martinez, who caught yesterday.
Penny's problems amounted to 7 runs on 9 hits in 3.1 innings pitched. He fell to 7-8 on the season. Another reason why Detroit needs another starting pitcher within the next 2+ days. I'm certainly not saying Penny should get bumped from the rotation. But he has a 4.89 ERA. Detroit has to score some runs in his starts, as he's not a lockdown pitcher. That's not a total disaster but combining that with the 1-11 5 starter spot and that's 2 anchors that Detroit has dragging behind it a bit. The offense isn't a juggernaut and expecting it to have to put up 5 or 6 runs for 2 turns out of the 5-man rotation in order to get a win is asking a bit much if the team wants to win the division.
For Detroit Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with his 22nd home run of the season and a double. Andy Dirks and Brennan Boesch were each 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta had an RBI, and Wilson Bitemit hit a solo home run, his first homer as a Tiger and his 4th overall on the season.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tigers fell at Chicago 2-1 yesterday to lose the series
Max Scherzer went 6 innings, allowing only a 2-run homer in the second inning. Unfortunately for him Austin Jackson's 5th homer of the year was a solo shot and the only run that Detroit could muster. Scherzer took the tough luck loss to fall to 11-6 on the season.
Jackson and Alex Avila were both 2-4 to account for 4 of Detroit's 6 hits in the game.
Jackson and Alex Avila were both 2-4 to account for 4 of Detroit's 6 hits in the game.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tigers beat the White Sox 5-4 in clutch fashion last night
Wilson Betemit had a 2 out RBI single in the 8th inning last night to break a 4-4 tie. He was 2-4 on the night. Miguel Cabrera was 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez also drove in runs. Magglio Ordonez was 2-5 as was Austin Jackson.
Justin Verlander battled through 8 innings to improve to 14-5 on the season. He surrendered 4 runs, on 2-run homers by Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko.
Jose Valverde locked down the 9th for his 27th save.
Big win for Detroit since Chicago's GM said on Monday that the next week's worth of games will indicate whether Chicago sheds some high priced veterans and brings in younger prospects. Possibly conceding the division race? That would be nice if it happens. Detroit needs to play their part though.
Today the Sox traded a couple guys, including Edwin Jackson, to the Blue Jays. The Jays then turned around and traded Jackson to the Cardinals in an 8 player deal. The trade deadline has started to heat up.
Justin Verlander battled through 8 innings to improve to 14-5 on the season. He surrendered 4 runs, on 2-run homers by Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko.
Jose Valverde locked down the 9th for his 27th save.
Big win for Detroit since Chicago's GM said on Monday that the next week's worth of games will indicate whether Chicago sheds some high priced veterans and brings in younger prospects. Possibly conceding the division race? That would be nice if it happens. Detroit needs to play their part though.
Today the Sox traded a couple guys, including Edwin Jackson, to the Blue Jays. The Jays then turned around and traded Jackson to the Cardinals in an 8 player deal. The trade deadline has started to heat up.
the NFL lockout ends and the annual Bret Favre drama starts up
Rumors immediately started flying that the Eagles are interested in having Bret Favre back up Michael Vick. Favre's agent didn't quell any rumors with his "I haven't heard anything about that" response.
This makes what, the fourth consecutive off-season of "will he stay retired? Will he not?". Unlike previous seasons it's possible that Favre would settle for a backup role. Maybe the realities of last season, getting battered and actually injured for the first time ever, have showed him that age has caught up with him. So maybe reality has tempered his superstar ego a bit and he's willing to be a backup, now realizing that he doesn't have it in the 42 year old body to be a quarterback every snap of every game anymore. And if he just can't stay away from football, and if his family situation is a mess due to the sexting allegations last year (just my theorizing), maybe he'd do whatever it took to spend his time back in an NFL locker room rather than sitting at home on the couch or the tractor.
But still, it took all of 5 seconds after the lockout for that never dying rumor to start up. Maybe once he's 50, or if he finally says 'No' this time around, it will end.
This makes what, the fourth consecutive off-season of "will he stay retired? Will he not?". Unlike previous seasons it's possible that Favre would settle for a backup role. Maybe the realities of last season, getting battered and actually injured for the first time ever, have showed him that age has caught up with him. So maybe reality has tempered his superstar ego a bit and he's willing to be a backup, now realizing that he doesn't have it in the 42 year old body to be a quarterback every snap of every game anymore. And if he just can't stay away from football, and if his family situation is a mess due to the sexting allegations last year (just my theorizing), maybe he'd do whatever it took to spend his time back in an NFL locker room rather than sitting at home on the couch or the tractor.
But still, it took all of 5 seconds after the lockout for that never dying rumor to start up. Maybe once he's 50, or if he finally says 'No' this time around, it will end.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Jeremy theories: What recent events mean for Detroit at the trading deadline
We're now about 5 days before the Major League trading deadline. The expectation is that Detroit will be buyers, trying to shore up some sports for a pennant run.
Detroit already traded for Wilson Betemit and made him the everyday third baseman. Brandon Inge is in the minor leagues in Toledo. He has interest in staying there and working his way to back the Tigers. He loves the area and the team. That move seems to mean Detroit won't be in the market for a third baseman like David Wright.
Carlos Guillen is hitting over .300 with a homer and 6 RBIs in 7 games since returning. He looks to be supplying the bat that Detroit wanted plugged into the offensive deadzone at second base. I don't think Detroit will be making a second base move unless something falls in their lap.
The Mets recently said that Jose Reyes will end the season as a Met. He would probably have been too pricey anyway and Detroit now wouldn't be moving Jhonny Peralta to third.
The record of Detroit's number 5 starter is 1-11 on the season. Justin Verlander has 13 wins. Max Scherzer has 11. Rick Porcello has 10. Brad Penny has hung in there and contributed in the 4 spot. He's 7-7 on the season. Passable. Then the 5 spot in the rotation. 1-11. Dave Dombrowski has said Detroit is in the market for another starting pitcher. That stat shows that it's a no brainer, especially given how the other factors above have shaped up.
So that's what I expect them to do. Another arm for the bullpen could be a possibility though I don't seem them going after a big name closer like Heath Bell to make him a setup man. Too expensive when they have the 8th and 9th inning guys set already.
If the Tigers add another bat I'd think it would be someone who can play all three outfield positions. I'm sure Detroit would send Andy Dirks to the minors if a veteran bat presented, but that bat would have to be able to play some center field since Dirks has been the primary backup for Austin Jackson. Casper Wells already went back down when Carlos Guillen came off the DL. With Jackson still hitting .243 a leadoff hitter could happen.
In terms of regulars moving in some sort of deal, I not be shocked to see Ryan Raburn get moved. He's showed potential but he's yet again on pace to hit for only half a season and deliver 12-15 home runs and 50 or 60 RBIs. Maybe it's time to give the younger Brennan Boesch more time and also clear the way for
other players in the Casper Wells/Andy Dirks/outfield logjam situation. Raburn has pop and potential and can play at least 5 positions, so he could garner interest.
Brandon Inge could find a suitor and maybe move. But off the regulars on the team right now I'd say Ryan Raburn, maybe in a package to get a starting pitcher, is the most likely to move if a trade involves a current roster player.
Detroit already traded for Wilson Betemit and made him the everyday third baseman. Brandon Inge is in the minor leagues in Toledo. He has interest in staying there and working his way to back the Tigers. He loves the area and the team. That move seems to mean Detroit won't be in the market for a third baseman like David Wright.
Carlos Guillen is hitting over .300 with a homer and 6 RBIs in 7 games since returning. He looks to be supplying the bat that Detroit wanted plugged into the offensive deadzone at second base. I don't think Detroit will be making a second base move unless something falls in their lap.
The Mets recently said that Jose Reyes will end the season as a Met. He would probably have been too pricey anyway and Detroit now wouldn't be moving Jhonny Peralta to third.
