Well, everyone that whines that their teams arent recognized can look at this.... On today's Yankees game, Jim Kaat and Ken Singleton talked about the Tigers being in 1st in their division and kudos to their pitching staff. (and no, they arent playing the Tigers right now) For all of you Yankees haters think that the world revolves around the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets it just isnt true. Yes, undoubtedly more media attention...but other teams performances are definately recognized. To any real baseball fans out there, EVERY team is watched and recognized for the good and the bad. I for one enjoy watching other baseball teams play and watching their performance.
<< <i>Well, everyone that whines that their teams arent recognized can look at this.... On today's Yankees game, Jim Kaat and Ken Singleton talked about the Tigers being in 1st in their division and kudos to their pitching staff. (and no, they arent playing the Tigers right now) For all of you Yankees haters think that the world revolves around the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets it just isnt true. Yes, undoubtedly more media attention...but other teams performances are definately recognized. To any real baseball fans out there, EVERY team is watched and recognized for the good and the bad. I for one enjoy watching other baseball teams play and watching their performance. >>
Good point yankeeno7. I noticed the kudos they gave the Tigers today also. Its a shame we dont get to see more of exciting young teams like the Tigers play, but it certainly isnt from lack of caring about things outside the Yankees world.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win." -- Yogi Berra
<< <i>By the way, how the eff you see kay does hardcore come up with the STUPID notion that nobody notices the Tigers START because of a "great season the Yankees are having thus far" ???????????????????????????
huh? great season? whaaaaat????
I just love the way so many just MAKE $HIT up to either ENHANCE a phony baloney arguement or START a phony baloney arguement. >>
If nobody has 'noticed' the Tigers start it's because they've sucked for the last 13 years and people-- rightfully, I might add- are a little skeptical about whether or not they can continue winning. The Tigers aren't the first team in MLB history to do better then expected in the first 40 games of the season, so let's keep their accomplishments thus far in perspective.
Also, everyone should bear in mind that the media delivers what people want to hear. If the Yankees and Red Sox are on TV every other night it's not because ESPN 'likes those teams better', it's because those are the teams that America wants to watch. Similarly, if the Sports Reporters or whomever are talking incessantly about Derek Jeter or the Yankees pitching troubles its because those are the issues that the audience (in the aggregate) wants to hear talked about.
Anyone here sick of Lebron James? Barry Bonds? The freaking NFL, for that matter? I am. In fact, I'm REALLY, REALLY sick of all three. But the rest of the country can't get enough of these three subjects, so the beat goes on.
If you have a complaint about media coverage then blame the American people. Don't blame the guys who are hired to give their viewers what they want.
As I said, regardless of whether or not they stay atop the league, fall back some, or fall back all the way, thus far, this Tigers team should be the story of baseball, and they should be playing primetime games on ESPN!!! Two of the best stories of this year are playing a weekend series, Detroit and Cincy, and not one game is going to be nationally covered, and watch every game be great!!! Anyways, Tigers are in first, overachieving or not, they are, and it is great to be a Tiger fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks WP because Lord only knows that living here in NY I have absolutely NO idea what is happening in the baseball world. Besides, why would I pay attention to another team? Actually, I thought there were only 3 teams in baseball...Yanks, Mets, and Bosox. I have been schooled.
This was a fantastic game to attend tonight... it had it all - several runs scored early on solid hitting, a monster slam by Griffey, the heroic opposite-field homer by Granderson with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth and a wild finish in the 10th... with the Tigers winning it.
The Tigers are fantastic. It was a tough-break Zumaya got tagged for the homer like he did, but he really had it coming... he was throwing all fastballs and Griffey just sat on one and Zumaya it hung up around the belt. I always enjoy being able to watch a future Hall-Of-Famer, who is one of the best hitters in the game, smack a homer... fortunately, it didn't wind up beating us in the end.
How tough are the White Sox that they just keep on winning too...
Perhaps an ugly win, but still a win nonetheless. Last year, and the 15 years before that, this would have been a Tigers loss!!!! Watch, Jim Leyland will be manager of the year!!!!!!
I say good for the Tigers, and their fans! It is good to see once proud franchises, that have simply been neglected or mismananged in recent times, to regain a little stature in the game.
