Friday, April 10, 2009
Zoom Time??
I just noticed Beck sharing the news that Joel Zumaya may be starting his rehab assignment in Lakeland.
Game 5- The Home Opener Texas @ Detroit
TIGERS
RANGERS
Today was the 2009 Home Opener for Detroit. It was a beautiful day to play (for early April anyway). It looked like most of the Rangers' outfielders had ear muffs on to fight of the chill.
The Tigers definitely did not feel any chill. They had 14 hits and 8 walks to on their way toward putting 15 runs on the board. Detroit seems to really bring their offense to the park when they play against Texas don't they? Last April the Tigers scored 37 runs against the Rangers in their series in April (10, 19 and 8 runs respectively). Today they continued that tradition handsomely.
Cabrera had a monster grand slam home run to cap off the 4th inning. He was 3 for 5 today and is hitting .611 in the first 5 games of the year with 3 home runs. He followed it up with a double in the 7th for 2 more RBI after almost taking a wild pitch to the side of his head. I just cannot image the focus it takes to almost get drilled and then stand back up and hit a double to the wall in left-center field. He is amazing.
Inge had another solid game (1-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored) plus and incredible catch in shallow left in the first inning. I has to be a web gem some where tonight.
On the mound Galarraga was very impressive. He had 8 K's and only 2 walks allowing only 1 run in 7 innings. He wasn't overpowering hitters the way it looked like Jackson did the other night, but he was certainly dominating the game. Perry started out great with a strike out, but then seemed to lose track of the plate. He walked 2 in his 2/3 of an inning before Leyland pulled him out and gave the ball to Bonine. Bonine allowed a home run in 1 1/3 innings but it didn't matter and the game was over.
It was a great day to watch the game. Once again we watched the game from 5/3 Ballpark (the home of the 5/3 Burger of great fame.) The weather was great this time and we were able to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps take batting practice. WLAV gave away tickets and t-shirts again too.
The only down note for me was when the fans at the game booed Lyon. As frustrating as that game was to lose, that was hardly the way to welcome him to Detroit. Really poor.
- Granderson, CF
- Polanco, 2B
- Ordonez, RF
- Cabrera, 1B
- Guillen, LF
- Larish, DH
- Laird, C
- Inge, 3B
- Everett, SS
RANGERS
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Michael Young, 3B
- Josh Hamilton, CF
- Hank Blalock, DH
- Nelson Cruz, RF
- Marlon Byrd, LF
- Chris Davis, 1B
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Elvis Andrus, SS
Today was the 2009 Home Opener for Detroit. It was a beautiful day to play (for early April anyway). It looked like most of the Rangers' outfielders had ear muffs on to fight of the chill.
The Tigers definitely did not feel any chill. They had 14 hits and 8 walks to on their way toward putting 15 runs on the board. Detroit seems to really bring their offense to the park when they play against Texas don't they? Last April the Tigers scored 37 runs against the Rangers in their series in April (10, 19 and 8 runs respectively). Today they continued that tradition handsomely.
Cabrera had a monster grand slam home run to cap off the 4th inning. He was 3 for 5 today and is hitting .611 in the first 5 games of the year with 3 home runs. He followed it up with a double in the 7th for 2 more RBI after almost taking a wild pitch to the side of his head. I just cannot image the focus it takes to almost get drilled and then stand back up and hit a double to the wall in left-center field. He is amazing.
Inge had another solid game (1-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored) plus and incredible catch in shallow left in the first inning. I has to be a web gem some where tonight.
On the mound Galarraga was very impressive. He had 8 K's and only 2 walks allowing only 1 run in 7 innings. He wasn't overpowering hitters the way it looked like Jackson did the other night, but he was certainly dominating the game. Perry started out great with a strike out, but then seemed to lose track of the plate. He walked 2 in his 2/3 of an inning before Leyland pulled him out and gave the ball to Bonine. Bonine allowed a home run in 1 1/3 innings but it didn't matter and the game was over.
