***Officialish Detroit Tigers Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[jon_mx]

I assume Justin will get a shot at his 6 CG?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Verlander has to finish this.

 

[jon_mx]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Whew, I thought Miggy was coming out there. Heart dropped.

Verlander at 121, he's done IMO.

 

[jon_mx]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

Would have prevented a tweak and might have added a well needed extra run.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

Would have prevented a tweak and might have added a well needed extra run.

You never, ever pull Cabrera for a pinch runner unless it's an elimination game.* NEVER.*In a close game

 

[jon_mx]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

Would have prevented a tweak and might have added a well needed extra run.

You never, ever pull Cabrera for a pinch runner unless it's an elimination game.* NEVER.*In a close game

If you get that run it is no longer a close game. Second Base, nobody out. A fast runner is going to score under most scenarios and put the game away.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

Would have prevented a tweak and might have added a well needed extra run.

You never, ever pull Cabrera for a pinch runner unless it's an elimination game.* NEVER.*In a close game

If you get that run it is no longer a close game. Second Base, nobody out. A fast runner is going to score under most scenarios and put the game away.

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Shocked at Valverde's performance there, shocked.

Nice job by Verlander tonight and all four runs come home with two outs.

Maybe Rick can pitch a gem tomorrow?

 

[jon_mx]

If the Tigers steal a win this weekend it will be because their bats explode in one of these games.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

If the Tigers steal a win this weekend it will be because their bats explode in one of these games.

Phil Humber is a perfect game and a lot of bad. If Porcello was pitching Sunday I think I'd count that as a win. Turner has had one really good and one horrible outing this year, he can pitch a decent game an keep them in it IMO. Tomorrow they are in trouble.

 

[Apple Juice]

The game plan against Sale should be to take pitches and foul off two-strike pitches. Try to get into their bullpen. Since that game plan has no chance of happening, just gotta hope Rick gets two or three double-plays to get him through six. Detroit bullpen is fresh. Taking one of the next two would be outstanding.

Great showing by the club tonight. Beautiful night, JV getting it done, couple great defensive plays, clutch hitting, winning 11 of the last 13. Sometimes just feels good to be a fan of a good baseball team playing good baseball.

 

[jon_mx]

Was hoping for a more postive report than this...

DETROIT -- Drew Smyly, on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 7 because of a right intercostal strain, won't be ready in time for his rotation spot Sunday against the White Sox, and it's far from certain he'll be ready the next time that rotation spot comes around next weekend in Toronto. But he's trying to sound optimistic about his situation.He's doing most of his exercises pain-free, he said. The only time he feels pain in his right intercostal muscle, he said, is when he "crunches" on his delivery."I can twist and turn fine," Smyly said Friday afternoon.As long as he has pain, though, he isn't going to be cleared to throw."We're doing everything exercise-wise," head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said. "As long as there's no discomfort, we'll do activities. If there's any movement where he's feeling discomfort, we'll shut that down. He'll begin playing catch once he can tell me that through all movements, both sides feel the same. But he's making progress."It's slow progress, though, and it has Smyly getting restless. He has never been through this type of injury before, where it's persistent and hard to move without feeling it. Now that he's close, the fact that one movement is keeping him off the mound is frustrating.Once he starts throwing, he expects to progress quickly. But it's not progressing that way now."It won't go away," Smyly said. "It stinks."Smyly's progress likely won't affect trade talks one way or another. The Tigers, from all reports, remain interested in adding a veteran starting pitcher, and could do so by the time Smyly is ready to come back. An addition could make the question of a Smyly return moot, but if the Tigers acquire a veteran right-hander, they could face an interesting dilemma whether to bump the rookie or keep him as the lone lefty.

 

[jon_mx]

Porcello pitching a gem of a game. Jackson with another key hit.

 

[jon_mx]

Boesch!!!!!! Nice three run dinger.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Boesch!!!!!! Nice three run dinger.

Always good to get contributions from the bottom half of the lineup.

 

[whoknew]

Leyland better let Porcello finish.

 

[Da Guru]

Detroit takes over first place. Another big win for the Kitties!! Pocello beating the White Sox ace was a huge bonus.