The record of Detroit's number 5 starter is 1-11 on the season. Justin Verlander has 13 wins. Max Scherzer has 11. Rick Porcello has 10. Brad Penny has hung in there and contributed in the 4 spot. He's 7-7 on the season. Passable. Then the 5 spot in the rotation. 1-11. Dave Dombrowski has said Detroit is in the market for another starting pitcher. That stat shows that it's a no brainer, especially given how the other factors above have shaped up.
So that's what I expect them to do. Another arm for the bullpen could be a possibility though I don't seem them going after a big name closer like Heath Bell to make him a setup man. Too expensive when they have the 8th and 9th inning guys set already.
If the Tigers add another bat I'd think it would be someone who can play all three outfield positions. I'm sure Detroit would send Andy Dirks to the minors if a veteran bat presented, but that bat would have to be able to play some center field since Dirks has been the primary backup for Austin Jackson. Casper Wells already went back down when Carlos Guillen came off the DL. With Jackson still hitting .243 a leadoff hitter could happen.
In terms of regulars moving in some sort of deal, I not be shocked to see Ryan Raburn get moved. He's showed potential but he's yet again on pace to hit for only half a season and deliver 12-15 home runs and 50 or 60 RBIs. Maybe it's time to give the younger Brennan Boesch more time and also clear the way for
other players in the Casper Wells/Andy Dirks/outfield logjam situation. Raburn has pop and potential and can play at least 5 positions, so he could garner interest.
Brandon Inge could find a suitor and maybe move. But off the regulars on the team right now I'd say Ryan Raburn, maybe in a package to get a starting pitcher, is the most likely to move if a trade involves a current roster player.
Chicago halted Detroit's recent hot streak last night
Detroit fell to the White Sox 6-3. Duane Below allowed 4 runs in 4.2 innings pitched in his second major league start. He took the loss. He's 0-1 on the season. That now makes Detroit's 5th starters a combined 1-11 on the season, among Phil Coke, Charlie Furbush, and now Below.
Chance Ruffin made his major league debut with 1.2 innings of work. He gave up 2 home runs and 3 runs. As I recall Ruffin was in the same draft class as Ryan Perry, in the draft where Detroit drafted a bunch of seasoned college relievers to add a depth of power arms to the system. Ryan Perry has been in the big leagues for about 2 full seasons now, though he's been up and down this season with control problems. He's in the minors now, and Ruffin gets his chance to try to fill the one bullpen spot that has been in flux.
Miguel Cabrera hit his 21st home run of the season. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez also had RBIs. Alex Avila, who has slumped since the All-Star Break, was 2-4. Every starter again had a hit for Detroit, but the Cabrera homer was the only extra base hit.
Chance Ruffin made his major league debut with 1.2 innings of work. He gave up 2 home runs and 3 runs. As I recall Ruffin was in the same draft class as Ryan Perry, in the draft where Detroit drafted a bunch of seasoned college relievers to add a depth of power arms to the system. Ryan Perry has been in the big leagues for about 2 full seasons now, though he's been up and down this season with control problems. He's in the minors now, and Ruffin gets his chance to try to fill the one bullpen spot that has been in flux.
Miguel Cabrera hit his 21st home run of the season. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez also had RBIs. Alex Avila, who has slumped since the All-Star Break, was 2-4. Every starter again had a hit for Detroit, but the Cabrera homer was the only extra base hit.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tigers completed a very successful series in Minnesota, taking 3 of 4.
This series may have been a litmus test to see if Detroit was going to be able to sustain some strong second half play, or whether they'd fade in the second half. Detroit hasn't had a winning record after the All-Star Break since 2000. That includes the 2006 World Series team that lost a 7 game lead in about the last month but still survived to claim the Wild Card. Two years ago they blew a 3 game lead with 4 to play and lost a 1 game playoff at Minnesota.
So going to Minnesota, who is always a strong second half team, and beating them 3 of 4 looks good. Detroit managed to stretch its AL Central lead to a season high 2 games. Last season a terrible July took then out of contention by the time August arrived.
Friday night Detroit cruised 8-2, though Jose Valverde did have to come into a game ending double play with runners on the corners just to be sure a Twin rally was snuffed out after only 1 run. Jhonny Peralta was a triple short of the cycle. He was 3-5 with 4 RBIs. His home run was number 16 on the season.
Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with his 9th home run of the season. Carlos Guillen had a 2-run single. Victor Martinez drove in a run and Magglio Ordonez was 2-4.
Every Tiger starter had at least one hit.
Max Scherzer took advantage of all the run support, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in 7 innings pitched. He upped his record to 11-5 on the season.
Saturday night, Minnesota finally snapped an 11 game losing streak to Detroit. They won 4-1. A Miguel Cabrera double was Detroit's only run. Brad Penny took the loss to fall to 7-7 on the year. He gave up 4 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings pitched.
Sunday, Detroit took advantage of wildness by Francisco Liriano and claimed a 5-2 win. Rick Porecello joined Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer in the double figure win club. He is now 10-6 on the season after allowing 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings pitched.
Detroit joins Texas as the only 2 AL teams with 3 double figure winners. Jose Valverde made it 26 for 26 on saves on the year.
Wilson Betemit drove in his first Tiger run. Jhonny Peralta and Ramon Santiago also added RBIs. Detroit also scored twice on wild pitches by Liriano.
So going to Minnesota, who is always a strong second half team, and beating them 3 of 4 looks good. Detroit managed to stretch its AL Central lead to a season high 2 games. Last season a terrible July took then out of contention by the time August arrived.
Friday night Detroit cruised 8-2, though Jose Valverde did have to come into a game ending double play with runners on the corners just to be sure a Twin rally was snuffed out after only 1 run. Jhonny Peralta was a triple short of the cycle. He was 3-5 with 4 RBIs. His home run was number 16 on the season.
Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with his 9th home run of the season. Carlos Guillen had a 2-run single. Victor Martinez drove in a run and Magglio Ordonez was 2-4.
Every Tiger starter had at least one hit.
Max Scherzer took advantage of all the run support, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in 7 innings pitched. He upped his record to 11-5 on the season.
Saturday night, Minnesota finally snapped an 11 game losing streak to Detroit. They won 4-1. A Miguel Cabrera double was Detroit's only run. Brad Penny took the loss to fall to 7-7 on the year. He gave up 4 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings pitched.
Sunday, Detroit took advantage of wildness by Francisco Liriano and claimed a 5-2 win. Rick Porecello joined Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer in the double figure win club. He is now 10-6 on the season after allowing 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings pitched.
Detroit joins Texas as the only 2 AL teams with 3 double figure winners. Jose Valverde made it 26 for 26 on saves on the year.
Wilson Betemit drove in his first Tiger run. Jhonny Peralta and Ramon Santiago also added RBIs. Detroit also scored twice on wild pitches by Liriano.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tigers beat the Twins in the opener of a 4 game series
Justin Verlander returned to his dominant form. He allowed 1 run on 5 hits in 8 innings pitched. He struck out 9 and walked none. With the win, he upped his season record to 13-5. Detroit cruised 6-2.
Jhonny Peralta was 3-4 with his 15th home run of the season, an RBI double, and 3 RBIs. Brennan Boesch hit a 2 run homer, his 14th of the season. Carlos Guillen also drove in a run.
Wilson Betemit made his Tiger debut, batting 9th and playing third base. He was 1-4 and scored on the Boesch home run.
Earlier today is was announced that Brandon Inge was designated for assignment. He has said that he intends to report to Toledo rather than asking to be released as a player with his amount of service could do if he clears waivers. Since any team that claimed him on waivers would have to pick up the rest of his salary for the season, about $3 million for a guy hitting .177 with knees that are bothering him, it's unlikely that will happen. If it did, Detroit has the option to work out a trade or pull him back off waivers and keep him.
Inge is a class guy and said he totally understands why this move has happened. He loves Detroit and wants to go down to Triple A to find his hitting touch, and hopefully work his way back to Detroit when the rosters expand on September 1st or next season.