It was a great day to watch the game. Once again we watched the game from 5/3 Ballpark (the home of the 5/3 Burger of great fame.) The weather was great this time and we were able to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps take batting practice. WLAV gave away tickets and t-shirts again too.
The only down note for me was when the fans at the game booed Lyon. As frustrating as that game was to lose, that was hardly the way to welcome him to Detroit. Really poor.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Game 3 Tigers at Blue Jays
I don't want to talk about last night. I had flashbacks from last year. Jackson gave the 'pen a 3 run lead in the 8th. Lyon gave it all back in the 8th. Inge tied it up with a homer in the 9th. Lyon gave that back as well. This was pure suck from Lyon and Leyland too. Why did Leyland put Lyon back out there for the 9th? I just don't get it.
Tonight's line ups:
TIGERS
BLUE JAYS
Tonight's line ups:
TIGERS
- Granderson, CF
- Polanco, 2B
- Ordonez, DH
- Cabrera, 1B
- Guillen, LF
- Laird, C
- Inge, 3B
- Santiago, SS
- Anderson, RF
BLUE JAYS
- Marco Scutaro, SS
- Aaron Hill, 2B
- Alex Rios, RF
- Vernon Wells, CF
- Adam Lind, DH
- Scott Rolen, 3B
- Lyle Overbay, 1B
- Rod Barajas, C
- Travis Snider, LF
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Game 2 Tigers at Blue Jays
Let's all see if Detroit can put the 0-7 ghost behind them tonight with a win. Edwin Jackson has his first start in the D. There was a great TV shot of him last night, during the carnage that was the Tigers' Opening Day, quietly taking notes on the side. He didn't look phased at all. I hope he carries that demeanor with him today.
Line up:
Detroit
Toronto
Go Tigers!!!
Line up:
Detroit
- Granderson, CF
- Polanco, 2B
- Ordonez, RF
- Cabrera, 1B
- Guillen, LF
- Laird, C
- Thames, DH
- Inge, 3B
- Everett, SS
Toronto
- Marco Scutaro, SS
- Aaron Hill, 2B
- Alex Rios, RF
- Vernon Wells, CF
- Adam Lind, DH
- Scott Rolen, 3B
- Lyle Overbay, 1B
- Rod Barajas, C
- Travis Snider, LF
Go Tigers!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Opening Day - Pre game
Here it is. First pitch in about an hour. Right now I'm watching FSN Detriot's "Season Preview" and MLB Network's coverage of Opening Day around the League. One disturbing note, FSN has an even more annoying version of "April in the D" this year. Not cool guys, not cool at all.
Here are the rosters for today-
Tigers
Granderson- CF
Polanco-2B
Ordonez-RF
Cabrera-1B
Guillen-DH
Laird-C
Inge-3B
Everett-SS
Anderson-LF
Verlander-P
Blue Jays
Scutaro-SS
Hill-2B
Rios-RF
Well-CF
Lind-DH
Rolen-3B
Overbay-1B
Barajas-C
Snider-LF
Halladay-P
Let's Go Tigers!!!!
***Update****
Granderson takes a walk but doesn't go anywhere in Detroit's 1st.
The Jays almost bat around in their 1st as Verlander has to throw 35 pitches to get out of it.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
***Update*** 2nd
Tigers go 1,2,3
Jays start with a double but Verlander strikes out the next two and gets a flyout to RF to end it after 15 pitches.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
***Update*** 3rd
Tigers go 1,2,3 (does anyone see a trend here?)
Verlander has another good inning, using 11 pitches to set down the Jay.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
****Update*** 4th
Who's my Tiger?!?! Granderson puts one in the 2nd deck in RF but no more after that. Guillen hit it hard to center though. Maybe they are figuring Halladay out.
Tigers 1-Jays 4
Snider takes the first pitch he sees out of the park to LF.
Tigers 1-Jays 5
Scutaro takes his second pitch and turns it into a triple to the gap in right-center field. Scutero scores on a shallow fly to left.
