2011 Detroit Tigers talk [Archive]

smogboy

January-25-11, 12:07 AM

With Spring Training a few weeks away, I'm hoping to spark some lively conversation about our Tigers team here this upcoming season. We've lost some very wonderful "family" members in Ernie Harwell and Sparky Anderson this last year, but like any other year- hope springs eternal as our Boys of Summer prepare to play.

I sincerely hope that this thread will have sound discussion, intelligent debate, interesting observations, and keep a reasonable tone. Let's have more than just a "THEY SUCK" mentality- and quite honestly if they do, give us the basis for why you think they suck. If they do well, mention what it is you saw that made you feel good to be a Tigers fan. Want to discuss trade possibilities? Come up with reasonable swaps where it doesn't ridiculously favor the Tigers- the other team has to have some rationale too. Express an opinion or two but be prepared to back it up with some logic, some facts, some stats, and a solid defense of your points.

And if someone disagrees with you, that's fine too. I hope they brought their logic, facts, stats and a solid defense as well. Remember that we're cheering grown men playing a game. It's supposed to be entertaining. I'm no moderator here (by any stretch of the imagination) but I hope we can have a great season at Comerica Park and I hope we can have some great posts by some great Tigers fans here.

Go Tigers!

Planner3357

January-25-11, 06:47 AM

401don

January-25-11, 07:41 AM

Every year as I get older, I look forward to the baseball season more than ever. Maybe it's when you start reading about guys you cheered for, who seemed they would be forever young, are now passing away. It's also amazing how many former player's kids are playing ball. The Tigers have Iorg and now Eichorn, both former Jays from the 1980's, in their system.
I think the Tigs can contend this year but I really worry about Maggs staying healthy again. Looking forward to my first game - March 19 in Lakeland.

smogboy

January-26-11, 02:34 AM

I feel so optimistic about this years team I went and bought a 28 game package. Not a bad deal, two tickets for every Friday home game and some other week days spread throughout. Also get Opening Day, and two out of three Yanks games and a Red Sox game. Another reason I purchased is because I live but a two minute walk to CoPa.

While their rotation has been getting hyped, and it should, I think their lineup is going to be stronger than most people think.

What is the lineup? 1) Ajax-2)?-3)Mags-4)Cabrera-5)Martinez-6)Rayburn-7)?-8)Avila-(9-Inge

I really feel this team has a legit chance to win the AL Central, and not to get all slappy, but I would love to see another pennant.

Y'know what? If you're gonna be a slappy we're thankful that you're going to be a Tigers slappy. They've stockpiled some decent talent from the starting rotation to the bullpen and seem to have some power with the bats too. So why not be supportive of this team? It's easy to sip from the Kool Aid right now so go right on ahead! We're with ya!

rjk

January-26-11, 12:04 PM

Maybe something like this as far as batting order?

1. Austin Jackson, CF

2. Ryan Raburn, LF

3. Magglio Ordonez, RF

4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

5. Victor Martinez, DH

6. Jhonny Peralta, SS

7. Scott Sizemore or Guillen, 2B

8. Brandon Inge, 3B

9. Alex Avila, C

I think the X factors for the Tigers will be Scherzer, Porcello, and Jackson.
Porcello needs a bounce back year and hopefully Jackson keeps moving forward and doesn't hit a sophmore slump. I'm really interested in seeing how Scherzer pitches this year after his fantastic second half last year.

Lowell

February-05-11, 07:19 PM

I agree with your X factor players. I think Jackson will just keep on rolling. His sophomore year was when he was back in the minors when he would have been in majors in just about any other system. That is why he hit the ground running. With his glove, defense and speed he satisfies me as long as his OBP is at least .300.

I think the Tigers have a lot of other X factors and all good possibilities.

Top of the list is our Matthew Stafford, Joel Zumaya, chirping that he is back and ready. If he is, still has his heater and continues to progress in his off speed repertoire, he will be the biggest lift. Besides I like this no-long-a-kid guy. He will be great for the box office and team spirit. I consider him a double X factor, especially if Valverde has an off year.

Brennan Boesch was very impressive, but so was Chris Shelton. Do the AL pitchers have him figured out or will take his game to the next level? If he does watch out.

Casper Wells turned my head too, but 93 AB's at the end of the season is not enough to tell. Call him an outside X.

If I had to hope for one of the two to take off, it would be Boesch since they need lefty hitters.

erikd

February-06-11, 05:54 AM

I like the 2011 Tigers. They have a nice group of young guys, a couple of HOF caliber players in their prime, and a few vets. The lineup isn't killer 1-9, but the 3-4-5 is about as good as it gets. The rotation is young and talented, but some of the guys need to prove that they can put it all together over the course of a long season. The bullpen is very talented and deep. If the guys in the pen stay healthy we should see a ton of 1-2 run wins and come-from-behind victories.

I expect the Tigers to finish above .500 and have a good shot at the Central title. If Scherzer pitches like he did the last 4 months of 2010 and Coke can put up the type of numbers as a starter that he has out of the bullpen (3.75 career ERA), the Tigers would be a serious WS contender.

I expect the Tigers to win 85-92 games, depending on injuries and the development of Scherzer, Coke, and Porcello. The Tigers are set up to be a good team for the next few years and they will be fun to watch.

Planner3357

February-08-11, 02:26 PM

Listening to the Ticket this afternoon, Valenti thinks we should make a run at Michael Young....we do need a 2B, but at what cost? Are we really in win right now mode? Screw the future?

Lowell

February-08-11, 04:25 PM

Listening to the Ticket this afternoon, Valenti thinks we should make a run at Michael Young....we do need a 2B, but at what cost? Are we really in win right now mode? Screw the future?

Great player, but I would rather grab a player of that quality down the stretch, if we get there, and see if Guillan can put it back together or if Ryhmes or Sizemore can emerge.

kenp

February-09-11, 08:28 AM

Great player, but I would rather grab a player of that quality down the stretch, if we get there, and see if Guillan can put it back together or if Ryhmes or Sizemore can emerge.

I highly doubt we have a chance at Young; he wants to play on the west coast. He has also listed 9 teams he would play for and we aint one of them.

2nd base is a big weakness for sure. Guillen is a good bat, but a poor glove and we all know he is only good for about half a year. Sizemore might get a shot but it looks like Rymes might be our guy once it all shakes out. With Guillen on the DL to start the season, one of those 2 will have every chance to be the guy to platoon with Guillen when he returns.
I wonder what is in our farm clubs for a future 2nd baseman. Unfortunately, for now, we are stuck with what we got.

smogboy

February-17-11, 08:55 AM

Suddenly our clean-up position seems a little more in limbo now.

Miguel Cabrera getting pulled over for a DUI does not bode well for the young man. I sincerely hope that the Tigers brass does something in order to get him back on the straight and narrow. They saved his butt once already. We saw signs of that progress last season when he was the one shining light in the line-up. Now that he's fallen off the wagon again, he might need to sit in order to get his personal life back together again.

It's tragic from a human perspective and could very well be devastating to the team dynamic because he's such the force out there on the field when he's playing. For all of that talent and hope that he overcame the bottle last year, this latest incident is definitely not good to hear from a Tiger fan's point of view and is just bad for the game of baseball in of itself.

Planner3357

February-17-11, 09:34 AM

I posted elsewhere...but I think he needs to seek some advice from Josh Hamilton.

Planner3357

February-25-11, 01:07 PM

Wow is he big!

Tom Gage / The Detroit News
Lakeland, Fla.— If you watched his news conference, you may have noticed. Miguel Cabrera is big — clearly bigger than he was. But muscular bigger, not flabby bigger.
When asked Friday how much he weighs, Cabrera replied it didn't matter much, and that he didn't know for sure, but that he's at "270 right now." The Tigers' media guide has him at 240 pounds.

After a winter of strenuous training, though, Cabrera is even more massive across the shoulders than he was. His arms are big, his legs are big.
"Everyone worries about my weight," he said. "But I feel good right now. I don't worry about being overweight. I worked hard in the offseason."
Happy to see him, Cabrera picked up Ramon Santiago in the clubhouse Friday morning as if Santiago weighed 20 pounds. But he's always been able to do that.
That's because Cabrera has always been muscular — but not like this.
Some reporters in the crowd around him thought he was kidding about weighing 270 pounds. He wasn't.
"I don't worry about that," he repeated. "I lose weight during the season."
tom.gage@detnews.com

Planner3357

March-28-11, 07:43 AM

So, now that Spring Training is winding down to the last couple of games, what are your feelings for this years team?

Do you like the lineup? Pitching? How do you feel about the late roster cuts?

And most importantly...where do you predict the Tigers finishing this year?

Will they be the team capable of winning the AL Central, or will they once again struggle with the Twinkies and Chisox?

Go get 'em Detroit Tigers!

401don

March-28-11, 08:41 AM

I think it's a toss-up between the 3 division contenders so predicting any order is kind of pointless.

