Here's a look at the Navin Field seats I'm auctioning off. Thought you might like to see them before they go...
Out of town, not out of touch
If you're not in Detroit, or a market that carries the Tigers on T.V., you're either reduced to wait for news reports in the paper or on ESPN, or go on line to something like http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=290725106 to follow the game. Thought I was going to rip my fingernails off one by one as I wated for the updates on the game this afternoon as the Tigers tied it in the 9th.
It's extra innings now, and I must pull myself away. If you are without television coverage, what do you do? (Tom, I know you just don't watch TV anyway, do you just read it in the Lakeland Ledger Sunday?)
It's extra innings now, and I must pull myself away. If you are without television coverage, what do you do? (Tom, I know you just don't watch TV anyway, do you just read it in the Lakeland Ledger Sunday?)
happy 45th birthay
top 100 list
S.I. came out with this baseball top 100 player- Althouh i love a good list im not crazy about this one. Miguel Cabrera at #18???? and a note to Cecil's kid- just because you won the home run derby doesn't make you the 11th best player in the league
Navin Field, Yankee Stadium seats for sale
Hi, baseball fans:
Just an FYI that I'm selling two pairs of wooden stadium seats -- two from Navin Field/Briggs Stadium and two from old Yankee Stadium -- to help pay for my wedding (it's coming up fast -- Aug. 9). I'm planning to place them on eBay tonight or Thursday, so I'd be happy to include the link and photos if anyone is interested. Or if you REALLY want them for yourself, give me a shout at jpeek1@hotmail.com and I can give you the details.
While it will be tough to let these go, don't shed a tear for me -- my honeymoon includes the Tigers-Red Sox game at Fenway on Aug. 11! Did I score the right woman or what?
Cheers,
Jeff
Just an FYI that I'm selling two pairs of wooden stadium seats -- two from Navin Field/Briggs Stadium and two from old Yankee Stadium -- to help pay for my wedding (it's coming up fast -- Aug. 9). I'm planning to place them on eBay tonight or Thursday, so I'd be happy to include the link and photos if anyone is interested. Or if you REALLY want them for yourself, give me a shout at jpeek1@hotmail.com and I can give you the details.
While it will be tough to let these go, don't shed a tear for me -- my honeymoon includes the Tigers-Red Sox game at Fenway on Aug. 11! Did I score the right woman or what?
Cheers,
Jeff
Statistics is just another facet of my genius
Baseball is a game of numbers. Statistics. Cold and calculating.
Here’s the facts, boys, just the facts:
Our Tigers are pretty much a .500 ball club. According to their record to date in 2009, they should win a game, then lose a game. Here and there, now and then, they win two in a row.
But our boys are different. They are what we fans call “streaky.” Hot as Dallas in August, cold as Traverse City in February (not including global warming.) Allow me to prove it.
The Tigs have played 90 games as of Monday: 48 wins, 42 losses. But incredibly, of those 90 games 50, or far more than half were part of a streak where they were winning or losing three or more in a row! Part of the reason they are in first is that they have twice peeled off seven game winning streaks (May and June) and have only hit the skids with a four game slump twice (both in June.)
They are so streaky, there was one period in May they went 13 consecutive games on streaks, three wins, three losses, then seven wins!
So what can we predict from here on out?
More streaks, what else? I predict the Bengals will lose tonight. They might even lose again come Wednesday night, making a five game losing streak something they have not done in '09.
According to my calculations, they will then waffle a bit, win one, lose one or so, and then get red hot, putting distance between themselves and the ChiSox.
More statistical comment tomorrow.
Here’s the facts, boys, just the facts:
Our Tigers are pretty much a .500 ball club. According to their record to date in 2009, they should win a game, then lose a game. Here and there, now and then, they win two in a row.
But our boys are different. They are what we fans call “streaky.” Hot as Dallas in August, cold as Traverse City in February (not including global warming.) Allow me to prove it.
The Tigs have played 90 games as of Monday: 48 wins, 42 losses. But incredibly, of those 90 games 50, or far more than half were part of a streak where they were winning or losing three or more in a row! Part of the reason they are in first is that they have twice peeled off seven game winning streaks (May and June) and have only hit the skids with a four game slump twice (both in June.)
They are so streaky, there was one period in May they went 13 consecutive games on streaks, three wins, three losses, then seven wins!
So what can we predict from here on out?
More streaks, what else? I predict the Bengals will lose tonight. They might even lose again come Wednesday night, making a five game losing streak something they have not done in '09.
According to my calculations, they will then waffle a bit, win one, lose one or so, and then get red hot, putting distance between themselves and the ChiSox.