 

[jon_mx]

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

The win expectancy for a home team leading by one-run in the ninth is 84.1%. The win expectancy with a three-run lead is 96.7%. Can't find the number for a two-run lead, but it has to be roughly in the middle of those two. I would guess getting that extra run adds about 4-6% to your win expectancy. Somewhat significant.

 

[jon_mx]

Detroit takes over first place. Another big win for the Kitties!! Pocello beating the White Sox ace was a huge bonus.

Detroit's starting pitching is getting it done. And the two out clutch hits keep piling up. Well done boys.

 

[jon_mx]

Leyland a little quick with the hook. I would have given him one more chance. He has gotten a couple double-play balls already.

 

[tri-man 47]

Detroit takes over first place. Another big win for the Kitties!! Pocello beating the White Sox ace was a huge bonus.

Sweet! Great game by Porcello (low pitch count!). A bunch more 2-out RBIs!

 

[hutchins929]

Austin Jackson!

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Shocked at Valverde's performance there, shocked. Nice job by Verlander tonight and all four runs come home with two outs. Maybe Rick can pitch a gem tomorrow?

Yes he can! Porcello>SaleAjax is sooooooo money, really hard to believe they are in first place given how bad they've been over the first three months. 12 of 14, get the sweep tomorrow!

 

[hutchins929]

1st Place!

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

The win expectancy for a home team leading by one-run in the ninth is 84.1%. The win expectancy with a three-run lead is 96.7%. Can't find the number for a two-run lead, but it has to be roughly in the middle of those two. I would guess getting that extra run adds about 4-6% to your win expectancy. Somewhat significant.

So you pull the best hitter in baseball for a 5% better chance to win a game you already have a 90% chance of winning? That is significant, it's significantly stupid. Glad you aren't the manager.

 

[jon_mx]

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

The win expectancy for a home team leading by one-run in the ninth is 84.1%. The win expectancy with a three-run lead is 96.7%. Can't find the number for a two-run lead, but it has to be roughly in the middle of those two. I would guess getting that extra run adds about 4-6% to your win expectancy. Somewhat significant.

So you pull the best hitter in baseball for a 5% better chance towin a game you already have a 90% chance of winning? That is sigificant, it's significantly stupid. Glad you aren't the manager.

Oh come on. Adding a 5% to your win expectancy is significant. Similar to the difference between putting out one of the leagues top closer and an average closer. The odds that Cabrera would ever see another at bat is probably in the 1-2 percent range. It is not a huge difference, but it is the right play.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

The win expectancy for a home team leading by one-run in the ninth is 84.1%. The win expectancy with a three-run lead is 96.7%. Can't find the number for a two-run lead, but it has to be roughly in the middle of those two. I would guess getting that extra run adds about 4-6% to your win expectancy. Somewhat significant.

So you pull the best hitter in baseball for a 5% better chance towin a game you already have a 90% chance of winning? That is sigificant, it's significantly stupid. Glad you aren't the manager.

Oh come on. Adding a 5% to your win expectancy is significant. Similar to the difference between putting out one of the leagues top closer and an average closer. The odds that Cabrera would ever see another at bat is probably in the 1-2 percent range. It is not a huge difference, but it is the right play.

No it is not the right call and you rarely see guys like Ortiz, Cano or Konerko pulled for a pinch runner because it's not worth it. This is equivilant for having a 90% chance to nail a chick and you decide you're gonna shave your balls with a straight razor you found in the parking lot.

 

[jon_mx]

The statistical difference between a two and three run lead going to the 9th inning is probably negligible. Most managers will never pull one of the best hitters in the game when they are up two runs in the bottom of the 8th, those who do often regret it.

The win expectancy for a home team leading by one-run in the ninth is 84.1%. The win expectancy with a three-run lead is 96.7%. Can't find the number for a two-run lead, but it has to be roughly in the middle of those two. I would guess getting that extra run adds about 4-6% to your win expectancy. Somewhat significant.

So you pull the best hitter in baseball for a 5% better chance towin a game you already have a 90% chance of winning? That is sigificant, it's significantly stupid. Glad you aren't the manager.

Oh come on. Adding a 5% to your win expectancy is significant. Similar to the difference between putting out one of the leagues top closer and an average closer. The odds that Cabrera would ever see another at bat is probably in the 1-2 percent range. It is not a huge difference, but it is the right play.

