Ok Men, do the Tigers sign Max or try and sign Price to an extension. I do not have a good feeling about Price signing an extension. He seems a little remote for that clubhouse and I would rather trade him and not miss out. They will have a tough time winning without Max because he is their leader and new bulldog. Justin is having way too much fun with Kate Upton, although I do think that he will be better than last season.
What do you think of Cespedes? I think that he might be the long term answer in left field and he will sign an extension.
The boys of Venezuela run that clubhouse and it will be interesting to see how this works with the two Cubans (Iglegias and Cespedes).
The Tigers are still the class of the Central Division and Sanchez is due for a BIG year.
Spring Training is less than 60 days away.
The Big Trade
Haggerty and I Facebooked about it most of the day yesterday, Guess we'll invite ya'll to give your two cents.
Dombrowski should be charged with grand larceny! #5 starting pitchers and .250 centerfielders are plentiful. A gem like Price is rare.
Sure the Tigers could have used a relief pitcher. Should this lineup could use more runs lately. But this is what was available, and he got it!
The next major challenge will be to figure out how to tell Verlander he's not starting in the World Series. Last night was good, but we need consistent pitching post season.
As long as we're talking trades, Red Sox hosed Oakland. Sure the A's need a pitcher, but their rotation is already pretty good, and they just traded away a player of the future in Cespides.
You kinow you're in a loser market (me in Dallas) when they spend half the game talking about the trades instead of the game. (Rangers lost 12-2)
The broadcasters said even with his relatively low average, when Cespides is in the game, the A's are at a .632 clip. Without him, a little below .400.
Dombrowski should be charged with grand larceny! #5 starting pitchers and .250 centerfielders are plentiful. A gem like Price is rare.
Sure the Tigers could have used a relief pitcher. Should this lineup could use more runs lately. But this is what was available, and he got it!
The next major challenge will be to figure out how to tell Verlander he's not starting in the World Series. Last night was good, but we need consistent pitching post season.
As long as we're talking trades, Red Sox hosed Oakland. Sure the A's need a pitcher, but their rotation is already pretty good, and they just traded away a player of the future in Cespides.
You kinow you're in a loser market (me in Dallas) when they spend half the game talking about the trades instead of the game. (Rangers lost 12-2)
The broadcasters said even with his relatively low average, when Cespides is in the game, the A's are at a .632 clip. Without him, a little below .400.
Some things are just wrong...
Bryan Holaday with Kate Upton at a Tigers' dinner party. Wrong one showed up in a skimpy bathing suit.
Fielder Crushes it in Cactus League
Just in case you wondered: Prince hit a ball yesterday that had absolutely no trajectory arc at all. It just went straight into the stands.
What did Kinsler do yesterday?
Seriously, I don't disagree with the trade, Prince had to go, but in a straight up comparison at the end of the season, this might look like a very bad deal.
What did Kinsler do yesterday?
Seriously, I don't disagree with the trade, Prince had to go, but in a straight up comparison at the end of the season, this might look like a very bad deal.
Bookies Pick Tigers as #2
http://www.csnwashington.com/baseball-washington-nationals/talk/sportsbook-sets-mlb-win-total-odds-2014?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo
They picked the Dadgers as the best, Nats #3!!
Go get'm Tigers!
They picked the Dadgers as the best, Nats #3!!
Go get'm Tigers!
Pitchers and cathcers report in 10 days! I'm so excited.
Just wishing I was going too.
Here's my forecast guys: World Series victory, nothing less.
Verlander misses a few starts at the beginning of the season, but finishes strong, with the support of his girlfriend.
Here's my forecast guys: World Series victory, nothing less.
Verlander misses a few starts at the beginning of the season, but finishes strong, with the support of his girlfriend.
So What's your take on the Fielder/Garcia/Cabrera "Scandal"
Brother Tom posted a juicy tidbit on FB a week or so ago about how Prince Fielder was in a funk last year, not just because he was going through a divorce, but teammate Avisal Garcia was having an affair with Fielder's wife. According to the story, Cabrera pulled his groin or intestinal muscle in breaking up a clubhouse brawl between the two.
The episode led to the immediate trade of Garcia, and the eventual trade of Fielder.