More statistical comment tomorrow.
new guy
hi guys
im keith johnson, the commissoners nephew
huge life long tiger fan and look foreward to talkin baseball
with you guys
im keith johnson, the commissoners nephew
huge life long tiger fan and look foreward to talkin baseball
with you guys
Home Run Derby: Legitimate, or Athletic Freak Show?
OK, maybe that's a little too strong of a comparison. But I loved every second of it, even if it's not really baseball.
But it really was some kind of sport, and who couldn't love the end with the little kids mobbing Prince Fielder like a Roman hero?
And who couldn't love the Rangers' Josh Hamilton last year for asking his legion coach to throw to him? And really, who couldn't love it when the media made idiots of themselves making it sound like Josh was giving up his chance at winning the contest, and he starts parking them in the parking lots? (Even when he quit hitting in later rounds, it was just because Josh tired, not "old" Clay. (I wanna be old like Clay.)
So was it just a freak show?
Remember, when the All Star Game first started they called it a freak, til they "Repackaged it" as "The Mid-Summer Classic."
Hey, they my wife and daughters even stayed to watch the softball game with me! That's fun.
But it really was some kind of sport, and who couldn't love the end with the little kids mobbing Prince Fielder like a Roman hero?
And who couldn't love the Rangers' Josh Hamilton last year for asking his legion coach to throw to him? And really, who couldn't love it when the media made idiots of themselves making it sound like Josh was giving up his chance at winning the contest, and he starts parking them in the parking lots? (Even when he quit hitting in later rounds, it was just because Josh tired, not "old" Clay. (I wanna be old like Clay.)
So was it just a freak show?
Remember, when the All Star Game first started they called it a freak, til they "Repackaged it" as "The Mid-Summer Classic."
Hey, they my wife and daughters even stayed to watch the softball game with me! That's fun.
Quick Quiz
Which Detroit native played for the Tigers after winning a batting title earlier in his career with another team?
(Can you name any other players who toiled for the Tigers after winning a batting championship elsewhere? I know at least one.)
(Can you name any other players who toiled for the Tigers after winning a batting championship elsewhere? I know at least one.)
Sheryl Crow, Baseball and "Forever Young"
Does life get and better?
If you have ten minutes before the game, here's a clip http://tinyurl.com/crowballs of the charity concert Sheryl Crow did in St. Louis the other night, including "All I wanna do is have some fun."
"I like a good beer buzz in the morning." Yeah, right Sheryl. Me too. But it doesn't look so good on me as it does on you.
This is followed by that fantastic Pepsi commercial that covers Neil Young's song "Forever Young."
I think I'm gonna watch this before the game and have a little cry.
Bill Bouie Winner in Today's Quick Quiz!
Bill Bouie, the youngest member of the 1970 Sacred Heart Seminary High School graduating class, was the first (and thus far the only) poster to correctly answer the question below. He said Cal Ripken Jr. said the other pros call him "Two-Swing Gibbie," implying that he was more known for hitting two nationally televised homers in the World Series than for a great career. Might they call him "Two Swing" because he always stepped out to take two practice cuts?
I know we have a few Spartans in the crowd who might take issue with somebody, even Cal Ripken, picking on their boy.
I know we have a few Spartans in the crowd who might take issue with somebody, even Cal Ripken, picking on their boy.
All Star Trivia
What former Detroit Tiger who hit 255 lifetime homeruns, many in noted memorable clutch situations, was the only MVP never to appear on an All Star roster? (Answer in the comment box. First answer wins a fantastic prize.)
Greetings from Bradenton!
Here's Giovany Soto on the mound for the Gulf Coast League Tigers this morning. They visited McKechnie Field in Bradenton for a game against the Gulf Coast League Pirates. The Pirates have always been one of my favorite NL teams, going back to the Lumber Company of Clemente, Stargell, Oliver, Sanguillen, Zisk, Hebner, Clines, etc.
'Bran-Torino' takes a ride to All-Star Game: Inge, Victorino win epic contest, earn All-Star spots
By Mark Newman / MLB.com
"Bran-Torino" is now a joy ride.
Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge and Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino are your choices in the dramatic 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote, comeback survivors of the closest overall balloting in the history of a four-day event that decided the 33rd and final roster spots for the 80th All-Star Game on July 14 at Busch Stadium.
Fans smashed MLB.com Final Vote records and ultimately they decided on the two first-time All-Stars whose respective clubs forged a voting alliance after seeing Inge and Victorino in second place on the second day. The Tigers and Phillies called it "Bran-Torino" and those two words would become campaign fixtures.
