I heard Mike Valenti say on the radio on the way back up to MSU after the game "On Opening Day, the last thing I'm worried about is the game." Honestly, this really can't be more true. The mood in Comerica Park wasn't really focused on how these guys were going to start competing with Jason Grilli being the top option out of the pen, or what was happening in Cleveland at the same time.
Instead, more important issues like where the planes were during the fly-over, where the quickest bathroom line was, and who the hell is Clete Thomas were on the minds of Tiger fans. In other words, the kind of issues that usually follow 45,000 drunken people gathered together in one area.
Downtown Detroit was crawling with people, the rain was holding off, there was baseball being played, and the excitement of a winning season was palpable in the air. It was great to be in attendance for those first six innings that the Tigers held the lead. But, when Verlander left the game with two runners on and Grilli coming in, no one really minded. When those runs scored and the Tigers fell behind, everyone kind of shrugged (exception: when Guillen tied things up in the eighth, the place went nuts). And when the lead was gone for good and the game was over, everyone kind of shrugged and smiled because baseball had started again.
However, the type of fan that the Tigers are attracting now are truly baffling me. People were shocked, SHOCKED, that Granderson was not starting. Edgar Renteria was drawing the ire of the fans near me for not getting a home run or something equally impressive during his first at-bat. Brandon Inge got the loudest ovation of the Tiger starters (read that sentence over again).
Listening to the post-game radio show, people started questioning Jim Leyland's tactics in the final few innings. Why put in Thomas? Why make Inge bunt? Why bat Renteria lead off? What was he thinking, what was going on, oh God, the season is over already.
Here are the answers- Thomas was in because Leyland trusts him, and that should be all the reason we need. Look at his plays in the field and the double he hit as proof. Inge bunting with Thomas on second was the savviest call to make - guy on third, one out instead of the (especially with Inge) more probable runner on second, one out. Oh, and Renteria is batting lead-off because he's a proven professional hitter that today's 1-5 performance doesn't reflect at all.
(Rant beginning)
The on-going obsession with Brandon Inge among the casual fanbase stuns me as well. Through the whole ordeal of looking to move him, he's been bitching that he won't do certain things and that he wants out. If he wasn't being paid so much money to do such a shitty job (major leaguers making Inge's money don't hit .250), then maybe you'd be starting at third base some where, Brandon. Instead, do your job and shut up and enjoy that fat wad of cash in your wallet. Miguel Cabrera has something Inge doesn't - a Gold Glove. However, when he makes an error on his first play, the cries of "Inge would have made that play!" suddenly start coming out of the woodwork.
(Rant Over. To Inge's credit, his throw from centerfield to nail a runner at the plate in the 11th was awesome.)
The only downside of today's game for me was the realization of the team's worst fears - late game collapses. Only one earned run for the pen today, but Grilli did a great job of serving up a fat pitch to John Buck to score the tying run and Bobby Seay allowed the run to make it 4-3. Neither was earned, but those are the runs the bullpen has to prevent. Denny Bautista looked a bit shaky at times, but for the most part looked good. The hit to score the winning run was off an at-bat that he battled and battled and got a good pitch hit. Nothing he can do there.
Just one game out of 162. No reason to worry yet, just be happy to have baseball back.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Opening Day! Opening Day! Opening Day!
Today is by far the greatest day of the sports calendar for every baseball fan. The Boys of Summer pull out of their winter habitats and report back home to begin the process of welcoming back everything that is right with the world. Frankly, there is nothing like putting on three or four layers of clothing, shaking from the cold, and watching your breath hover above your head while watching a baseball game. For years and years, we Tiger fans only experienced this sensation in the spring - now it's just going to be six months until we have the chance to do it all again in October.
If the weather holds up, then there will be baseball down at the CoPa today. Yours truly will be in attendance and after the culmination of the Spartan basketball and hockey seasons this weekend, it's going to be good to have a different obsession in my life.
But outside of the personal stake that each of us has in the beginning of baseball season, all of the questions that have been asked since the end of last season will start to be answered. Can the Tigers stay healthy? How will Dontrelle pitch? How will the bullpen hold up? Can the Tigers get rid of Brandon Inge? Will Rodney and Zumaya get back to pre-injury form?
No more speculation. No more questions. Finally, this team will start playing real games that count and will dole out answers in immense servings.
Frankly, I'm just excited to feel that feeling that goes through Comerica Park when the team starts rolling. It's a special type of electricity where 40,000 people have no doubt about what they're about to see - a complete ass kicking at the hands of the Tiger bats. The second half of last season had this feeling suspiciously absent, but a few million dollars from Mike Illitch's wallet may have fixed that problem.
Today, the sun rises anew. Today, there is abundant hope. Today ... it's fucking baseball season.
If the weather holds up, then there will be baseball down at the CoPa today. Yours truly will be in attendance and after the culmination of the Spartan basketball and hockey seasons this weekend, it's going to be good to have a different obsession in my life.
But outside of the personal stake that each of us has in the beginning of baseball season, all of the questions that have been asked since the end of last season will start to be answered. Can the Tigers stay healthy? How will Dontrelle pitch? How will the bullpen hold up? Can the Tigers get rid of Brandon Inge? Will Rodney and Zumaya get back to pre-injury form?
No more speculation. No more questions. Finally, this team will start playing real games that count and will dole out answers in immense servings.
Frankly, I'm just excited to feel that feeling that goes through Comerica Park when the team starts rolling. It's a special type of electricity where 40,000 people have no doubt about what they're about to see - a complete ass kicking at the hands of the Tiger bats. The second half of last season had this feeling suspiciously absent, but a few million dollars from Mike Illitch's wallet may have fixed that problem.
Today, the sun rises anew. Today, there is abundant hope. Today ... it's fucking baseball season.
For The Love Of God, Don't Rain
For the first time since 1999, I'm in line to go to Opening Day with my dad. And wouldn't you know it, the forecast calls for thunderstorms all day.
We'll see how this plays out, but don't be surprised if we're waiting a few more days for baseball in Detroit.
We'll see how this plays out, but don't be surprised if we're waiting a few more days for baseball in Detroit.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
ESPN's First Take Shows No Love
Sometimes, it's just amazing how little respect Detroit gets nationally. Even the Detroit News' Rob Parker said on ESPN's First Take that the Indians will win the Central, and Skip Bayless said that the Indians would take the division "going away".
My response?
Fuck you guys.
Bayless said the Tigers have enough lineup power to win the wild-card. No shit, Sherlock. I'm not sure who these guys think we have starting games this year, but last I checked Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers, Nate Robertson, and Dontrelle Willis aren't exactly slouches.