Jhonny Peralta was 3-4 with his 15th home run of the season, an RBI double, and 3 RBIs. Brennan Boesch hit a 2 run homer, his 14th of the season. Carlos Guillen also drove in a run.
Wilson Betemit made his Tiger debut, batting 9th and playing third base. He was 1-4 and scored on the Boesch home run.
Earlier today is was announced that Brandon Inge was designated for assignment. He has said that he intends to report to Toledo rather than asking to be released as a player with his amount of service could do if he clears waivers. Since any team that claimed him on waivers would have to pick up the rest of his salary for the season, about $3 million for a guy hitting .177 with knees that are bothering him, it's unlikely that will happen. If it did, Detroit has the option to work out a trade or pull him back off waivers and keep him.
Inge is a class guy and said he totally understands why this move has happened. He loves Detroit and wants to go down to Triple A to find his hitting touch, and hopefully work his way back to Detroit when the rosters expand on September 1st or next season.
in which I have to scratch my lead...laugh my ass off, and debut a new label
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1107/quidditch.college.campus/content.1.html
Quidditch could be cool as hell. You know...if the brooms actually flew...like in the magical world of Hogwarts. But in reality duplicating it is about like trying to duplicate Chocobo Racing. I notice that I've never seen any pictures of nerds hopping on the backs of ostriches.
As it is you're just playing a game sorta like lacrosse or field hockey, only running around with a broom between your legs like a 4 year old playing cowboy with a broom horse.
I wonder if dropping your broom is an ejection...since falling off your broom in the books and movies had serious consequences. You got sent to Gravity's Penalty Box.
I wonder if subtly jarring some guy's broom up into his groin constitutes good defense.
I would say that none of these players had a chance of getting laid....ever....but at least the game is co-ed so you have the potential of attracting a member of the opposite sex who likes running around with a wooden handle wedged up into their nether region while chasing a kickball to throw it through a hula hoop as much as you do.
Quidditch could be cool as hell. You know...if the brooms actually flew...like in the magical world of Hogwarts. But in reality duplicating it is about like trying to duplicate Chocobo Racing. I notice that I've never seen any pictures of nerds hopping on the backs of ostriches.
As it is you're just playing a game sorta like lacrosse or field hockey, only running around with a broom between your legs like a 4 year old playing cowboy with a broom horse.
I wonder if dropping your broom is an ejection...since falling off your broom in the books and movies had serious consequences. You got sent to Gravity's Penalty Box.
I wonder if subtly jarring some guy's broom up into his groin constitutes good defense.
I would say that none of these players had a chance of getting laid....ever....but at least the game is co-ed so you have the potential of attracting a member of the opposite sex who likes running around with a wooden handle wedged up into their nether region while chasing a kickball to throw it through a hula hoop as much as you do.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Detroit makes their first trade before the trade deadline....
Working to shore up their holes Detroit made their first move, which is not a great surprise. In my mind it wasn't a question of IF this trade would get made, but who they'd acquire.
Detroit traded two minor leaguers to Kansas City for veteran third baseman Wilson Bitemit. Bitemit hit .281 with 3 homers and 27 RBIs for the Royals in 58 games before losing his starting spot when Kansas City called up a rookie prospect.
Bitemit is also a switch hitter, adding more flexibility to the lineup. Once a bit lacking in left handed hitting, Detroit now has switch hitting Alex Avila, left handed batting Brennan Boesch, who's hitting well enough to be a regular in the lineup, Victor Martinez, switch hitter Carlos Guillen, and switch hitter Wilson Bitemit. They could have a 5 left handed hitter lineup, and even add in Don Kelly for a 6th if they want. Pretty good for a team which had questions about enough left handed hitting productivity coming into the season.
General Manager Dave Dombrowski said that Bitemit will immediately become the starting third basemen. Not a surprise considering Brandon Inge is now hitting .177 with 1 homer run and 15 RBIs in 70 games. Maybe in a slightly bigger surprise, Dombroski said that Don Kelly will be his primary backup. That would seem to indicate that Detroit plans to entirely cut ties with Brandon Inge. I didn't figure that would happen during the season, since Inge's trade value with his woeful offense and declining defensive range is questionable. He's still a great defensive third baseman if he can get to the ball, but his bad knees have sapped his once great range.
It would seem that Detroit is either going to release or trade Inge though. Inge is a 10/5 guy so he has the right to refuse a trade. If it's clear that Detroit has no further plans for him though he may accept a trade.
If this is indeed the end of the Tiger road for Brandon Inge, he was a career .234 hitter in 1367 games. He hit 137 home runs and drove in 581. He had 1066 hits in a Tiger uniform and was a 2009 American League All-Star. It was a knee injury in the first few games after that All-Star break that he never seemed to recover from in the 2 full seasons since.
Inge was the last remaining player from the 2003 team that lost an AL record 119 games. I'm glad he was around to see some better days at least.
Dombrowski also said that Detroit is looking at adding another starting pitcher or maybe even two. Rumors link them to talks with the Braves for Derek Lowe and with the Rockies for Ubaldo Jiminez. I'd have to think with Jiminez developing into one of the National League's best pitchers and still not even being quite at his prime the cost would be alot higher than it would be to get Lowe. It would be nice, but probably not realistic.
Detroit traded two minor leaguers to Kansas City for veteran third baseman Wilson Bitemit. Bitemit hit .281 with 3 homers and 27 RBIs for the Royals in 58 games before losing his starting spot when Kansas City called up a rookie prospect.
Bitemit is also a switch hitter, adding more flexibility to the lineup. Once a bit lacking in left handed hitting, Detroit now has switch hitting Alex Avila, left handed batting Brennan Boesch, who's hitting well enough to be a regular in the lineup, Victor Martinez, switch hitter Carlos Guillen, and switch hitter Wilson Bitemit. They could have a 5 left handed hitter lineup, and even add in Don Kelly for a 6th if they want. Pretty good for a team which had questions about enough left handed hitting productivity coming into the season.
General Manager Dave Dombrowski said that Bitemit will immediately become the starting third basemen. Not a surprise considering Brandon Inge is now hitting .177 with 1 homer run and 15 RBIs in 70 games. Maybe in a slightly bigger surprise, Dombroski said that Don Kelly will be his primary backup. That would seem to indicate that Detroit plans to entirely cut ties with Brandon Inge. I didn't figure that would happen during the season, since Inge's trade value with his woeful offense and declining defensive range is questionable. He's still a great defensive third baseman if he can get to the ball, but his bad knees have sapped his once great range.
It would seem that Detroit is either going to release or trade Inge though. Inge is a 10/5 guy so he has the right to refuse a trade. If it's clear that Detroit has no further plans for him though he may accept a trade.
If this is indeed the end of the Tiger road for Brandon Inge, he was a career .234 hitter in 1367 games. He hit 137 home runs and drove in 581. He had 1066 hits in a Tiger uniform and was a 2009 American League All-Star. It was a knee injury in the first few games after that All-Star break that he never seemed to recover from in the 2 full seasons since.
Inge was the last remaining player from the 2003 team that lost an AL record 119 games. I'm glad he was around to see some better days at least.
Dombrowski also said that Detroit is looking at adding another starting pitcher or maybe even two. Rumors link them to talks with the Braves for Derek Lowe and with the Rockies for Ubaldo Jiminez. I'd have to think with Jiminez developing into one of the National League's best pitchers and still not even being quite at his prime the cost would be alot higher than it would be to get Lowe. It would be nice, but probably not realistic.
Tigers fall to the Athletics 7-5 tonight
Rookie lefthander Duane Below made his major league debut for Detroit tonight, taking his shot at the 5 spot in the rotation. He wasn't bad, allowing 3 runs, 1 earned, in 5 innings pitched. He got a no-decision. Detroit couldn't hold a lead for him. David Purcey, pitching against his former team, walked all 3 batters he faced in the 6th. He ended up taking the loss to fall to 1-2 on the season.
Victor Martinez had a 2-run single. Don Kelly tripled and drove in a run with a sac fly. Ramon Santiago and Magglio Ordonez also drove in runs.