Tigers 1-Jays 6
Somebody is up in the 'pen. That's not good, but Verlander is getting lit up right now.
Rios hits ANOTHER double to LF.
Verlander walks Wells on 4 pitches.
Verlander is done. He only gets through 4 2/3 innings and leaves men on 1st and 2nd.
Tigers 1- Jays 6
This is not a good night so far :(
Bonine is in.
And Lind clears the bases with a HR to CF. Please, MAKE IT STOP!!
Cabrera makes a sweet catch of a hot liner to end the inning.
Tigers 1- Jays 9
Alright I missed the 5th and 6th, but it looks like no one scored.
I just saw Guillen hit a sweet RBI double to CF to score Maggs.
Tigers 2- Jays 9.
Okay, Laird just hit an RBI single.
Okay, Brandon just hit a 2 run HR!!!!
Tigers 5- Jays 9.
That's not close, but it sure is better than down by 8. Maybe they have figured Halladay out here in the 7th.
Looks like Bonine is done after giving up a single. Here cooommmeess Nate! Let's see if he realllly wants to pitch in Detroit.
Well, I guess he does! Nate strikes out 2 and lets Curtis showoff how awesome he is in CF.
Tigers 5- Jays 9
Hallady is out. Carlson takes over for Toronto.
Carlson gets Granderson to fly out to RF. That was his job and now Lee takes over.
Lee gets Polanco but Maggs and Cabrera both single. Lee is done.
Scott Downs takes over.
-----------Elena wants to know if the Tigers should have more practice? I think she's right.
Downs gets Guillen to ground out, threat over.
Tigers 5- Jays 9
Rincon has walked two and allowed a single to load up the bases. There are 0 outs and Wells is up. Uh oh.
Everett just had an error allowing a run when it should have been an out at home. Still bases loaded with 0 out.
Single to CF. Another run.
Tigers 5- Jays 11
Sac Fly to LF.
Tigers 5- Jays 12 1 out
Alright, this is getting weird. Leyland just pulled the Tigers off of the field because the fans are throwing junk (including baseballs?!) on to the field. The Tigers are sitting in the dugout and the umpires are standing around talking. So far no one from the Toronto organization has done anything. This just gets stranger.
The head umpire is talking to the head of security now. Oh, those crazy Canadians!
BTW: If you go to the game in Toronto tomorrow you can't by booze. I wonder why? :)
End of 8th: Tigers 5- Jays 12
Here's the 9th. Rally time!!!
Laird out. That's 1.
Inge out. That's 2.
Everett out. That's 3.
Final score: Tigers 5 - Jays 12.
Let's hope tomorrow is better.
Here are the rosters for today-
Tigers
Granderson- CF
Polanco-2B
Ordonez-RF
Cabrera-1B
Guillen-DH
Laird-C
Inge-3B
Everett-SS
Anderson-LF
Verlander-P
Blue Jays
Scutaro-SS
Hill-2B
Rios-RF
Well-CF
Lind-DH
Rolen-3B
Overbay-1B
Barajas-C
Snider-LF
Halladay-P
Let's Go Tigers!!!!
***Update****
Granderson takes a walk but doesn't go anywhere in Detroit's 1st.
The Jays almost bat around in their 1st as Verlander has to throw 35 pitches to get out of it.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
***Update*** 2nd
Tigers go 1,2,3
Jays start with a double but Verlander strikes out the next two and gets a flyout to RF to end it after 15 pitches.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
***Update*** 3rd
Tigers go 1,2,3 (does anyone see a trend here?)
Verlander has another good inning, using 11 pitches to set down the Jay.
Tigers 0- Jays 4
****Update*** 4th
Who's my Tiger?!?! Granderson puts one in the 2nd deck in RF but no more after that. Guillen hit it hard to center though. Maybe they are figuring Halladay out.
Tigers 1-Jays 4
Snider takes the first pitch he sees out of the park to LF.
