A Dreary End

As it is extremely obvious that this blog has been instrumental in the jinxing of our Tigers, I am officially informing you all that Baseball at Comerica is completely and utterly dead. I apologize for bringing such bad karma to our team and hope that next year will be a fresh start filled with energy and hope. And...um...Jason Grilli is still gone. So that's good, right?

Joyce Coming Through

Matt Joyce's homer tied the game while the Tigers exploded for a four-run 3rd inning.

My Tigers Stand-Off Is Over

After the disgusting display of baseball the Tigers showcased in the Metrodome last weekend, I decided to take a break from this blog for a bit out of frustration. That three game sweep turned into a five game losing streak against the Red Sox this week and I was wondering when I would find the energy and joy to write again.

It came back last night. That was one heck of a 9th inning against possibly the best closer in all of baseball. Sure, we got a few breaks; like Matt Joyce's check swing turning into a perfect bunt and Renteria's hopper to short getting bobbled and dropped by Julio Lugo. But isn't it about time the Tigers caught a break?

Pudge laid down a beautiful bunt to get the runs over and Granderson did his job of hitting to the right side to score the tying run. It was a tough night for Curtis, but he came through in a big spot like we expect from our center fielder. Then, with Renteria on third and two outs, Polanco hit a bat-shattering blooper into left field and we finally had a win. Finally.

So where are we at now? At 15-20, you would think the Tigers have a long uphill climb to get back in it. The truth is, the division is doing a number on each other and we are only 3.5 games out of first place and only two behind the Indians. We're right there. Maybe this 9th inning rally can catapult us into the type of winning streak Detroit fans have been clamoring for since 2006. We'll see.

Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight against Josh Beckett to close out the four game strip with the Sox. Then it's another three-game series with the Yanks, who you know will be out to get us after sweeping them in New York a week and a half ago. It's not an easy stretch; baseball never seems to be easy. I'm just glad I had something I wanted to write about again.

A Little Nugget of Tigers Love

I found some information from the Elias Sports Bureau this morning after a big win to sweep the Yankees last night. Ramon Santiago had the play of the night with his two-run triple and Miguel Cabrera is really starting to show his all-out studness. Yes, studness. Anyway, from Elias:

AFTER 42 YEARS, A TIGERS' SWEEP AT YANKEE STADIUM

The Tigers defeated the Yankees, 8-4, to complete a three-game sweep-Detroit's first sweep of three or more games at Yankee Stadium since April 12-14, 1966. Only three other teams in MLB history went 40 years or longer between sweeps of three or more games at one site: the Braves, 82 years at Fenway Park (1915-1997); the Dodgers, 46 years at Milwaukee County Stadium (1953-1999); and the Senators/Twins at Yankee Stadium, 42 years (1924-1966). Note that Fenway Park was the home venue for the Boston Braves in 1915.

I have to admit that it was a pretty good time to have a series with the Yanks, what with A-Rod and Posada both on the DL. Still, sweeping them in New York is no small task. We even were able to try out our new reliever in the 9th, Francisco Cruceta, who looked a tad rusty but still got out of the inning without giving up a run. I miss Grilli even less today than I did yesterday.

Another thing popped into my head last night. Does anyone think that Magglio and Cabrera have a little friendly hitting contest going on? It seems like they are trying to top each other with each at bat. Maggs doubles; Miggy triples. Ordonez singles; Cabrera homers. When Magglio gets on, Miguel usually follows. I think I want to start following this trend. Ordonez currently leads in batting average (.315 to .279), but Cabrera leads in home runs (6 to 5) and RBIs (22 to 21). I'd like to think we have a Mickey Mantle/Roger Maris thing going on here.

The Tigers head to Minneapolis this weekend for a three-game set with the Twinkies. Armando Galarraga takes the mound against Livan Hernandez tonight. I'll be in the Metrodome Saturday night to watch Verlander take on Scott Baker. Hopefully me and my Ty Cobb jersey will continue to have luck watching the Tigers in that crappy dome. We're only 1.5 games out of first place in the AL Central, we could use another sweep. If we win the first two, maybe I'll bring a broom to the game Sunday. Not really.