I give a rats as s about the owners of the Tigers, but at least the hardworking fellas who pay for tickets get a little respect by actually being provided with a product.
GO Verlander, he is making me a happy man thus far!
A - better save the brooms for a couple night - they have a 4-game series with the Tigers.....but your point still stands, it will more than likely be a sweep.
BTW, I'm hittin the game tomorrow.....maybe some good luck?
Definitely a game that would not have been won in recent years! This year, there have been a few late inning rallies or a late homer that added onto a lead, another thing that would not have happened recently. I did not think Jim Leyland was the key when they hired him, but I am now sold on him, he has everyone playing well to some extent, and it seems every other night, there is a different hitting hero. I personally do not think Jim Leyland is the kind of manager who would allow an excellent start so far to go to the head of his players, things are looking great!!!!
It's certainly been an impressive start for them. They're generally already talking about next year here in Michigan when the season is 1/4 of the way through, so it has been fun to actually watch a game that means something after opening day. They finally seem to have the right people in the organization making the right decisions. Their young talent is finally being used for something other than a trade. They also have had some solid free agent signings. Not only guys like Pudge and the Gambler, but also solid guys like Wilson to spell Pudge from time to time. They have been a team that could hit for a few years now, but they had a hard time scoring guys. They have improved there and more importantly, they now appear to have a solid pitching staff to not only slow down other teams but to even stop them. Detroit has had like 9 shutouts or something in their first 44 games which is amazing. Verlander looks to have the stuff, but time will tell. Having a guy like Rogers here to help out the younger guys seems to have been the right move. Just as long as they don't all start punching camera guys that is...
Now as for their competition thus far, it has been mainly composed of sub-500 teams. But the people who generally follow the Tigers will tell you those are the teams they usually lost most of their games to in the last few years. They don't usually play that poorly against the better teams, but find ways to lose 6 straight to Tampa and KC. It's still early and much can change before the season ends. It's nice to see them play well for a change. I haven't followed much baseball over the last 10 years, mainly because of the situation that continued here in Detroit well past the time when my stomach could no longer handle watching. Hopefully this is the beginning to renewing the pride of this franchise and its fans here in Michigan. Then at least maybe the taxpayers there wont have to moan and contemplate anarchy everytime they pass Comerica and Ford Field, which are built right next to eachother.
What's up IM? Well as I mentioned, I don't really follow the Tig's much... I do tend to follow certain series though more than the final season tally, so I must admit that my statement was based more on those and I apologize if I didn't run the numbers before opening my trap . I went to like the third game of a four game set against Boston last year. Unfortunately that was the only loss they had of those four games. I also remember where they beat the Braves in a series a couple years back which was kind of a big deal here because of the whole Smoltz situation. I also remember hearing about the Tigers futility against Kansas City and Tampa (2 of the perennial cellar dwellers with Detroit) over the last three seasons. They said Detroit is something like 22/34 against the Royals and 7/7 against Tampa. If you can't beat them, you're likely in trouble. They also either won or split the season series with the Yankees a couple years ago and that was the first time they had done that well against them in a long time. I also rarely pay attention to any of their games until after the basketball and hockey playoffs are over. The Pistons have went quite far the last couple of years, so most of what I saw about the Tigers was after that. Roughly translated, after the All-Star break. So even if the Tigers lost their first 12 games to a team but won their remaining 6, that's likely all I remember.
Again, baseball has been my least favorite sport for a long time since Detroit went to the crapper a while back. I don't follow most of their games, so I kind of spoke without being completely informed But they did suck against the Royals and Rays and they did get the Yanks and Braves in the same season to some degree, so I was kinda right
How ya doin dirt, tigers have always been my 2nd favorite AL team, I grew up listening to Ernie Harwell on the radio. Would love to see them against the ChiSox in the AL championship.
Doing good, my friend... Actually, I am glad the Sox are doing as well as Detroit simply because I think it would add something to Detroits season if they were actually able to beat last years best. The season is long and many things can happen as we all know. Detroit is young and most of their players have never made a run into October, so hopefully they don't crack before then. Whichever way, it's just good to finally see what appears to be real progress within their organization for a change. Leyland was a good choice as manager and I think he has finally made the players realize that playing hard for 9 innings can actually materialize into wins. When a young team like this goes on a roll, you can actually see their confidence grow. At the beginning of the season, they started off hot and then hit the skids. It was nice to see Leyland stand up and say that kind of behavior had happened here before and was no longer going to be acceptable. The team responded by going on another winning streak. Young players need a coach like that.