Keep thinking that the whole team is based on the bullpen, national media, please. This team could use some motivation.
My response?
Fuck you guys.
Bayless said the Tigers have enough lineup power to win the wild-card. No shit, Sherlock. I'm not sure who these guys think we have starting games this year, but last I checked Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers, Nate Robertson, and Dontrelle Willis aren't exactly slouches.
Keep thinking that the whole team is based on the bullpen, national media, please. This team could use some motivation.
Lynn Henning Gives You Reasons To Not Believe
In his column for the Detroit News today, Lynn Henning explored four reasons for Tigers' fans to worry about the upcoming season. It kind of disappoints me that I'm already reading negative things about this season when it hasn't even started yet. It's a tad bit irresponsible for Henning to come out of Spring Training preaching doom and stuff when none of the games that were played in the past month and a half counted. Anyway, I'll respond with my thoughts about each of Lynn's concerns and we'll see if hope matters.
An impressive team's weak link: the relievers- Well, no shit. I've been saying since November that the area that had to be improved the most was the bullpen and very little was done. The Tigs have Fransisco Cruceta, the hard throwing Dominican acquired in the off-season, stuck in his homeland with visa problems. Zoomer and Rodney are hurt. Jason Grilli still exists. All of that. The only positive I can bring out of the pen is that there is no way it can be as bad as last year. Everything that went right in 2006 went wrong in 2007 - and things seem to be shifting that way again. But I believe in karma, and the Tigers are owed some good outings from the bullpen this season since they blew enough games last year.
Another positive- Denny Bautista pitched well enough in Spring Training to take over Fernando's set-up role. He's a fireballer and, provided he controls himself and limits the walks he's noted for, should fill in admirably.
April's schedule is as frightening as the weather- Unless the White Sox, Indians, Red Sox, and Yankees have all been playing competitive games for a month and a half and the Tigers are just getting started, I don't see much of a problem here. All the other teams that the Tigers play during this stretch are going to be facing the same problems- cold weather, cold arms, cold bats. As the Yanks have shown us the past two years, having a shitty April doesn't necessarily count you out of anything - they've made the playoffs both years. Henning may be worried about facing the big bats on each of those team with the bullpen in its current form, but guess what? All of their pitchers have to face off against the fucking stacked lineup wearing the Ol' English D.
Getting by without Granderson, and trading Inge- Personally, I don't see Inge leaving until at least May now. With Grandy out, Inge's athleticism is going to be needed in the outfield. Losing Granderson most certainly sucks - his defensive prowess in center and explosive capabilities coming out of the lead-off spot are unmatched on this team. But with Renteria filling in at the lead-off spot (a guy with nearly half as many strikeouts, a 30 point better average, and a 50 point better on-base percentage last year) the Tigers should be OK for a few weeks. Inge almost certainly has to go, and he'll be great trade bait later on in the year for a fill-in reliever - an almost certain necessity.
Handling the scrutiny - and the pressure- Used to be one of my few worries about the Tigers. But, let's look at the guys they've added - Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera, and Edgar Renteria. Willis was used as a relief pitcher in the 2003 World Series and did an admirable job, Cabrera was the best hitter on that 2003 squad, and Renteria singled in the winning run in the 1997 World Series for the Marlins. All of these guys are battled tested and will most certainly lend a steadying hand to the younger guys on the team who haven't been part of something as strong as the Tigers are this year. Something tells me that with the good mix between veteran and young players - young players that have been to a World Series and been through a heated pennant race - there will not be that much crumbling under the weight of the world. I don't think Jim Leyland would let that happen anyway.
So there, Lynn. Take it for what it's worth. It's March 29th- there's no reason for doom and gloom yet. Opening Day isn't for another two days.
An impressive team's weak link: the relievers- Well, no shit. I've been saying since November that the area that had to be improved the most was the bullpen and very little was done. The Tigs have Fransisco Cruceta, the hard throwing Dominican acquired in the off-season, stuck in his homeland with visa problems. Zoomer and Rodney are hurt. Jason Grilli still exists. All of that. The only positive I can bring out of the pen is that there is no way it can be as bad as last year. Everything that went right in 2006 went wrong in 2007 - and things seem to be shifting that way again. But I believe in karma, and the Tigers are owed some good outings from the bullpen this season since they blew enough games last year.
Another positive- Denny Bautista pitched well enough in Spring Training to take over Fernando's set-up role. He's a fireballer and, provided he controls himself and limits the walks he's noted for, should fill in admirably.
April's schedule is as frightening as the weather- Unless the White Sox, Indians, Red Sox, and Yankees have all been playing competitive games for a month and a half and the Tigers are just getting started, I don't see much of a problem here. All the other teams that the Tigers play during this stretch are going to be facing the same problems- cold weather, cold arms, cold bats. As the Yanks have shown us the past two years, having a shitty April doesn't necessarily count you out of anything - they've made the playoffs both years. Henning may be worried about facing the big bats on each of those team with the bullpen in its current form, but guess what? All of their pitchers have to face off against the fucking stacked lineup wearing the Ol' English D.
Getting by without Granderson, and trading Inge- Personally, I don't see Inge leaving until at least May now. With Grandy out, Inge's athleticism is going to be needed in the outfield. Losing Granderson most certainly sucks - his defensive prowess in center and explosive capabilities coming out of the lead-off spot are unmatched on this team. But with Renteria filling in at the lead-off spot (a guy with nearly half as many strikeouts, a 30 point better average, and a 50 point better on-base percentage last year) the Tigers should be OK for a few weeks. Inge almost certainly has to go, and he'll be great trade bait later on in the year for a fill-in reliever - an almost certain necessity.
Handling the scrutiny - and the pressure- Used to be one of my few worries about the Tigers. But, let's look at the guys they've added - Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera, and Edgar Renteria. Willis was used as a relief pitcher in the 2003 World Series and did an admirable job, Cabrera was the best hitter on that 2003 squad, and Renteria singled in the winning run in the 1997 World Series for the Marlins. All of these guys are battled tested and will most certainly lend a steadying hand to the younger guys on the team who haven't been part of something as strong as the Tigers are this year. Something tells me that with the good mix between veteran and young players - young players that have been to a World Series and been through a heated pennant race - there will not be that much crumbling under the weight of the world. I don't think Jim Leyland would let that happen anyway.
So there, Lynn. Take it for what it's worth. It's March 29th- there's no reason for doom and gloom yet. Opening Day isn't for another two days.