Because He's My Main Man

I think everyone needs to know how truly important Curtis Granderson is to our Tigers. Jayson Stark of ESPN did the work for me in one quick paragraph in his Rumblings blog today. Stark writes:

The On a Roll Award

Curtis Granderson only missed the Tigers' first 21 games of the season. It just felt like 121. As our buddy Danny Knobler, who covers the Tigers for mlive.com, points out, Tigers leadoff men scored exactly three runs in those 21 games. In the seven games since Granderson returned, he has scored 11 runs -- more than any player in the whole sport. But that's not all he's done. He has reached base in 15 of his 30 trips to home plate, thumped three times as many extra-base hits (six) as singles (two), scored a run 73 percent of the times he has gotten on base and done more blogging than certain full-time Rumblings and Grumblings authors. Now that's a roll.

Word.

Grilli A Goner

A big night for baseball in Detroit as the Tigers won their second straight game in New York 6-2 (Polanco hit two homers!?!?) and news came that quite possibly my least favorite Tiger of all time was traded. That's right, Jason Grilli was traded to the Colorado Rockies today for Zachary Simons. Simons will start out in Single A.

This Grilli trade opens a roster spot for reliever Francisco Cruceta, who missed all of Spring Training and the season so far because of visa issues. Cruceta will join the Tigers tomorrow and the Yanks.

So I had to write my "so-long big guy" to Jason Grilli, a guy I've had some harsh words for in the last three years. And you know what? I don't take them back. I won't miss him. Enjoy the thin air of the Rockies.

Harsh? Sure, he might be a great guy. But I have a few too many gray hairs on my head because of him. And I shouldn't have gray hairs yet, I'm still 25.

Now, if we could just get Jacque Jones going...

Tigers Fall 4-3 to Angels

Game in a Nutshell

In a tough contest last night with the Angels, the Tigers were not able to come back from one bad inning from Nate Robertson and fell 4-3 to the AL-West leading Angels. Going into the top of the 4th, both teams were scoreless until Vlad Guerrero hit a two-run home run and Casey Kotchman hit a two-run single to take a 4-0 lead.

Detroit got on the board with a solo homer from Curtis Granderson, his second in two games. The Tigers seemed to be chipping away, totaling six hits and four walks during the game, but they couldn't get a key hit to go through. Both Pudge Rodriguez and Brandon Inge blasted hard line drives with runners in scoring position that were snatched away by Angels first baseman Kotchman.

A tough loss for the Tigs as they fall to 10-14 and are 3.5 games out of first in the division. With two more against the Angels, followed by three games in New York, the schedule doesn't get easy anytime soon. Armando Galarraga takes the mound this afternoon (3:55 ET) for Detroit against Dustin Moseley and his 7.78 ERA. Let's jack that ERA up even higher.

Bullpen Watch

Nate Robertson did a nice job of getting through seven innings to give a bullpen that was starting to get way overused a needed rest. Denny Bautista pitched the 8th to hold the Angels lead to one, giving up a hit and a walk, but no runs with one strikeout. Todd Jones came in still holding a one run deficit, pitching a one-two-three inning. It's amazing that the 'pen has all of a sudden became a strength of this team so far. Who knew?

Concern Level: 3 out of 10




Today's Key Play


In the bottom of the 8th, the Tigers were down 4-3 with one of their last chances to tie the game. With a runner on first and second, Pudge Rodriguez came to the plate looking to make it a 4-4 ballgame facing Justin Speier. Pudge hit a sharp line drive towards the right field line, but Casey Kotchman jumped a snagged the liner out of the air to end the inning. K-Rod would come in to dominate the 9th and we lost by one. Grrrrrr.




Tiger of the Game: Placido Polanco



It was nice to see Placido Polanco back in the lineup and looking somewhat healthy last night. Polanco went 2 for 4 with a walk and scored a run. Nothing spectacular, but he was the only Tigers batter with a multi-hit game. A healthy Polanco will make this lineup downright scary. Too bad it couldn't come through with a couple more runs last night. On another tangent, is Sheffield done? He rarely gets good wood on the ball anymore and is so injury prone now that it's becoming frustrating to root for him. Leyland needs to move Sheff down in the lineup or give him a long DL stint to give Clete Thomas another chance. It's cool that our skipper is a loyal guy, but sometimes he's loyal to a fault.

Tigers Blast Rangers with Season-High 19 Runs

Game in a Nutshell

After 1 1/2 innings tonight, it looked like the Tigers were in trouble, falling behind 5-0. That trouble faded real fast as Detroit took back those five runs in the bottom of the 2nd and then exploded for 11 runs in the 6th on their way to a 19-6 win.

Curtis Granderson made his first appearance of the season, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs in the leadoff spot. Carlos Guillen really smacked the ball around, going 3 for 5 with five RBIs and Miguel Cabrera hit a three-run home run to right field on a low outside pitch that didn't even look hittable. 14 hits and 10 walks in one game. Not too shabby.