All very salacious. I have two questions:
Was it true?
Why didn't the Detroit media report on it?
Perhaps if it was the product of some blogger's imagination, it doesn't warrant any media coverage.
If it is true, I can't imagine the media covering it up. This isn't the era of Mickey Mantle's binge drinking being ignored.
Stories of marital infidelity pop up all the time, but if this is true, it clearly had an impact on the field.
Which tends to lead me to think this is a gross work of fiction.
What do you guys think?
The episode led to the immediate trade of Garcia, and the eventual trade of Fielder.
All very salacious. I have two questions:
Was it true?
Why didn't the Detroit media report on it?
Perhaps if it was the product of some blogger's imagination, it doesn't warrant any media coverage.
If it is true, I can't imagine the media covering it up. This isn't the era of Mickey Mantle's binge drinking being ignored.
Stories of marital infidelity pop up all the time, but if this is true, it clearly had an impact on the field.
Which tends to lead me to think this is a gross work of fiction.
What do you guys think?
Verlander has a Special "Nurse" for Rehab
It sucks to be Justin Verlander. The latest from US Magazine.
Kate Upton On-Again With Ex-Boyfriend Justin Verlander: Details from Their Sexy Vacation.
January 22, 2014 6:00 PM
Kate Upton On-Again With Ex-Boyfriend Justin Verlander: Details from Their Sexy Vacation.Discreetly dating! Kate Upton and Justin Verlander are on-again after the two were spotted "looking very cozy" together in the Bahamas last weekend, a source confirms to Us Weekly.
The buxom model, 21, and the Detroit Tigers pitcher, 30, "spent all weekend in the Bahamas together" on gorgeous New Providence Island, the insider tells Us. "We spotted them looking very cozy having dinner at the restaurant Mahogany House near Lyford Cay," says the eyewitness. Upton, who had her hair in a bun with a blue scarf, and Verlander, wearing a white button-down shirt, were "sitting on the same side of the table" for the romantic meal.
The Other Woman actress and Verlander first met while shooting a commercial for MLB 2K12 back in 2012. While their initial breakup timeline remains unknown, the Sports Illustrated model split from DWTS alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy after a six-month long relationship that ended in December. Rumors of Upton's potential rekindled romance with Verlander were sparked after the athlete and blonde bombshell were snapped together by an eagle-eyed Flyers fan who was at a hockey game in Philadelphia on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Verlander is currently in Philly recovering from a core muscle repair surgery performed in a local hospital last Wednesday following a December injury. The pitching ace shared a cute picture of himself relaxing and smiling in a physical therapy room on Tuesday, Jan. 21: "'They try to make me go to rehab and I said'…. Yes, yes, yes," he wrote two days after exchanging flirty football-related tweets with Upton.
The MLB player, who calls himself a "semi-pro golfer" in his Twitter bio, is also looking to buy property at Albany, a luxury resort community in the Bahamas, that was co-created by Tiger Woods, the source adds. The resort is located on the island of New Providence and features a championship golf course.
Fellow sports enthusiast Upton has been busy immersing herself in the sports world after she shared a recent photoshoot with New York Jets and Giants players for Vogue magazine on Monday, Jan. 20.
Kate Upton On-Again With Ex-Boyfriend Justin Verlander: Details from Their Sexy Vacation.
January 22, 2014 6:00 PM
Kate Upton On-Again With Ex-Boyfriend Justin Verlander: Details from Their Sexy Vacation.Discreetly dating! Kate Upton and Justin Verlander are on-again after the two were spotted "looking very cozy" together in the Bahamas last weekend, a source confirms to Us Weekly.
The Other Woman actress and Verlander first met while shooting a commercial for MLB 2K12 back in 2012. While their initial breakup timeline remains unknown, the Sports Illustrated model split from DWTS alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy after a six-month long relationship that ended in December. Rumors of Upton's potential rekindled romance with Verlander were sparked after the athlete and blonde bombshell were snapped together by an eagle-eyed Flyers fan who was at a hockey game in Philadelphia on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Verlander is currently in Philly recovering from a core muscle repair surgery performed in a local hospital last Wednesday following a December injury. The pitching ace shared a cute picture of himself relaxing and smiling in a physical therapy room on Tuesday, Jan. 21: "'They try to make me go to rehab and I said'…. Yes, yes, yes," he wrote two days after exchanging flirty football-related tweets with Upton.