25-Man Roster Announced
The Tigers have announced their roster for Opening Day, and it looks as though there is only one surprise on it - Clete Thomas, a non-roster invitee and someone who has never gotten above Double-A will be on the team. It's true that the reason he's on the team is simply because of Granderson's injury, but congratulations to him nonetheless. The final two bullpen spots, opened because of Byrdak's release and Rodney's injury, will go to Yorman Barzado and Aquilano Lopez, as was expected.
So here is the Tigers' 25-man roster (copy and pasted from Mack Avenue Tigers. Sorry, Kurt, I just didn't feel like redoing it)
So here is the Tigers' 25-man roster (copy and pasted from Mack Avenue Tigers. Sorry, Kurt, I just didn't feel like redoing it)
Catcher
- Pudge Rodriguez
Infield
- Carlos Guillen (1st)
- Placido Polanco (2nd)
- Miguel Cabrera (3rd)
- Edgar Renteria (shortstop)
Outfield
- Jacque Jones (LF)
- Brandon Inge (CF)
- Magglio Ordonz (RF)
Designated hitter
- Gary Sheffield
Bench
- Ramon Santiago (utility infield)
- Ryan Raburn (utility everywhere)
- Marcus Thames (LF platoon/1st base)
- Clete Thomas (OF)
Starting pitchers
- Justin Verlander (RHP)
- Kenny Rogers (LHP)
- Jeremy Bonderman (RHP
- Nate Robertson (LHP)
- Dontrelle Willis (LHP)
Relief pitchers
- Todd Jones (RH closer)
- Denny Bautista (RH setup)
- Yorman Bazardo (RH)
- Aqualino Lopez (RH)
- Jason Grilli (RH)
- Zach Miner (RH)
- Bobby Seay (LH)
Disabled list
- Curtis Granderson (CF, 2 to 4 weeks)
- Vance Wilson (backup C, ?? weeks)
- Fernando Rodney (RH setup, ?? weeks)
- Joel Zumaya (RH setup, 12-16 weeks?)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Why I'm Not Worried About Dontrelle Willis
By all accounts, Dontrelle Willis hasn't had the best spring training in history. In fact, it might not even be the best spring training during this season. The natural inclination is to consider how Dontrelle messing up during February and March will affect his pitching in April and beyond. My theory: it won't.
Willis is just 26, not quite in the prime of his career, but definitely getting close. As I said in my preview of the rotation, he's been up and down for the past few years - winning 22 games three years ago and hovering at about .500 for the past two. At the moment, he's penciled in as the fifth starter by Jim Leyland. Considering his place on the staff, is being at .500 and pitching effectively every two or three starts going to be a disappointment from a fifth starter? I say no. If D-Train pitched as he has in spring training, 8.64 ERA and all, as a trend in his career then I would probably feel differently. However, this seems to simply be an aberration.
It's important to remember what Tiger fans should expect from Dontrelle this season - he probably won't win 20 games, won't be the ace of the staff, and will not be forced to carry the team on the nights he pitches. In other words, Dontrelle isn't in Miami any more. My own personal theory is that Willis is still adjusting to the feeling of not having to be "The Man" on a team that has about 12 or 13 "The Man"s. He's pitching like he's still in a pressurized situation where he has to be at his best on a nightly basis - in reality, he only has to be good enough.
Things should settle down pretty quickly for the D-Train when the team goes up north and the regular season begins. Pitching in the cold Detroit weather that's waiting for him, he will have a natural advantage over the hitters, since making contact with the ball in and of itself is a chore when it's 40 degrees out. Once he becomes really accustomed to his new surroundings at Comerica Park and becomes comfortable with the run support he's sure to get from the bats coming to support him, Dontrelle will do just fine.
Let's just say that hitting the panic button on a guy before April seems a tad ridiculous, does it not?
Willis is just 26, not quite in the prime of his career, but definitely getting close. As I said in my preview of the rotation, he's been up and down for the past few years - winning 22 games three years ago and hovering at about .500 for the past two. At the moment, he's penciled in as the fifth starter by Jim Leyland. Considering his place on the staff, is being at .500 and pitching effectively every two or three starts going to be a disappointment from a fifth starter? I say no. If D-Train pitched as he has in spring training, 8.64 ERA and all, as a trend in his career then I would probably feel differently. However, this seems to simply be an aberration.
It's important to remember what Tiger fans should expect from Dontrelle this season - he probably won't win 20 games, won't be the ace of the staff, and will not be forced to carry the team on the nights he pitches. In other words, Dontrelle isn't in Miami any more. My own personal theory is that Willis is still adjusting to the feeling of not having to be "The Man" on a team that has about 12 or 13 "The Man"s. He's pitching like he's still in a pressurized situation where he has to be at his best on a nightly basis - in reality, he only has to be good enough.
Things should settle down pretty quickly for the D-Train when the team goes up north and the regular season begins. Pitching in the cold Detroit weather that's waiting for him, he will have a natural advantage over the hitters, since making contact with the ball in and of itself is a chore when it's 40 degrees out. Once he becomes really accustomed to his new surroundings at Comerica Park and becomes comfortable with the run support he's sure to get from the bats coming to support him, Dontrelle will do just fine.
Let's just say that hitting the panic button on a guy before April seems a tad ridiculous, does it not?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tim Byrdak Peaces Out
After Tuesday night's terrible performance, the Tigers have released Tim Byrdak. GM Dave Dombrowski said that it was a simple matter of "not being able to help the team at a big-league level", even though Tim was thought to be a lock for the bullpen.
As Kurt from Mack Avenue Tigers points out, it's hard to say what the Tigers are going to do now or what they have in mind. Obviously there has to be another lefty in the pen other than Bobby Seay, but saying who at this point is anybody's guess. I have to imagine that Dombrowski has a deal in the works or something up his sleeve, but at this point, I really have no idea.
I guess this is a solid reflection of the mentality of the organization at the moment. It's definitely a "win NOW" team and, with Byrdak's terrible spring as evidence, players who aren't going to help the Tigers in that cause are definitely in trouble. The only problem with this move for me is that there is no immediate replacement on hand- something is going to have to be done either in the minor league affiliates or going outside the organization. It may just be time to fire up those Marcus Thames trade rumors that have been going around recently.
Also, good stuff on the Tiger page of the Freep.com: the second story's headline says "Bydrak secure despite shaky 13.50 ERA" and then the next one is "Tigers release Byrdak." Good work there.
As Kurt from Mack Avenue Tigers points out, it's hard to say what the Tigers are going to do now or what they have in mind. Obviously there has to be another lefty in the pen other than Bobby Seay, but saying who at this point is anybody's guess. I have to imagine that Dombrowski has a deal in the works or something up his sleeve, but at this point, I really have no idea.