If Detroit can keep up this pace until the All-Star break, it will be good for the team and will help them grow. Barring a total collapse, a season like this will help them in the future as well. Especially in the free agent market if they choose to shop there.
Leyland going off on the team at the beginning of the season, was something that was necessary, and I cannot remember the last time a manager of the Tigers did so. As Leyland even said, if you do it all the time, eventually it will fall on deaf ears, but it was needed, it was just, and since then, the players have responded. Hope it never has to happen again, but if it does, Leyland knows when it would be time for that, Leyland is one reason why the outlook for this season is very encouraging. As I have said, if they do not even go to the playoffs, that is fine, although that is what I want, I just want to know, when I go to, or watch a game on television, it is a competitive game. Leyland is your manager of the year folks!!!!!
BTW, it is also great to see what a healthy Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen can add to a team, Guillen has made a few mindless errors thus far, but he would be the first to say they are that. Brandon Inge is also knocking the ball out too, he only needs to work with his Ks and hits, much like Granderson needs to do also. Leyland is also known as a manager who will give a player the day off, and thus far, he is picking the proper player to go in and take up the spot when needed. I almost gave up on Infante last year, and in his part time duty, he is playing solidly too. Just note, in the last 20 years almost, the baseball season in Detroit was over this far into the season, it is about time!!!
If they can play just 6 games over .500 the rest of the way they will end up with 93 wins, most likely that will be plenty to get them into the playoffs.
One thing I havnt seen mentioned and discussed is Pudges ability to handle a staff. I think the guy does a great job and is helping those young arms alot. He made a huge impact on the staff in Florida and appears to be helping out big time in Detroit too.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win." -- Yogi Berra
<< <i>Nobody even notices they are tied for the best record in baseball, considering the great season the Yankees are having thus far. Whether their season continues this way, or not, still gotta give Jim Leyland props. I personally want to thank Kenny Rogers for beating up the cameraman last year, or he may have stayed in Texas, the youth of the Tigers in pitching needed someone with experience. I would like to thank Carlos Pena for striking out so much in his time here, allowing Chris Shelton to be an everyday player. I would like to thank the White Sox for giving up on Magglio Ordonez, last year he was not 100%, and he is now healthy and appears to be the Mags of old. Hey, Dave Dombrowski, thanks for bringing Pudge here, we needed a catcher like him to handle the pitchers, and he is on top of his game yet again, did anyone see his defensive skills when he played 1st base last week? Carlos Guillen is now healthy after knee surgery almost 2 years ago, and he is playing like everyone knows he is capable of.
Also, Dave Dombrowski, I WOULD HAPPILY TAKE IN BARRY BONDS VIA FREE AGENCY NEXT YEAR, TRY FOR HIM, then we can hear all the bltching on these message boards, how the DH rule should be voided for all of baseball!!!!!!!!! >>
I did, I noticed, and although he may have been "overpaid," it was necessary to bring him here, only hope he can finish out his career here, and hope he can stay around for another 5+, remains to be seen. To save wear and tear on his body, he can play some DH or first base, he has some skills there, saw it a couple weeks ago!!!!!!
Tigers are unstoppable of late... another late-inning comeback win today. The game was already won once Monroe and Thames hit back-to-back homers in the 9th, but Pudge tacked on an extra 3-run homer to further the Royals woes. Thank you Kansas City for a 4-game road sweep. Gotta love playing against the Royals... they are inept at every possible aspect of the game this season.
Next up... a real challenge to find out how good we actually are... Cleveland, New York, Boston, Chicago & Toronto over the next 3 weeks.
Well... looks like we can hang with the big boys - as long as Todd Jones isn't brought into tied or close games. He's scary out there lately. He should blow enough saves to lose his job before the postseason and Rodney will take over - he's so much better. But, the team is still playing well, getting production from all over the line-up. Shelton should get his act together again shortly - he can't continue to be as bad as he was in May.
Still in 1st place by 2.5 over the White Sox, still the best record in the league, still 18 games over .500, still no respect... it doesn't get any more perfect than that. Talk about a non-pressure situation when the Tigers actually do get into the post season... they'll be the heavy underdog even if they win the division.