The MLB player, who calls himself a "semi-pro golfer" in his Twitter bio, is also looking to buy property at Albany, a luxury resort community in the Bahamas, that was co-created by Tiger Woods, the source adds. The resort is located on the island of New Providence and features a championship golf course.
Fellow sports enthusiast Upton has been busy immersing herself in the sports world after she shared a recent photoshoot with New York Jets and Giants players for Vogue magazine on Monday, Jan. 20.
HOF Ballot Time
Well, only one of us has a Hall of Fame ballot (and I'm curious about your picks, Jeff) but it's always fun to think about what we would do on the ballot.
This year's ballot is chock-a-block full of greats. (See http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2014.shtml)
IMHO, that's a real problem for our Tigers, like Jack Morris, who faces his last shot at the hall before waiting for an old-timers selection. (Only 10 nominees may be selected from the ballot.)
Although it won't be his last opportunity, the same problem for Alan Trammel.
Yes, I would pick both of them.
Sean Casey? I was surprised he was on the ballot, but when I looked up his record, http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/caseyse01.shtml I could see that by the time he hit the Tigers, his glory days were in the distant past. He had a good career, with a lifetime average of .302 but I just don't think he had a HOF type career. 130 home runs over a long 12 year career just isn't that great. Nice guy, but just doesn't cut it.
Similarly, Todd Jones, who had three tours of duty with the Tigers, and a good career, but an ERA of almost four, and an overall losing record don't make him the Christy Mathewson.
Kenny Rogers is probably the toughest pick of our Tigers. He had a long career (20 years) and won more than he lost. He was certainly a guy you'd want in your rotation for most of these years, but with an ERA north of 4, I don't think he's HOF quality.
BTW, I ain't voting for anybody who even sniffs like PEDs. (But I'll let you do so if you think it's no big deal.
So what other eight players would I vote for?
*Craig Biggio
*Jeff Bagwell
*Curt Schilling
*Greg Maddux
*Frank Thomas
*Mike Mussina
*Tom Glavine
I'm torn between Edgar Martinez and Lee Smith.
Cast your vote, even if you don't get around to it until after the election.
This year's ballot is chock-a-block full of greats. (See http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2014.shtml)
IMHO, that's a real problem for our Tigers, like Jack Morris, who faces his last shot at the hall before waiting for an old-timers selection. (Only 10 nominees may be selected from the ballot.)
Although it won't be his last opportunity, the same problem for Alan Trammel.
Yes, I would pick both of them.
Sean Casey? I was surprised he was on the ballot, but when I looked up his record, http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/caseyse01.shtml I could see that by the time he hit the Tigers, his glory days were in the distant past. He had a good career, with a lifetime average of .302 but I just don't think he had a HOF type career. 130 home runs over a long 12 year career just isn't that great. Nice guy, but just doesn't cut it.
Similarly, Todd Jones, who had three tours of duty with the Tigers, and a good career, but an ERA of almost four, and an overall losing record don't make him the Christy Mathewson.
Kenny Rogers is probably the toughest pick of our Tigers. He had a long career (20 years) and won more than he lost. He was certainly a guy you'd want in your rotation for most of these years, but with an ERA north of 4, I don't think he's HOF quality.
BTW, I ain't voting for anybody who even sniffs like PEDs. (But I'll let you do so if you think it's no big deal.
So what other eight players would I vote for?
*Craig Biggio
*Jeff Bagwell
*Curt Schilling
*Greg Maddux
*Frank Thomas
*Mike Mussina
*Tom Glavine
I'm torn between Edgar Martinez and Lee Smith.
Cast your vote, even if you don't get around to it until after the election.
Now that's a Deal!!!
Finally, the Tigers listened to me!
This just in from the Dallas Morning News.
The Texas Rangers have seen another former member of their franchise go to a contender.
The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a deal with Joe Nathan, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.
Nathan was 43-of-46 in save chances in 2013, with a 1.39 ERA and 73 strikeouts in his last season in Texas. The six-time All-Star is 39 years old. In his two seasons in Arlington, he had 80 saves and 151 strikeouts.