I guess this is a solid reflection of the mentality of the organization at the moment. It's definitely a "win NOW" team and, with Byrdak's terrible spring as evidence, players who aren't going to help the Tigers in that cause are definitely in trouble. The only problem with this move for me is that there is no immediate replacement on hand- something is going to have to be done either in the minor league affiliates or going outside the organization. It may just be time to fire up those Marcus Thames trade rumors that have been going around recently.
Also, good stuff on the Tiger page of the Freep.com: the second story's headline says "Bydrak secure despite shaky 13.50 ERA" and then the next one is "Tigers release Byrdak." Good work there.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Renteria To Lead Off, Cabrera's Deal Officially Signed
In the absence of Curtis Granderson, Edgar Renteria has been handed the lead off spot by Jim Leyland. Definitely a solid choice by Leyland - Edgar has a career on-base percentage just below .350, is a .291 hitter, and is pretty much a professional hitter much in the same mold as Placido Polanco. Renteria has typically been a two-hole hitter in his career, and having him hitting higher in the order probably won't cause the Tigers to lose too much in the absence of Granderson.
Plus, since Brandon Inge has been penciled in to take Grandy's spot in center, he can report right back to his spot hitting ninth. Gotta have one automatic out in the lineup, right?
Elsewhere in the Tigers' clubhouse, after playing dumb yesterday about his contract, Miguel Cabrera signed his record contract today. It's a seven year deal worth$152.3 million, which is a bit lower price than ESPN Deportes orginally reported and a year shorted. I like what Dombrowski said about the signing, which was in essence "It's cheaper to get him now until he gets even better and costs even more." Dombrowski has made a lot of shrewd moves as GM and the trade, and now signing, of Cabrera might go down as the best one of all. I look forward to watching this guy hit during the best years of his career, not to mention showing off his arm from third base which is one of his most underrated qualities.
Rounding out the day thus far, former Tiger Cameron Maybin has been sent to the minors by the Florida Marlins. Probably the right decision since the guy shouldn't have even been brought up at all last year and considering the poor spring he was having, batting just .190, he needs a bit more time in the oven. From the looks of things, Andrew Miller is pitching pretty well and is making a bid to be Florida's Opening Day starter. He was one part of the Cabrera/Willis deal that I really didn't like seeing leave, but if he can go to a place like Florida and find some success
Plus, since Brandon Inge has been penciled in to take Grandy's spot in center, he can report right back to his spot hitting ninth. Gotta have one automatic out in the lineup, right?
Elsewhere in the Tigers' clubhouse, after playing dumb yesterday about his contract, Miguel Cabrera signed his record contract today. It's a seven year deal worth$152.3 million, which is a bit lower price than ESPN Deportes orginally reported and a year shorted. I like what Dombrowski said about the signing, which was in essence "It's cheaper to get him now until he gets even better and costs even more." Dombrowski has made a lot of shrewd moves as GM and the trade, and now signing, of Cabrera might go down as the best one of all. I look forward to watching this guy hit during the best years of his career, not to mention showing off his arm from third base which is one of his most underrated qualities.
Rounding out the day thus far, former Tiger Cameron Maybin has been sent to the minors by the Florida Marlins. Probably the right decision since the guy shouldn't have even been brought up at all last year and considering the poor spring he was having, batting just .190, he needs a bit more time in the oven. From the looks of things, Andrew Miller is pitching pretty well and is making a bid to be Florida's Opening Day starter. He was one part of the Cabrera/Willis deal that I really didn't like seeing leave, but if he can go to a place like Florida and find some success
Monday, March 24, 2008
Yeah... The Bullpen Preview
Amid all the trade rumors, here's the official View From The Light Tower preview for the bullpen. All in all, the season is dependent on these guys. And that scares the living shit out of me. Here's the problem I've found- for all the improvements elsewhere on the field, the bullpen went basically untouched in the off-season as far as improvements go. If anything, the loss of Joel Zumaya for at least half the season has made it considerably worse, especially with Fernando Rodney now missing for the opening of the season.
So here it goes, player-by-player, the keys to the Tigers' 2008.
Todd Jones- Probably the single-handedly most frightening player on the Detroit roster. He's consistent in the fact that he's so inconsistent, everyone expects it by now. Jonesy will have his good days, his bad days, and his roller coaster days, and there's not that much new that can be said about him. I just hope that I can make it through the year.
Jason Grilli- Probably the favorite target of the boo-birds last year (myself included), and he truly deserved it most nights. One of my personal favorite Grilli nights was when Nate Robertson left the game with a 4-0 lead and Jason came in, gave up a hit and two walks, and then a game-tying grand slam. Typical. At best, he's as up and down as Jones. At worst, he's batting practice. Which Grilli will show up this year? We can only guess.
Tim Byrdak- Timmy has had a rough spring and has gotten shelled quite a few times. When he first got brought up to the big leagues last year, he was probably the best lefty we had coming out of the pen. But, he faded quickly coming down the stretch and was just another liability coming out of the pen. It's rough because he's probably one of the few guys that the Tigers really need - a situational lefty - and he's got to be able to get guys like Jim Thome and Travis Hafner out on a regular basis.
Bobby Seay- He's the other Tigers lefty who's going to be called on regularly to be the situational guy. He was probably the Tigs best reliever for the first few months of the year, but he, like Byrdak, was eventually figured out. He needs to turn into someone that can come out of the bullpen in the seventh or eighth and get a big out once every few games. Without Seay pitching well, the whole bullpen is going to suffer.
Zach Miner- Zach is a tricky guy (then again, who isn't in this bullpen, right?). Back in 2006, he started off his Major League career with a six game winning streak and then went dead cold until he was moved into the bullpen as a long relief kind of guy. He's now more of a seventh inning/eighth inning kind of guy, but, as of last year, he was still adjusting to the job. Miner has a bunch of promise and it isn't hard to imagine him figuring it out and having a good year.
Denny Bautista- This guy will be the main set-up man in the absence of Rodney and Zumaya. The knock on him is his control but he's in the mid-90s consistently with his fastball, and watching him pitch the other day against Cleveland, I was very impressed. If he can throw strikes, the sting of the duel injuries to Fernando and Joel might be soothed just a bit. Hopefully, he can be the surprise coming out of the Tiger pen.
Like I said earlier, these guys are the key to the Tigers succeeding this year. The order might score 10 runs a game, but that won't mean a damn thing if the pitching staff gives up 11. As we found out last year, the bats can't carry the team the whole season and at some point, guys are going to go through slumps. It's during times like those when the pitching has to be really on. The rotation will probably be able to handle the pressure, but the key moment will be when there's a one-run game in the late innings and the starter will be getting pulled, and no one will be worried about the guy coming in to keep the lead.