Inge is an American League All-Star for the first time after holding off Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler in a battle that was seesaw for the first 48 hours and then close for the final 48. They were followed in order by Angels third baseman Chone Figgins, Rays first baseman Carlos Pena and Blue Jays designated hitter Adam Lind, all of whom drew impressive fan support but not enough.
Victorino now can add a Midsummer Classic to an eight-month party that also includes a World Series championship. He managed to overcome and then outlast a powerhouse campaign for Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, the "Kung Fu Panda" from Venezuela who all baseball fans now know if they didn't already. D-backs third baseman Mark Reynolds, who had that home state endorsement from 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain, finished a strong third. They were followed by Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp and Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman.
It was the first time in Final Vote history that two players won after trailing in each of the first two voting updates. The alliance unquestionably mattered, as fans in Detroit voted heavily for Victorino and fans in Philadelphia did the same for Inge.
This was the year of numerous lead changes and unprecedented suspense, and also the year that Twitter entered the equation as a natural companion. Campaigning reached new levels with that real-time element, as people from McCain to Sandoval's teammate Barry Zito to clubs and local TV stations got involved with tweets. People posted twitpics of images such as Victorino's teammate Chan Ho Park wearing a Vote Victorino sandwich board and Uncle Sam saying "Vote for Pablo" and links to videos and blogs.
This was the year that Kinsler always seemed to be a shoe-in and then was left on the outside looking in. Kinsler was a fixture atop the weekly voting updates at AL second base, but he was overtaken at the end by Boston's Dustin Pedroia and then left off the roster by AL manager Joe Maddon of the Rays. Kinsler was the announced leader in each of the first two Final Vote updates, but he was passed by Inge on Day 3 and finished runnerup.
Mainly, it was the year of Bran-Torino.
It's a sweet ride.
The two clubs encouraged businesses in Michigan and Pennsylvania to allow their workers some time Wednesday and Thursday to vote for Inge and Victorino.
Victorino had mentioned a potential pairing to reporters Tuesday.
"The Giants and Texas did it," Victorino said. "We [were] both in second place. Why don't we join forces and join together?"
Inge said he has talked with Victorino a couple times during his career, but never really got to know him.
"I've spoken to him a couple of times," Inge said. "That's funny, though. What did they call it, Bran-Torino? That's funny."
Inge and Victorino have another thing in common: They are both key cogs for teams that have been in first place for quite a while now.
Inge entered Thursday batting .264 with 19 homers and 54 RBIs, and he is known mostly for his brilliant defense at the hot corner. He hit a big homer on Sunday, right after being announced as one of five nominees in the AL.
"The best part about it is, if it ends well and he makes it, no matter how it got there, he deserves it," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said before the Final Vote ended. "That's the main thing. It's like an umpire getting it right."
Victorino, the Flyin' Hawaiian, also had the backing of governors in his homeland of Hawaii and his home playing state of Pennsylvania. They had bet a friendly wager over which state could cast the most votes for him. So many people campaigned for Victorino, it almost seemed like a heavy political campaign. In the end, though, his own campaigning on the field may have mattered the most. He had four hits in the 22-1 wipeout of Cincinnati on Monday and then may have sealed the deal with a walk-off single Wednesday night.
Victorino is hitting .306 with 22 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 39 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Previous winners of the All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote are: Evan Longoria (AL, 2008); Corey Hart (NL, 2008); Hideki Okajima (AL, 2007); Chris Young (NL, 2007); A.J. Pierzynski (AL, 2006); Nomar Garciaparra (NL, 2006); Scott Podsednik (AL, 2005); Roy Oswalt (NL, 2005); Hideki Matsui (AL, 2004); Bobby Abreu (NL, 2004); Jason Varitek (AL, 2003); Geoff Jenkins (NL, 2003); Johnny Damon (AL, 2002); and Andruw Jones (NL, 2002).
The 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
"Bran-Torino" is now a joy ride.
Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge and Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino are your choices in the dramatic 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote, comeback survivors of the closest overall balloting in the history of a four-day event that decided the 33rd and final roster spots for the 80th All-Star Game on July 14 at Busch Stadium.
Fans smashed MLB.com Final Vote records and ultimately they decided on the two first-time All-Stars whose respective clubs forged a voting alliance after seeing Inge and Victorino in second place on the second day. The Tigers and Phillies called it "Bran-Torino" and those two words would become campaign fixtures.
Inge is an American League All-Star for the first time after holding off Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler in a battle that was seesaw for the first 48 hours and then close for the final 48. They were followed in order by Angels third baseman Chone Figgins, Rays first baseman Carlos Pena and Blue Jays designated hitter Adam Lind, all of whom drew impressive fan support but not enough.