The Tigers have won three straight AL Central titles without winning a World Series, and some feel a closer was a key void in last year's playoff run.
I hope he knows what he's doing...
A starting pitcher for three minor leaguers? Does that really move us forward?
We need a closer: a proven closer.
Maybe Rondon is ready. Maybe they have faith in Smyly. Maybe Santa will be good to us.
I'm a died in the wool AL fan, but has anybody even heard of these guys?
We need a closer: a proven closer.
Maybe Rondon is ready. Maybe they have faith in Smyly. Maybe Santa will be good to us.
I'm a died in the wool AL fan, but has anybody even heard of these guys?
Am I the only one who doesn't like "The Trade?"
Nope. Headline in the Dallas Morning News today - "Mega-deal looks like a mega-steal for the Rangers."
I'll grant ya, I don't generally like change. I didn't like the Granderson trade, but I'm OK with it now. I didn't like the Harvey Keunn for Rocky Colavito trade, but I got over it. Of the three DMN columnists talking about the trade, two of them thought it was a great one for the Rangers.
I'll grant ya, I don't generally like change. I didn't like the Granderson trade, but I'm OK with it now. I didn't like the Harvey Keunn for Rocky Colavito trade, but I got over it. Of the three DMN columnists talking about the trade, two of them thought it was a great one for the Rangers.
Don't kid yourself, Kinsler is no longer an All-Star second baseman. He's been getting hurt a lot, and although he's fairly fast for an older guy, he got caught stealing a lot.
But I guess what I like least about the trade is what the facts are about Fielder. He isn't what he used to be either. That's been a fact for the two years he's been with the Tigers - he hasn't been what he used to be in Milwaukee. He was certainly good at protecting Cabrera in the lineup. But it seems like pitchers were afraid of a phantom.
So maybe Martinez can fill that role. Maybe moving Cabrera back to first, and giving Castellanos a chance at third is a good idea.
Maybe it is the best we can do. But I don't have to like it.
Now go get some relief pitching, boys. That's what we really need.
And so, on to the Ausmus era...
I wish they had picked someone with some real managing experience, but they didn't ask my opinion. The reports have it that Ausmus is a "baseball brain," but honestly, I don't think the best managers know when to change pitchers, when to call the hit and run, pitchout, etc. I honestly think most of us could do that stuff.
I think there are two things a manager does that we never see, and probably make all the difference.
One is spotting the talent, and capitalizing on it. But managers have a whole squad of coaches, minor league managers and scouts to advise on that.
But the most important thing a manager does is the same thing a manager does in an office or shop: get the best out of his employees by creating a a workplace that doesn't distract, but supports and encourages.
Hopefully you've had a manager who has done that for you. Lordie knows most of us have seen the opposite.
Perhaps the worst example in sports is the current "drama" with Richie Incognito and the Miami Dolphins.
When the rookie wasn't coming to "optional" workouts, coaches told Incognito to "bring him in line." Regardless of what actually transpired, the coaches and management failed to do their job of "managing" this young talent. They gave that responsibility to Incognito, who clearly wasn't up to the task.
As soon as he was drafted (or maybe even before) team officials should be telling the rookie how much they were looking forward to having him on the team. Tell him they were relying on him. Tell him how important he was to their plans. These "volunteer" workouts were clearly a problem sign that something was wrong. (My Marine son-in-law calls this kind of thing being "volun-told.")
Maybe NFL rules don't allow coaches to order players to these sessions, but couldn't they call him, and ask him if everything is OK at home? Was there anything they could do to help him get to the workouts? Repeat messages from above, "we're relying on you, we need you, you can make a real difference, etc., etc.)
Instead of solving the problem, Miami coaches made it far worse.
Managing is not a skill most people are born with. Certainly some a better than others, but it's generally a skill that is taught and learned by experience. Let's hope Ausmus is an incredibly fast learner.
I think there are two things a manager does that we never see, and probably make all the difference.
One is spotting the talent, and capitalizing on it. But managers have a whole squad of coaches, minor league managers and scouts to advise on that.