God, that sounds like wishful thinking, huh?
So here it goes, player-by-player, the keys to the Tigers' 2008.
Todd Jones- Probably the single-handedly most frightening player on the Detroit roster. He's consistent in the fact that he's so inconsistent, everyone expects it by now. Jonesy will have his good days, his bad days, and his roller coaster days, and there's not that much new that can be said about him. I just hope that I can make it through the year.
Jason Grilli- Probably the favorite target of the boo-birds last year (myself included), and he truly deserved it most nights. One of my personal favorite Grilli nights was when Nate Robertson left the game with a 4-0 lead and Jason came in, gave up a hit and two walks, and then a game-tying grand slam. Typical. At best, he's as up and down as Jones. At worst, he's batting practice. Which Grilli will show up this year? We can only guess.
Tim Byrdak- Timmy has had a rough spring and has gotten shelled quite a few times. When he first got brought up to the big leagues last year, he was probably the best lefty we had coming out of the pen. But, he faded quickly coming down the stretch and was just another liability coming out of the pen. It's rough because he's probably one of the few guys that the Tigers really need - a situational lefty - and he's got to be able to get guys like Jim Thome and Travis Hafner out on a regular basis.
Bobby Seay- He's the other Tigers lefty who's going to be called on regularly to be the situational guy. He was probably the Tigs best reliever for the first few months of the year, but he, like Byrdak, was eventually figured out. He needs to turn into someone that can come out of the bullpen in the seventh or eighth and get a big out once every few games. Without Seay pitching well, the whole bullpen is going to suffer.
Zach Miner- Zach is a tricky guy (then again, who isn't in this bullpen, right?). Back in 2006, he started off his Major League career with a six game winning streak and then went dead cold until he was moved into the bullpen as a long relief kind of guy. He's now more of a seventh inning/eighth inning kind of guy, but, as of last year, he was still adjusting to the job. Miner has a bunch of promise and it isn't hard to imagine him figuring it out and having a good year.
Denny Bautista- This guy will be the main set-up man in the absence of Rodney and Zumaya. The knock on him is his control but he's in the mid-90s consistently with his fastball, and watching him pitch the other day against Cleveland, I was very impressed. If he can throw strikes, the sting of the duel injuries to Fernando and Joel might be soothed just a bit. Hopefully, he can be the surprise coming out of the Tiger pen.
Like I said earlier, these guys are the key to the Tigers succeeding this year. The order might score 10 runs a game, but that won't mean a damn thing if the pitching staff gives up 11. As we found out last year, the bats can't carry the team the whole season and at some point, guys are going to go through slumps. It's during times like those when the pitching has to be really on. The rotation will probably be able to handle the pressure, but the key moment will be when there's a one-run game in the late innings and the starter will be getting pulled, and no one will be worried about the guy coming in to keep the lead.
God, that sounds like wishful thinking, huh?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Grandy Starts Season On The DL
In Saturday's rained out game against the Phillies, Curtis Granderson took a pitch off of the hand and that has led to a broken finger. Meaning that another key Tiger will be starting the season on the DL. So now that's Joel Zumaya, Fernando Rodney, and Grandy that will all be starting the season hurt.
The two main guys who could be set to replace Granderson are Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge. Personally, I'd love to see Brandon start off there, if only because the guy will get to be doing something other than catching and we won't have to hear about how much he hates catching. Raburn really impressed last year in his time up in the bigs, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the nod either. The Freep's Jon Paul Morosi also mentioned Freddy Guzman as a possible replacement.
It just sucks that on a day like today, when we should be celebrating Cabrera's massive signing, there's another injury to talk about. April might not shape up to be the greatest month this team will have all season, but hopefully this injury bug passes quickly and doesn't get anybody else.
The two main guys who could be set to replace Granderson are Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge. Personally, I'd love to see Brandon start off there, if only because the guy will get to be doing something other than catching and we won't have to hear about how much he hates catching. Raburn really impressed last year in his time up in the bigs, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the nod either. The Freep's Jon Paul Morosi also mentioned Freddy Guzman as a possible replacement.
It just sucks that on a day like today, when we should be celebrating Cabrera's massive signing, there's another injury to talk about. April might not shape up to be the greatest month this team will have all season, but hopefully this injury bug passes quickly and doesn't get anybody else.
Tigers Locking Up Miggy?
According to ESPN.com the Tigs have come to terms on the largest deal in Detroit history with Miguel Cabrera- eight years, $153 million, pending a physical on Monday. And I say that is money spent terrifically. I reallllly don't care about the money- a) it isn't mine and b) Mike Illitch has it coming out of his ass. Also, there's a solid chance that the money from ticket sales this year may pay all of that salary off, straight up.
Eight years of Miguel Cabrera. Wow. I'm just scared I'm going to wake up and realize it's still 2003.
Eight years of Miguel Cabrera. Wow. I'm just scared I'm going to wake up and realize it's still 2003.
Friday, March 21, 2008
"Eh" News on Fernando Rodney
As has been well-documented thus far in Spring Training, Fernando Rodney will not be ready for Opening Day. According to Fernando though, he'll be there some time in April.
There's a good chance, at least in my mind, that as good as Fernando feels, he's going hurt a bit more pitching in the cold Detroit April. Tendinitis sucks as it is, but when I had it in my heel it hurt about five times more when it was cold. I had it in my heel and that wasn't nearly as important to baseball as throwing is, especially for a pitcher.
The arm issues happening with Zumaya and Rodney are both really going to hurt this team. As many improvements as the lineup and starting rotation have had, the fucking bullpen has stayed stagnant and maybe even gotten worse with the loss of Rodney. We really might need to take 10 run leads in the early innings of every game just in case the fucking bullpen can't hold the lead. It's a legit worry of mine.
There's a good chance, at least in my mind, that as good as Fernando feels, he's going hurt a bit more pitching in the cold Detroit April. Tendinitis sucks as it is, but when I had it in my heel it hurt about five times more when it was cold. I had it in my heel and that wasn't nearly as important to baseball as throwing is, especially for a pitcher.
The arm issues happening with Zumaya and Rodney are both really going to hurt this team. As many improvements as the lineup and starting rotation have had, the fucking bullpen has stayed stagnant and maybe even gotten worse with the loss of Rodney. We really might need to take 10 run leads in the early innings of every game just in case the fucking bullpen can't hold the lead. It's a legit worry of mine.
