***Officialish Detroit Tigers Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Gopher State]

What first pitch and JV gives up a tator, no looking good

 

[Anthony Borbely]

The number of terrible at bats this team takes is ridiculous. I can't believe McClendon still has a job.

 

[skillz]

I was at the game on Saturday and those two bombs Cabrera hit were things of beauty. Man, can he hit a ball on a rope. Those two HR's just keep going and going. Unfortunately, he is one of the few bright spots on this team right now. The injuries are starting to mount which isn't good considering the depth on this team is putrid - way too many guys are underperforming - hitters and pitchers. They've had to have called up at least 10 Mudhens this season already. Unreal. The mental errors this team makes just driver me nuts - such as Cabrera getting thrown out on 3B on Sat. and the play today where the ball got thrown past 3B and JV didn't properly back it up so Cano scored. I could go on and on, but when you play good teams the margin for error is so low and plays like that could cost them games they can ill afford to throw away at this point.

Bottom line is this team needs to win its division series, and avoid being swept. If it can take care of business by beating teams within its division (easier said than done at this point) and hang around within striking distance of first place, they will always have a chance.

Oh, and I heard on the radio today that Delmon swings at 40% of every first pitch - I thought it was way more than that. MLB average is about 25%.

 

[Gopher State]

Verlander has lost three straight starts for the first time since dropping four in a row in 2008. :(

 

[tri-man 47]

Are we still ahead of KC?

And ..why bring JV out for the 7th inning? We're down 5-1, he isn't throwing well, and he's over 100 pitches. What's the point?

 

[jon_mx]

Are we still ahead of KC?And ..why bring JV out for the 7th inning? We're down 5-1, he isn't throwing well, and he's over 100 pitches. What's the point?

Verlander has a long streak going of making it through 6 innings, but yeah going into the 7th was pointless.

 

[Bojang0301]

Are we still ahead of KC?And ..why bring JV out for the 7th inning? We're down 5-1, he isn't throwing well, and he's over 100 pitches. What's the point?

Answer: JIM....LEYLAND

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Link

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland frustrated with team's lack of adjustments in 5-1 loss to New York Yankees

DETROIT -- Jim Leyland isn't one to point fingers and place blame after a loss, but it was pretty clear Sunday that he was disappointed with his team’s left-handed hitters.

Unlike a common problem in the past, the Detroit Tigers didn’t struggle with stranding runners on base.

That’s because they didn’t have many runners to strand.

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes threw a four-hitter Sunday, bullying the Tigers for nine innings in a 5-1 loss that dropped Detroit four games below .500.

Leyland didn't want to downplay Hughes' nine-strikeout start, but said the shorthanded Tigers were well aware of Hughes' game plan.

He was going to pound fastballs inside to left-handed hitters, Leyland said.

And, he did. But, the Tigers couldn't and didn't do anything about it.

"He did it all day and we made absolutely no adjustment to it," Leyland said.

With a strong wind blowing out to right field, Leyland suggested a left-handed hitter slide open to get ahead on a pitch, suggesting a deep drive would be aided by a strong gust.

"The wind was blowing 800 mph, the ball was flying out of the ballpark and we were sitting there fighting it off like we have a hit-and-run on," he said. "That was disappointing."

Leyland excused Fielder from his targeted group, which put the focus on left-handed hitters Quintin Berry, Don Kelly and Brennan Boesch.

"We kept flicking popups to left field, instead of someone looking in there and turning on one," he said.

The trio went a combined 0-for-10 with a walk and three strikeouts, stranding three runners. Fielder went 1-for-4, but scored the Tigers' lone run with a fourth-inning homer.

"Our left-handers -- aside from Prince -- had bad at-bats," Leyland said.

Hughes has allowed at least one homer in all 11 starts this season, but he kept the shorthanded Tigers off base, limiting three of their four hits to singles.

"I was disappointed," he said. "We were chicken-winging popups to the opposite field. That’s not good. I’m sorry. That’s just not good enough."

Asked whether Leyland talked to each hitter about making the necessary in-game adjustments, he expressed caution about offering suggestions before an at-bat.

"It’s hard right before an at-bat to get in some guy’s mind and tell him you have to do 'this,'" he said.

Instead, Leyland planned to pull a couple players aside in the next day or so, but said the onus is on the player to be able to recognize the need to make in-game adjustments.