Tigers need 2 of the 3 bottom starters to have good seasons and Ordonez to stay healthy. The rest of the line-up is what it is. I can see Rayburn possibly hitting 30 homers but his defence is still scary. I like taking Rhymes over Sizemore. Sizemore offers more upside but it's better to have a number 2 guy hit .280-.290 with no power than have Sizemore start the season and hit .220.

Twins' pitching is not as good this year, especially the bullpen which really saved their rotation's butts last year. Obviously, they need Morneau and Mauer to stay healthy.

Planner3357

March-31-11, 03:30 PM

Despite the loss, I like the way Verlander rebounded. If it weren't for Coke we may have been able to win this game.

sirrealone

April-01-11, 08:37 AM

My thoughts:
1. Alex Avila is scary. And not in a good way. He is a huge liability to that lineup and I don't think it won't be very long until V-Mart is the full time catcher.
2. I don't blame Coke for his outing, I blame Leyland. Coke should not have been in there. If he needed work in since he's being skipped, then give him garbage time somewhere along the way. You don't have the guy focus his entire spring training on making the switch to starter, and then screw with him by sticking him in the highest pressure cooker situation possible. Leyland is, as usual, over-managing.
3. Ryan Perry's biggest issue has been his rate of allowing walks. Yesterday showed this is still a problem.

Planner3357

April-01-11, 09:01 AM

Agree...Avila looked horrible yesterday. I think he would best be served in Toledo getting more PT..or keep him as a backup, unfortunately we don't have any good catchers in the system. Make V-Mart the every day catcher....then have Boesch and Raburn platoon in the field and DH.

You're right about Coke, what was Jim thinking? All spring you have him as a starter and then he puts him in the 7th? He could have put Schlereth in there.. Why break away from what you did all spring? Sometimes Jim boggles my mind.

Ryan Perry really needs to have a good year or it could cost him his big league job.

I'm not overly concerned because it was game one of 162, but if we get 10-20 games in and we are still seeing the problems changes will have to be made.

401don

April-01-11, 01:00 PM

Leyland seemed determined to throw the everyday line-up in for the opener instead of managing this game like any other game during the season. The plan is for Martinez to catch when going up against lefties. Instead he puts Avila in against the toughest lefthander in the league. Wells should have been in right field also, with Ordonez as the DH. Starting Ordonez on the wet grass where he has to step carefully and be even slower than usual is asking for another injury. Not to mention making the defence worse. Also, I agree I couldn't believe it when he brought Coke in.

stinkytofu

April-07-11, 08:15 PM

Thus far, Brad Penny sucks.

Planner3357

April-07-11, 11:24 PM

OPENING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I sold my two tix for $200 so I can just party all day. It's going to be crazy...as usual.

401don

April-08-11, 05:43 PM

Good opening day win after a tough loss yesterday.

After one week I'm officially sick of Rod Allen's act. I have the MLB Pkg. and pray I'm going to get the other team's broadcast when the game comes on. I'm also sick of comments like "just a tremendous baserunning play" when a guy tags up and advances on a routine play or when a guy "stretches" a hit into an extra base after the replay shows he walked out of the batter's box thinking he had a home run.

Redleg81

April-08-11, 06:40 PM

I'm keeping my eye on that Villarreal kid-- He's rough around the edges, but he looks fearless on the mound, and what a pick-off move!

sirrealone

April-11-11, 06:36 AM

It seems that, for whatever reason, the areas which Leyland and Dombrowski are excited about coming out of spring training inevitably go south to start the season. After they signed Sheffield, they were going on and on about what a great offense they had and how excited they were, and what happens? They couldn't hit the ball of a tee the first few weeks of the season. This year it was all pitching, pitching, pitching, and here we are watching them give up runs in more innings than not.

Not hitting the panic button yet, but here we are 0 for 3 in our first three series of the year. With both Dombrowski and Leyland staring down the barrel at the end of their contracts, they'd better hope things start turning around quickly. Mr. Ilitch is an awfully nice guy who loves taking care of his employees, but he's eventually going to come to the end of his rope.

With all that said, Go Tigers!

smogboy

April-11-11, 08:04 AM

Thus far, Brad Penny sucks.

Outside of Verlander's second outing and Scherzer's opening day performance I'd be inclined to lump nearly a good chunk of the Tigers pitching staff into this category. I know Leyland has touted how strong this staff is but it hasn't shown it yet.

Pitching to me has always been the first line of defense for any baseball team. When that falters we have to get into a shootout and that hasn't been our proper formula for winning either. Yesterday's game with a lousy performance by Porcello and the four errors was pathetic- and i think that's being kind.

I'm also at the point of not giving these guys a free pass of being slow starters in the season either. The core of this group are veterans now. They know when Opening Day was and they know how long a MLB season is going to last. It's not a bunch of college kids having to pace themselves for a longer season- this bunch should know better and quite honestly perform a LOT better. Losing two out of three to Kansas City was unacceptable with the amount of talent we supposedly have on this team.

I'm not going to panic yet because I know in the span of a long season, as a fan I have to have some faith that they will tear off a few series wins and hopefully right the ship. Conversely as a concerned fan, I also have to have some criticism for the lousy performances that my team has displayed too.

Planner3357

April-11-11, 08:48 AM

For me, 20 games is a good measurement. Lots of people say 40 games. If this team 6-14 after 20 games we have some major issues. I don't think it will be long before we see Will Rhymes back in Toledo. And man that mid-late relief is horrendous. Time for Coke to come back to the pen and bring up Turner or Oliver....oops...looks like I'm panicking.

Redleg81

April-11-11, 08:59 AM

Yeah, can't panic yet, but to be fair (as I'm willing too) they are facing teams that are on a hot streak, and they are most decidedly cold... I knew the pitching staff would be suspect-- But where are the middle order bats? Outside of Verlander and Scherzer, it's the hitting that is supposed to be this teams great equalizer, and it has been a little too quiet these past 2 home games..... And I'm still mad at Maggs for that lame first pitch popup with the bases loaded on Saturday-- Especially when KCs pitcher was having some control issues at that point.......... Ah well, I'm just glad baseball's back, and I hope things get on track (soon!)-- But the Rangers are next so no easy task there!

kenp

April-12-11, 03:39 PM

Brad Penny might suck but his lady is posing in Playboy

Redleg81

April-12-11, 03:42 PM

I'd buy that for a dollar....

ggores

April-12-11, 06:10 PM

Good thing for the Tigers to come out with a W today. This gives them a chance for their first series win of 2011 against a hot team. They are still three under 500 early in the season and need to string a little few nice wins to just get back to par. I'm going to pay extra attention to how they fare coming up on their first real road trip of the new season. The first 30 games, unless your the Twins or Angels, are a very good barometer of how the team compares. And I'm just barely touching on "the numbers" here. Love it!

Planner3357

April-13-11, 03:46 PM

Nice baseball for the Tigers, more so their pitching. Nice for them to string a couple together. Now Oakland....hate staying up for these West coast games...but worth it!

Planner3357

April-15-11, 08:23 AM

Hopefully my fears of Coke being assigned to the bullpen are over. Pitched awesome last night. But God do we need our bats to come alive...4 hits?!?

Redleg81

April-18-11, 05:53 PM

Pitching is hanging in there-- Even hiccups like Verlander's outing on Saturday wasn't a disaster-- Having a split in a four game set away is Ok, besides Oakland has a good starting rotation. The bats, though, the bats-- Gotta have more output, boys......

Redleg81

April-19-11, 04:59 PM

Oh man.... Some health issues already for some of the veterans. First Magglio- You can tell his ankle is still bothering him, his recent swings lack that "pretty" it usually has. Jim has been pulling him out sooner, rather than later it seems. Now Martinez with a groin pull-- They say he's day to day, but I had one of those once-- And I felt hobbled by it for like a month. It also sounds like the Tiger's only really planned on having Martinez as the one and only backup to Avila, and with a groin injury I don't expect Martinez will be wanting to be squatting behind that plate, and if we are to believe Mario and Rod, the team has Don Kelly as the emergency catcher-- Not sure I see that happening. I expect Inge will end up dusting off his chest protector, and Kelly will be at third....

Redleg81

April-20-11, 06:56 PM

Whoops... Lost the rest of my above post, when I went for an edit-- Was pondering the catcher situation, and if the Tigers would be knocking on Toledo's door-- Sure enough, enter Santos for today's game, and a good win too.

Planner3357

April-20-11, 08:57 PM

At least Martinez is only going on the 15 day....as a former hockey goalie, I can tell you those groin injuries really hamper your performance and man are they painful.

I'm anxious to see the progression of Jackson and Rhymes....they have to start hitting for this team to have a chance. Also would like to see Penny win his next....err...first.

Right now, Boesch, Cabby, and Avila are carrying our offense, and Avila really only had one big game where he got all those RBIs...so really just Boesch and Cabby.

I think a sweep this weekend would really be a boost...but for some reason the Tigers love stopping teams losing streaks.