More Fun Quotes From Jim Leyland
Prior to the game today, Jim Leyland told the Detroit News that the Tigers aren't ready for the regular season yet.
There's only six games left in Florida and a little over a week until Opening Day. Leyland has to make decisions regarding the bullpen still and isn't that pleased with the way the Tigers are doing the little things.
Well, Jim, if it makes you feel any better, Detroit isn't ready for you either. It's 29 here. It's gray. It's disgusting. Not quite baseball weather. So, by all means, use this last week and savor it because you're not exactly going to be that happy to be home when you step off that plane.
If the Tigers' bats start hitting well in that first week of the season, I will be downright shocked, if only because playing baseball in a Michigan April is hell. Playing in high school, the bat felt heavier and when you make contact, it stays with you the whole way around the bases, back into the dugout, and back into the field. If the sting is gone by the time the next time you're up to bat, it's lucky.
I'll tell you what though- the Tigers might not be ready, but I definitely am.
There's only six games left in Florida and a little over a week until Opening Day. Leyland has to make decisions regarding the bullpen still and isn't that pleased with the way the Tigers are doing the little things.
Well, Jim, if it makes you feel any better, Detroit isn't ready for you either. It's 29 here. It's gray. It's disgusting. Not quite baseball weather. So, by all means, use this last week and savor it because you're not exactly going to be that happy to be home when you step off that plane.
If the Tigers' bats start hitting well in that first week of the season, I will be downright shocked, if only because playing baseball in a Michigan April is hell. Playing in high school, the bat felt heavier and when you make contact, it stays with you the whole way around the bases, back into the dugout, and back into the field. If the sting is gone by the time the next time you're up to bat, it's lucky.
I'll tell you what though- the Tigers might not be ready, but I definitely am.
Tigs vs. The Jays
Small reminder to everyone with access to FSN Detroit- the Tigers will be playing the Blue Jays at 1 p.m. So, if you can find time to peel your eyes from CBS and the NCAA Tournament, turn it over to FSN and take in that beautiful Florida sunshine and green grass. Check back here later, maybe I'll offer up some opinions or something on the game.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Inge to the Dodgers?
According to the Detroit News, the LA Dodgers may have renewed interest in Brandon Inge after Nomar garciaparra came down with a hand injury. Poor Nomar seems to break something every year and he really is the Fredo Corleone of the of the A-Rod, Jeter, Nomar Shortstop Family from back in the late 1990s. But this might be the opportunity that Inge needs to get his shot to play every day.
I'm not the biggest Inge fan, but I respect what he's done for the organization and for the team. I can't remember how many times I've watched him strike out to end innings or hit a home run that completely shocks me- and the problem seems it never seems to be anything in between. I don't think that Brandon would allow himself to become a cancer on the team this year, but it would simply help everyone involved to get him out of Detroit to some place that he can play and be happy.
I know every female Tigers fan would be sad to see Inge go. As I type this, my friend Lindsay is nodding her head in agreement. Then again, this is the same girl who is in love with Huston Street because he is "so hot". I just love him because he let Magglio hit that homer in the ALCS. But, back to baseball. I would gladly trade the quality of women that has been coming down to Comerica Park in the past two years for a third basemen that hits above .250. Call me crazy.
We'll see how this plays out, but the rumor is out there.
I'm not the biggest Inge fan, but I respect what he's done for the organization and for the team. I can't remember how many times I've watched him strike out to end innings or hit a home run that completely shocks me- and the problem seems it never seems to be anything in between. I don't think that Brandon would allow himself to become a cancer on the team this year, but it would simply help everyone involved to get him out of Detroit to some place that he can play and be happy.
I know every female Tigers fan would be sad to see Inge go. As I type this, my friend Lindsay is nodding her head in agreement. Then again, this is the same girl who is in love with Huston Street because he is "so hot". I just love him because he let Magglio hit that homer in the ALCS. But, back to baseball. I would gladly trade the quality of women that has been coming down to Comerica Park in the past two years for a third basemen that hits above .250. Call me crazy.
We'll see how this plays out, but the rumor is out there.
The Arms Dealers
At this point last year, the Tigers were staring down the fact that Mike Maroth and Chad Durbin were the back end of the rotation. How things have changed. Maroth has morphed into Dontrelle Willis and Durbin changes into Nate Robertson. That's what the addition of Willis and the health of Kenny Rogers has done for a rotation that, at times last year, really struggled (aside from the consistency of Justin Verlander).
In 2006, the strength of the team was definitely the pitching staff. In 2007, the lineup was probably the best one in baseball. 2008? Both are looking extremely formidable. The ace of the staff is once again Justin Verlander, who has quickly developed into one of the best young arms in the MLB. Following him is Jeremy Bonderman, who is probably the biggest headache for Detroit fans. After those two come Rogers, Willis, and Roberston. Let's give them all a look, shall we?
Justin Verlander- Justin made the leap last year, going from Rookie of the Year to top-of-the-line ace. He's one of those guys that you do your best to get down to the park or to the TV to watch pitch because anything is possible. He no-hit the Brewers last year and ended up racking up 18 wins. With a solid pen backing him up, there's no doubt he would have had 20 wins. I'm fully expecting him to reach that milestone this year- it may be a high expectation but this kid deserves it.
Jeremy Bonderman-Bondo literally gives me headaches. If he could start the game in the second inning, he might not allow a run all season. If he would sit when he was hurt instead of doing his best to pitch through it, he might have won more than one game after the All-Star break. Jeremy might be the key to the whole pitching staff- he can develop his change-up, push away the mental block that he has in the first inning, and stay healthy for a full season, he could follow in Verlander's footsteps to making the leap. Of course, everyone needs to remember that he is still a kid: he's been around forever but he's only 25. The key for Bonderman is simply staying healthy. Like Leyland says, he could go from being simply a good major league pitcher to a great one if he can just produce consistently for a full season.
Kenny Rogers- Kenny is healthy, determined, and ready to go by all accounts. I read an article in the News a few weeks ago about how after missing a line drive in a game, Rogers went to one of the practice fields in Lakeland and worked on fielding from the mound until he was satisfied. That's what I love about the guy- he demands perfection from himself and instills that same need in his teammates. With all the young guys in this rotation, he really is one of the best guys to possibly have around to nurture them. It'd be great if Kenny could win upwards of 15 games this year (and he could), but what he gives the team off the field makes his on-field contributions simply an added bonus.