"We’ll talk about it, but not right now," Leyland said. "Some of those left-handed hitters are frustrated, but it is a game of adjustments, and we never took him out of his game plan."

Sounds like a job for the hitting coach.

 

[Bojang0301]

Link

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland frustrated with team's lack of adjustments in 5-1 loss to New York Yankees

DETROIT -- Jim Leyland isn't one to point fingers and place blame after a loss, but it was pretty clear Sunday that he was disappointed with his team’s left-handed hitters.

Unlike a common problem in the past, the Detroit Tigers didn’t struggle with stranding runners on base.

That’s because they didn’t have many runners to strand.

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes threw a four-hitter Sunday, bullying the Tigers for nine innings in a 5-1 loss that dropped Detroit four games below .500.

Leyland didn't want to downplay Hughes' nine-strikeout start, but said the shorthanded Tigers were well aware of Hughes' game plan.

He was going to pound fastballs inside to left-handed hitters, Leyland said.

And, he did. But, the Tigers couldn't and didn't do anything about it.

"He did it all day and we made absolutely no adjustment to it," Leyland said.

With a strong wind blowing out to right field, Leyland suggested a left-handed hitter slide open to get ahead on a pitch, suggesting a deep drive would be aided by a strong gust.

"The wind was blowing 800 mph, the ball was flying out of the ballpark and we were sitting there fighting it off like we have a hit-and-run on," he said. "That was disappointing."

Leyland excused Fielder from his targeted group, which put the focus on left-handed hitters Quintin Berry, Don Kelly and Brennan Boesch.

"We kept flicking popups to left field, instead of someone looking in there and turning on one," he said.

The trio went a combined 0-for-10 with a walk and three strikeouts, stranding three runners. Fielder went 1-for-4, but scored the Tigers' lone run with a fourth-inning homer.

"Our left-handers -- aside from Prince -- had bad at-bats," Leyland said.

Hughes has allowed at least one homer in all 11 starts this season, but he kept the shorthanded Tigers off base, limiting three of their four hits to singles.

"I was disappointed," he said. "We were chicken-winging popups to the opposite field. That’s not good. I’m sorry. That’s just not good enough."

Asked whether Leyland talked to each hitter about making the necessary in-game adjustments, he expressed caution about offering suggestions before an at-bat.

"It’s hard right before an at-bat to get in some guy’s mind and tell him you have to do 'this,'" he said.

Instead, Leyland planned to pull a couple players aside in the next day or so, but said the onus is on the player to be able to recognize the need to make in-game adjustments.

"We’ll talk about it, but not right now," Leyland said. "Some of those left-handed hitters are frustrated, but it is a game of adjustments, and we never took him out of his game plan."

Sounds like a job for the hitting coach.

Sure does. If these woes continue something has to give.

 

[skillz]

Link

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland frustrated with team's lack of adjustments in 5-1 loss to New York Yankees

DETROIT -- Jim Leyland isn't one to point fingers and place blame after a loss, but it was pretty clear Sunday that he was disappointed with his team’s left-handed hitters.

Unlike a common problem in the past, the Detroit Tigers didn’t struggle with stranding runners on base.

That’s because they didn’t have many runners to strand.

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes threw a four-hitter Sunday, bullying the Tigers for nine innings in a 5-1 loss that dropped Detroit four games below .500.

Leyland didn't want to downplay Hughes' nine-strikeout start, but said the shorthanded Tigers were well aware of Hughes' game plan.

He was going to pound fastballs inside to left-handed hitters, Leyland said.

And, he did. But, the Tigers couldn't and didn't do anything about it.

"He did it all day and we made absolutely no adjustment to it," Leyland said.

With a strong wind blowing out to right field, Leyland suggested a left-handed hitter slide open to get ahead on a pitch, suggesting a deep drive would be aided by a strong gust.

"The wind was blowing 800 mph, the ball was flying out of the ballpark and we were sitting there fighting it off like we have a hit-and-run on," he said. "That was disappointing."

Leyland excused Fielder from his targeted group, which put the focus on left-handed hitters Quintin Berry, Don Kelly and Brennan Boesch.

"We kept flicking popups to left field, instead of someone looking in there and turning on one," he said.

The trio went a combined 0-for-10 with a walk and three strikeouts, stranding three runners. Fielder went 1-for-4, but scored the Tigers' lone run with a fourth-inning homer.