Redleg81

April-22-11, 12:40 PM

I just hope they can get the game in tonight, and not try to squeeze in a double-header tomorrow-- Statistically those almost always end up being splits, which would kill our small chance at a sweep!

Redleg81

April-22-11, 12:45 PM

Oh, yuck. Nice batch of heavy rain heading out of Chicago, will probably just clip Detroit around game time-- Looks like a night for the tarp...

ct4438

April-22-11, 10:42 PM

We were at tonight's game and so glad the rain stayed light. Verlander pitched well and it was nice to see a game with some offense!! Hope tomorrow's game is as much fun to watch!

Redleg81

April-23-11, 12:38 PM

We were at tonight's game and so glad the rain stayed light. Verlander pitched well and it was nice to see a game with some offense!! Hope tomorrow's game is as much fun to watch!

Yeah, so much for my forecast-- Glad they got the game in-- And with a nice touch of offense as well. I'm hoping that the Sox are skidding as much as they seem too-- Nothing against them, but ya gotta hammer them when they're down. Another concern: Those middle bats of theirs-- Beasts! I'm a little concerned about Penny's softer stuff in regards to them. If its homer-time for them again, let them be solo shots like last night!

smogboy

April-25-11, 03:23 AM

Don't look now but our team is actually a mere 1.5 games out of first place in the division. Those surprising Indians have finally managed to level off to their usual bout of mediocrity and our weekend sweep of the White Sox has propelled us upwards a bit. Four game winning streaks can do wonders and better yet, their pitching has been super super solid. Giving up 5 runs in four games has been a nice pick me up.

rjk

April-25-11, 06:48 AM

What a great trade Dombrowski pulled off to get Jackson, Coke, Scherzer, and Schlereth.
Jackson finally looks like he's seeing the ball better and doesn't looked lost at the plate. I think he'll be fine.
You get two starting pitchers who have been pitching really well. Coke had the bad start against Seattle, but he's given up around 2 runs in his other two starts. It's early but, Scherzer looks like he he could be headed for that all-star game.

Redleg81

April-30-11, 12:07 PM

Ugh. Things are playing to a sour note again. First team to finish 5 over .500 wins the Central....

Lowell

April-30-11, 03:55 PM

Leyland has to take some of the blame for last night's collapse. Scherzer was in trouble and tiring with a 5-2 lead in 7th and relievers warmed up. Leyland went out, talked to him and then left him in. Next pitch was a 3 run homer. oops

Planner3357

May-08-11, 01:57 PM

Why did the original thread get closed?

401don

May-11-11, 09:24 AM

Victor Martinez is on fire right now. If only Magglio could get half-way back to his old self we would be in good shape. Leyland drops him to 6th in the order for all of one game and then he's back in the 3 spot clearing the bases (by hitting into double plays) so Cabrera comes up with nobody on or leads off the next inning.

Headline later today - Twins sweep hail, Tigers sweep Twins!

Planner3357

May-11-11, 09:55 AM

I agree....I think keeping Boesch in the 3 spot and Mag's back up in 6 makes more sense, especially right now...I really don't think Mag's is near 100% but here we are almost 1/4 through the season and he's barely batting .170.

I like Mags a lot, but he needs to produce very soon.

Redleg81

May-11-11, 06:20 PM

Nice way to gut out a win today-- Despite some sloppy pitching. Martinez is burning it up, and Peralta showing some timely sparks as well. Dammit, I'm getting excited again!

Redleg81

May-28-11, 09:45 AM

Note to the rest of the AL: The BoSox are for real, and until they (meaning those lefty bats of theirs) cool off, I suggest that you forget about following your pitching rotations, if it means starting a right-hander-- Stick your best lefties out there, even if you have to raid your pen or minor leaguers....If you hope to keep the game close....

Lowell

May-29-11, 08:29 AM

This thread was inadvertently closed. Sorry, it is again open for discussion.The new and old threads have been merged.

401don

June-01-11, 08:56 AM

I want to cheer for Cabrera despite the alcohol incidents because he's the best clutch hitter I've ever seen on the Tigers. (By the way, giving him his driver's license back in Florida makes a joke of the entire proceedings and reinforces to Cabrera that he is above the law). What has me really pissed is that he has ignored Lamont's stop sign at third base 3 times this year. The first 2 times he made it home safely due to bad relay throws but last night he was out by a mile. He's next seen sitting next to Verlander, who is smiling and joking with him in the dugout. Can Leyland not say anything to the guy for showing up his coach and setting a terrible example to the rest of the team?

Planner3357

June-01-11, 10:21 AM

smogboy

June-04-11, 05:04 PM

Oh my Tigers. How I love that team and all of its quirks over this season so far. I have yet to even really say anything about this team just because I don't know its identity. On any given week, they're world beaters hitting the hide off of the ball, throwing 95+ MPH fastballs, baffling the other teams' batters, defensively solid, and playing like champs. On any other given night, they couldn't beat a little league team if they were spotted a man on second at the beginning of every inning. This is by far the streakiest team I can honestly remember; it's either a winning streak or a losing streak. There are no one loss, one win peaks any more- it's one or the other.

It's been a confounding year so far for me to watch. Our Tigers are firmly entrenched in second place it seems. What is absolutely surprising is how the AL Central has turned out. What I thought would be the final standings has been completely topsy turvy. I thought Cleveland would be in the cellar and the Twins would walk away- nope. Take what you see in the standings now, flip it over and that was my pre-season pick. It still very much might end up like that, with the exception of Minnesota digging themselves out of that mile deep trench.

I'm still dumbfounded by our team with such popular fan chatter about Ryan Rayburn and Brandon Inge. And to a lesser degree Carlos Guillen. All of these guys prove to be Jim Leyland favorites for whatever reason. None of these guys are even hitting their own weight in an average and yet the likes of Inge and Rayburn are always in the line-up. Why Guillen is still on the payroll is beyond me. On any other team I would've easily shipped these guys off to the farm team to get their heads together and taken a chance with a newbie. It's times like this that I miss the likes of Polanco in a big way.

We'll see how the season unfolds. I hope that we can make up some ground on the Indians, hang onto first place and make it into a post season game. Win it all- not likely but if we can at least make it to the dance with this rag tag bunch, I'll be mildly (never completely 110%) satisfied.

401don

June-05-11, 11:17 AM

I think it's a case of sink or swim together for Leyland/Dombrowski. Dombrowski decides Leyland's fate and their both at the end of their contracts. Why Dombrowski gave Inge and Rayburn two year contracts when nobody else wanted them is anybody's guess. What's bizarre is that Leyland will bat Rayburn 2nd one night, 3rd the next and 9th the next.

401don

June-11-11, 08:58 PM

smogboy

June-12-11, 12:33 AM

We're in 1st place!

Fingers crossed we don't have another 2nd half swoon. I hoping the starting pitching is too good to let that happen this year. Magglio is due back Monday. I think it's worth the shot that he gets back on track at the plate but I sure wish he didn't have to be in right field.

I wouldn't make too much of a hullabaloo about being in first just yet. While I'll quietly cheer the fact that we made it there, what remains to be seen is if we can stay there. All of the stars and planets have aligned up nicely and we've put in a really nice run but we need to keep this pace up. I just don't see Chicago standing pat and will see them climbing up our backside before long. And Cleveland, if they can ever regain their first half magic still could be a threat.

What's been spectacular so far has been our pitching. Verlander's untouchable at the plate, Scherzer seems to have regained his form, Porcello is finally starting to pay off (I still wouldn't mind seeing him develop another pitch in his arsenal), and Coke & Penny have been more than serviceable. Right now, Alburquerque, Purcey, and Furbish have been holding their own in middle relief too. Benoit and Valverde have magically been able to shut things down again in the 8th and 9th innings too. For a while there I thought Valverde was channeling Todd Jones' roller coaster again.

And as far as guys like Magglio and Brandon Inge? I say sit them and bring them in later. The guys who we've got in there now are doing a more than serviceable job out there. Guys like Dirks, Worth, Wells & Kelly are hitting. Having that little bit of additional speed around the base paths hasn't hurt either. Dirks arm in left field is pretty darn good too. If it ain't broke- don't mess with it. I have no problem sitting down their bloated salaries on the bench as long as the team is playing well and winning.

Not that I want it to stop but what's up with Avila and Peralta having career years at the plate? WOW!

So far so good. We've taken on some good opponents and have been productive. Let's see how we fare against Felix Hernandez and his lightning arm. If we can pound him around and maybe even chase him later today- then I'll be willing to sip a little bit of the Kool Aid.

Wingnatic

June-12-11, 07:09 PM

I attended last night game , parked behind the Hockeytown Cafe . Attendance for the game was over 38,000 fans . Downtown was alive and rockin last night . My wife and I had a great time , and as usual left with a warm and fuzzy feeling of being downtown , the feeling is magic !