Sure would like to see them put together a trade for Mark Prior, he's worth the risk and we have a couple solid pitching prospects to offer.
The Tigers are having a rough time midway through this tough stretch of series vs the Yankees/ Red Sox/ White Sox/ Blue Jays. I would guess nobody could have expected them to continue playing .700 plus baseball. They have enough good pitching to stop the bleeding before they find themseves in a huge free fall I think.
Shelton needs a trip to AAA to get his act together, Young looks like he's gone for good (which is a positive), and Jones looks like he already reached rock bottom and has began to recover.
It's hard to call them a fluke at this point in the season - they are playing solid baseball.
They'll send him out there a few more times, he'll keep getting clobbered and then they will finally move him to middle relief (or just cut him if he shows he's ineffective in middle-relief also) and make Zumaya or Rodney the closer. It's evident that Jones can no longer pitch well at the major league level. I never thought he was much of a pitcher to begin with.
Come playoff time, assuming they trade for another veteran SP (sure would like it to be John Smoltz or Greg Maddux - both should be available before the trade deadline)... they will likely go with a 3 man rotation - Rogers/Whoever they trade for/Bonderman and it wouldn't suprise me to see Verlander moved to the closers role for the playoffs with Rodney and Zumaya setting him up. If I were in charge, that's how it would be.
If Leyland keeps sending Jones out there, he isn't as bright as I thought he was.
Jones has lost four or five games single handedly in last two weeks.
Time for a change. It was about three appearences ago for Jones. The guy is washed up.
Tigers can't afford anymore late inning give aways. They also need a big left handed stick in the middle of their line up. Time to pick someone up in short order if at all possible.
I am also hoping Todd Jones is gone by the All-Star game, he has lost it, although he never really fully had it. Zumaya pitches with ice water in his veins, he would make a good closer, but he has done well being a 1 or 2 inning man in the 6th-8th innings, so I would not want to mess with what is making him successful. There can be a dilemma in the next couple months, should Miner keep pitching well, and Maroth comes back and performs as he has, what to do, what to do! I say, "Jamie Walker for closer," he has been an unknown great pitcher for the Tigers the last few years, has shut down competition this year, and throws some nasty junk up to the plate, seems as if left handed batters bail out quick! I would not mind Fernando Rodney as a closer, but like Jones, seems as if he is constantly filling the bases up when he is in there, although he does throw some good stuff! Jim Leyland will know what to do, and the thing that is great, players may want to come here now, so summer moves may be in store, just hope there is nothing like a Doyle Alexander/John Smoltz draft pick deal that happened in '87. Doyle did well, but seeing what we could have had, makes me want to puke!
Along with Jones, the only other major knock this team has, is their strikeouts. Seems as if Granderson, Shelton, Monroe, and Inge strikeout 2-3 times a game. Granderson and Shelton will have averages around the .300 mark I would say, Inge and Monroe will probably get it up to .250-.275 before it is all said and done, but they need to put in some work to cut down on the K's. This is not a team of the past, where they have to try to homer every at bat, and Leyland even stresses that they have to master the small ball play to win in this league, too many times this year, I see a bases loaded strikeout or a pop up. One thing for certain though, it is great to see late inning rallies, coming back from being down big, just chipping away at the leads, something which really has not been done in 15+ years, and the best part is, it is the middle of June, and the Tigers are not looking forward to next season!!!!!!!!
How about them Cubs and a 3-game sweep in Chicago! Too bad we can't play them more often - they are really a pathetic team this season... that line-up has no chance.
Could Shelton be getting his act back together? He couldn't get much worse than he was hitting for the past month - if he comes around that certainly helps clear up a possible problem with what to do with him. I guess the jury will still be out on him for the next week or two before it'll be safe to say he's out of his funk.
Should be interesting to see how we fare against St. Louis and Houston (Clemens should have his 2nd start of the season against us unless his contract is only to pitch in Houston). If we can split those games, that would be fine with me.
Pretty amazing how well this team is playing - now I'm going to have to deal with more traffic and larger crowds at the ballpark as the bandwagon fans start showing up - I guess I can handle that trade-off.