But the most important thing a manager does is the same thing a manager does in an office or shop: get the best out of his employees by creating a a workplace that doesn't distract, but supports and encourages.
Hopefully you've had a manager who has done that for you. Lordie knows most of us have seen the opposite.
Perhaps the worst example in sports is the current "drama" with Richie Incognito and the Miami Dolphins.
When the rookie wasn't coming to "optional" workouts, coaches told Incognito to "bring him in line." Regardless of what actually transpired, the coaches and management failed to do their job of "managing" this young talent. They gave that responsibility to Incognito, who clearly wasn't up to the task.
As soon as he was drafted (or maybe even before) team officials should be telling the rookie how much they were looking forward to having him on the team. Tell him they were relying on him. Tell him how important he was to their plans. These "volunteer" workouts were clearly a problem sign that something was wrong. (My Marine son-in-law calls this kind of thing being "volun-told.")
Maybe NFL rules don't allow coaches to order players to these sessions, but couldn't they call him, and ask him if everything is OK at home? Was there anything they could do to help him get to the workouts? Repeat messages from above, "we're relying on you, we need you, you can make a real difference, etc., etc.)
Instead of solving the problem, Miami coaches made it far worse.
Managing is not a skill most people are born with. Certainly some a better than others, but it's generally a skill that is taught and learned by experience. Let's hope Ausmus is an incredibly fast learner.
So, who shall we pick as the new manager?
Please, not Ozzie Guillen. One of Hugo Chavez's best buds.
Brad Ausmus is no doubt a good guy, but we don't know if he's managed a little league team, do we?
Can't we get somebody with experience?
Gibby? (I know he's currently employed, and they say he's not interested, but can't we ask him?)
Who else?
Brad Ausmus is no doubt a good guy, but we don't know if he's managed a little league team, do we?
Can't we get somebody with experience?
Gibby? (I know he's currently employed, and they say he's not interested, but can't we ask him?)
Who else?
So, it's over...
A few rambling thoughts to wind up the season.
Tops on the Christmas list: relief pitchers and a couple hitting outfielders.
Big Jim leaving? I don't think it's that big a deal.
Finally a couple questions for you coaches out there:
Why don't more major leaguers "choke up" like they used to? Seems like a wise move with two strikes and a flame thrower up there. Rangers Leonys Martin does it all the time.
Why do so many major leaguers have such a pronounced open stance, then when the pitch comes in, they close it up? I understand shifting your weight from back foot to front, but this seems counterintuitive. (at least to me.)
Finally, many major leaguers (including Benoit) seem to go from a set position, rock back on one foot, and "pump" the ball into their mit, before bringing their hands together and deliver the pitch. Isn't that a balk?
a few thoughts from Senor Domzal:
Tops on the Christmas list: relief pitchers and a couple hitting outfielders.
Ya think. The hitters are there, middle relief by all means is the key. Two pitches and we are staring at the cards this week instead of emptying lockers.
Big Jim leaving? I don't think it's that big a deal.
He hit it perfectly on the head. ‘It’s time’. My hat is off to him for the strength he had facing the incredible scrutiny he was under on every decision. The guy knew what he was doing. Even in the game I attended, the 4 -3 loss, he kept Sanchez in, we nibbled back, got within one, yet hitting failed us. I would have pulled Sanchez but the patience of Leyland, the knowledge of his players, home crowd, the hitters he had, the opportunity to take this game was right there. I will miss Leyland. I felt confident in his moves. And truthfully, at his age, he has paid the price. He deserves to go out as he did. With dignity, and his head held high in my opinion.
Finally a couple questions for you coaches out there:
Why don't more major leaguers "choke up" like they used to? Seems like a wise move with two strikes and a flame thrower up there. Rangers Leonys Martin does it all the time. Couldn’t tell you. Logic says absolutely. I recall rose doing it all the time. And Morgan. And of course dick McAuliffe. Bats today may be lighter, can get around faster, or its not taught simply because if you do get around, you may go opposite field, which isn’t a bad thing.