Kenny Rogers didn't get the win, but was lucky to not get his 4th loss tonight despite giving up six runs in 3 1/3 innings. He got some run support. Clay Rapada got the win, as the trio of Tigers relievers combined for 5 2/3 scoreless innings. What was the perceived weakness of this team again?

Bullpen Watch

Clay Rapada pitched 2 1/3 hitless, scoreless innings in relief of Rogers, striking out two with his lefty arm-dropping style. Aquilino Lopez followed with three scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out three. Lopez has now dropped his season ERA to 0.52. Jason Grilli was able to pitch with another huge lead, getting a 1-2-3 9th inning with one K. Beautiful work by this group again tonight.


Concern Level: 4 out of 10




Today's Key Play


With run after run after run crossing the plate tonight for Detroit, there are plenty of plays that could be considered tonight's top play. I think I'll go with Carlos Guillen's two-run single in the bottom of the 2nd that tied the game at 5 apiece. After falling behind by five, this 2nd inning rally basically started the game from scratch and the Tigers really took advantage of the new life.




Tiger of the Game: Curtis Granderson



Man, it seems like it's been a long time since I've been able to write glowingly about my main man C. Grand. With Curtis back in the lineup, it just seems like his energy brings this lineup to a new level. Granderson's 2 for 4 night with two walks, three runs, and two RBIs kept the show rolling as the Tigers had their season high in runs scored. I think we have plenty to look forward to from our starting center fielder.

A Big Switch

After last night's rout of the Texas Rangers, manager Jim Leyland announced that Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen will switch positions. Permanently. While I've written that our defense at the corners is a weakness, I can't say I expected a switch like this so soon.

Guillen will no doubt have better mobility than Cabrera to get to grounders at third and Cabrera has looked pretty comfortable at first. I also wasn't very excited about Carlos' inability to scoop up short hops and get his footwork down at first. This may work. The biggest question is whether Guillen will be able adjust and be accurate on the tough throw across the diamond. We'll just have to wait it out and see.

In other Tigers news, it looks like there's a chance that Curtis Granderson will be back in the lineup tonight against the Rangers. Detroit's trainers will check out his sore legs before game time to see if he's ready to go. So, let me be one of the many to throw it out there. Can we start Clete Thomas in left and bench Jacque Jones? Just sayin'.

Tigers Win 2nd Straight Behind 3 HR Inning

Game in a Nutshell

The Tigers were finally back in Detroit tonight to take on the Texas Rangers. With their ace on the mound, the Tigs really put a pounding on the Rangers with a 10-2 win. Justin Verlander pitched six innings, giving up only one run on a solo home run. Four different relievers combined to pitch the final four innings, giving up just a second run.

While the pitching was very good, it was the bats that starred tonight in the D. Coming into the bottom of the 3rd with a 2-1 lead, the Tigers hitters went on a scoring spree behind back-to-back home runs from Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera, and then a third homer, this time a two-run shot by Ramon Santiago. Santiago, filling in for Placido Polanco and his back injury, went 2 for 3 on the day with 3 RBIs. Edgar Renteria (4-4), Jacque Jones (2-3) and Brandon Inge all scored 2 runs for Detroit.

This is the second straight win for the Tigers, who at 8-13 are now 4 1/2 games behind the division-leading Chicago White Sox. Kenny Rogers will face Luis Mendoza tomorrow night as Detroit looks to continue to climb their way out of the AL Central cellar.

Bullpen Watch

Zach Miner started the 7th tonight, but struggled in a short outing. Miner gave up a couple of hits and a run, and was able to get just one out before being pulled for Bobby Seay coming in to face the lefty. Seay hit his spots tonight, getting four outs without giving up a hit with one walk. With two outs in the 8th, Denny Bautista came in and immediately gave up a walk. Bautista then got out of the inning, getting Ben Broussard to pop out to Pudge, who made a fantastic catch reaching over the wall. Jason Grilli came in for the 9th with an 8-run lead (the time we want to see Grilli), and looked good. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning, and struck out Josh Hamilton to end the game. Four innings and just one run from the 'pen, we gotta love that. They're slowly earning my trust.


Concern Level: 5 out of 10




Today's Key Play


I think when Miguel Cabrera's line drive down the left field line went out of Comerica's yard, this game was pretty much over. The second of back-to-back homers opened the onslaught of a five-run inning and a blowout win. 15 runs in two days without Granderson, Polanco, and Sheffield is pretty solid, I would say.