Comments
<< <i>STOP THE BICKERING PLEASE - IT IS RIDICULOUS & IMMATURE
THIS IS A DETROIT TIGERS THREAD - LETS KEEP IT THAT WAY FOR A WHILE. Please stop bashing each other on here.
- I could see them going after a guy like Jamie Moyer, or if the Dodgers aren't in it, Derek Lowe would be logical also.
Go Tigers! >>
I agree.
Kansas City 4-0 .270
Seattle 3-0 .415
Minnesota 6-2 .426
Los Angeles 2-3 .425
Baltimore 1-1 .463
Cleveland 5-2 .475
CWS 0-3 .667
Texas 3-1 .513
Oakland 2-1 .513
If only sub .500 teams make the playoffs…Tigers could win it all.
Hi ltns.
I agree, however , those are the teams that a team has to beat. The Tigers have been doing it, gotta give credit where credit is due.
Steve
5 niner, Josh I agree too.
On today's Yankees game, Jim Kaat and Ken Singleton talked about the Tigers being in 1st in their division and kudos to their pitching staff. (and no, they arent playing the Tigers right now)
For all of you Yankees haters think that the world revolves around the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets it just isnt true. Yes, undoubtedly more media attention...but other teams performances are definately recognized.
To any real baseball fans out there, EVERY team is watched and recognized for the good and the bad. I for one enjoy watching other baseball teams play and watching their performance.
<< <i>Well, everyone that whines that their teams arent recognized can look at this....
On today's Yankees game, Jim Kaat and Ken Singleton talked about the Tigers being in 1st in their division and kudos to their pitching staff. (and no, they arent playing the Tigers right now)
For all of you Yankees haters think that the world revolves around the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets it just isnt true. Yes, undoubtedly more media attention...but other teams performances are definately recognized.
To any real baseball fans out there, EVERY team is watched and recognized for the good and the bad. I for one enjoy watching other baseball teams play and watching their performance. >>
Good point yankeeno7. I noticed the kudos they gave the Tigers today also. Its a shame we dont get to see more of exciting young teams like the Tigers play, but it certainly isnt from lack of caring about things outside the Yankees world.
-- Yogi Berra
<< <i>By the way, how the eff you see kay does hardcore come up with the STUPID notion that nobody notices the Tigers START because of a "great season the Yankees are having thus far" ???????????????????????????
huh? great season? whaaaaat????
I just love the way so many just MAKE $HIT up to either ENHANCE a phony baloney arguement or START a phony baloney arguement. >>
If nobody has 'noticed' the Tigers start it's because they've sucked for the last 13 years and people-- rightfully, I might add- are a little skeptical about whether or not they can continue winning. The Tigers aren't the first team in MLB history to do better then expected in the first 40 games of the season, so let's keep their accomplishments thus far in perspective.
Also, everyone should bear in mind that the media delivers what people want to hear. If the Yankees and Red Sox are on TV every other night it's not because ESPN 'likes those teams better', it's because those are the teams that America wants to watch. Similarly, if the Sports Reporters or whomever are talking incessantly about Derek Jeter or the Yankees pitching troubles its because those are the issues that the audience (in the aggregate) wants to hear talked about.
Anyone here sick of Lebron James? Barry Bonds? The freaking NFL, for that matter? I am. In fact, I'm REALLY, REALLY sick of all three. But the rest of the country can't get enough of these three subjects, so the beat goes on.
If you have a complaint about media coverage then blame the American people. Don't blame the guys who are hired to give their viewers what they want.
Want everyone to notice how well the Tigers have been playing.
Steve
I have been schooled.
<< <i>Pitching Griffey down the middle isn't wise
Ah, my friend, but Griffey's heroics were all for naught
The Tigers are fantastic. It was a tough-break Zumaya got tagged for the homer like he did, but he really had it coming... he was throwing all fastballs and Griffey just sat on one and Zumaya it hung up around the belt. I always enjoy being able to watch a future Hall-Of-Famer, who is one of the best hitters in the game, smack a homer... fortunately, it didn't wind up beating us in the end.
How tough are the White Sox that they just keep on winning too...
I give a rats as s about the owners of the Tigers, but at least the hardworking fellas who pay for tickets get a little respect by actually being provided with a product.
GO Verlander, he is making me a happy man thus far!