Why do so many major leaguers have such a pronounced open stance, then when the pitch comes in, they close it up? I understand shifting your weight from back foot to front, but this seems counterintuitive. (at least to me.) in the end, every batter ends up pretty much in the same position. Weight distribution typically is what they are trying to get to. Legs driving the ball. Look at the last second before a batter hits the ball. Or misses for that matter. All that movement, stance, etc. is more semantics on the batters part. They all end up wide stance, head down, facing the ball arms extended or at least should be at point of contact.
Finally, many major leaguers (including Benoit) seem to go from a set position, rock back on one foot, and "pump" the ball into their mit, before bringing their hands together and deliver the pitch. Isn't that a balk? Sure looks like it to me. He’s not alone. But apparently umps have conceded this as a non balk move. I would have called it on a number of pitchers this year. More prevalent than I have ever seen. But, if it wasn’t a balk in spring training, they obviously are allowing it.
Tigers. Incredible collapse. I watched fielder up close. My seats were just few rows up, just past first. How do you define lethargy. Just incredible. I mean this guy looks beat. Only $218 million, imagine that. I finally had enough of him, first pitch double plays, pathetic base running, I hollered at him. ‘Fielder, only $218 mil, with that production you must work for the government. You don’t have to produce.’ Got a few fans reactions. Discovered they are not as critical of this balloon as I suspected. Very protective. Bull $hit. The guy needed to come thru. For as many times we have come to playoff time, he has collapsed. Even with the pitching debacle, his bat would have made the difference. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love the guy as a person. But man, when crunch time comes, you gotta be somewhat selective at the plate, know where you want to go with the ball, when to take the base, when to listen to the coach, he just came apart in my opinion.
Cabrera. Again, he’s hurt. You can see it. Peralta. I like the guy. Bat came thru. Finally jake wood wannabee Austin came around in the end, but oh, for a hit in game 3, or even something in game two when we could have gone up by 7, how large do those strikeouts look now. Verlander, sherzer, sanchez, even benoit all looked strong. Just that middle relief. We knew it all season. Now the country found out.
Guys like don kelly, Iglesias, torre hunter all are great pieces. I hope they get to keep them all. Somewhere along the way they need to find some speed on the basepaths. This has always plagued these tiger teams. Over the years a few bright spots, the ron leflores of the day, but, you can see how incredibly fast some of these playoff teams are. Iglesias is fast, but, we need more I think. At least pose a threat so to pull the shortstop out of position during the hit and run knowing ‘hes going’.
All I go back to is game two, up 5, and my instincts said to me, ‘it’s not enough’. Instincts stink sometimes.
Give me a tony larussa for one year. Not more, just one say. He has had many prima donnas to manage. This being said, they would immediately respect him. He could be the one to get us over the top. You may have one more season in this team before it has to be broken up. The Indians are very good, the royals are coming on strong. For the tigers to take this thing once and for all, larussa would be my first call after the press conference if I am Dave. I pray to God they don’t bring in some first year experiment, a tommy brookens say, even a Gibson might be controversial. And a gene lamont could be a fit but again, hes bringing some Leyland with him. I think with Jim gone, a fresh coaching staff might be in order with whomever takes the reign.
Tops on the Christmas list: relief pitchers and a couple hitting outfielders.
Big Jim leaving? I don't think it's that big a deal.
Finally a couple questions for you coaches out there:
Why don't more major leaguers "choke up" like they used to? Seems like a wise move with two strikes and a flame thrower up there. Rangers Leonys Martin does it all the time.
Why do so many major leaguers have such a pronounced open stance, then when the pitch comes in, they close it up? I understand shifting your weight from back foot to front, but this seems counterintuitive. (at least to me.)
Finally, many major leaguers (including Benoit) seem to go from a set position, rock back on one foot, and "pump" the ball into their mit, before bringing their hands together and deliver the pitch. Isn't that a balk?
a few thoughts from Senor Domzal:
Tops on the Christmas list: relief pitchers and a couple hitting outfielders.
Ya think. The hitters are there, middle relief by all means is the key. Two pitches and we are staring at the cards this week instead of emptying lockers.
Big Jim leaving? I don't think it's that big a deal.