Victor Martinez had a 2-run single. Don Kelly tripled and drove in a run with a sac fly. Ramon Santiago and Magglio Ordonez also drove in runs.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tigers roar back to beat Oakland tonight
Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen hit 2-out 2-run home runs in a 6 run 6th inning for Detroit. For Cabrera it was home run number 20 on the season. For Guillen it was number 1. But 1 homer and 3 RBIs in 3 games back for Guillen. Hopefully he's that one more consistent bat that they need down the stretch. He was 2-3 with a walk.
Brennan Boesch was 3-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta drove in a run, as did Magglio Ordonez. Victor Martinez was 2-4.
Rick Porcello gave up 3 runs in 6 innings of work to improve to 9-6 on the season. Phil Coke and Al Alberquerque wrapped up the victory.
Brennan Boesch was 3-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta drove in a run, as did Magglio Ordonez. Victor Martinez was 2-4.
Rick Porcello gave up 3 runs in 6 innings of work to improve to 9-6 on the season. Phil Coke and Al Alberquerque wrapped up the victory.
So long Chris Osgood
Red Wing goalie Chris Osgood announced his retirement earlier today. He hangs up the skates with 3 Stanley Cup championships and 401 career wins. He's one of only 6 NHL goalies to ever reach at least 400 wins and at least 3 Cups.
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion after Osgood played in only 11 games last season due to various injuries.
So long Ozzy!
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion after Osgood played in only 11 games last season due to various injuries.
So long Ozzy!
the Tigers avoided a sweep on Sunday
Carlos Guillen's first RBI of the season, a single, punctuated a 3 run 6th inning that brought Detroit back from a 3-0 deficit. Victor Martinez also had a 2-run single in the inning. Brennan Boesch hit his 13th homer of the season.
Brad Penny got the win, allowing 3 runs and scatting 9 hits in 6.2 innings pitched. He improved to 7-6 on the season. Penny survived a rocky second inning where he gave up 3 runs and 2 of the 3 outs were well hit fly balls deep to center field, that were luckily hit to the deepest part of the park. He looked shaky but righted the ship.
The trio of Al Alberquerque, Joaquin Benoit, and Jose Valverde then locked the game down. Valverde earned his 25th save of the season.
Brad Penny got the win, allowing 3 runs and scatting 9 hits in 6.2 innings pitched. He improved to 7-6 on the season. Penny survived a rocky second inning where he gave up 3 runs and 2 of the 3 outs were well hit fly balls deep to center field, that were luckily hit to the deepest part of the park. He looked shaky but righted the ship.
The trio of Al Alberquerque, Joaquin Benoit, and Jose Valverde then locked the game down. Valverde earned his 25th save of the season.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
first two games after the break, no Tiger offense, no Tiger wins
On Friday, Justin Verlander was tagged for 5 runs, 4 earned, in 6 innings of work against the White Sox. He fell to 12-5 on the season. Detroit's lone offense came when Magglio Ordonez struck out but reached on a passed ball. Miguel Cabrera then followed with his 19th home runs of the season. Chicago won 8-2. Cabrera and Victor Martinez each had 2 hits.
Last night, former Tiger Edwin Jackson rolled with a complete game shutout. Detroit went down 5-0. Max Scherzer allowed 2 runs in 8 innings, but fell to 10-5 on the season. Alex Avila was 2-4 with a double. Jhonny Peralta was also 2-4. In what is hopefully good news, Carlos Guillen made his first appearance in 11 months. He played second base and was 1-4 on the night.
Last night, former Tiger Edwin Jackson rolled with a complete game shutout. Detroit went down 5-0. Max Scherzer allowed 2 runs in 8 innings, but fell to 10-5 on the season. Alex Avila was 2-4 with a double. Jhonny Peralta was also 2-4. In what is hopefully good news, Carlos Guillen made his first appearance in 11 months. He played second base and was 1-4 on the night.
Friday, July 15, 2011
As the Tigers begin their second half it's time for mid-season grades
Everyday players
_________________
Miguel Cabrera - A - he's one of the best players in baseball, putting up his usual big numbers.
Jhonny Peralta - A - he's giving them everything they wanted when they moved him to shortstop, earning an All-Star nod.
Brandon Inge - F - Sorry Brandon. I like you. You're a class guy, a hustle player, and been a Tiger for more than 10 years. But .190 with 1 home run and 14 RBI is staggeringly bad. I expect a low average but I figured 12-15 homers and 50-60 RBI would be reasonable for the season. But the power seems to be totally gone. He's also committed around 8 errors. That's pretty average. Given that his defense has excused his fading bat the last 3 seasons that's just not cutting it.
Alex Avila - A - He got handed the starting catcher job after Detroit let Gerald Laird go for providing offense about on the level that Brandon Inge now is. He responded by leading AL catchers in RBIs so far this season and being named the starting catcher for the American League All-Star Team.
Ryan Raburn - D- - he barely escapes an F here. His batting average has risen to .216 after being Inge-esque most of the season. But he's hitting a bit better and has at least added 7 homers and 32 RBIs. He's adding some offense to the second base void when he plays there, or is part of the rotating corner outfield monster.
Magglio Ordonez - D- - speaking of corner outfielders...like Raburn he escapes an F barely. His ankle was still not recovered from last season's season ending ankle break. He's slowly starting to hit better and has his batting average over .210 with 3 homers and 14 RBIs. He's finally driving the ball on a healthy ankle. 2 of his 3 homers were in the last 10 games or so before the break.
Brennan Boesch - B+ - more corner outfield by committee. He's hit 11 homers and has 42 RBIs, while hitting just over .300. Gets a high B just because he's had a couple slumps where he disappeared. He's hoping he doesn't disappear like he did the second half of 2010.
Austin Jackson - C - he's hit alot better lately after a horrible first 2 months. His average is near .250 at least and he has 13 stolen bases. They need more of him fueling the top of the order though.
Victor Martinez A- He's pretty much given them all he was advertised for when they signed him. .317, 6 HR 50 RBIs as the regular DH and catching occasionally to rest Avila.
Casper Wells - B - he's had some production for what he's needed to do and played some good defense as part of the corner outfield by committee.
Andy Dirks - B+ = He almost hit his way onto the team out of spring training, when most everyone thought he needed one more year in the minor leagues. He got called up when Magglio Ordonez went to the DL. He's hit about .250 with 6 HR and 17 RBIs in limited at bats. He plays in the corner outfield by committee but also has played some center field in place of Jackson, and hit leadoff a few times because he can draw a walk and has some speed. I can't really give an A for that limited number of at-bats but he generated buzz in spring training. That buzz came with him when he got called back up, and he's lived up to it pretty well.
Don Kelly - B-. The bat's a bit light. But he can play a bunch of positions. He actually pitched in a game when Detroit got crushed at Colorado. That makes him the only active major league player to have played all 9 positions at some point. He's delivered a bit of offense when he's been in there. You'd like to see better than .230. But he's hit a couple pinch hit home runs.
Ramon Santiago B- - his bat's a bit light too. But he plays a good backup shortstop and second, and even played third at least 1 game when Inge was on the DL.
Pitchers
_____________
Justin Verlander - A+. Dominant after a mediocre first 2 starts. He's thrown a no-hitter. Taken another into the 8th inning. Had a 14 srikeout game. Second in the AL in wins. AL Pitcher of the Month in June. 12-4 with an ERA of about 2.17. He's got to be the AL Cy Young Award leader at this early stage.
Max Scherzer - B+ - he has 10 wins. He's had a number of dominant starts. He was better than Verlander through April and May. But he's had some horrendous starts in there afterwards.
Rick Porcello - B-. He has 7 wins. He's been brilliant at times and terrible at others.
Brad Penny - C+ - 6 wins - he's been solid at times but hasn't gone deep into games enough. He's pitched well in some no decisions. He essentially gets the same grade as Porcello, but it feels like Porcello has had a few more games when he was very sharp.