Dontrelle Willis- I honestly cannot believe that I'm writing him into the Tigers' rotation. Here's one of my favorite players in the league, if only because of the way he seems to play the game with such love and passion. To have a guy like this on the roster of the team I watch every day? It's a dream come true. Dontrelle had a down year last year and had been up and down periodically with the Marlins, but something tells me that coming to Detroit will take a lot of the pressure off of him and allow him to loosen up and just pitch. Not to mention the bats he's going to have scoring runs for him. I just love that this team is deep enough that someone who could be an ace or a two starter any where else in the league, and won 22 games just three seasons ago, is in the fourth spot here in Detroit. I'm not saying that the Tigers are stacked, but I'm just saying ...
Nate Robertson- Everyone's favorite gum chewer gets stuck with the five spot in the rotation, which is amazing considering that (like Willis) any where else in the league, he's definitely a top three starter. Last year, I really felt bad for Nate because, other than Verlander, he was probably the most consistent pitcher for the Tigers down the stretch. However, his record won't reflect that because, not only did he not get the run support that other Tiger starters enjoyed, but he probably had the bullpen blow more of his games than anybody else. If Nate stays healthy and doesn't have the rough time that he had in the middle of the season last year, he's probably going to be the best fifth starter in the league, hands down.
An argument could be made that this is the best rotation in the league on paper. I'd be in support of that, if a few conditionals go the Tigers way. Barring injury, the pitching dominance that we watched two seasons ago from the starting rotation has a very good chance of making itself seen again. I think a really big part of the potential for these guys is the fact that there was no World Series run last year- everyone has another month of rest under their belts. I really think that this could be the difference between missing the playoffs and another deep playoff run, and hopefully it is.
In 2006, the strength of the team was definitely the pitching staff. In 2007, the lineup was probably the best one in baseball. 2008? Both are looking extremely formidable. The ace of the staff is once again Justin Verlander, who has quickly developed into one of the best young arms in the MLB. Following him is Jeremy Bonderman, who is probably the biggest headache for Detroit fans. After those two come Rogers, Willis, and Roberston. Let's give them all a look, shall we?
Justin Verlander- Justin made the leap last year, going from Rookie of the Year to top-of-the-line ace. He's one of those guys that you do your best to get down to the park or to the TV to watch pitch because anything is possible. He no-hit the Brewers last year and ended up racking up 18 wins. With a solid pen backing him up, there's no doubt he would have had 20 wins. I'm fully expecting him to reach that milestone this year- it may be a high expectation but this kid deserves it.
Jeremy Bonderman-Bondo literally gives me headaches. If he could start the game in the second inning, he might not allow a run all season. If he would sit when he was hurt instead of doing his best to pitch through it, he might have won more than one game after the All-Star break. Jeremy might be the key to the whole pitching staff- he can develop his change-up, push away the mental block that he has in the first inning, and stay healthy for a full season, he could follow in Verlander's footsteps to making the leap. Of course, everyone needs to remember that he is still a kid: he's been around forever but he's only 25. The key for Bonderman is simply staying healthy. Like Leyland says, he could go from being simply a good major league pitcher to a great one if he can just produce consistently for a full season.
Kenny Rogers- Kenny is healthy, determined, and ready to go by all accounts. I read an article in the News a few weeks ago about how after missing a line drive in a game, Rogers went to one of the practice fields in Lakeland and worked on fielding from the mound until he was satisfied. That's what I love about the guy- he demands perfection from himself and instills that same need in his teammates. With all the young guys in this rotation, he really is one of the best guys to possibly have around to nurture them. It'd be great if Kenny could win upwards of 15 games this year (and he could), but what he gives the team off the field makes his on-field contributions simply an added bonus.
Dontrelle Willis- I honestly cannot believe that I'm writing him into the Tigers' rotation. Here's one of my favorite players in the league, if only because of the way he seems to play the game with such love and passion. To have a guy like this on the roster of the team I watch every day? It's a dream come true. Dontrelle had a down year last year and had been up and down periodically with the Marlins, but something tells me that coming to Detroit will take a lot of the pressure off of him and allow him to loosen up and just pitch. Not to mention the bats he's going to have scoring runs for him. I just love that this team is deep enough that someone who could be an ace or a two starter any where else in the league, and won 22 games just three seasons ago, is in the fourth spot here in Detroit. I'm not saying that the Tigers are stacked, but I'm just saying ...
Nate Robertson- Everyone's favorite gum chewer gets stuck with the five spot in the rotation, which is amazing considering that (like Willis) any where else in the league, he's definitely a top three starter. Last year, I really felt bad for Nate because, other than Verlander, he was probably the most consistent pitcher for the Tigers down the stretch. However, his record won't reflect that because, not only did he not get the run support that other Tiger starters enjoyed, but he probably had the bullpen blow more of his games than anybody else. If Nate stays healthy and doesn't have the rough time that he had in the middle of the season last year, he's probably going to be the best fifth starter in the league, hands down.
An argument could be made that this is the best rotation in the league on paper. I'd be in support of that, if a few conditionals go the Tigers way. Barring injury, the pitching dominance that we watched two seasons ago from the starting rotation has a very good chance of making itself seen again. I think a really big part of the potential for these guys is the fact that there was no World Series run last year- everyone has another month of rest under their belts. I really think that this could be the difference between missing the playoffs and another deep playoff run, and hopefully it is.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sheffield, Ordonez, Cabrera, Oh My!
The thing about the 2008 Detroit Tigers is that any sort of off-night will be considered unacceptable. Watching the game on ESPN yesterday, Jim Leyland set the lineup at Granderson, Polanco, Sheff, Mags, Cabrera, Guillen, Renteria, Pudge, and Jacque Jones (oh yeahhhh, him). One through eight, every one of those guys can (and probably should) hit above .300. Anybody else's mouth watering?
Let's go guy by guy in this lineup, set the expectations and such. We'll see where we go.
Curtis Granderson- There's no way that Curtis will go 20 homers, 20 triples, 20 steals, and 20+ doubles like he did last year. And he's coming off signing a massive contract in the off-season. All signs point to him having a down year, but if the strike outs keep going down and the batting average goes up, I think I'll be happy.
Placido Polanco- We all pretty much know what we're going to get from Polly by now- he'll hit .330+ and just be a professional in all senses of the word at the plate. He rivals Jeter for the best two-hole hitter in the league.
Gary Sheffield- During May, June, and early July, we got a taste of what Sheff can do. He'll say stupid things, but he will hit the ball, and he will hit it hard. His massive slump in April and injuries in August and September brought his numbers down and may have ultimately cost the Tigers a playoff spot. If Sheff stays healthy, the Tigers will be in good shape. Crazy understatement, I know.