Tigers 1-Jays 5
Scutaro takes his second pitch and turns it into a triple to the gap in right-center field. Scutero scores on a shallow fly to left.
Tigers 1-Jays 6
Somebody is up in the 'pen. That's not good, but Verlander is getting lit up right now.
Rios hits ANOTHER double to LF.
Verlander walks Wells on 4 pitches.
Verlander is done. He only gets through 4 2/3 innings and leaves men on 1st and 2nd.
Tigers 1- Jays 6
This is not a good night so far :(
Bonine is in.
And Lind clears the bases with a HR to CF. Please, MAKE IT STOP!!
Cabrera makes a sweet catch of a hot liner to end the inning.
Tigers 1- Jays 9
Alright I missed the 5th and 6th, but it looks like no one scored.
I just saw Guillen hit a sweet RBI double to CF to score Maggs.
Tigers 2- Jays 9.
Okay, Laird just hit an RBI single.
Okay, Brandon just hit a 2 run HR!!!!
Tigers 5- Jays 9.
That's not close, but it sure is better than down by 8. Maybe they have figured Halladay out here in the 7th.
Looks like Bonine is done after giving up a single. Here cooommmeess Nate! Let's see if he realllly wants to pitch in Detroit.
Well, I guess he does! Nate strikes out 2 and lets Curtis showoff how awesome he is in CF.
Tigers 5- Jays 9
Hallady is out. Carlson takes over for Toronto.
Carlson gets Granderson to fly out to RF. That was his job and now Lee takes over.
Lee gets Polanco but Maggs and Cabrera both single. Lee is done.
Scott Downs takes over.
-----------Elena wants to know if the Tigers should have more practice? I think she's right.
Downs gets Guillen to ground out, threat over.
Tigers 5- Jays 9
Rincon has walked two and allowed a single to load up the bases. There are 0 outs and Wells is up. Uh oh.
Everett just had an error allowing a run when it should have been an out at home. Still bases loaded with 0 out.
Single to CF. Another run.
Tigers 5- Jays 11
Sac Fly to LF.
Tigers 5- Jays 12 1 out
Alright, this is getting weird. Leyland just pulled the Tigers off of the field because the fans are throwing junk (including baseballs?!) on to the field. The Tigers are sitting in the dugout and the umpires are standing around talking. So far no one from the Toronto organization has done anything. This just gets stranger.
The head umpire is talking to the head of security now. Oh, those crazy Canadians!
BTW: If you go to the game in Toronto tomorrow you can't by booze. I wonder why? :)
End of 8th: Tigers 5- Jays 12
Here's the 9th. Rally time!!!
Laird out. That's 1.
Inge out. That's 2.
Everett out. That's 3.
Final score: Tigers 5 - Jays 12.
Let's hope tomorrow is better.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
MLB Opening Night
Just watching the Phillies and the Braves on Opening Night. So far the Braves are having an easy time of it with Brett Myers giving up 3 homeruns in the first 2 innings against him, including one by Jordan Schafer on his very first MLB at bat. Schafer is the guy that won the Centerfield position in Atlanta that made Josh Anderson available for Detroit. ESPN just put up a graphic saying that Schafer is the 99th MLB player to hit a homerun on his first at bat. He just hit another single, a great first start.
Anderson will start for the Tigers tomorrow in Left. (for those who watch the Tigers and not the Spartens).
Anderson will start for the Tigers tomorrow in Left. (for those who watch the Tigers and not the Spartens).
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ready, Set, Go...
The Tigs finished up their last spring game of the year today in Atlanta (winning 8-4). Not that it means much, but they finished up the Spring with at 15-17 record.
I am excited about this team! I don't know if I am right or not, but it seems to me that too many people are down on Detroit. For example: Baseball Musings expects them to tie for last with the Twins. Jimmy Boyd says the same thing. The NY Times gets them into 4th. The Houston Chronicle has some mean things to say as well. Baseball Daily Digest sees them finishing all the way up to 3rd.