I am a little disappointed, Verlander gave up 5 hits, and only stuck out 7, I think he should be shipped to the minors for some retooling!
Rogers, as long as he is not in NY is his usually awesome self . The team is hungry and has a manager that does not take any nonsense.
Good to see them doing well.
Steve
Just can't shake off those pesky White Sox even after winning 11 of 12, still only a 1 game lead.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
BTW, I'm hittin the game tomorrow.....maybe some good luck?
Now as for their competition thus far, it has been mainly composed of sub-500 teams. But the people who generally follow the Tigers will tell you those are the teams they usually lost most of their games to in the last few years. They don't usually play that poorly against the better teams, but find ways to lose 6 straight to Tampa and KC. It's still early and much can change before the season ends. It's nice to see them play well for a change. I haven't followed much baseball over the last 10 years, mainly because of the situation that continued here in Detroit well past the time when my stomach could no longer handle watching. Hopefully this is the beginning to renewing the pride of this franchise and its fans here in Michigan. Then at least maybe the taxpayers there wont have to moan and contemplate anarchy everytime they pass Comerica and Ford Field, which are built right next to eachother.
Hmmm looks to me like they beat the bad teams last year and were owned by the better teams.
ARI 2 4 18 25 0.333
BAL 5 3 48 46 0.625
BOS 4 6 58 63 0.400
CHW 5 14 52 99 0.263
CLE 6 12 75 85 0.333
COL 1 2 9 13 0.333
KCR 10 9 98 90 0.526
LAA 4 6 41 42 0.400
LAD 1 2 12 12 0.333
MIN 8 11 81 93 0.421
NYY 1 5 22 31 0.167
OAK 1 5 18 43 0.167
SDP 3 0 19 7 1.000
SEA 5 4 44 35 0.556
SFG 2 1 18 14 0.667
TBD 5 2 38 29 0.714
TEX 4 2 26 27 0.667
TOR 4 3 46 33 0.571
This is this yr.
They look like the real deal to me.
Steve
<< <i>2005 record
Hmmm looks to me like they beat the bad teams last year and were owned by the better teams.
ARI 2 4 18 25 0.333
BAL 5 3 48 46 0.625
BOS 4 6 58 63 0.400
CHW 5 14 52 99 0.263
CLE 6 12 75 85 0.333
COL 1 2 9 13 0.333
KCR 10 9 98 90 0.526
LAA 4 6 41 42 0.400
LAD 1 2 12 12 0.333
MIN 8 11 81 93 0.421
NYY 1 5 22 31 0.167
OAK 1 5 18 43 0.167
SDP 3 0 19 7 1.000
SEA 5 4 44 35 0.556
SFG 2 1 18 14 0.667
TBD 5 2 38 29 0.714
TEX 4 2 26 27 0.667
TOR 4 3 46 33 0.571 >>
What's up IM? Well as I mentioned, I don't really follow the Tig's much... I do tend to follow certain series though more than the final season tally, so I must admit that my statement was based more on those and I apologize if I didn't run the numbers before opening my trap
Again, baseball has been my least favorite sport for a long time since Detroit went to the crapper a while back. I don't follow most of their games, so I kind of spoke without being completely informed
... and I still hate the Irish
If Detroit can keep up this pace until the All-Star break, it will be good for the team and will help them grow. Barring a total collapse, a season like this will help them in the future as well. Especially in the free agent market if they choose to shop there.
BTW, it is also great to see what a healthy Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen can add to a team, Guillen has made a few mindless errors thus far, but he would be the first to say they are that. Brandon Inge is also knocking the ball out too, he only needs to work with his Ks and hits, much like Granderson needs to do also. Leyland is also known as a manager who will give a player the day off, and thus far, he is picking the proper player to go in and take up the spot when needed. I almost gave up on Infante last year, and in his part time duty, he is playing solidly too. Just note, in the last 20 years almost, the baseball season in Detroit was over this far into the season, it is about time!!!
One thing I havnt seen mentioned and discussed is Pudges ability to handle a staff. I think the guy does a great job and is helping those young arms alot. He made a huge impact on the staff in Florida and appears to be helping out big time in Detroit too.