He hit it perfectly on the head. ‘It’s time’. My hat is off to him for the strength he had facing the incredible scrutiny he was under on every decision. The guy knew what he was doing. Even in the game I attended, the 4 -3 loss, he kept Sanchez in, we nibbled back, got within one, yet hitting failed us. I would have pulled Sanchez but the patience of Leyland, the knowledge of his players, home crowd, the hitters he had, the opportunity to take this game was right there. I will miss Leyland. I felt confident in his moves. And truthfully, at his age, he has paid the price. He deserves to go out as he did. With dignity, and his head held high in my opinion.
Finally a couple questions for you coaches out there:
Why don't more major leaguers "choke up" like they used to? Seems like a wise move with two strikes and a flame thrower up there. Rangers Leonys Martin does it all the time. Couldn’t tell you. Logic says absolutely. I recall rose doing it all the time. And Morgan. And of course dick McAuliffe. Bats today may be lighter, can get around faster, or its not taught simply because if you do get around, you may go opposite field, which isn’t a bad thing.
Why do so many major leaguers have such a pronounced open stance, then when the pitch comes in, they close it up? I understand shifting your weight from back foot to front, but this seems counterintuitive. (at least to me.) in the end, every batter ends up pretty much in the same position. Weight distribution typically is what they are trying to get to. Legs driving the ball. Look at the last second before a batter hits the ball. Or misses for that matter. All that movement, stance, etc. is more semantics on the batters part. They all end up wide stance, head down, facing the ball arms extended or at least should be at point of contact.
Finally, many major leaguers (including Benoit) seem to go from a set position, rock back on one foot, and "pump" the ball into their mit, before bringing their hands together and deliver the pitch. Isn't that a balk? Sure looks like it to me. He’s not alone. But apparently umps have conceded this as a non balk move. I would have called it on a number of pitchers this year. More prevalent than I have ever seen. But, if it wasn’t a balk in spring training, they obviously are allowing it.
Tigers. Incredible collapse. I watched fielder up close. My seats were just few rows up, just past first. How do you define lethargy. Just incredible. I mean this guy looks beat. Only $218 million, imagine that. I finally had enough of him, first pitch double plays, pathetic base running, I hollered at him. ‘Fielder, only $218 mil, with that production you must work for the government. You don’t have to produce.’ Got a few fans reactions. Discovered they are not as critical of this balloon as I suspected. Very protective. Bull $hit. The guy needed to come thru. For as many times we have come to playoff time, he has collapsed. Even with the pitching debacle, his bat would have made the difference. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love the guy as a person. But man, when crunch time comes, you gotta be somewhat selective at the plate, know where you want to go with the ball, when to take the base, when to listen to the coach, he just came apart in my opinion.
Cabrera. Again, he’s hurt. You can see it. Peralta. I like the guy. Bat came thru. Finally jake wood wannabee Austin came around in the end, but oh, for a hit in game 3, or even something in game two when we could have gone up by 7, how large do those strikeouts look now. Verlander, sherzer, sanchez, even benoit all looked strong. Just that middle relief. We knew it all season. Now the country found out.
Guys like don kelly, Iglesias, torre hunter all are great pieces. I hope they get to keep them all. Somewhere along the way they need to find some speed on the basepaths. This has always plagued these tiger teams. Over the years a few bright spots, the ron leflores of the day, but, you can see how incredibly fast some of these playoff teams are. Iglesias is fast, but, we need more I think. At least pose a threat so to pull the shortstop out of position during the hit and run knowing ‘hes going’.
All I go back to is game two, up 5, and my instincts said to me, ‘it’s not enough’. Instincts stink sometimes.
Give me a tony larussa for one year. Not more, just one say. He has had many prima donnas to manage. This being said, they would immediately respect him. He could be the one to get us over the top. You may have one more season in this team before it has to be broken up. The Indians are very good, the royals are coming on strong. For the tigers to take this thing once and for all, larussa would be my first call after the press conference if I am Dave. I pray to God they don’t bring in some first year experiment, a tommy brookens say, even a Gibson might be controversial. And a gene lamont could be a fit but again, hes bringing some Leyland with him. I think with Jim gone, a fresh coaching staff might be in order with whomever takes the reign.
Pedroia didn't even get ONE out on botched double-play grounder
I've been reading/hearing that Dustin Pedroia's misplay of a sure double-play grounder in the Tigers' five-run second inning cost the Red Sox Game 4. If you watch the replay, he didn't even get one out. So it could have been worse, Boston, much worse.