Magglio Ordonez- There's no way Mags will have a year like last year. No way he'll come close. He's a career .312 hitter that hit .363 last year, good enough for AL Batting Champion, who was up around .390 at one point. If he stays around .300, keeps healthy, and doesn't screw up too much in right field, I'll keep my promise to make my first son's middle name Magglio.
Miguel Cabrera- Oh god, this makes me so happy. Going from Brandon Inge at the plate to Miggy is like going from driving a Volkswagen Beetle to a Ferrari. Cabrera has something no one else in this lineup has- a World Series MVP trophy. And he got that when he was 20. I just don't think it was the greatest idea to send a guy who has weight problems to one of the fattest cities in America. Stay away from American Coney Island, Miggy, and you'll be fine.
Carlos Guillen- Another guy that we know what we're getting with. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carlos' power numbers go up a bit now that he's at first base instead of shortstop, if only because it's more of a power position. The rap on Guillen has always been if he's healthy, he'll be great. On the bright side, if he's hurt, his back up is now Marcus Thames and not Ramon Santiago.
Edgar Renteria- I remember thinking before we got him that if the Tigers traded for Renteria, there was a good chance the Tigers would win the division. Looks like he was just the first piece. I'm a bit worried about the adjustment to the AL, since his one year with Boston was, shall we say, not so great. If he comes close to the numbers he had last year (when he hit .332 with Atlanta), that would be pretty good production from the seven spot. Also an understatement.
Pudge Rodriguez- Can't believe that this guy is really in the eight spot. The great thing about Pudge is that he wants to win so badly, he really doesn't care where he hits. That's the great thing about Leyland- he could tell Pudge to dive from the Goodyear blimp into the Fountain in centerfield, and he'd probably do it. I just pray Rodriguez stays healthy so the Brandon Inge, Disgruntled Catcher show doesn't make an appearance in Detroit. (Inge deserves his own post, by the by)
Jacque Jones- Honestly, I don't know that much about Jacque. I watched him for years in Minnesota and he was a pretty solid hitter, but never really scared me. He's a career .280 hitter coming off of back-to-back years of hitting .285 in the NL with the Cubbies. He's hitting about 20 homers per year, except last year when he had a down power year with just five. He's not in the Friendly Confines any more, so the homers might stay where they're at, but something tells me the Tigers won't really be hurting for those this year.
Quite simply, from one to nine, the Tigers have the best lineup in Major League Baseball. On paper. Always have to say on paper, of course. Tomorrow I'll go over the rotation. Welcome back to The Light Tower, it's finally baseball season.
Let's go guy by guy in this lineup, set the expectations and such. We'll see where we go.
Curtis Granderson- There's no way that Curtis will go 20 homers, 20 triples, 20 steals, and 20+ doubles like he did last year. And he's coming off signing a massive contract in the off-season. All signs point to him having a down year, but if the strike outs keep going down and the batting average goes up, I think I'll be happy.
Placido Polanco- We all pretty much know what we're going to get from Polly by now- he'll hit .330+ and just be a professional in all senses of the word at the plate. He rivals Jeter for the best two-hole hitter in the league.
Gary Sheffield- During May, June, and early July, we got a taste of what Sheff can do. He'll say stupid things, but he will hit the ball, and he will hit it hard. His massive slump in April and injuries in August and September brought his numbers down and may have ultimately cost the Tigers a playoff spot. If Sheff stays healthy, the Tigers will be in good shape. Crazy understatement, I know.
Magglio Ordonez- There's no way Mags will have a year like last year. No way he'll come close. He's a career .312 hitter that hit .363 last year, good enough for AL Batting Champion, who was up around .390 at one point. If he stays around .300, keeps healthy, and doesn't screw up too much in right field, I'll keep my promise to make my first son's middle name Magglio.
Miguel Cabrera- Oh god, this makes me so happy. Going from Brandon Inge at the plate to Miggy is like going from driving a Volkswagen Beetle to a Ferrari. Cabrera has something no one else in this lineup has- a World Series MVP trophy. And he got that when he was 20. I just don't think it was the greatest idea to send a guy who has weight problems to one of the fattest cities in America. Stay away from American Coney Island, Miggy, and you'll be fine.
Carlos Guillen- Another guy that we know what we're getting with. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carlos' power numbers go up a bit now that he's at first base instead of shortstop, if only because it's more of a power position. The rap on Guillen has always been if he's healthy, he'll be great. On the bright side, if he's hurt, his back up is now Marcus Thames and not Ramon Santiago.
Edgar Renteria- I remember thinking before we got him that if the Tigers traded for Renteria, there was a good chance the Tigers would win the division. Looks like he was just the first piece. I'm a bit worried about the adjustment to the AL, since his one year with Boston was, shall we say, not so great. If he comes close to the numbers he had last year (when he hit .332 with Atlanta), that would be pretty good production from the seven spot. Also an understatement.
Pudge Rodriguez- Can't believe that this guy is really in the eight spot. The great thing about Pudge is that he wants to win so badly, he really doesn't care where he hits. That's the great thing about Leyland- he could tell Pudge to dive from the Goodyear blimp into the Fountain in centerfield, and he'd probably do it. I just pray Rodriguez stays healthy so the Brandon Inge, Disgruntled Catcher show doesn't make an appearance in Detroit. (Inge deserves his own post, by the by)
Jacque Jones- Honestly, I don't know that much about Jacque. I watched him for years in Minnesota and he was a pretty solid hitter, but never really scared me. He's a career .280 hitter coming off of back-to-back years of hitting .285 in the NL with the Cubbies. He's hitting about 20 homers per year, except last year when he had a down power year with just five. He's not in the Friendly Confines any more, so the homers might stay where they're at, but something tells me the Tigers won't really be hurting for those this year.
Quite simply, from one to nine, the Tigers have the best lineup in Major League Baseball. On paper. Always have to say on paper, of course. Tomorrow I'll go over the rotation. Welcome back to The Light Tower, it's finally baseball season.
Hi, I'm Back
Yes, yes, yes, it's about that time again. Baseball season is swiftly closing in and at the behest of my father, I've decided to start this puppy back up again. I'd like to apologize for suddenly disappearing last year and this time things will be different. I know it'll be hard to trust me, baby, but I know we can make it, don't worry.
I'll start previewing shit later tonight, maybe I'll do the lineup or the rotation or the fucking bullpen (which is on the fast track to become the new Neifi Fucking Perez). We'll see.
I've got the baseball bug. Do you?
I'll start previewing shit later tonight, maybe I'll do the lineup or the rotation or the fucking bullpen (which is on the fast track to become the new Neifi Fucking Perez). We'll see.
I've got the baseball bug. Do you?
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