Phil Coke - D- - 1-8 as a starter. He was very sharp in the 1 win, and sharp in a few other losses and no decisions. But he also got hammered around in alot of 3 and 4 inning outings. Deservedly out of the rotation now, especially as good as he was in the bullpen last season. He could be a strength there.
Charlie Furbush - C - Very good as a reliever after he came up. Not any better as a starter than Phil Coke was once he replaced him.
Jose Valverde - A - he's lost a couple tied games but he hasn't blown a save yet. He hasn't seemed as dominant as last season but 22-22 saves or whatever it is earns an A
Joaquin Benoit - C - he was terrible early. But he's been what they thought they would get when they signed him as a free agent the last 6 weeks or so. He was a D up until 6 weeks ago or so.
Al Alburquerque - B+ - wicked stuff. He cam be another dominant arm in the bullpen when he's on. He's nasty most of the time. But some times he loses command and walks a ton and gets hit around.
Daniel Schlereth - D - he was good for about a month then lost it. He's in the minors now.
Ryan Perry - D- - he was in the minors for a good stretch and is now back again trying to get on track.
David Purcey - B- - he's been pretty solid in some hold situations since Detroit traded Scott Sizemore to Oakland to get him, but he's gotten rocked in a couple blowout losses too.
There've been 2 or 3 other middle relievers who have been up and down throught the season but their effects were obviously negligible if they couldn't hang around. D's there.
_________________
Miguel Cabrera - A - he's one of the best players in baseball, putting up his usual big numbers.
Jhonny Peralta - A - he's giving them everything they wanted when they moved him to shortstop, earning an All-Star nod.
Brandon Inge - F - Sorry Brandon. I like you. You're a class guy, a hustle player, and been a Tiger for more than 10 years. But .190 with 1 home run and 14 RBI is staggeringly bad. I expect a low average but I figured 12-15 homers and 50-60 RBI would be reasonable for the season. But the power seems to be totally gone. He's also committed around 8 errors. That's pretty average. Given that his defense has excused his fading bat the last 3 seasons that's just not cutting it.
Alex Avila - A - He got handed the starting catcher job after Detroit let Gerald Laird go for providing offense about on the level that Brandon Inge now is. He responded by leading AL catchers in RBIs so far this season and being named the starting catcher for the American League All-Star Team.
Ryan Raburn - D- - he barely escapes an F here. His batting average has risen to .216 after being Inge-esque most of the season. But he's hitting a bit better and has at least added 7 homers and 32 RBIs. He's adding some offense to the second base void when he plays there, or is part of the rotating corner outfield monster.
Magglio Ordonez - D- - speaking of corner outfielders...like Raburn he escapes an F barely. His ankle was still not recovered from last season's season ending ankle break. He's slowly starting to hit better and has his batting average over .210 with 3 homers and 14 RBIs. He's finally driving the ball on a healthy ankle. 2 of his 3 homers were in the last 10 games or so before the break.
Brennan Boesch - B+ - more corner outfield by committee. He's hit 11 homers and has 42 RBIs, while hitting just over .300. Gets a high B just because he's had a couple slumps where he disappeared. He's hoping he doesn't disappear like he did the second half of 2010.
Austin Jackson - C - he's hit alot better lately after a horrible first 2 months. His average is near .250 at least and he has 13 stolen bases. They need more of him fueling the top of the order though.
Victor Martinez A- He's pretty much given them all he was advertised for when they signed him. .317, 6 HR 50 RBIs as the regular DH and catching occasionally to rest Avila.
Casper Wells - B - he's had some production for what he's needed to do and played some good defense as part of the corner outfield by committee.
Andy Dirks - B+ = He almost hit his way onto the team out of spring training, when most everyone thought he needed one more year in the minor leagues. He got called up when Magglio Ordonez went to the DL. He's hit about .250 with 6 HR and 17 RBIs in limited at bats. He plays in the corner outfield by committee but also has played some center field in place of Jackson, and hit leadoff a few times because he can draw a walk and has some speed. I can't really give an A for that limited number of at-bats but he generated buzz in spring training. That buzz came with him when he got called back up, and he's lived up to it pretty well.
Don Kelly - B-. The bat's a bit light. But he can play a bunch of positions. He actually pitched in a game when Detroit got crushed at Colorado. That makes him the only active major league player to have played all 9 positions at some point. He's delivered a bit of offense when he's been in there. You'd like to see better than .230. But he's hit a couple pinch hit home runs.
Ramon Santiago B- - his bat's a bit light too. But he plays a good backup shortstop and second, and even played third at least 1 game when Inge was on the DL.
Pitchers
_____________
Justin Verlander - A+. Dominant after a mediocre first 2 starts. He's thrown a no-hitter. Taken another into the 8th inning. Had a 14 srikeout game. Second in the AL in wins. AL Pitcher of the Month in June. 12-4 with an ERA of about 2.17. He's got to be the AL Cy Young Award leader at this early stage.
Max Scherzer - B+ - he has 10 wins. He's had a number of dominant starts. He was better than Verlander through April and May. But he's had some horrendous starts in there afterwards.
Rick Porcello - B-. He has 7 wins. He's been brilliant at times and terrible at others.
Brad Penny - C+ - 6 wins - he's been solid at times but hasn't gone deep into games enough. He's pitched well in some no decisions. He essentially gets the same grade as Porcello, but it feels like Porcello has had a few more games when he was very sharp.
Phil Coke - D- - 1-8 as a starter. He was very sharp in the 1 win, and sharp in a few other losses and no decisions. But he also got hammered around in alot of 3 and 4 inning outings. Deservedly out of the rotation now, especially as good as he was in the bullpen last season. He could be a strength there.
Charlie Furbush - C - Very good as a reliever after he came up. Not any better as a starter than Phil Coke was once he replaced him.
Jose Valverde - A - he's lost a couple tied games but he hasn't blown a save yet. He hasn't seemed as dominant as last season but 22-22 saves or whatever it is earns an A
Joaquin Benoit - C - he was terrible early. But he's been what they thought they would get when they signed him as a free agent the last 6 weeks or so. He was a D up until 6 weeks ago or so.
Al Alburquerque - B+ - wicked stuff. He cam be another dominant arm in the bullpen when he's on. He's nasty most of the time. But some times he loses command and walks a ton and gets hit around.
Daniel Schlereth - D - he was good for about a month then lost it. He's in the minors now.
Ryan Perry - D- - he was in the minors for a good stretch and is now back again trying to get on track.
David Purcey - B- - he's been pretty solid in some hold situations since Detroit traded Scott Sizemore to Oakland to get him, but he's gotten rocked in a couple blowout losses too.
There've been 2 or 3 other middle relievers who have been up and down throught the season but their effects were obviously negligible if they couldn't hang around. D's there.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
No it's not really soccer hate, but it generated an internal snicker
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6768997/oldest-soccer-rules-book-sells-14-million-auction
When I first say this headline I was wondering if we were going to see a picture of some dude taking a dive in the box etched on a cave next to some stick hunters chasing stick buffalo with spears. Or maybe etched in heiroglyphic in Egypt. CAT HEAD EYEBALL EYEBALL WAVY LINES STICK FIGURE LAYING ON THE GROUND ROLLING AROUND IN FRONT OF THE GOALIE.
When I first say this headline I was wondering if we were going to see a picture of some dude taking a dive in the box etched on a cave next to some stick hunters chasing stick buffalo with spears. Or maybe etched in heiroglyphic in Egypt. CAT HEAD EYEBALL EYEBALL WAVY LINES STICK FIGURE LAYING ON THE GROUND ROLLING AROUND IN FRONT OF THE GOALIE.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
the Mets and Brewers may have set off a trade deadline arms race
Thirty minutes after the All-Star Game ended the Mets and Brewers announced the first big trade of the season. The Mets sent closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers for cash and 2 players to be named later.
The NL Central co-leaders get a lockdown closer. The cash strapped Mets get some money and possibly some prospects to try to rebuild.
Since the Brewers struck early does this mean there will be a domino effect of other contenders moving to counter, and also to grab players before other teams do?