"Our left-handers -- aside from Prince -- had bad at-bats," Leyland said.

Hughes has allowed at least one homer in all 11 starts this season, but he kept the shorthanded Tigers off base, limiting three of their four hits to singles.

"I was disappointed," he said. "We were chicken-winging popups to the opposite field. That’s not good. I’m sorry. That’s just not good enough."

Asked whether Leyland talked to each hitter about making the necessary in-game adjustments, he expressed caution about offering suggestions before an at-bat.

"It’s hard right before an at-bat to get in some guy’s mind and tell him you have to do 'this,'" he said.

Instead, Leyland planned to pull a couple players aside in the next day or so, but said the onus is on the player to be able to recognize the need to make in-game adjustments.

"We’ll talk about it, but not right now," Leyland said. "Some of those left-handed hitters are frustrated, but it is a game of adjustments, and we never took him out of his game plan."

Sounds like a job for the hitting coach.

They should have fired Lloyd already. At his point, they are wasting games that they can ill afford to at this point in the season. They are the most disappointing team in MLB and yet there have been no changes among the coaching staff. Something has to give because the status quo isn't working. The Angels started out terribly, fired their hitting coach and are now finally over .500 and in 2nd place. Go figure.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Season on the brink

 

[Da Guru]

Right now they have to do something just to do something. The Angels canned their longtime hitting coach Mickey Hatcher who was best friends with the manager after a very slow start. I would can Lloyd and Lamont to try to light some fire under this team.

Where is Billy Martin when you need him.

 

[tri-man 47]

Right now they have to do something just to do something. The Angels canned their longtime hitting coach Mickey Hatcher who was best friends with the manager after a very slow start. I would can Lloyd and Lamont to try to light some fire under this team.Where is Billy Martin when you need him.

It's probably a good time for something. 3 against the Tribe, then 15 against the NL ...make some kind of change before settling back into the AL cycle.What's scary is that our big three are doing what they're supposed to ...but we still sit below .500 and in third place. We need a few more .275-.285 hitters instead of all these .235s and below .200s.

 

[whoknew]

Ugh. Its not even enjoyable watching these guys right now. Its like work.

We do an annual Tiger road trip and we are going to Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks. I sure hope they turn it on by then.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Right now they have to do something just to do something. The Angels canned their longtime hitting coach Mickey Hatcher who was best friends with the manager after a very slow start. I would can Lloyd and Lamont to try to light some fire under this team.Where is Billy Martin when you need him.

It's probably a good time for something. 3 against the Tribe, then 15 against the NL ...make some kind of change before settling back into the AL cycle.What's scary is that our big three are doing what they're supposed to ...but we still sit below .500 and in third place. We need a few more .275-.285 hitters instead of all these .235s and below .200s.

You nailed it, the "other guys" all seem to be off this year after a solid 2011 for the most part.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Imagine if you will, all Tigers healthy and able to play......

How does the OF / DH fall into place?

CF is obviously AJAX, after that, it's a bunch of ???

i saw a report today saying that they're going to look at Berry as a possible everyday LF

Young sucks

When is Dirks back? Is he just looking at the 15 days? Does that turn into a platoon of some sorts?

Same with Boesch in terms of a platoon, or even just playing his way out of a job.

Don Kelly, back to the minors?

 

[whoknew]

Imagine if you will, all Tigers healthy and able to play......How does the OF / DH fall into place?CF is obviously AJAX, after that, it's a bunch of ???i saw a report today saying that they're going to look at Berry as a possible everyday LFYoung sucksWhen is Dirks back? Is he just looking at the 15 days? Does that turn into a platoon of some sorts?Same with Boesch in terms of a platoon, or even just playing his way out of a job. Don Kelly, back to the minors?

They will just play the hot hand. Berry is obviously on fire right now - but that will end. Sooner rather than later, I imagine. And then he will just be a bench guy.Once everyone is healthy, it will likely be Dirks/AJax/Boesch. With Berry to spell them/late innings/speed. I think they'll keep Kelly because he is so versatile and release Young.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Same old story...a bunch of horrible at bats.