No it is not the right call and you rarely see guys like Ortiz, Cano or Konerko pulled for a pinch runner because it's not worth it. This is equivilant for having a 90% chance to nail a chick and you decide you're gonna shave your balls with a straight razor you found in the parking lot.

...I still disagree, but i am not topping that.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

If the Tigers steal a win this weekend it will be because their bats explode in one of these games.

Phil Humber is a perfect game and a lot of bad. If Porcello was pitching Sunday I think I'd count that as a win. Turner has had one really good and one horrible outing this year, he can pitch a decent game an keep them in it IMO. Tomorrow they are in trouble.

boy you really know nothing about baseball.First game of the year for me today, and my 5 year olds first game everFirst place mOfO's!!!!

 

[Doctor Detroit]

If the Tigers steal a win this weekend it will be because their bats explode in one of these games.

Phil Humber is a perfect game and a lot of bad. If Porcello was pitching Sunday I think I'd count that as a win. Turner has had one really good and one horrible outing this year, he can pitch a decent game an keep them in it IMO. Tomorrow they are in trouble.

boy you really know nothing about baseball.First game of the year for me today, and my 5 year olds first game ever

First place mOfO's!!!!

Reverse jinx in full effect, they have no chance tomorrow. ZERO.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Tampa needs a catcher, two of the top ten Tigers prospects are catchers and they have Alex Avila.

Seems like a perfect marriage if we add a prospect pitcher, welcome home James Shields.

 

[jon_mx]

Well today is all gravey. Was not expecting to take the first two, but this team is clicking on all cylinders.

 

[jon_mx]

Nice play AJ....not sure that is a good sign. Turner get crushed on the first pitch.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Stuck Berry in my fantasy line-up today vs Humber.

ETA: Then MIGGY!

 

[jon_mx]

Back to Back!! As hard as Turner was hit, Humber is getting hit harder. Damn, these Sox announcers suck.

 

[jon_mx]

That is the fourth little pop-up down the right field line that has landed in the same spot the last two days.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

20 of the 32 runs scored by the Tigers since the All-Star break have come with two outs. Toby Harrah doing work people.

As suspected, Toby Harrah has been working exclusively with Brennan Boesch on identifying pitches and strike zone discipline. If the Tigers make the playoffs and Leyland comes back next year, I think the evidence is in that Lloyd is an idiot and should not be back.

DETROIT -- It’s been nearly a month since the Detroit Tigers added a second hitting assistant to their coaching staff.

And since the arrival of Toby Harrah, the team's minor league hitting coordinator, the Tigers have gone 15-7 while averaging 5.6 runs per game.

Coincidence? Perhaps, but one thing is clear: Detroit's offense has been clicking on all cylinders the past month.

The Tigers enter Saturday winners in 11 of their last 13, batting .307 with runners in scoring position during their red-hot stretch. As a team, they’re now batting .269 -- third-best in the majors.

Harrah has been unofficially working alongside Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon since late June when the Tigers were 35-37 and averaging a less-than-mediocre 4.3 runs per game.

His exact role remains undefined, but Harrah is regularly spotted near the indoor batting cages and on the field. He won’t be found in the clubhouse and doesn’t enter the dugout during games.

"It’s a different perspective. A different pair of eyes," Tigers catcher Alex Avila said. "I wouldn’t say a different opinion because him and (McClendon) have similar styles, but definitely a different pair of eyes. One person sees something the other person doesn’t."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who has never used more than one hitting coach at any given time during his 21-year managerial career, told reporters Friday that Harrah has been a perfect complement to McClendon.

“He’s perfect. Absolutely perfect,” Leyland said. “They’ve got two cages down there and, like I said, that’s a big job. There’s a lot of guys that need attention and it’s great.”

A career .264 hitter during a 17-year major-league career, Harrah has now been with the Tigers for four weeks, traveling with the team to Tampa and Baltimore.

He's expected to remain with the club for the remainder of the season, but Leyland wasn't willing to offer any insight as to whether he'll maintain his current role with the club beyond this year.

"I’m not worried about next season, to be honest with you," he said.

With that in mind, Leyland said the decision to ask Harrah to join the team in late June wasn't exactly a split decision. It was a plan that had been in the works since last winter.

(General manager Dave Dombrowski) and I talked about it and we were thinking about doing it at the start of the season," Leyland said. "We just didn’t pull the trigger on it."

They finally did on June 28.