401don

June-14-11, 02:41 PM

In last night's game I noticed Santiago's hit was scored as triple. Why? I wasn't at the game and you couldn't tell from tv, but unless Santiago reached 3rd before Martinez crossed home plate, how could it be a triple? I find it hard to believe Santiago would run that hard even if he could knowing the game or inning would be over on the play at the plate.

Wingnatic

June-14-11, 04:30 PM

I suspect because the runner who scored was on 1st base and had to touch 3 bases . I saw a photo in the Detroit News of Santiago in the clubhouse wearing a shave cream pie ala Soupy Sales lol

smogboy

June-15-11, 01:04 AM

Game one versus the Indians and I'm left speechless at the gem that Verlander threw. Utterly amazing. I knew something was afoot after the fourth inning. He just had the right stuff. I didn't even want to mention the word "shut out" or "perfect game" in fear of jinxing it all but one couldn't help but have that in the back of your head. His delivery was just amazing and it baffled so many of the Indian hitter; it had movement and it had power when he needed to torque it up a notch. A cool clean dozen strikeouts. Sizemore looked absolutely junior varsity in this game.

Okay so it wasn't a perfect game and it wasn't a no-hitter but in regards to setting a pace or a tone to this series, I hope it was something for Verlander's team mates to latch onto. THIS is how you do it.

Fine. Now we've got first place by ourselves. Let's see if we can do something to protect it. Let's see if we have the moxie to sweep the Tribe and keep the surging White Sox at bay. So often we've been teased in June with first place only to see us tumbling downward like a Chevy Chase Gerald Ford impersonation by the time late July gets here.

jefferson78

June-15-11, 10:15 AM

It was obvious around the third inning that Justin had nasty stuff and like most nights he pitches, there is always the possibility of history being made.
With that said, the Indians had that look in their eye of a team that knows it's doomed and that the success they had early in the season was either the result of a lot of fortunate events or just plain luck. Sort of like the look that Lebron had in the final minutes of the last game of the finals.
Over a long season the cream usually rises to the top and right now the Tigers are undoubtedly the best team in the Central. Chicago will give them a challenge, but in the end we have the better team.
The national media still has shown little love to our Tigers, but I predict that will change. Beyond the Red Sox, I do not see any other team in the AL that we would have trouble beating in a short series.
It looks like it's going to be a long happy summer at the Copa this year.

401don

June-29-11, 08:14 AM

If Porcello and Scherzer don't get straightened out (again!) it's going to be a long second half.

Ray1936

June-29-11, 07:08 PM

If Porcello and Scherzer don't get straightened out (again!) it's going to be a long second half.

Add Coke to that, Don.

401don

June-29-11, 08:17 PM

Add Coke to that, Don.

I didn't add Coke because I never expected much from him. Well okay, maybe 2 wins in the first half. Now that the all-star break is almost here, I hope Coke will return to the pen, Schlereth will be sent down and one of the kids will be brought up for the second half. Also, enough with the Rayburn crap already.

ggores

July-16-11, 01:02 PM

Once again, our beloved Tigers begin the second half of the baseball season with a crushing defeat. From the stankly ChiSox no less. I hate the Twins, I hate the Indians, I hate Chicago, and I even kinda hate the Royals. Watching what little bit I could of last night's game, I seen no "hate" in the Tiger's eyes. I seen complacency. Play Ball, Tigers! Play for your jobs!

smogboy

July-25-11, 05:39 PM

Wow... has the Dyes sports/ Tigers intelligencia finally given up? Brandon Inge gets shipped out and no discussion. Rod Allen makes a smart alecky comment and nothing here? Verlander throwing what must appear to be aspirin to the batters and no chatter? Baseball free agency heating up and nada? Leyland/ Dombrowski on the hot seat? Peralta, Avila, Valverde and Boesch heating up? Awfully quiet here.

C'mon- we're two games up and we should be cheering this team on as it moves forward or at least be shredding Leyland for some of his quirky moves. It's times like this where I miss bantering with the likes of Ravine. I didn't always agree with his snarly self but it made for interesting discussion about our hometown team.

401don

July-29-11, 07:56 AM

The level of postings reflects the level of excitement of this team, limping along losing 2 of 3 every series and still clinging to 1st place. I've never seen a team with so many talented players and so many huge holes. The Sox, only 3 games out, admitted they suck and moved to dump some salary with their trade of Edwin Jackson. Can you mathematically finish below .500 and still win this lousy division?

jefferson78

July-29-11, 09:16 AM

If Dombrowski does not make another deal, at least for another starting pitcher, it will be a struggle to make the playoffs and if they did, it would be a short stay.
We are lucky to be in a weak division as I do not believe Chicago, Cleveland or Minnesota have better teams than we do. With that said, we have nowhere near the talent a team like Boston has. They would absolutely wreck us in the postseason.
The addition of Purcey has been an utter disappointment. Send him down now before he blows any more games. If you can't throw strikes, you should not be a relief pitcher. It's like throwing gas on a fire.
I actually like our lineup, way more potent than last year. I worry about Avila as he has slid a bit during the second half. Peralta has turned into a beast and Guillen has shown he can still deliver.
I also like that Illitch has not given new contracts to Leyland or DD. Let them earn it. Leyland needs to show that he can get the most out of this team, stop making stupid moves and get us to the promised land. If he can't do it with this team, then it will never happen.
Should be a fun August and September as I see our team in the thick of it from here on out.

ggores

July-30-11, 01:04 PM

At present it's being reported that the Tiggers have pulled off a deal for the lowly Mariners starter Fister. Good. Now I feel like we can dig in our cleets and start getting down to the business of cinching the A.L. Central.

There's really not been much of anything to get too excited about so far this year, that's probably why there's not been a lot of discussion or threats of suicide due to some of Leylands oh-so-questionable moves. I must admit that I have just been all but fed up with Leylands tactics, his resting of players and his line up arrangements. But in spite of that, I think we have a strong enough lineup to overcome just about anything, particularly if Guillen can stay healthy. I think that's key.

Pitching-wise? Let's see... I thought we had no less than eight arms down in Toledo ready to come up and tear it up in the Major's. Or was I hearing wrong back in January? Anyways, Porcello MUST steady out and be good with EVERY start from here on out.

Overall, I was kinda hoping they'd pull the trigger for Jimanez, and I don't know much about this Fister, except that he's showing a respectable 3.33 ERA on a losing ball club. He's 6' 8", and I really don't know what diference that makes except.... holy jeez! That's one TALL dude! He also carries a WHIP of 1.25 I think, and for the Tiger's, that's exceptional, especially since they are one of only a few 1st place teams who are overall out-scored by their opponents. To me, in baseball it's all about the numbers.

From here on out, I'm totally into it, barring any unforseen breakdowns such as what happened last year. GO TIGERS!

douglasm

July-30-11, 03:34 PM

The Tigers also got a decent reliever in David Pauley. Doug Fister deserved better than he got when it came to run support, given that his support has been under 2 runs per 9 innings.

I think it will work out well for both teams. Fister gives the Tigers the 5th starter they're looking for and a decent set up man. The Mariners get what they desparately need.....a good prospect at third base (You guys couldn't take Chone Figgins off our hands?). If Francisco Martinez turns out to be any good at all, we've made a good deal. I'd sure like to know who the "player to be named later" is. Rumor out here is that's one of the major keys of the trade.

ggores

August-01-11, 07:55 PM

I was sure hoping to see some great analysis from yesterday's game from SB, Dougfm, Ravine, or whomever. I'll take the first stab at it then. But ya better watch out, cause this one is coming in high and tight, a little chin music, if you will.

1) Free agency. Good job Tigers. I literally laughed out loud once I seen that Cleveland mortgaged their franchise with Jiminez. However, once the laughs subsided, I could only think, "uh-oh". Then I went back to chuckling to myself.

2) Verlander. The dude is a freak of nature. Ever since he publicly stated that his goal is to break Nolan Ryan's "no-hit" total, he has been just... horrible (in a good way). Can you imagine a perfect game in a playoff? With Verlander, I could see it happening.

3) Never mind the playground banter that happened between Guillen and Weaver. I am curious as to the exchange of words betwen Guillen and the Angel's catcher as he (Guillen) tapped his foot on home plate and trotted back to the dugout.

4) Can't blame Weaver too much. His brother was a hot head too. However, hot heads are usually not Cye Young winners.

5) I like the way this ball club looks going into what might end up being the most trhilling eight and a half weeks of baseball that this town has seen in AGES.

Finally: pitching, pitching, pitching. That's where it starts, and that's where it ends.

Now that we are past the point of speculation, I'd really like to see what anyone else has to say regards assessment of this 2011 Tiger's Ball Club.

Honestly, I am favored towards Texas or Boston to take home the pie. But then again, Chicago is... spooky. Same with San Fran. And I still am not convinced that the Twins are done with what they have to say.