 

[tri-man 47]

Young sucks

Which one? It's like we're starting a collection of 'em.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Link

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland defends hitting coach Lloyd McClendon, understands fans' frustration

DETROIT -- There’s plenty of people to blame for the Detroit Tigers’ poor start.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland made it clear Tuesday that hitting coach Lloyd McClendon isn’t one of them.

"Lloyd McClendon is an outstanding hitting coach," he said. "He’s the same hitting coach he was last year when guys were having career years."

Asked whether the criticism towards McClendon and the Tigers’ coaching staff has been overblown, Leyland said it’s warranted, but the blame has been misdirected.

"It usually starts with the manager, the coaches, the pitchers, the catchers, the infielders, the outfielders," Leyland said. "We’re all in cahoots together."

Leyland came to his hitting coach’s defense Tuesday, saying McClendon has his players' respect and he has them prepared on a daily basis.

"Nobody’s going to outwork him," he said. "There’s nobody’s going to outsmart him when it comes to hitting."

Leyland’s comments come a day after Dave Dombrowski defended McClendon, suggesting the team’s offensive struggles had little to do with the former Pittsburgh Pirates manager.

"I will assure you Lloyd McClendon is not our problem," Dombrowski told The Detroit News on Monday. "He's the same hitting coach who's been there when we've had players lead the league in hitting."

Leyland said as much during his pregame media session Tuesday.

"Lloyd McClendon all of a sudden forgot everything about hitting over the winter? That doesn’t make any sense," Leyland said. "Everybody wants to change. The minute something doesn’t go right, they want a change."

As a team, the Tigers are batting .265 -- the league’s seventh-best average this season. It’s not far off from the .277 average they combined to hit as a team last year.

"If you’d have talked to the people about Lloyd McClendon as a hitting coach last year, and you would’ve had a poll, they would’ve probably gave him a five-year contract," Leyland said.

Last year, the Tigers batted. 280 with runners in scoring position. This year? They’re batting .281 -- the third-best average in the American League.

But it’s the clutch hitting that has haunted the Tigers this season.

With runners in scoring position and two outs, the Tigers are a hitting a division-worst .233. And, with the bases loaded, the Tigers are batting .108 -- last in the majors.

It’s quite a downfall, considering the Tigers’ hit .328 with the bases loaded last season -- the fifth-best average in the league.

Part of the problem, Leyland said, is when a player doesn’t make the necessary in-game adjustments at the plate. He pointed to Sunday’s loss, suggesting several left-handed hitters played right into New York right-hander Phil Hughes’ game plan.

"Every player out there will have a report. Every player knows what he’s done to them in the past," he said. "It’s a matter of execution. It’s a matter of doing it."

Hughes continued to pitch fastball inside to left-handers, Leyland said. Knowing that, a batter should have slid open and tried to turn on one.

"At some point, you say, ‘I’m going to look in there and turn on one.’ You don’t just keep fighting it off, getting jammed, and popping the ball up to left field," he said.

Sunday marked the first third of the season, and the Tigers were four games below .500 and six games behind the division-leading White Sox. Leyland acknowledged the team’s slow start Tuesday and said fans have every right to upset at their lack of production.

"It’s my responsibility to get the team clicking -- and we haven’t got it clicking," Leyland said. "And I scratch my head.

"I know there are several reasons why. If you look at numbers, it explains some things. But I’m still responsible for that. So you’ve got to take your heat. I don’t have any problem with that."

Ridiculous....especially since he fired Knapp last year when the pitching was the problem.

 

[Bojang0301]

Link

Detroit Tigers' Jim Leyland defends hitting coach Lloyd McClendon, understands fans' frustration

DETROIT -- There’s plenty of people to blame for the Detroit Tigers’ poor start.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland made it clear Tuesday that hitting coach Lloyd McClendon isn’t one of them.

"Lloyd McClendon is an outstanding hitting coach," he said. "He’s the same hitting coach he was last year when guys were having career years."

Asked whether the criticism towards McClendon and the Tigers’ coaching staff has been overblown, Leyland said it’s warranted, but the blame has been misdirected.

"It usually starts with the manager, the coaches, the pitchers, the catchers, the infielders, the outfielders," Leyland said. "We’re all in cahoots together."

Leyland came to his hitting coach’s defense Tuesday, saying McClendon has his players' respect and he has them prepared on a daily basis.

"Nobody’s going to outwork him," he said. "There’s nobody’s going to outsmart him when it comes to hitting."