Victorino now can add a Midsummer Classic to an eight-month party that also includes a World Series championship. He managed to overcome and then outlast a powerhouse campaign for Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, the "Kung Fu Panda" from Venezuela who all baseball fans now know if they didn't already. D-backs third baseman Mark Reynolds, who had that home state endorsement from 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain, finished a strong third. They were followed by Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp and Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman.
It was the first time in Final Vote history that two players won after trailing in each of the first two voting updates. The alliance unquestionably mattered, as fans in Detroit voted heavily for Victorino and fans in Philadelphia did the same for Inge.
This was the year of numerous lead changes and unprecedented suspense, and also the year that Twitter entered the equation as a natural companion. Campaigning reached new levels with that real-time element, as people from McCain to Sandoval's teammate Barry Zito to clubs and local TV stations got involved with tweets. People posted twitpics of images such as Victorino's teammate Chan Ho Park wearing a Vote Victorino sandwich board and Uncle Sam saying "Vote for Pablo" and links to videos and blogs.
This was the year that Kinsler always seemed to be a shoe-in and then was left on the outside looking in. Kinsler was a fixture atop the weekly voting updates at AL second base, but he was overtaken at the end by Boston's Dustin Pedroia and then left off the roster by AL manager Joe Maddon of the Rays. Kinsler was the announced leader in each of the first two Final Vote updates, but he was passed by Inge on Day 3 and finished runnerup.
Mainly, it was the year of Bran-Torino.
It's a sweet ride.
The two clubs encouraged businesses in Michigan and Pennsylvania to allow their workers some time Wednesday and Thursday to vote for Inge and Victorino.
Victorino had mentioned a potential pairing to reporters Tuesday.
"The Giants and Texas did it," Victorino said. "We [were] both in second place. Why don't we join forces and join together?"
Inge said he has talked with Victorino a couple times during his career, but never really got to know him.
"I've spoken to him a couple of times," Inge said. "That's funny, though. What did they call it, Bran-Torino? That's funny."
Inge and Victorino have another thing in common: They are both key cogs for teams that have been in first place for quite a while now.
Inge entered Thursday batting .264 with 19 homers and 54 RBIs, and he is known mostly for his brilliant defense at the hot corner. He hit a big homer on Sunday, right after being announced as one of five nominees in the AL.
"The best part about it is, if it ends well and he makes it, no matter how it got there, he deserves it," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said before the Final Vote ended. "That's the main thing. It's like an umpire getting it right."
Victorino, the Flyin' Hawaiian, also had the backing of governors in his homeland of Hawaii and his home playing state of Pennsylvania. They had bet a friendly wager over which state could cast the most votes for him. So many people campaigned for Victorino, it almost seemed like a heavy political campaign. In the end, though, his own campaigning on the field may have mattered the most. He had four hits in the 22-1 wipeout of Cincinnati on Monday and then may have sealed the deal with a walk-off single Wednesday night.
Victorino is hitting .306 with 22 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 39 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Previous winners of the All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote are: Evan Longoria (AL, 2008); Corey Hart (NL, 2008); Hideki Okajima (AL, 2007); Chris Young (NL, 2007); A.J. Pierzynski (AL, 2006); Nomar Garciaparra (NL, 2006); Scott Podsednik (AL, 2005); Roy Oswalt (NL, 2005); Hideki Matsui (AL, 2004); Bobby Abreu (NL, 2004); Jason Varitek (AL, 2003); Geoff Jenkins (NL, 2003); Johnny Damon (AL, 2002); and Andruw Jones (NL, 2002).
The 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Vote for Inge
Brandon needs everyone's help to become an All Star for the first time. Log on to mlb.com and vote to your hearts content. Each ballot requires a new access code. Pretty easy process even for me. I believe he deserves to be there. only one of the five remaining reserves will be chosen, base on popularity vote. Get your friends and neighbors to support this cause as well. He deserves it! Besides he's MY TIGER - Kooch's too!
Are we Worried About Verlander?
I am.
In the last four starts he hasn't come up with a victory, and his ERA has been between 4 and 5 for those games. The knock on Tiger management has always been that they rushed him, and worked him too hard as a rookie.
In successive years, he seems to develop a "dead arm" in the depths of summer, and never has the live fastball and sharp curve he had in the spring.
Good to see they are going slower with Porcello, even if he is not producing the same kind of stats as the young Verlander did.
Are you worried about Verlander? Short term? Long term?
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