"It’s worked out well and he’s a perfect fit," Leyland said. "He’s very professional and very conscientious. He's not looking for anyone’s job. He's just helping out the organization."

Harrah, who has been with the organization for nine years, certainly isn't a stranger to the Tigers' coaching staff or most of the players that make up the club's current 25-man roster.

As a roving hitting instructor, Harrah was responsible for assisting the Tigers' minor leaguers as they bounced around the ranks. In turn, he developed friendships with a handful of them well before being named to his new role.

"Everyone knows Toby," Avila said. "If you came up through our organization, you definitely worked with Toby at some point."

Avila first met Harrah during his time in the Instructional League shortly after he was drafted in 2008.

"He always makes sure to mention -- even when I was in Single-A -- the importance of swinging at strikes and laying off balls. Patiently aggressive," he said. "That’s one thing that’s always stuck with me."

The Tigers were hitting .264 as a team at the time Harrah joined the team in Arlington from Lakeland, Fla. -- just in time for their series against the Texas Rangers in late June.

At the time, the Tigers owned the eighth-best average in the majors (.264), but a few key players were battling season-long struggles, including Boesch, who was in the midst of a 5-for-43 slump and batting .236.

It's difficult to suggest Harrah has had a direct impact on helping Boesch, who is now hitting .249, re-find his current stroke, but it's clear the 27-year-old's swing is finally starting to come around.

"He’s tracking the ball better," Leyland said. "He’s been working on that with Toby and (McClendon). They’ve got a drill they do with him and he’s been working on that and it’s paying pretty big dividends for him."

Boesch didn't directly credit Harrah for his recent string of success, but made it apparent that Harrah has played a significant role in his overall development.

"A lot of different people have helped me, but I’d give him as much credit as anyone," Boesch said. "More on the mental side and how to have a quality at-bat every time.

"I have a lot of respect for him."

My link

 

[jon_mx]

Gotta love the announcers. Ripping on Turner as not having the kind of stuff worthy of a number 1 pick...then one line later...that is the 9th batter in a row retired by Turner.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

This Cabrera fella is pretty good. #300.

 

[jon_mx]

This Cabrera fella is pretty good. #300.

Absolutely crushed both balls today.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Exactly the type of start you want/need out of Turner.

5.33 IP

3R

7H

0BB

3K

No walks for a rookie coming off a horrible start is All he needs to do is give the team a chance to win, and he did that.

 

[jon_mx]

Dotel was sharp. 4K's and no walks. Valverda time coming up. May need a drink.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I didn't need to read Keith Law to understand giving a guy a 3-year contract who has a bad shoulder and who has pitched 100 total innings since 2007 might be a bad idea. But don't mind me. Get your pom-poms out.

Keith Law=idiotBenoit leads the AL in holds the past two years and his performance in the playoffs last year has already paid that contract.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

SWEEP!

6-1 week against great competition, but they have to continue to play consistent baseball starting in Cleveland Tuesday. Pretty happy with this bunch right now, 13 of 15.

 

[hutchins929]

SWEEP!6-1 week against great competition, but they have to continue to play consistent baseball starting in Cleveland Tuesday. Pretty happy with this bunch right now, 13 of 15.

hell yeah!

 

[tri-man 47]

SWEEP!6-1 week against great competition, but they have to continue to play consistent baseball starting in Cleveland Tuesday. Pretty happy with this bunch right now, 13 of 15.

hell yeah!

Lotta good pitching and clutch hitting happening lately.

 

[jon_mx]

Does anyone read much into that Valverde was brought in last night in a non-save situation, and Benoit was brought in for the save tonight?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Does anyone read much into that Valverde was brought in last night in a non-save situation, and Benoit was brought in for the save tonight?

Benoit pitched the 9th last night.

 

[jon_mx]

Verlander has to finish this.

I would at least let him go until he put someone on.I would have pinched run for Cabrera.

Would have prevented a tweak and might have added a well needed extra run.

You never, ever pull Cabrera for a pinch runner unless it's an elimination game.* NEVER.*In a close game

You do remember last years ALCS? Game 4, Cabrera on third as the potential winning run in the 8th, game tied 3-3. Delmon hit a decent fly ball and Cabrera got thrown out at home. Pinch runner might have won that game. Instead a 7-3 loss in extra innings.