Leyland’s comments come a day after Dave Dombrowski defended McClendon, suggesting the team’s offensive struggles had little to do with the former Pittsburgh Pirates manager.

"I will assure you Lloyd McClendon is not our problem," Dombrowski told The Detroit News on Monday. "He's the same hitting coach who's been there when we've had players lead the league in hitting."

Leyland said as much during his pregame media session Tuesday.

"Lloyd McClendon all of a sudden forgot everything about hitting over the winter? That doesn’t make any sense," Leyland said. "Everybody wants to change. The minute something doesn’t go right, they want a change."

As a team, the Tigers are batting .265 -- the league’s seventh-best average this season. It’s not far off from the .277 average they combined to hit as a team last year.

"If you’d have talked to the people about Lloyd McClendon as a hitting coach last year, and you would’ve had a poll, they would’ve probably gave him a five-year contract," Leyland said.

Last year, the Tigers batted. 280 with runners in scoring position. This year? They’re batting .281 -- the third-best average in the American League.

But it’s the clutch hitting that has haunted the Tigers this season.

With runners in scoring position and two outs, the Tigers are a hitting a division-worst .233. And, with the bases loaded, the Tigers are batting .108 -- last in the majors.

It’s quite a downfall, considering the Tigers’ hit .328 with the bases loaded last season -- the fifth-best average in the league.

Part of the problem, Leyland said, is when a player doesn’t make the necessary in-game adjustments at the plate. He pointed to Sunday’s loss, suggesting several left-handed hitters played right into New York right-hander Phil Hughes’ game plan.

"Every player out there will have a report. Every player knows what he’s done to them in the past," he said. "It’s a matter of execution. It’s a matter of doing it."

Hughes continued to pitch fastball inside to left-handers, Leyland said. Knowing that, a batter should have slid open and tried to turn on one.

"At some point, you say, ‘I’m going to look in there and turn on one.’ You don’t just keep fighting it off, getting jammed, and popping the ball up to left field," he said.

Sunday marked the first third of the season, and the Tigers were four games below .500 and six games behind the division-leading White Sox. Leyland acknowledged the team’s slow start Tuesday and said fans have every right to upset at their lack of production.

"It’s my responsibility to get the team clicking -- and we haven’t got it clicking," Leyland said. "And I scratch my head.

"I know there are several reasons why. If you look at numbers, it explains some things. But I’m still responsible for that. So you’ve got to take your heat. I don’t have any problem with that."

Ridiculous....especially since he fired Knapp last year when the pitching was the problem.

Rick Knapp was never struck me as a Leyland guy. More so an outsider who was hired by DD who thought Knapp's years of success developing Twins pitchers would prove fruitful for a young Detroit staff. What I think is more rediculous is Jimmy saying Lloyd's success in the past. I don't believe that the high BA has anything to do with Lloyd but rather the talent at the top. During his tenure the lineup at large remains undisciplined and not acting as a catalyst for Miggy, Prince or VMart last year.

 

[whoknew]

The biggest indictment of McClendon - and why I think he's awful - is look what happened when Granderson went to NYY. He could do NOTHING against lefties with the Tigers.

In 2009, Granderson had a 39 OPS+ v lefties. Last year - 184. This year - 188.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Link

Third baseman Nick Castellanos named Detroit Tigers Minor League Player of Month for May

Nick Castellanos is off to a good start for Double-A Erie. But he is still getting attention for how he performed for Single-A Lakeland.

Castellanos has been named the Detroit Tigers Minor League Player of the Month for May. Tyler Clark, a Lakeland right-hander, earned Pitcher of the Month honors.

Castellanos went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI on Tuesday night in his first game for Erie after being promoted from Lakeland the day before.

Castellanos led the Florida State League in batting average (.405), hits (87), total bases (119), on-base percentage (.461), slugging percentage (.553) and OPS (1.014) before the Tigers moved him to Erie.

Clark is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 14 appearances for Lakeland. He has 27 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched and has a WHIP of 0.955.

 

[Da Guru]

The sad thing is the Tigers are not that fun to watch. They really do not do anything well. Other than Miggy who is always fun to watch bat Berry is the guy that shows some spark.

About Prince. The guy can hit and the is no doubt he is very solid at the plate.. but he is not driving the ball all over the place like he did in the NL. Plus his fielding is so much worse than I thought it would be.

Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.

I really hope they can turn it around but I don`t see this team putting a couple 4-5 game win streaks or 7-10 a couple of times together.

 

[Gopher State]

1B Prince Fielder led American League players at his position in balloting for this summer's All-Star Game with 1,027,070 votes, according to first results released Tuesday by Major League Baseball. Great get to watch stone hands in the all star game

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.

Mr I. makes most of big the decisions, we just watch and hope they are right in the long haul.

 

[whoknew]

The sad thing is the Tigers are not that fun to watch. They really do not do anything well. Other than Miggy who is always fun to watch bat Berry is the guy that shows some spark.About Prince. The guy can hit and the is no doubt he is very solid at the plate.. but he is not driving the ball all over the place like he did in the NL. Plus his fielding is so much worse than I thought it would be.Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.I really hope they can turn it around but I don`t see this team putting a couple 4-5 game win streaks or 7-10 a couple of times together.

Yea I think they are going to have to move Prince to DH and Cabrera back to 1B. Even though Cabrera has been ok at 3b - Prince is so bad at 1B, he is really hurting them.

 

[MAC_32]

The sad thing is the Tigers are not that fun to watch. They really do not do anything well. Other than Miggy who is always fun to watch bat Berry is the guy that shows some spark.About Prince. The guy can hit and the is no doubt he is very solid at the plate.. but he is not driving the ball all over the place like he did in the NL. Plus his fielding is so much worse than I thought it would be.Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.I really hope they can turn it around but I don`t see this team putting a couple 4-5 game win streaks or 7-10 a couple of times together.

Yea I think they are going to have to move Prince to DH and Cabrera back to 1B. Even though Cabrera has been ok at 3b - Prince is so bad at 1B, he is really hurting them.

That, and our DH is awful.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Not owning Max has been such a pleasure.

 

[Da Guru]

The sad thing is the Tigers are not that fun to watch. They really do not do anything well. Other than Miggy who is always fun to watch bat Berry is the guy that shows some spark.About Prince. The guy can hit and the is no doubt he is very solid at the plate.. but he is not driving the ball all over the place like he did in the NL. Plus his fielding is so much worse than I thought it would be.Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.I really hope they can turn it around but I don`t see this team putting a couple 4-5 game win streaks or 7-10 a couple of times together.

Yea I think they are going to have to move Prince to DH and Cabrera back to 1B. Even though Cabrera has been ok at 3b - Prince is so bad at 1B, he is really hurting them.

Then we have V-Mart coming back. Actually V-Mart would be an upgrade at 1B over Fielder. May have to DH Prince...lot of money for a DH. The Tigers just can`t take away any runs on defense. Delmon and BB are butchers in the outfield. Prince is below average at 1B, Peratla is very average at best and Miggy is a below average third baseman but an above average first baseman.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

The sad thing is the Tigers are not that fun to watch. They really do not do anything well. Other than Miggy who is always fun to watch bat Berry is the guy that shows some spark.About Prince. The guy can hit and the is no doubt he is very solid at the plate.. but he is not driving the ball all over the place like he did in the NL. Plus his fielding is so much worse than I thought it would be.Like Dombrowski said in Jan. I love Prince but he is not a good fit for this team in terms of positions. I think he may have been correct. That 210 million could have bought Reyes and a couple of other guys. Mike Ilitch overruled him though.I really hope they can turn it around but I don`t see this team putting a couple 4-5 game win streaks or 7-10 a couple of times together.

Yea I think they are going to have to move Prince to DH and Cabrera back to 1B. Even though Cabrera has been ok at 3b - Prince is so bad at 1B, he is really hurting them.

Then we have V-Mart coming back. Actually V-Mart would be an upgrade at 1B over Fielder. May have to DH Prince...lot of money for a DH. The Tigers just can`t take away any runs on defense. Delmon and BB are butchers in the outfield. Prince is below average at 1B, Peratla is very average at best and Miggy is a below average third baseman but an above average first baseman.

Dirks-Jackson-BerryMiggy-JP-Ramon/Worth-V-MartAvila/LardDH - FielderHate to say it but that might be your best overall unit going forward when V-mart returns.

 

[MAC_32]

Dirks-Jackson-BerryMiggy-JP-Ramon/Worth-V-MartAvila/LardDH - FielderHate to say it but that might be your best defensive unit going forward when V-mart returns.