Final thought - I don't buy this crap about how the AL Central is the weakest division in the Majors. Just don't buy it. In fact, the Central AL Division might be the hardest Division to play in, especially with the over-abundance of inter-league play, and with so few games against the East.

And here's the best part - The Tigers haev not any major slumps all this season. No terrific win streaks, and no horrific losing streaks, and they have dusted their floor by finally ousting Inge, which was their first good move. They have "paced" good all year long. Six games above .500 ball, and hopefully they can kick it up several notches heading into the home stretch.

I like this year's team and it seems that all have worked very hard to put the best product on the field.

Ravine

August-02-11, 02:48 AM

I'm OK with how everybody behaved, or mis-behaved, other than the Home Plate Umpire.
I think the Ump worsened the situation.
I think Magglio was just tracking the flight of the ball, and Weaver didn't like it. OK on Magglio, OK on Weaver, but for the jawing at Magglio, who didn't deserve the sass, which led to...
OK on Guillen deciding to squash Weaver's nose into the HR. Talk shit to my homey? Fuck you, Weaver.
OK on Weaver retaliating, although throwing at Avila's head was wrong.
Weaver was frustrated. Let's not forget that it was a battle of the Cy Young contenders, and Weaver was losing. These guys have egos. Haren went up against JV and won. Weaver, his team-mate, was losing. Weaver was pissed, earlier, about the Magglio HR. Then, with sufficient reason, even more pissed by Guillen's very clear Fuck You demonstration.
So the Ump, seeing Weaver's reaction, immediately warns both benches.
I didn't like that. That's about like telling Weaver, OK, you just got thoroughly dogged, and I'm telling you that you've got to just Take It.
I think Weaver just flipped out, a bit. What, I've got to stand out here and be shown up? Screw it; my first pitch is gonna show you what I think of that.
I think, probably, it would have happened, anyway, but the Ump's intervention was pre-mature. No one had been thrown at, so the warning was inappropriate.

bartock

August-02-11, 03:10 PM

rjk

August-02-11, 04:47 PM

Weaver is a known punk, but I still think Guillen's taunting was over the top and not needed.
No one was injured, but this game was ripe for a brawl and I was shocked that it didn't happen. The one thing the Tigers didn't need was having one of their important players on the bottom of a pile and ending up with a broken arm and out for the season. Also when the game turned into a circus it couldn't have helped JV's attempt at a no-hitter.

Yeah, Weaver really looked like a clown when he was playing tough guy when he was walking off the field.

I'm surprised that Scioscia didn't come out and at least try to calm Weaver down prior to his pitch to Avilia. He was clearly nutting out. I don't think MLB has come out with anything on it yet, but it seems to me he'll have to be suspended and miss a start.

Redleg81

August-08-11, 08:01 PM

401don

August-09-11, 10:43 AM

Tomorrow starts the end game for me: The vast majority of the remaining games are against Central opponents, so do the Tigers bear down, and take this thing or somehow manage to fritter it away? Which, of course, has been their recent "second half" history. I may be a touch off, but I don't feel a disastrous slide coming on, yet I've not been entirely comfortable with this team either-- It often seems, even in their wins, that all three aspects of the game, pitching, hitting and fielding are not always there together in a nice, tight cohesive bond-- Remember how it seemed it took until May for the bats to come around? Another thing, it seems to me winning teams put together several good win streaks-- maybe three 7 to 10 wins in a row-- I think the Tigers have just the one "7" this year. OK, rant over-- Go Tigers! Beat the Tribe!

I think the Tigers will hang on and win the division only because they're the best of a bad lot. Very similar to the 2006 Cardinals. They finished 4-5 games over .500 and won the NL Central. Hopefully, the end result will be the same for the Tigers - get hot in the playoffs and win the World Series. We're well positoned for the next few years if can sign a couple of infielders who can move more than three feet to either side.

Ravine

August-09-11, 12:50 PM

I think we all understand that it is foolish to attach enormous significance to any single game, or series, with so much of the schedule yet unplayed, but damn sure we know that we have, before us at this juncture, a great chance to put the Indians in a position whereby the remainder of their season will be a struggle.
I still say that we should worry about the White Sox. Road Record is important. We have an even record of 28-28, CLE has a losing record, but the CWS have a winning record. By quite a few games, in fact.

Planner3357

August-09-11, 01:52 PM

Let me express my increasing disgust with Leyland's lineups. Why the hell did we even get Betemit if he isn't going to play him? I mean....WTF? I'm sick of seeing Raburn, Kelley (although I like him), and santiago in place of Peralta, Betemit and Guillen. I like Dirks, but you have to play Mags in a big series opener.

Why isn't our #1 lineup in at least 2 of three? And they should be in for this whole series. I'm fucking sick of hearing about giving guys rest, (a blow..a blow? WTF!?!) "well I've really been playing Avila too much..." Too much? He's young and he makes an MLB salary...JESUS!

Sorry.

ggores

August-09-11, 05:43 PM

Why the hell did we even get Betemit if he isn't going to play him? I mean....WTF?

It is frustrating, at this point in the season, when the Tigers are obviously the go-ahead front-runners to take the Division Title, and to have creepy Cleveland looming and ChiSox licking their chops as well, that Leyland does what most of us would not do. But he always has a pretty rational reasoning behind it. Once he gets into the numbers and stats, he actually turns out to be a decent strategist. But whatever. He's the boss.

Couldda swore that I heard on the radio yesterday that Leyland was going to go to a four man rotation for a run. I like that idea. Strange to even imagine a four man rotation these days. So I did some looking up. Billy Martin was the last manager to go a whole season utilizing the four man rotation. The 1980 Oakland Athletics I believe. Anyway, I heard this is what he was going to do down the stretch, and in doing so, eliminating the ill-effective fifth starter and giving Verlander a start every 4th game, or better put, pitching on 3 days rest instead of 4.

But the way he puts a team on the field on any given night, or day, just makes ya feel as if he's saying "Well here is one we can lose." That's the part I don't get.

Having done a little bit of reading though, I find that most managers in MLB are not much different, and what Leyland does, or doesn't do, is pretty much in agreement with the majority of MLB skippers.

I would prefer to see these ball players busting their collective asses, day in, day out. No rest.

I am skirmish about this series with Cleveland. They may only have something like an 18% chance of taking the division, but guess what? The Tigers, according to the simulations, have a ZERO % chance of getting a Wild Card.

First pitch in about 25 minutes. Go Tigers.

Planner3357

August-10-11, 02:32 PM

And again.....look at that sweet lineup! NO Peralta...NO Jax....NO Guillen....but woopdeefuckingdoo...Santiago really can lay down that bunt!

401don

August-15-11, 04:59 PM

Tigers acquired Delmon Young today. Never been a fan. Although he has speed he's lousy defensively. His power numbers have reverted back to the way they were before his breakout season last year. They gave up little unless the player to be named later turns into something. They need to approach Magglio and ask him if he would rather be released or be used as a pinch hitter the rest of the season.

Thruster315

August-16-11, 08:59 AM

They need to approach Magglio and ask him if he would rather be released or be used as a pinch hitter the rest of the season.

Magglio- love him or hate him, he was the team's number three hitter in the line-up. BAM! Next day, he's damn near tossed to the curb. It wasn't like he was even demoted to 6th or 7th in the line-up (where he should've been) before being shown the gate. It's almost like a mid-season FU to the man who's been a pretty classy individual here. I get that his numbers aren't looking great but hell, at least do the man the dignity of benching him before you ditch him.

And for the amount of money that they signed him to? Criminal I say. It's almost as criminal as the Carlos Guillen contract; if memory serves me correctly he's making $13 million this year. And for the 82 at bats that he's had this year- that comes out to damn near some change over $158K every time he stepped up to the plate.

Dombrowski... what the hell are you thinking? Seriously.

Ray1936

August-21-11, 05:40 PM

Austin Jackson's throw from center field to Avila at Home Plate was the finest toss I've ever seen.....................and to end the game on that throw was totally appropriate.

I still cry at the loss of Granderson. But Austin is making me feel somewhat better about it all.

Redleg81

August-21-11, 07:44 PM

A great end to what became a very wobbly game-- Great throw, indeed! Valverde should buy Avila and Jackson dinner tonight-- They 'saved' his save..........

Lowell

August-22-11, 10:54 PM

This is getting fun - the immaculate throw, Justin wins his 19th, Delmon adds punch to the 3 spot, the emergence of Avila ... Dare we dream?

Thruster315

August-23-11, 10:57 PM

And Brad Penny pitching a gem of a game against David Price?

Surely the apocalypse is upon us. What next?

Roq

August-24-11, 05:47 AM

Surely the apocalypse is upon us. What next?

Phil Coke being a pitching machine?

Thruster315

August-24-11, 02:51 PM

Phil Coke being a pitching machine?

Yeah he was when he was the guy coming out of the bullpen last year.

I do declare that the Coke as a starter experiment was a complete flop.

Roq

September-03-11, 07:02 PM

Tigers just DESTROYED the White Sox tonight -- best come from behind I've seen in a while. Can't wait to see what this team does for the rest of September.