I'd say the Brewers aggressive move will certainly start a flurry of activity, especially in the tight NL Central.
I wonder if this means the Mets are going to try to hold a fire sale. David Wright and Jose Reyes on the block? Either of those guys would seem to fill a huge hole in the Tigers but I'm not sure that Detroit would pay the price needed, or the price needed to sign those guys. Sure Magglio Ordonez's $10 million 1 year contract is off the books after this season. But either of those guys will go for more. The Mets would probably demand Jacob Turner. Given that Detroit will still have at least 1 big question, if not two, in its starting rotation for next year I don't see them duplicating their trade of Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin for Miguel Cabrera in this case.
But Wright plays a good defensive third baseman and his bat would fill a gaping offensive hole at third. Jose Reyes would be an offensive catalyst and true leadoff man, bring a ton of speed to the lineup. He'd also fill a bit of a hole at second base.
In truth I expect Detroit will try to fill that void with Carlos Guillen when he turns. A David Wright trade would be the most likely of the two I think, but still probably not likely unless Detroit can either take Jacob Turner off the table or decide they can fill a 2012 rotation spot elsewhere, with the 5 starter still unstable, and Brad Penny likely gone after the season.
The NL Central co-leaders get a lockdown closer. The cash strapped Mets get some money and possibly some prospects to try to rebuild.
Since the Brewers struck early does this mean there will be a domino effect of other contenders moving to counter, and also to grab players before other teams do?
I'd say the Brewers aggressive move will certainly start a flurry of activity, especially in the tight NL Central.
I wonder if this means the Mets are going to try to hold a fire sale. David Wright and Jose Reyes on the block? Either of those guys would seem to fill a huge hole in the Tigers but I'm not sure that Detroit would pay the price needed, or the price needed to sign those guys. Sure Magglio Ordonez's $10 million 1 year contract is off the books after this season. But either of those guys will go for more. The Mets would probably demand Jacob Turner. Given that Detroit will still have at least 1 big question, if not two, in its starting rotation for next year I don't see them duplicating their trade of Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin for Miguel Cabrera in this case.
But Wright plays a good defensive third baseman and his bat would fill a gaping offensive hole at third. Jose Reyes would be an offensive catalyst and true leadoff man, bring a ton of speed to the lineup. He'd also fill a bit of a hole at second base.
In truth I expect Detroit will try to fill that void with Carlos Guillen when he turns. A David Wright trade would be the most likely of the two I think, but still probably not likely unless Detroit can either take Jacob Turner off the table or decide they can fill a 2012 rotation spot elsewhere, with the 5 starter still unstable, and Brad Penny likely gone after the season.
Having the balls to return a ball
Derek Jeter's 3000th hit home run ball was caught by 23 year old cell phone salesman Christian Diaz.
Rather than go straight to Ebay on his smart phone and opening the bidding, some people appraising the ball to be worth $250,000 in the open market, maybe more to Jeter or the Yankees, he offered it back to Jeter no strings attached.
Immediate outpouring calling him a moron or an idiot commenced. As if the guy was obligated to make Derek Jeter's historic moment about him and how much money he could bleed out of have seat that intersected with the Derek Jeter home run ball trajectory.
Maybe the guy is a lifelong Yankees fan (likely). Maybe he's a Derek Jeter fan (likely). So maybe he didn't want to hold a moment of New York Yankee history hostage. So he returned the ball to Jeter. Jeter's been a classy player throughout his career and he's certainly deserving of not having to go through major hoops to get a milestone ball back. The Yankees gave Diaz a bunch of autographed merchandise and box seats for the rest of the year, including the playoffs. That should have been a tax-free gift from the Yankees. It may dumbfound the money grabbers but sometimes the common man is deserving of a high priced gift.
As a baseball fan that's spectacular. Why the guy was obligated to cash in with a bank of money is beyond me. It's because the majority of people are self-absorbed "ME ME ME ME IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!" people.
I'm not going to say I wouldn't have had a "Mr. Jeter, I have these debts and I'm living paycheck to paycheck and if we could arrange "X" dollars to help out my situation, since I understand that a "gift for historical ball exchange" is pretty common" conversation with Jeter and the Yankees. But I totally wouldn't have started the Ebay bidding and sold the ball to some private collector.
Jeter deserved the ball back. The guy gave him back. What he felt was reasonable in return is totally his call.
The IRS though immediately started looking at the value of his box seats and figuring anywhere from a $5000-$14,000" tax bill, so the guy was looking at getting screwed because he accepted amazing seats far beyond anything that would normally happen to him in lieu of piles of cash. He got no cash but would have to pay a ton.
Ridiculous. But Miller beer and a couple other companies have offered to pay that tax bill and they're also donating some proceeds to pay for his college debt and some other things he opted to not cash in and sell out for. Awesome!
And amazing on the guy to resist all the temptation that came with a money ball landing in his hands and not thinking entirely about himself. He asked nothing. The Yankees and Derek Jeter are the ones who gave. It could be said even that they should have given more, so companies wouldn't have to step in to save him from the buzzards at the Internal Revenue Service. Christian Diaz deserved such a gift. It was good karma coming back around.
Rather than go straight to Ebay on his smart phone and opening the bidding, some people appraising the ball to be worth $250,000 in the open market, maybe more to Jeter or the Yankees, he offered it back to Jeter no strings attached.
Immediate outpouring calling him a moron or an idiot commenced. As if the guy was obligated to make Derek Jeter's historic moment about him and how much money he could bleed out of have seat that intersected with the Derek Jeter home run ball trajectory.
Maybe the guy is a lifelong Yankees fan (likely). Maybe he's a Derek Jeter fan (likely). So maybe he didn't want to hold a moment of New York Yankee history hostage. So he returned the ball to Jeter. Jeter's been a classy player throughout his career and he's certainly deserving of not having to go through major hoops to get a milestone ball back. The Yankees gave Diaz a bunch of autographed merchandise and box seats for the rest of the year, including the playoffs. That should have been a tax-free gift from the Yankees. It may dumbfound the money grabbers but sometimes the common man is deserving of a high priced gift.
As a baseball fan that's spectacular. Why the guy was obligated to cash in with a bank of money is beyond me. It's because the majority of people are self-absorbed "ME ME ME ME IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!" people.
I'm not going to say I wouldn't have had a "Mr. Jeter, I have these debts and I'm living paycheck to paycheck and if we could arrange "X" dollars to help out my situation, since I understand that a "gift for historical ball exchange" is pretty common" conversation with Jeter and the Yankees. But I totally wouldn't have started the Ebay bidding and sold the ball to some private collector.
Jeter deserved the ball back. The guy gave him back. What he felt was reasonable in return is totally his call.
The IRS though immediately started looking at the value of his box seats and figuring anywhere from a $5000-$14,000" tax bill, so the guy was looking at getting screwed because he accepted amazing seats far beyond anything that would normally happen to him in lieu of piles of cash. He got no cash but would have to pay a ton.
Ridiculous. But Miller beer and a couple other companies have offered to pay that tax bill and they're also donating some proceeds to pay for his college debt and some other things he opted to not cash in and sell out for. Awesome!
And amazing on the guy to resist all the temptation that came with a money ball landing in his hands and not thinking entirely about himself. He asked nothing. The Yankees and Derek Jeter are the ones who gave. It could be said even that they should have given more, so companies wouldn't have to step in to save him from the buzzards at the Internal Revenue Service. Christian Diaz deserved such a gift. It was good karma coming back around.
The All-Star Game
The National League beat the American League 5-1 last night. Milwaukee's Prince Fielder hit a 3-run home run and was the All-Star Game MVP. He became the first Brewer to ever hit a home run in an All-Star Game, and the first Brewer MVP. The former is pretty surprising given Milwaukee's length of time in the league and its number of sluggers over the years. Apparently Arizona is now the only team to never hit an All-Star Game home run, but they've only existed since 1998.
LA's Andre Eithier and San Francisco's Pablo Sandivol also had RBI singles.