-- Yogi Berra
<< <i>Nobody even notices they are tied for the best record in baseball, considering the great season the Yankees are having thus far. Whether their season continues this way, or not, still gotta give Jim Leyland props. I personally want to thank Kenny Rogers for beating up the cameraman last year, or he may have stayed in Texas, the youth of the Tigers in pitching needed someone with experience. I would like to thank Carlos Pena for striking out so much in his time here, allowing Chris Shelton to be an everyday player. I would like to thank the White Sox for giving up on Magglio Ordonez, last year he was not 100%, and he is now healthy and appears to be the Mags of old. Hey, Dave Dombrowski, thanks for bringing Pudge here, we needed a catcher like him to handle the pitchers, and he is on top of his game yet again, did anyone see his defensive skills when he played 1st base last week? Carlos Guillen is now healthy after knee surgery almost 2 years ago, and he is playing like everyone knows he is capable of.
Also, Dave Dombrowski, I WOULD HAPPILY TAKE IN BARRY BONDS VIA FREE AGENCY NEXT YEAR, TRY FOR HIM, then we can hear all the bltching on these message boards, how the DH rule should be voided for all of baseball!!!!!!!!! >>
I did, I noticed, and although he may have been "overpaid," it was necessary to bring him here, only hope he can finish out his career here, and hope he can stay around for another 5+, remains to be seen. To save wear and tear on his body, he can play some DH or first base, he has some skills there, saw it a couple weeks ago!!!!!!
Next up... a real challenge to find out how good we actually are... Cleveland, New York, Boston, Chicago & Toronto over the next 3 weeks.
Still in 1st place by 2.5 over the White Sox, still the best record in the league, still 18 games over .500, still no respect... it doesn't get any more perfect than that. Talk about a non-pressure situation when the Tigers actually do get into the post season... they'll be the heavy underdog even if they win the division.
Sure would like to see them put together a trade for Mark Prior, he's worth the risk and we have a couple solid pitching prospects to offer.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Shelton needs a trip to AAA to get his act together, Young looks like he's gone for good (which is a positive), and Jones looks like he already reached rock bottom and has began to recover.
It's hard to call them a fluke at this point in the season - they are playing solid baseball.
<< <i> It's hard to call them a fluke at this point in the season - they are playing solid baseball. >>
The Tigers have enough good pitching (especially the pen) that makes them a legit good team with a bright future IMO.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
SD
Come playoff time, assuming they trade for another veteran SP (sure would like it to be John Smoltz or Greg Maddux - both should be available before the trade deadline)... they will likely go with a 3 man rotation - Rogers/Whoever they trade for/Bonderman and it wouldn't suprise me to see Verlander moved to the closers role for the playoffs with Rodney and Zumaya setting him up. If I were in charge, that's how it would be.
If Leyland keeps sending Jones out there, he isn't as bright as I thought he was.
Jones has lost four or five games single handedly in last two weeks.
Time for a change.
It was about three appearences ago for Jones.
The guy is washed up.
Tigers can't afford anymore late inning give aways.
They also need a big left handed stick in the middle of their line up.
Time to pick someone up in short order if at all possible.
Along with Jones, the only other major knock this team has, is their strikeouts. Seems as if Granderson, Shelton, Monroe, and Inge strikeout 2-3 times a game. Granderson and Shelton will have averages around the .300 mark I would say, Inge and Monroe will probably get it up to .250-.275 before it is all said and done, but they need to put in some work to cut down on the K's. This is not a team of the past, where they have to try to homer every at bat, and Leyland even stresses that they have to master the small ball play to win in this league, too many times this year, I see a bases loaded strikeout or a pop up. One thing for certain though, it is great to see late inning rallies, coming back from being down big, just chipping away at the leads, something which really has not been done in 15+ years, and the best part is, it is the middle of June, and the Tigers are not looking forward to next season!!!!!!!!
Could Shelton be getting his act back together? He couldn't get much worse than he was hitting for the past month - if he comes around that certainly helps clear up a possible problem with what to do with him. I guess the jury will still be out on him for the next week or two before it'll be safe to say he's out of his funk.
Should be interesting to see how we fare against St. Louis and Houston (Clemens should have his 2nd start of the season against us unless his contract is only to pitch in Houston). If we can split those games, that would be fine with me.
Pretty amazing how well this team is playing - now I'm going to have to deal with more traffic and larger crowds at the ballpark as the bandwagon fans start showing up - I guess I can handle that trade-off.