Thruster315

September-04-11, 01:37 AM

Tigers just DESTROYED the White Sox tonight -- best come from behind I've seen in a while. Can't wait to see what this team does for the rest of September.

To be more accurate I'd say the Tigers destroyed Sergio Santos.

It was a scrappy game and Brad Penny being the veteran that he was came unglued when Carlos Guillen messed up royally on the inning ending double play in the 4th inning. We should've never have been down seven runs.

I'll take a sip from the Kool-Aid jug for now because they came back in the 9th inning. It's also nice to see Austin Jackson starting to heat it up as of late too (about time!).

Roq

September-04-11, 06:23 AM

I'll take a sip from the Kool-Aid jug for now because they came back in the 9th inning. It's also nice to see Austin Jackson starting to heat it up as of late too (about time!).

lol, it is tasting good right about now, isn't it?

It's also nice to see Ajax cooking too -- he's been spectacular since the break. And, I even have to say, d.bag Ryan effing Raburn is making me eat a few words lately.

rjk

September-04-11, 11:01 AM

401don

September-04-11, 12:28 PM

Maybe the best comeback in my 40 years of going to the ballpark. I can't ever remember 2 homers in the bottom of the 9th. Always tempting to leave during a rain delay but I always tell myself how pissed I'd be if that happens. I believe that was the Tigers first come from behind ninth inning win all season and on the other hand they still haven't lost a game leading after 7 innings. Strange season indeed.

Thruster315

September-04-11, 02:11 PM

lol, it is tasting good right about now, isn't it?

It's also nice to see Ajax cooking too -- he's been spectacular since the break. And, I even have to say, d.bag Ryan effing Raburn is making me eat a few words lately.

I ditched the straw and chug-a-lugged the Kool Aid. I think that game was a serious back breaker for the Sox and the Tribe is just falling apart now. Dare I say I think the second half collapse of this team that we've grown accustomed to seeing isn't going to emerge this time around?

But no need to reserve criticism of Raburn though. A few good solid pops out there doesn't constitute the need to play him as much as Leyland has. He stunk it up the first half and didn't deserve any praise. Why Leyland stuck it out with the likes of him, Guillen and Inge as starters as long as he has is mind numbing. I have no issues with them coming off the bench in a pinch hit situation or defensively but the skipper stuck with them all year long and why??

I'll cut Austin Jackson the slack for not hitting well early because he was still the stud in centerfield, but those three other jambronis needed to sit or play for the MudHens.

Thruster315

September-05-11, 12:53 AM

18-2 means "kiss my ass", Ozzie Guillen.

I think this spanking will signal the death knell for that guy in Chicago. Never liked him and never will. Sweeping him and the Sox felt very very nice. You'd think the White Sox would try to come out with some fire after the back breaker the night before but instead they got shellacked!

Ravine

September-05-11, 03:58 AM

What a nice win that was yesterday coming back from a 8-1 deficit.

Also Jared Weaver gave up 6 runs in 5 innings so Verlander now has the best ERA in the AL.
And he has the 2nd best era in all of baseball being only .05 out of the top spot.

Johnny Cueto has pitched about 80 less Innings. His Innings Pitched qualify him for that #1 spot, but I think it's fair to say that it's very, very unlikely that he would maintain that ERA through the amount of IP Verlander has logged in and slogged through.

Roq

September-05-11, 09:07 AM

401don

September-05-11, 09:50 AM

With Boesch done for the season, Delmon Young is making me eat my words when I posted I never really liked the guy. Speaking of done, Adam Dunn (dung?) - They said on the game last night his .163 avg. is on pace to be the lowest ever in MLB with 400+ plate appearances. Yikes. Just think if he would have agreed to DH he probably would be a Tiger instead of Victor Martinez.

Ray1936

September-05-11, 05:27 PM

On National Tee Vee no less. A complete and utter meltdown by the Sox-- was great watching it happen.

What pissed me was all the "talking head" they gave to Guillen during the game. Leyland got maybe 15 seconds of interview, but the ESPN team of Herscheiser et all shot themselves in the foot by playing up the Guillen interviews.

And, God, why do network announcers talk so much? About so little?? And say nothing???

rjk

September-05-11, 06:22 PM

Valentine can be a little goofy, but Hershiser is very good at discussing all things pitching.
They were a little heavy on the Guillen talk, but he is an interesting character whether the sox are in the race or not. Plus Chicago is a huge market and I'm sure they wanted to keep the sox audience tuned in. They probably figured the Tiger fans were a lock to watch the game.

What a great trade the Fister exchange is turning out to be. Fister gets 13 strikeouts and out pitches the guy the Tribe gave up major prospects to get.

smogboy

September-05-11, 08:39 PM

What pissed me was all the "talking head" they gave to Guillen during the game. Leyland got maybe 15 seconds of interview, but the ESPN team of Herscheiser et all shot themselves in the foot by playing up the Guillen interviews.

And, God, why do network announcers talk so much? About so little?? And say nothing???

I think what it is that they had three guys in the booth. They HAD to talk for whatever reason. It's almost like they couldn't just let the action on the field dictate the course. I don't know if they've worked together in some form before but that's why I like two guys calling the game; one for the play-by-play and the other for color commentating. Or do like the days of Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey- alternate innings.

We get swamped with enough stats and minutia already watching baseball on TV. The last thing we need are the guys in the booth making more clutter. The game is simple to watch in person; it shouldn't be that difficult to call.

rjk

September-07-11, 08:44 AM

It'll be interesting to see how JV does today. It could be like a hungry hawk swooping down on an injured animal that has no fight left in him. I wouldn't be surprised if he pitches a you-know-what or at least comes very close to it.

Going into the playoffs, a rotation of JV, Fister, MS looks very good right now.
If MS can maintain any sort of consistancy they could be very tough to beat.

Thruster315

September-10-11, 12:19 PM

Tigers' magic number at 10 and their lead over the Sox is at 9 1/2?

I think we've got the Central title in the bag not unless this team has the most epic fail of any sports team in the world in the next few weeks.

If nothing else now, gain some confidence and work out some kinks until the post season play kicks in. And nothing like a multi-game winning streak to say "Hell yeah we can do this!"

Redleg81

September-10-11, 08:45 PM

Yep, in the bag.... Just don't shoot their bolt, stay healthy, and maybe Texas or LA can stumble just enough so the Tigers get the first series at home!

Roq

September-11-11, 07:26 AM

If nothing else now, gain some confidence and work out some kinks until the post season play kicks in. And nothing like a multi-game winning streak to say "Hell yeah we can do this!"

and Brandon Inge getting a walk off home-run :)

TheRedGrapeLounge

September-11-11, 10:27 AM

and Brandon Inge getting a walk off home-run :)

Unbelievable. A big time Binge Blast! Built even more momentum for the Tigers

Thruster315

September-11-11, 10:33 AM

and Brandon Inge getting a walk off home-run :)

I'm genuinely happy for him. I used to openly cheer for him and then he really started stinking up the joint. I understand that happens but when pressed by the media, he seemed defiant and almost in denial about his horrific batting average and his defensive lapses. That was when he couldn't be shipped out of town quick enough. Toledo could've kept him for all I care then.

But if he's here as a late inning defensive specialist I'm okay with it. He's not worthy of being a starter any more. We traded for Wilson Betemit who's hitting .294 and can do it from both sides of the plate. Unless Inge can somehow do better than that- he's a bench rider at best and realistically if he wanted to help this team out any way he can- he should be catching and giving our All-Star catcher a spell behind the plate. I don't recall Don Kelly who's played just about every position out there on the field pouting about his playing time or position.

So bully for Brandon Inge hitting the walk-off HR. Now Brandon, back to the pine with you until we need you in the late innings. Realize your role on this team now; we're winning and doing well. Be thankful you still have a role with this team. Remember well when we waived you earlier- no one wanted to pick you and your contract up. Be thankful for your spot on this team and contribute any way your skipper wants and needs you to do.

Knocturnal

September-11-11, 07:53 PM

Roq

September-12-11, 03:53 AM

Despite having to give up a lot of "potential" for Mister Fister, we can't be happier with the outcome of the trade at the moment. He has been pitching beyond anyone's expectations and is a legitimate #2 or #3 during the postseason rotation.

Fister has been stellar. I put him solidly behind Verlander in the #2 spot -- the guy just radiates confidence and I don't get that nervous feeling that I do when Scherzer or Porcello take the mound.

I do miss Upstate Baller though..:)

smogboy

September-12-11, 08:57 AM

Despite having to give up a lot of "potential" for Mister Fister, we can't be happier with the outcome of the trade at the moment. He has been pitching beyond anyone's expectations and is a legitimate #2 or #3 during the postseason rotation.

It makes me so much happier that we didn't mortgage a ton of our future to get Jimanez like what Cleveland did. That move was sheer desperation by that team and the few moves that Dombrowski did make weren't big splashes but are paying off big time now.