Pre-game thoughts
I everbody else sick and tired of Erin Andrews? I sure am.
Who's to blame for the situation we're in? All the hitters. Not just Jackson. I welcome the changed line up.
Not as thrilled by Porcello's appearance the other night, but who is?
Meanwhile, any body notice the ex Tigers on other playoff teams? Matt Joyce, Laird, Grilli, etc.? Any body notice they didn't make an impact?
Just sayin.
Gregg
Who's to blame for the situation we're in? All the hitters. Not just Jackson. I welcome the changed line up.
Not as thrilled by Porcello's appearance the other night, but who is?
Meanwhile, any body notice the ex Tigers on other playoff teams? Matt Joyce, Laird, Grilli, etc.? Any body notice they didn't make an impact?
Just sayin.
Gregg
From Domzal
Yes, they with the mighty bats have gone to sleep. With a 5 run lead SATURDAY NIGHT, I was scared. I sensed what their, the bosox potential was. Sadly, in that loss, the tigers gained the lead too early if you can believe that. Now, we are screwed. Prince my ass, $216 MILLION for this fatass to do jack $hit. Can you imagine getting that much money and this kind of performance? Clearly he must think he works for the government. I’d fire his ass as soon as I could show him the door for this kind of investment and return. miggy, looked like he was in A ball in Caracas for chrissakes. And the mighty Omar. What a pick up. Thanks Dave. This guy could not even get the dam ball in the outfield or even hit to the right side with a man on 3rd and less than 2, then of course later in the contest the weak dribble to second a second time he could have been a hero, and finally our wonderful head case #1, Mr. Jackson. What a wonderful addition to the power lineup. A great leadoff batter, that’s for sure. Another great move dave. Sure makes me forget that kid we had out there, what was his name, Grander--- something?? Austin of course must remind you all of Jake the joke wood. For those tiger aficionados, old #2 Jake led the team and I believe still holds the record for strikeouts in a single season. 1962 if I recall? Austin is doing his damnest to work his way up to Jake status we see.
Can you, have you ever seen such pitching by a staff, having a complete collapse by a lineup designed for power as we are witnessing?
One pitch, that’s the difference. We walk around or force poppy, even if we give up 3 in the inning, we are going to the 9th. Instead, good old goatee wockeen decides to drill one. And its over. Right before our eyes.
I was sick all night. I thought Saturday was a bad game, yesterday was worse. Today is must of course. As well as tomorrow. What team will show up is what we all wonder about. Can’t even imagine what verlander and sherzer are thinking. I didn’t think verlander had a third game in him in this postseason, a jewel, and yet, here he was, showing just what he is all about.
I complain because I am a true die hard tiger fan. And I want them to win so badly. They have been so close. Screw Boston. They have the bruins, the Celtics, of course the dynasty in the patriots. Won the series twice now in the past 5 years or so, and I think for our hometown, nothing would be better for the spirit, the economy, the overall image of our city, as much maligned it is and may seem to so many. We know as Detroiters how much this would mean for this team to do the improbable now it seems.
Can you, have you ever seen such pitching by a staff, having a complete collapse by a lineup designed for power as we are witnessing?
One pitch, that’s the difference. We walk around or force poppy, even if we give up 3 in the inning, we are going to the 9th. Instead, good old goatee wockeen decides to drill one. And its over. Right before our eyes.
I was sick all night. I thought Saturday was a bad game, yesterday was worse. Today is must of course. As well as tomorrow. What team will show up is what we all wonder about. Can’t even imagine what verlander and sherzer are thinking. I didn’t think verlander had a third game in him in this postseason, a jewel, and yet, here he was, showing just what he is all about.
I complain because I am a true die hard tiger fan. And I want them to win so badly. They have been so close. Screw Boston. They have the bruins, the Celtics, of course the dynasty in the patriots. Won the series twice now in the past 5 years or so, and I think for our hometown, nothing would be better for the spirit, the economy, the overall image of our city, as much maligned it is and may seem to so many. We know as Detroiters how much this would mean for this team to do the improbable now it seems.
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