Victor won't be playing the field.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Dirks-Jackson-BerryMiggy-JP-Ramon/Worth-V-MartAvila/LardDH - FielderHate to say it but that might be your best defensive unit going forward when V-mart returns.

Victor won't be playing the field.

Well then we be stuck with Fielder at 1st, no place else to hide him.

 

[Limp Ditka]

When's the last time this team threw up a 4 spot, let alone in the first?

 

[Ceiling Cat]

this is where it all turns around

 

[Limp Ditka]

this is where it all turns around

Because you lit up Derek Lowe?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Actually Derek Lowe had allowed two or less earned runs in 8 starts this year. And given the way this team hits the likes of Ubaldo, anything more than three runs is exceptional.

I was there the last two days, I don't think they should have won today and Leyland pulling Villarreal after he had given up a soft single after retiring four batters throwing 18 strikes and just two balls, was idiotic. Why bring in Coke for a match-up when you are up five runs and Villarreal is dealing? Play the hot hand Jimmy, don't channel 1978 Sparky Anderson for advice.

Too many injuries right now, AJAX should be back next week and Dirks soon after. Avila hasn't been right all year IMO and they should sit him for awhile. Boesch had some nice swings today but he's been mostly terrible with the pop ups and I just plain despise Delmon. Maybe he's not as bad as I make him out to be but he just seems to come up with a ground out when he is needed most (did have an RBI in 1st today). Move Berry to LF, Dirks to RF and Boesch to a platoon with the Jew hater. Berry has earned an extended look and he damn well better get it.

Crosby pitched well enough, the walks are going to be an issue with him in the next year or two but he has really good stuff and he stayed calm today when he could have melted down. Having your major league debut as a walk machine versus the New York Yankees isn't fair either, not sure who had that bright idea.

Valverde shaved that stupid beard and has had two good outings in a row, but Benoit is still the only guy I trust late in games.

VMART has an MRI scheduled for later this month that will determine his rehab and if he'll be able to play. Him sitting on the bench for games seems somewhat encouraging, I think he generally believes he'll be able to contribute in 2012.

This team generally stinks but I do think they will make a run. But they can't lose five of six to the likes of Cleveland which doesn't impress me one iota. White Sux will stop hitting, Royals have no pitching and the Twins look like a Tigers team from the early 2000s.

 

[Da Guru]

Does this lineup strike fear in opposing pitchers?

Quintin Berry, CF 4 1 1 0 0 2 1 .306

Brennan Boesch, RF 4 2 2 1 0 0 0 .227

Miguel Cabrera, 3B 4 1 1 2 0 1 2 .323

Prince Fielder, 1B 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 .318

Delmon Young, DH 4 0 1 1 0 2 1 .261

Jhonny Peralta, SS 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 .264

Don Kelly, LF-RF 3 0 1 1 1 0 2 .184

Danny Worth, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 1 2 .190

Bryan Holaday, C 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167

 

[Gopher State]

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Wilson Valdez scored Miguel Cairo with a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

Cairo opened the inning with a triple before Valdez pushed one up the first- base line. Prince Fielder's throw was late as Cairo slid around the tag at home to seal the win.

"That was a great execution. That guy knows how to play baseball," Reds manager Dusty Baker said about Valdez. Tigers will not win the central with fielder at first, tigers can't count on him to make the game changing plays

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Wilson Valdez scored Miguel Cairo with a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

Cairo opened the inning with a triple before Valdez pushed one up the first- base line. Prince Fielder's throw was late as Cairo slid around the tag at home to seal the win.

"That was a great execution. That guy knows how to play baseball," Reds manager Dusty Baker said about Valdez. Tigers will not win the central with fielder at first, tigers can't count on him to make the game changing plays

If you're going to post all this crap in this thread, can you at least isolate the link/article from your mind-numbing personal opinions? TIA and take Raider Nation with you on the way out the door.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

AJAX is a beast.

Dusty Baker is worse at handling the bullpen than Leyland is, that's hard to do.

 

[MAC_32]

Schulman said it, if we pull this one off this could be a springboard game. Very winnable week ahead too.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Schulman said it, if we pull this one off this could be a springboard game. Very winnable week ahead too.