But even looking at all of those guys I think that Jim Leyland is going to take a decent ballclub north with him. My biggest concern is pitching. In fact, if you clicked on any of those links you'll see that everyone believes that it is pitching that dooms Detroit to the dungeon. I'm not so sure. Neither is Lynn Henning apparently.
I think that Leyland and Dombrowski have done a few shrewd things since last September that will help Detroit win more games.
1) Everett at short stop, Inge at 3rd. This will clean up the mess on the left side. In 2008 there were way too many errors and missed plays over there. That just makes extra outs that the pitchers need to make. It isn't any wonder to me that there were so many times that starting pitchers couldn't get out of the 5th or 6th innings if they had to make 4 or 5 outs.
2) Sheffield is out. This does two things that I see- it allows Leyland to rest his outfielders more without losing the big bats they carry. The other thing is that it shows he is running a meritocracy. If you don't produce you won't play. Detroit will pay Sheffield $14,000,000 to play for the NY Mets this year.
3) Ryan Perry is in the bullpen. It seems like Perry can really pitch and impresses a lot of people. We shall see, but he looks like the real deal. I got to see him pitch to 2 batters this spring (thanks for nothing FSN Detroit), but he looked good.
4) Verlander looks good, Galarraga looks good, Porcello looks like he might be good. 3 solid pitchers would be enough.
5) Believe it or not- Fernando Rodney looks good. He really seems to be in good form right now and I'm hoping it lasts. I have not been a big fan of Rodney, but what I read this spring seems good.
6) The line up still looks very impressive. Guillen and Cabrera looked great in the WBC. Granderson has had a solid spring. Inge has been hitting for power and average this spring.
None if this matter at all. It will start to matter on Monday. Leyland promises to have a "hot start" and not spot the rest of the division 7 games this year. (Sorry, now I can't find the source for that quote).
I am excited about this team! I don't know if I am right or not, but it seems to me that too many people are down on Detroit. For example: Baseball Musings expects them to tie for last with the Twins. Jimmy Boyd says the same thing. The NY Times gets them into 4th. The Houston Chronicle has some mean things to say as well. Baseball Daily Digest sees them finishing all the way up to 3rd.
But even looking at all of those guys I think that Jim Leyland is going to take a decent ballclub north with him. My biggest concern is pitching. In fact, if you clicked on any of those links you'll see that everyone believes that it is pitching that dooms Detroit to the dungeon. I'm not so sure. Neither is Lynn Henning apparently.
I think that Leyland and Dombrowski have done a few shrewd things since last September that will help Detroit win more games.
1) Everett at short stop, Inge at 3rd. This will clean up the mess on the left side. In 2008 there were way too many errors and missed plays over there. That just makes extra outs that the pitchers need to make. It isn't any wonder to me that there were so many times that starting pitchers couldn't get out of the 5th or 6th innings if they had to make 4 or 5 outs.
2) Sheffield is out. This does two things that I see- it allows Leyland to rest his outfielders more without losing the big bats they carry. The other thing is that it shows he is running a meritocracy. If you don't produce you won't play. Detroit will pay Sheffield $14,000,000 to play for the NY Mets this year.
3) Ryan Perry is in the bullpen. It seems like Perry can really pitch and impresses a lot of people. We shall see, but he looks like the real deal. I got to see him pitch to 2 batters this spring (thanks for nothing FSN Detroit), but he looked good.
4) Verlander looks good, Galarraga looks good, Porcello looks like he might be good. 3 solid pitchers would be enough.
5) Believe it or not- Fernando Rodney looks good. He really seems to be in good form right now and I'm hoping it lasts. I have not been a big fan of Rodney, but what I read this spring seems good.
6) The line up still looks very impressive. Guillen and Cabrera looked great in the WBC. Granderson has had a solid spring. Inge has been hitting for power and average this spring.
None if this matter at all. It will start to matter on Monday. Leyland promises to have a "hot start" and not spot the rest of the division 7 games this year. (Sorry, now I can't find the source for that quote).
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