Ravine

September-12-11, 10:14 AM

401don

September-12-11, 03:44 PM

And let's take a moment to somberly reflect on the fact that while Kenny Williams of the CWS "went out and got" Adam Dunn, Dombrowski reeled in Victor Martinez, who "went out and hit" .392 with Runners In Scoring Position. (#4 in MLB, right behind Miguel Cabrera, .396.)

I know, first things first, but I hate to think that we won't be able to use Martinez in the NL park if we get to the World Series.

Ravine

September-13-11, 04:37 PM

If JV gets through the first 4 Innings of tonight's game without giving up any hits to the White Sox, he's going to throw another No-Hitter.

wolverine

September-13-11, 11:44 PM

Road my bike down to the southside to visit friends and watch the Tigers beat the White Sox!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6146338946_a13b09699a_z.jpg

Lowell

September-13-11, 11:49 PM

Sometimes it seemed like there were more Tiger fans than Sox fans from the telecast. We could hear a 'Let's go Tigers, let's go!' chant at one point. And no 'nah nuh nah nah hey hey-ay good bye' from the Sox fans lately.

smogboy

September-14-11, 01:00 AM

If JV gets through the first 4 Innings of tonight's game without giving up any hits to the White Sox, he's going to throw another No-Hitter.

Doggonit man... your Miss Cleo crystal ball just had to be right! No, JV didn't get a no-hitter (talk about clinch the MVP if he did) but he still pitched a masterful game. At times I'm sure the Sox hitters were sure he was throwing 95 MPH aspirin at them to hit. Simply put Verlander was dominant and just looked like a bulldog out there on the mound.

I don't know how long they can continue this pace. Maybe once they clinch (not if), Leyland can start sandbagging it a little more? I wouldn't mind seeing the MudHens coming in the fifth inning and doing mop up duty. Er... waitaminute, we still have to fight for home field advantage. Never mind. I was sincerely hoping that the skipper can play more reserves and rest the starters more.

Downriviera

September-14-11, 06:02 PM

Wowwwwwwww! Extra w's cause post has to be 10 characters.

Roq

September-17-11, 12:21 AM

Hell yes!!!!

Thruster315

September-17-11, 12:42 AM

I see they have Miggy in the back room quietly celebrating sans booze too. Smart move by the Tigers brass to keep him away from that stuff. It very well could've been a PR nightmare for Dombrowski & Cabrera himself. Seeing Leyland tearing up about this experience and how he feels for Detroit was really touching.

Nice job Tigers... but we're hardly done with the job.

Autoracks

September-17-11, 08:30 PM

tigers fans in the stands everywhere.
Are we going to a 3 pitcher rotation in the playoffs?
Surely we cant have Penny starting games. Porcello
scares the shit out of me too sometimes

401don

September-18-11, 06:22 PM

Yawn. Another Tiger win. Another Verlander shutout. Another Valverde save.

Play of the game? Guillen takes two steps forward on a GROUND BALL TO THE PITCHER and leaves the game with a strained calf muscle. Classic. On the other hand, he could have been useful as a switch-hitting pinch hitter in the playoffs.

stinkytofu

September-18-11, 06:24 PM

Autoracks

September-19-11, 02:46 PM

Guillen has osteoporosis or something. Fragile. If he was broke which hes not... financially atleast. I would buy him some of them calcium chocolates my mom takes.

Ravine

September-25-11, 12:16 AM

Maggs and Guillen's combined $22 million come off the books this offseason. It will be interesting to see what we do with it.

NY Mets SS Jose Reyes will be a free agent. Damn near everyone, other than the Rockies, will be pursuing him, but our success here in 2011 could weigh in our favor and make us an attractive suitor.
He's a helluva hitter, and while I don't see much of him, every time we play the Mets it seems as though he is constantly getting on-base and raising all kinds of hell.
Also, as most of you will know, he is a great base-stealer, and bringing him here would give us two things we seldom haveand currently need: a true lead-off batter and a base-stealer.
Of course, we have Peralta at SS (signed through 2012 with club option for 2013,) but while I am quite delighted with the performance Jhonny has delivered this season, obtaining Reyes would be such a boon that I would be willing to go ahead and do it (if possible) and figure out, later, what to do with Peralta.
PHI Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins, also, will be a free agent, but-- while I may have this figured way wrong-- I sort of can't see him leaving the Phillies. The team is a big, big winner, and he & 1Bman Ryan Howard are, if I understand correctly, homies.
CIN Reds 2Bman Brandon Phillips also will be on the market. I wouldn't want to spend huge bucks on him, but I'm "just sayin'."
While we immediately need a 2Bman more than a SS, Reyes (28) is younger than Phillips (30) and represents much, much more of an offensive threat than does Phillips.
Not to say that Phillips is mediocre, because he's quite good, actually, but Reyes is better.
Another free agent: PHI SP Roy Oswalt. Hhmm.

Thruster315

September-26-11, 08:54 PM

HEY CLEVELAND...

Dare I say we got the better free agent than you did at the trade deadline?

Fister was dominant again. And with a two touchdown lead, it wasn't too tough to go for broke. 9 Ks and I'm not even sure he broke a sweat.

Thruster315

September-26-11, 09:50 PM

Scary and Proud stat of the moment...

Doug Fister in his last seven outings has had better numbers than Justin Verlander. Fister's been 7-0 with a microscopic 0.65 in his last eight outings. Toss in the stat that he hasn't walked anyone has got to be scary as hell to any foe.

The one-two punch of these two guys has got to be impressive.

And did I mention we have an explosive offense playing out of its mind?

smogboy

September-28-11, 11:10 PM

Red Sox nation just choked one away.

Longoria and the Rays make an amazing comeback.

And our Tigers will take on the much hated Yankees. Bring it on post season. Let's enjoy this ride. The Tigers are peaking at a good time now.

kenp

September-29-11, 12:17 PM

I turned on the Rays game at the bottom of the 8th and I was bummed they were down 7-0. But for some reason I watched and much to my amazement they came back. Also caught the end of the Red Sox game and was completly amazed at the ending. The whole night was bizarre to say the least.
To bad the Angels played like grama's against texas. Angels had a 3 run lead in the bottom of the ninth Monday and blew it and cost the Tigers big bucks.
We really are peaking at the right time, I hope Verlander is on his game Friday. Its going to be exciting.

401don

September-29-11, 04:59 PM

Really dumb starting these games at 8:37 pm., especially when the first round is on TBS. They want kids to be fans and yet none of the games will end until midnight.

kenp

September-30-11, 01:47 PM

It was fun to read the start of this thread and predictions and thoughts as the season started. After the first week it was clear Avila sucked and Victor would be behind the plate ultimitaly. HEHE, were we all wrong!!!!!! Avila was one of the biggest reasons we eneded up were we did, so congrats to him.

Redleg81

September-30-11, 03:47 PM

Whatever happens: Good season! Hoping for a great one though....

TKshreve

October-04-11, 12:38 PM

bartock

October-04-11, 01:08 PM

Wow..........nothing here since 9/30? zilch? ok.

Anyways, great stuff by JV last night. He had one or two tough innings, but plenty of timely K's to make it worth the tension. And Papa Grande always makes it interesting, doesn't he?

Porcello Vs. AJ tonight. Could be a dinger derby, who knows?

Go Tigers!

A.J. Burnett about tonight's game. From the NY Times:

"I’ve got to bring everything I’ve got, and just let A. J. loose out there.”

Ugh, I almost threw up. He referred to himself in third person. That should offset any bulleton board material that Papa Grande created.

rjk

October-05-11, 07:22 PM

Just a suggestion, but if the Tigers win tomorrow and make it to the ALCS how about moving this thread or maybe starting a new thread to the Discuss Detroit section? There's just not enough traffic over here and I think people don't bother posting that much.

As far as tomorrow's game, I like the Tigers chances. Aside from two innings last year, the second day of game one was the first time they batted against Nova. They should have a better fell for the way he pitches. Also the pressure will be ramped up on the rookie and Fister comes into the game with more expeirence.

smogboy

October-07-11, 04:35 AM

Bong-Man

October-07-11, 06:35 AM

The Tigers took the lead in the first inning and never lost it, thus the initial go-ahead runs in the first gave Nova the loss. How long he pitched in the game is irrelevant. If the Yanks had tied it at any point during the game, Nova would have been off the hook and got a no-decision.

Our manager has taken a lot of heat this season from some people, and it's time we all gave him some kudos for how he handled this series. No panic, lots of good moves, and never afraid to trust his baseball gut. An outstanding effort all around !

WDIV....Please stop the "Bless You Boys" crap ! It was old in '06, and no one wants to hear it.

401don

October-07-11, 10:35 AM

The Evil Empire has fallen and the Tigers are moving on!