They showed a lot this weekend, they hit when they needed to and they came back in every game winning the last two. Getting to that insane Reds bullpen was nice, Boesch with a great at bat and several others like Matt Young with solid plate appearances. That rally was everyone but the two big guys, that's what is encouraging. Also good job by the bullpen, tough when your starter is out with an injury after three innings. Kind of a rough outing for Marte but Villarreal was solid once again, and Benoit was terrific as usual. Valverde looks different since his injury, seems like he might be ok now after looking terrible the first two months. They need to have a 4-2 week or better, no question.

 

[Limp Ditka]

AJAX is a beast.

Dusty Baker is worse at handling the bullpen than Leyland is, that's hard to do.

He's one dumb m-fer.

 

[tri-man 47]

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Wilson Valdez scored Miguel Cairo with a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

Cairo opened the inning with a triple before Valdez pushed one up the first- base line. Prince Fielder's throw was late as Cairo slid around the tag at home to seal the win.

"That was a great execution. That guy knows how to play baseball," Reds manager Dusty Baker said about Valdez. Tigers will not win the central with fielder at first, tigers can't count on him to make the game changing plays

...except to do the splits to haul in a tough throw late in the game to keep a key runner off base.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Schulman said it, if we pull this one off this could be a springboard game. Very winnable week ahead too.

They showed a lot this weekend, they hit when they needed to and they came back in every game winning the last two. Getting to that insane Reds bullpen was nice, Boesch with a great at bat and several others like Matt Young with solid plate appearances. That rally was everyone but the two big guys, that's what is encouraging. Also good job by the bullpen, tough when your starter is out with an injury after three innings. Kind of a rough outing for Marte but Villarreal was solid once again, and Benoit was terrific as usual. Valverde looks different since his injury, seems like he might be ok now after looking terrible the first two months. They need to have a 4-2 week or better, no question.

Matt Young was a great AB? The dude was doing everything he could to get out of the way of 98, on a 1-2 pitch, and couldn't do it

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Dusty Baker is worse at handling the bullpen than Leyland is, that's hard to do.

Your two most "experienced" MLB managers.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Wilson Valdez scored Miguel Cairo with a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.Cairo opened the inning with a triple before Valdez pushed one up the first- base line. Prince Fielder's throw was late as Cairo slid around the tag at home to seal the win."That was a great execution. That guy knows how to play baseball," Reds manager Dusty Baker said about Valdez. Tigers will not win the central with fielder at first, tigers can't count on him to make the game changing plays

You're a tool.

 

[Da Guru]

Schulman said it, if we pull this one off this could be a springboard game. Very winnable week ahead too.

They showed a lot this weekend, they hit when they needed to and they came back in every game winning the last two. Getting to that insane Reds bullpen was nice, Boesch with a great at bat and several others like Matt Young with solid plate appearances. That rally was everyone but the two big guys, that's what is encouraging. Also good job by the bullpen, tough when your starter is out with an injury after three innings. Kind of a rough outing for Marte but Villarreal was solid once again, and Benoit was terrific as usual. Valverde looks different since his injury, seems like he might be ok now after looking terrible the first two months. They need to have a 4-2 week or better, no question.

Went to bed with the Tigers losing big and woke up this morning to a nice win. If A-Jax and Berry can keep it up and we get A-Dirk back the runs should start coming. Who will be the odd man out in the outfield?? Think a platoon of Delmon and BB at the DH spot is in order.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Schulman said it, if we pull this one off this could be a springboard game. Very winnable week ahead too.

They showed a lot this weekend, they hit when they needed to and they came back in every game winning the last two. Getting to that insane Reds bullpen was nice, Boesch with a great at bat and several others like Matt Young with solid plate appearances. That rally was everyone but the two big guys, that's what is encouraging. Also good job by the bullpen, tough when your starter is out with an injury after three innings. Kind of a rough outing for Marte but Villarreal was solid once again, and Benoit was terrific as usual. Valverde looks different since his injury, seems like he might be ok now after looking terrible the first two months. They need to have a 4-2 week or better, no question.

Went to bed with the Tigers losing big and woke up this morning to a nice win. If A-Jax and Berry can keep it up and we get A-Dirk back the runs should start coming. Who will be the odd man out in the outfield?? Think a platoon of Delmon and BB at the DH spot is in order.

I'd love it if some team would give Detroit a player with a pulse for Delmon.