Boston's Adrian Gonzalez homered off of Cliff Lee for the American League's lone run.
The Washington Nationals' Tyler Clippard earned the win. Brian "The Beard" Wilson of San Francisco earned the save. CJ Wilson of Texas took the loss.
On the Tiger front Alex Avila was the starting catcher. He was 0-2. He threw out a runner trying to steal but allowed 3 stolen bases, 2 by the Cubs Starlin Castro, as the NL ran aggressively against American League closers. Avila also made a putout on a play at the plate.
Jhonny Peralta was 0-1, as was Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera left the game with an injury. I don't find any more information so it's likely that it was just the case of taking no chances at all in an All-Star Game. It doesn't seem to be serious.
Justin Verlander was not eligible to pitch since he pitched Sunday. Jose Valverde also didn't appear. It is likely that he was going to be the closer if the AL had the lead in the bottom of the 9th.
I think the AL had roster disadvantages. Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, and Felix Hernandez were all unavailable to pitch due to the rule stating that Sunday pitchers can't pitch. Those are probably the three best starting pitchers in the league.
Josh Beckett of Boston felt a tweak in his knee while warming up to come in in the second inning and was scratched. Mariano Rivera didn't come to Phoenix to rest a forearm injury.
Miguel Cabrera also had to come out early due to injuries. Certainly that gave opportunities for more players to get into the game, but the NL got to play the players they wanted at the moments they wanted.
So for the second straight year, the National League team will have home field advantage in the World Series
LA's Andre Eithier and San Francisco's Pablo Sandivol also had RBI singles.
Boston's Adrian Gonzalez homered off of Cliff Lee for the American League's lone run.
The Washington Nationals' Tyler Clippard earned the win. Brian "The Beard" Wilson of San Francisco earned the save. CJ Wilson of Texas took the loss.
On the Tiger front Alex Avila was the starting catcher. He was 0-2. He threw out a runner trying to steal but allowed 3 stolen bases, 2 by the Cubs Starlin Castro, as the NL ran aggressively against American League closers. Avila also made a putout on a play at the plate.
Jhonny Peralta was 0-1, as was Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera left the game with an injury. I don't find any more information so it's likely that it was just the case of taking no chances at all in an All-Star Game. It doesn't seem to be serious.
Justin Verlander was not eligible to pitch since he pitched Sunday. Jose Valverde also didn't appear. It is likely that he was going to be the closer if the AL had the lead in the bottom of the 9th.
I think the AL had roster disadvantages. Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, and Felix Hernandez were all unavailable to pitch due to the rule stating that Sunday pitchers can't pitch. Those are probably the three best starting pitchers in the league.
Josh Beckett of Boston felt a tweak in his knee while warming up to come in in the second inning and was scratched. Mariano Rivera didn't come to Phoenix to rest a forearm injury.
Miguel Cabrera also had to come out early due to injuries. Certainly that gave opportunities for more players to get into the game, but the NL got to play the players they wanted at the moments they wanted.
So for the second straight year, the National League team will have home field advantage in the World Series
Tigers last two games of the first half vs. Kansas City
Detroit got hammered on Saturday then won on Sunday.
Saturday had Charlie Furbush on the mound. He again showed that he may not be the answer that Detroit needs as their fifth starter. He gave up 9 runs on 9 hits in 2.2 innings pitched. Furbush fell to 1-3 on the season.
Detroit hit a bit, but the final was 13-6 Kansas City.
Brennan Boesch was 3-5 with 2 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Ramon Santiago also drove in runs. Ryan Raburn was 2-3 with 2 doubles.
Sunday had Justin Verlander on the mound and that usually means good things. Sunda was no different. Verlander gave up 1 unearned run in 7.2 innings pitched. He struck out 9. Tiger bats gave him just enough support to earn a win. He's 12-4 on the season and became the first Tigers pitcher since Jack Morris in 1987 to have 12 wins at the All-Star Break.
Magglio Ordonez and Brennan Boesch had RBI singles for Detroit. The Tigers won 3-1. With the win and an Indian loss Detroit headed into the break in first place, a half game up on the Indians. Detroit heads into the break with a 49-43 record.
There is much cause for optimism in the second half but much cause for alarm.
Saturday had Charlie Furbush on the mound. He again showed that he may not be the answer that Detroit needs as their fifth starter. He gave up 9 runs on 9 hits in 2.2 innings pitched. Furbush fell to 1-3 on the season.
Detroit hit a bit, but the final was 13-6 Kansas City.
Brennan Boesch was 3-5 with 2 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Ramon Santiago also drove in runs. Ryan Raburn was 2-3 with 2 doubles.
Sunday had Justin Verlander on the mound and that usually means good things. Sunda was no different. Verlander gave up 1 unearned run in 7.2 innings pitched. He struck out 9. Tiger bats gave him just enough support to earn a win. He's 12-4 on the season and became the first Tigers pitcher since Jack Morris in 1987 to have 12 wins at the All-Star Break.
Magglio Ordonez and Brennan Boesch had RBI singles for Detroit. The Tigers won 3-1. With the win and an Indian loss Detroit headed into the break in first place, a half game up on the Indians. Detroit heads into the break with a 49-43 record.
There is much cause for optimism in the second half but much cause for alarm.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Derek Jeter joins the 3000 hit club
Congratulations to Derek Jeter on his 3000th hit. First Yankee (or any member of a New York baseball franchise past or present) to reach 3000 hits in that uniform. And he did it with a home run at Yankee Stadium. Now that's the way to reach a milestone in style. He drove a 3-2 slider from Tampa's David Price into the second deck in left field at Yankee Stadium.
The game wasn't on live here, but I found the video at www.mlb.com. It was a truly goosebump raising moment in baseball history. Jeter joins Wade Boggs (who is a former Yankee who was a Tampa Bay Ray at the time) as the only two players to hit a home run for their 3000th hit.
The game wasn't on live here, but I found the video at www.mlb.com. It was a truly goosebump raising moment in baseball history. Jeter joins Wade Boggs (who is a former Yankee who was a Tampa Bay Ray at the time) as the only two players to hit a home run for their 3000th hit.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tigers beat Kansas City tonight
Max Scherzer allowed 1 run in 6.2 innings of work. Phil Coke got him out of a runners on the corner jam with 2 outs in the 7th, demonstrating how key he is to the bullpen and maybe their pennant run. Joaquin Benoit pitched the 8th and Jose Valverde closed out the 9th for his 22nd save of the season. Scherzer improved to 10-4 on the season.
Ryan Raburn hit a 2 run homer, his 8th of the season. Don Kelly added his 3rd homer of the season. Detroit won 3-1.
It is a hopeful sign that 3 non-Justin Verlander starters have earned wins in their last turn in the rotation. The starters were sharp in May. Hopefully they can return to that.
Ryan Raburn hit a 2 run homer, his 8th of the season. Don Kelly added his 3rd homer of the season. Detroit won 3-1.
It is a hopeful sign that 3 non-Justin Verlander starters have earned wins in their last turn in the rotation. The starters were sharp in May. Hopefully they can return to that.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Some good Tiger news
Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila were both named starters on the AL All-Star team. Avila has had a great year, really blossoming since the starting catcher job was given to him. He's earned his first All-Star appearance. Cabrera earned his second as a Tiger I think.
Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde will be joining them on the AL All-Star team. Victor Martinez is one of the players in the final fan vote to name the last spot among 5 candidates.
All well-deserving. I'd have liked to see Jhonny Peralta make the team. Derek Jeter earned the starting nod. Peralta is having a better season. I voted for Peralta because he's having a great year (and a Tiger) but Derek Jeter is Derek Jeter. He's earned a career achievement selection. And he goes into today's game 4 hits shy of 3000. So come the All-Star Game he'll either have just reached 3000 or be very, very close. Either way the achievement or soon to be over the next game or two achievement is deserving of accolades and cheers during the All-Star festivities, the player intros, and the game itself. I'd like to see Peralta as a late addition if anyone ends up not being able to play.
Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde will be joining them on the AL All-Star team. Victor Martinez is one of the players in the final fan vote to name the last spot among 5 candidates.
All well-deserving. I'd have liked to see Jhonny Peralta make the team. Derek Jeter earned the starting nod. Peralta is having a better season. I voted for Peralta because he's having a great year (and a Tiger) but Derek Jeter is Derek Jeter. He's earned a career achievement selection. And he goes into today's game 4 hits shy of 3000. So come the All-Star Game he'll either have just reached 3000 or be very, very close. Either way the achievement or soon to be over the next game or two achievement is deserving of accolades and cheers during the All-Star festivities, the player intros, and the game itself. I'd like to see Peralta as a late addition if anyone ends up not being able to play.
another consequence of Detroit's recent shaky pitching
Following the Tigers win over the Giants in the finale of that series, Detroit fired pitching coach Rick Knapp. That's somewhat of a surprise since he's considered a good pitching coach.
But I guess with "headcase" performances ongoing with Phil Coke, Rick Porcello over the past month after it seemed like he'd found the secret to his success, Max Scherzer at times, Daniel Schlereth and alot of the bullpen, and the occasional control meltdown of the otherwise electric Al Alburquerque, something had to change given that something needs to spark with Detroit in the teeth of a pennant race.
Jim Leyland said it was the first time in his managing career that a coach has been fired in the season. I wonder if that is a sign that Jim Leyland himself could be in some trouble if this team underachieves with this talent and can't win a generally mediocre AL Central.
I like Leyland. Looking at his track record in Detroit though he has an AL Championship. But he also has a super underachieving sub-.500 season in Miguel Cabrera's first season. He's got an epic collapse that led to Detroit losing a one game playoff at Minnesota. He's got a .500 season last year that was underachievement even with Magglio Ordonez breaking his ankle and missing the last 2 and a half months of the season when he was having a big year.
I'm not in favor of a management change. But a case can be made, especially given that Detroit has spent money on payroll and developed some good young talent in their farm system on his watch, that they've underachieved and should have done more than 1 playoff appearance since 2006. Sure, 2006 was a bit of a magical surprise from a team that put all its talent together, but it can be argued that at least 2 teams since then, including this one, are as talented or more than the 2006 AL Champions.
But I guess with "headcase" performances ongoing with Phil Coke, Rick Porcello over the past month after it seemed like he'd found the secret to his success, Max Scherzer at times, Daniel Schlereth and alot of the bullpen, and the occasional control meltdown of the otherwise electric Al Alburquerque, something had to change given that something needs to spark with Detroit in the teeth of a pennant race.
Jim Leyland said it was the first time in his managing career that a coach has been fired in the season. I wonder if that is a sign that Jim Leyland himself could be in some trouble if this team underachieves with this talent and can't win a generally mediocre AL Central.
I like Leyland. Looking at his track record in Detroit though he has an AL Championship. But he also has a super underachieving sub-.500 season in Miguel Cabrera's first season. He's got an epic collapse that led to Detroit losing a one game playoff at Minnesota. He's got a .500 season last year that was underachievement even with Magglio Ordonez breaking his ankle and missing the last 2 and a half months of the season when he was having a big year.
I'm not in favor of a management change. But a case can be made, especially given that Detroit has spent money on payroll and developed some good young talent in their farm system on his watch, that they've underachieved and should have done more than 1 playoff appearance since 2006. Sure, 2006 was a bit of a magical surprise from a team that put all its talent together, but it can be argued that at least 2 teams since then, including this one, are as talented or more than the 2006 AL Champions.
Detroit at Ahaheim
Detroit has lost 2 of three in their first meeting with the Angels this year. On Monday they lost 5-1. Charlie Furbush took the loss in his first big league start. He gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in 4.2 innings pitched. It looks like Detroit was trying to keep his pitch count down. Furbush is now 1-2 on the season. Phil Coke made his first appearance out of the bullpen since being moved back there. He gave up a run on 2 hits in an inning of work.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with a double an an RBI.
Last night, Justin Verlander got outdueled by Dan Haren. He lost 1-0, to fall to 11-4 on the season. Verlander didn't lose a start in June, and was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, but got no support. He gave up a run on 7 hits with 8 strikeouts in 7.2 innings of work. But Dan Haren held Detroit to 2 hits. Austin Jackson had a triple but was stranded there.
Today, Detroit staged a comeback to take a game in the series. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 18th of the season, to fuel a 3-run 7th inning. Victor Martinez had a 2-run single, and Andy Dirks had an RBI single.
Brad Penny allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 6.1 innings of work. He really settled down though after giving up 3 of the runs in the first inning. Penny evened his record at 6-6 on the year, finally getting an elusive win after the late run support came just before he exited instead of just after for a change.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with a double an an RBI.
Last night, Justin Verlander got outdueled by Dan Haren. He lost 1-0, to fall to 11-4 on the season. Verlander didn't lose a start in June, and was named the AL Pitcher of the Month, but got no support. He gave up a run on 7 hits with 8 strikeouts in 7.2 innings of work. But Dan Haren held Detroit to 2 hits. Austin Jackson had a triple but was stranded there.
Today, Detroit staged a comeback to take a game in the series. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 18th of the season, to fuel a 3-run 7th inning. Victor Martinez had a 2-run single, and Andy Dirks had an RBI single.
Brad Penny allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 6.1 innings of work. He really settled down though after giving up 3 of the runs in the first inning. Penny evened his record at 6-6 on the year, finally getting an elusive win after the late run support came just before he exited instead of just after for a change.
Detroit dropped 2 of 3 to San Francisco in a weekend series
On Friday night San Francisco held on to win 4-3. Brennan Boesch lined into a double play with the bases loaded to end the game. Detroit scored 2 in the bottom half after San Francisco scored 3 in the top half of the 9th.
Jose Valverde took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season. He'd come in in a tie game but couldn't hold it down to set the stage for a 9th inning rally.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with an RBI single. Brandon Inge had an RBI single. Andy Dirks also drove in a run.
Brad Penny allowed 1 run on 7 hits in 7 innings of work but settled for another no-decision.
Saturday was another pitching meltdown as Detroit got trounced 15-3. Max Scherzer got hammered for 6 runs on 9 hits in 2 innings, to fall to 9-4 on the year.
Jhonny Peralta hit his 14th home run of the season and Brennan Boesch his 11th. Ryan Raburn added an RBI double.
In the series finale, Detroit got a 6-3 win and a pitcher other than Justin Verlander or occasionally Max Scherzer got a win. Rick Porcello allowed 3 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings pitched to improve his record to 7-6 on the season. It was his best outing by far in quite some time.
Magglio Ordonez had a 2-run single in the 7th to give Detroit the lead. Brandon Inge added a 2-run triple for some insurance runs.
Brennan Boesch also hit his 12th homer of the season.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th to earn his 20th save of the season.
Jose Valverde took the loss, falling to 2-3 on the season. He'd come in in a tie game but couldn't hold it down to set the stage for a 9th inning rally.
Magglio Ordonez was 2-4 with an RBI single. Brandon Inge had an RBI single. Andy Dirks also drove in a run.
Brad Penny allowed 1 run on 7 hits in 7 innings of work but settled for another no-decision.
Saturday was another pitching meltdown as Detroit got trounced 15-3. Max Scherzer got hammered for 6 runs on 9 hits in 2 innings, to fall to 9-4 on the year.
Jhonny Peralta hit his 14th home run of the season and Brennan Boesch his 11th. Ryan Raburn added an RBI double.
In the series finale, Detroit got a 6-3 win and a pitcher other than Justin Verlander or occasionally Max Scherzer got a win. Rick Porcello allowed 3 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings pitched to improve his record to 7-6 on the season. It was his best outing by far in quite some time.
Magglio Ordonez had a 2-run single in the 7th to give Detroit the lead. Brandon Inge added a 2-run triple for some insurance runs.
Brennan Boesch also hit his 12th homer of the season.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th to earn his 20th save of the season.
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