Also does anyone know why Nova got credited with the loss? Because it was Sabathia that clearly gave up the go-ahead run to Austin Jackson when he doubled off of him in the fifth. Nova was long gone by that point- and yet gets tagged with the loss? HUH? Someone much more learned than me please explain.

I think by the time you posted this you were clearly in a Happy Haze. I know you know your baseball better than that.

That was some tremendous clutch pitching last night. We got the steal of the decade in Fister. He's locked up for cheap money for a few years as well. Sherzer was equally impressive. For a guy who gives up a ton of homers, and one Comerica deep fly ball would be a home run in that joke of a ballpark, it was even more so. Making Benoit pull off a bandage was the cheapest stunt I've ever seen. The umpire didn't even question it when Girardi asked. He just nodded yes and that's the sort of thing that's clearly at his discretion. Finally, nothing is more satisfying than watching Martinez come through after a Cabrera intentional walk. He's done it all season.

Go get em Saturday JV!

Downriviera

October-07-11, 01:56 PM

Those last few innings took ten years off my life.

Wingnatic

October-07-11, 01:56 PM

from 1968

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fMqnFQRiUs

Downriviera

October-07-11, 05:24 PM

Go Tigers

10878

smogboy

October-08-11, 11:49 AM

I think by the time you posted this you were clearly in a Happy Haze. I know you know your baseball better than that.

Seriously, no happy haze about it. I appreciate the fact that you think my baseball acumen is that sharp but I'm honestly not sure of why Nova got charged with the loss. That's why I asked. He was clearly out of the game by the time the winning run was scored. Like I said it was Sabathia that allowed the winning run to score- so why wasn't he charged with the loss? I guess it doesn't really matter because we're taking on the Rangers tonight but that was one ruling I didn't understand.

Downriviera

October-08-11, 01:36 PM

I'm with Smogboy on this one, should be CC's loss. Another weird stat is game winning goal in hockey. Say its 0-0 mid way through a game with the Hawks. Cleary scores to break the tie. Then the Wings add a few more by Hank, Homer and Pavs for a 4-0 lead. The Hawks get a couple cheapies late in the game and it ends 4-2. Homer's goal is the game winner, yet we were up 2-0 when he scored. Cleary's goal that broke the tie should be the winner imo.

Thruster315

October-08-11, 01:47 PM

Not that wikipedia is the do-all, end all by rules standards but here's what they list:

The losing pitcher is the pitcher who allows the go-ahead run to reach base for a lead that the winning team never relinquishes. A pitcher can be credited with a loss if they allow a runner to reach base, and is then replaced by a relief pitcher who subsequently allows that base runner to score. The pitcher receives the loss, even if this or any other runs are not earned. If a pitcher allows a run which gives the opposing team the lead, his team comes back to lead or tie the game, and then the opposing team regains the lead against a subsequent pitcher, the earlier pitcher does not get the loss.

I'm at a loss much like smogboy and downriviera as well because by this definition the pitcher that gave up the go-ahead run (CC Sabathia) should be the big schlub who gets the loss. When I heard at the end of the game that Nova got the loss, it didn't make sense to me either.

Do I need to look up the official rule book or call into a sports talk show to get clarification? Where's a baseball rules geek when you need one?

Bong-Man

October-08-11, 08:34 PM

Guys...what game did you watch ? The game was never tied from the second batter until the end. 2-0.....3-0...3-1.....3-2...we win. Get it ?

Thruster315

October-08-11, 08:58 PM

Guys...what game did you watch ? The game was never tied from the second batter until the end. 2-0.....3-0...3-1.....3-2...we win. Get it ?

We know the score. We all saw that but the pitcher that served it up should get the loss, shouldn't he?

Nova gave up the first two runs. Got it. Sabathia was the one that put the go-ahead runner on board and gave up the winning hit to Victor Martinez. Nova was already in the dugout sitting and chilling when the Yankees gave up the game winner- so why should he get the L?

I get the fact that Fister gets the W because he never lost the lead but why is poor Nova slapped with the L when he only gave up the two runs that were matched by his team in the subsequent innings?

401don

October-09-11, 07:37 AM

As Bong-man says and as the rule states, the lead must be relinguished at some point for the losing pitcher to change from Nova to a reliever. I realize the 3rd run in a 3-2 game is known as the winning run, but that doesn't affect who is the losing pitcher if the game was never tied.

As far as last night's fiasco, I don't like the way the pitching is shaping up the rest of this series but we will see. I hope the Delmon Young injury reminds the Tigers why they shouldn't lock this guy up long term for big money. He's always injury prone because he doesn't look to be in the best of shape, weak defensively and his OBP is terrible. He is not a number 3 hitter on a first place team. We're lucky he's been hot this past month but he's not why we lost yesterday. We need Cabrera, Avila and Jackson to get going. Jackson looks completely lost.

ggores

October-09-11, 10:51 AM

This is great! My stomach has been churning since first week of September. Our beloved Bengals have stacked up as good as could have ever been expected. Texas does not worry me the least bit. The numbers, the stats, the freaky weather, the bandage, the closers, the long relievers.... Phillies are OUT, and I can hardly believe that.

Here is my take from here on out. The game of baseball is so unbelieveably mischievous. Look at the field. Just look at it. If Jim Leyland has any sort of coach's genius, it has to lie in the fact that he will never, ever, not in a trillion years, admit to playing Short Ball. And that, in my opinion, is exactly what the bengals are doing. It's no wonder Austin Jackson, by concensus, looks "lost at the plate". Well, I don't believe it for one moment. Jackson will be the straw that stirs the drink.

Avila is a non-factor. Just don't even expect anything more than what he has already done for this team. I believe he will be good for maybe one or two situational key hits. If that.

Cabrera? He's the trick. Absolutely. Again, look at that field. You got seven suns of bitch's standing around with gloves as big as my television, ready to pounce on anything that is seamed and looks like a baseball. The Big Guy will come around. Cabrera is a natural - the most dangerous stick you'd ever want to face.

All in all, and I am as big a skeptic as ever was, I do believe that the Detroit Tigers are the best baseball team in the 2011 season. IF they close out the Rangers (and they will, don't worry), this team has the potential... the potential... of ranking as one of the best ever. Going way way back to April, my colleague @ work would joke, "how about them Tigers?" "Best team ever was" I'd say.

So far as the rules go.... the losing pitcher is the one who, regardless of score, gives up a go-ahead run, IF - and only IF - the game is deemed a "complete" game {which is to say after 2 bats in the bottom of the 4th inning}, and so long as the opposing team has not had any replacements from the original line-up given to the umpires prior to the first pitch, then that Mo Fo gets the loss.

All that said, I only have one worry - the foul pole. Go Tigers, eat 'em UP!

smogboy

October-12-11, 10:06 PM

Has our team finally run out of gas? Sure I can concede some of it has been the Rangers pitching has torqued it up a notch but offensively we've looked horrific. Has Jim Leyland finally tinkered and played all of his lucky hunches? The last two 11 inning games have been absolutely devastating.

I guess we put a big chunk of the weight onto JV's arm now and go one game at time. Every game is going to be the last game if we don't win the rest now. And I'm sure Texas feels as though they want to run their cleats across our throats now too.

Wingnatic

October-13-11, 06:55 AM

When some of our top hitters are going 0 HR 1 RBI 1 HR 2 RBI's in 9 post season games for example , its a wonder we've made it this far .

313WX

October-13-11, 08:23 AM

Where the heck is that Justin Verlander?

I notice he's been missing in action lately.

Thruster315

October-14-11, 06:54 AM

Where the heck is that Justin Verlander?

I notice he's been missing in action lately.

He hasn't been the dominant stud he was in the regular season but he did fine last night and kept us in the game. It hasn't been the lack of starting pitching that's failed us- I attribute that to the quiet bats. We need to generate runs any way we can and hope that the big bats can catch fire every now and then.

Hell, knowing that Beltre's got a bum knee, I'd be devilish enough to bunt down to third base if he's even playing a flea's breath back. If Texas has got a weakness anywhere on that filed, let's expose it. Our back's against the wall and we gotta play ugly. Runs aren't gonna come easy. Station-to-station, small ball, squeeze plays, the Ephus, and everything short of scuffing the ball is okay now. Lose one more and it's the back nine at the golf course.

bartock

October-14-11, 10:47 AM

He hasn't been the dominant stud he was in the regular season but he did fine last night and kept us in the game. It hasn't been the lack of starting pitching that's failed us- I attribute that to the quiet bats. We need to generate runs any way we can and hope that the big bats can catch fire every now and then.

Hell, knowing that Beltre's got a bum knee, I'd be devilish enough to bunt down to third base if he's even playing a flea's breath back. If Texas has got a weakness anywhere on that filed, let's expose it. Our back's against the wall and we gotta play ugly. Runs aren't gonna come easy. Station-to-station, small ball, squeeze plays, the Ephus, and everything short of scuffing the ball is okay now. Lose one more and it's the back nine at the golf course.

I agree with this...don't understand why the Tigers haven't tried to expose it.