Tiger of the Game: Ramon Santiago



Not only did Ramon Santiago's two run home run in the 3rd blow this game open, he also gave the Tigers their first lead with a 2nd inning RBI double. His 3 RBIs and a run scored out of the 9-hole was a huge boost to a lineup that's been hit by injuries. Santiago is always solid in the field; the fact that he's hitting .467 in the early season is gravy.

Tigers Unable To Rally, Fall 3-2 to Jays

Game in a Nutshell

Despite some decent overall pitching, the Tigers weren't able to come through with enough runs late in a 3-2 loss this afternoon to the Blue Jays. Jeremy Bonderman pitched five innings, giving up three runs on five hits. But it was the six walks that hurt Bondo today, including one with the bases loaded that gave Toronto a 2-0 lead after a 1st inning solo homer by Alex Rios.

Detroit got on the board with Pudge Rodriguez scoring on a Jacque Jones groundout after Ryan Raburn's double moved Pudge to third to close the game at 2-1.

It was a 5th inning error by Miguel Cabrera on a Vernon Wells grounder scoring Aaron Hill that put Detroit behind 3-1. The two run lead would be enough as Dustin McGowan pitched 7 innings giving up only two runs. Cabrera scored on a sac fly by Pudge to make it a one run game, but there would be no late inning rally in this one. The Tigers fall to 6-12 on the season. They will face AJ Burnett tomorrow afternoon as Nate Robertson takes the mound to try to earn his first win of the season.

Bullpen Watch

Jason Grilli replaced Bonderman in the 6th, and got out of the inning even though he gave up a one-out triple. He was saved by an errant bunt on a squeeze play that Grilli caught for an easy double play. Grilli looked good in the 7th, getting a one-two-three inning. Clay Rapada (who's pitched really well against lefties so far) and Aquilino Lopez (my favorite Tigers reliever at this point) combined to pitch a scoreless 8th. Pretty solid outing from the 'pen, they just didn't get enough run support today.


Concern Level: 5 out of 10




Today's Key Play


The key play today has to be Vernon Wells grounder that Miguel Cabrera kicked into left field, scoring Aaron Hill and giving Toronto a 3-1 lead. The Blue Jay pitching had great stuff all day and managed to get out of innings that looked like possible Detroit rallies. You'll rarely hear me complain about the Cabrera-Willis trade, but there is no doubt that the defense of our corner infielders is a big drop-off from last year. Inge made plays that Cabrera doesn't even attempt and Sean Casey is one of the best one-hop catching first baseman I've ever seen. Guillen may have more range, but he's not on the same level as the Mayor on D. We'll see if this becomes a season long problem.




Tiger of the Game: Pudge Rodriguez



The Tigers bats didn't make much noise today, but Pudge had a pretty nice game going 3 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Take a look at the box score for Detroit hitters today; there's not much else there.

Hot 7th Leads Tigers Past Blue Jays 8-4

Game in a Nutshell

After falling behind by three runs in the 5th inning, the Tigers were able to rally for six consecutive runs in the next two innings before adding another in the ninth to beat the Blue Jays 8-4.

Kenny Rogers took the mound for Detroit, holding Toronto to four runs on three hits and four walks over 6 2/3 innings. The Gambler was unspectacular, but effective enough to give the Tigers bats a chance to take the game over in the later innings. Finally, Detroit scored some runs for Kenny, who had not received a single run of support in his first three starts this year. Aquilino Lopez, Denny Bautista, and Todd Jones combined to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings to close out the game and conserve the lead.

David Purcey started for Toronto, filling in for AJ Burnett who had to pitch in relief on Wednesday in their 14 inning game. Miguel Cabrera hit a sac fly in the 1st after a Pudge Rodriguez lead off double and Polanco and Ordonez walks to take a 1-0 lead. Purcey pitched well for the next four innings, and the Blue Jays pulled ahead behind a Rod Barajas home run in the 2nd and two more runs in the 5th.

The bats came alive in the 6th for Detroit, with RBI singles from Marcus Thames and Pudge to close the game to 4-3. Then in the 7th, Sheff and Magglio hit back to back doubles to start the inning, Guillen got on with an E-6, and Edgar Renteria blasted a two-run home run to the opposite field. The Tigers took a 7-4 lead and we were in good shape for the win. Renteria had another RBI in the 9th to finish the scoring for Detroit.

It looked like it would be another tough night for the Tigs until we woke back up in the 6th and put the game away in the 7th with some Renteria style at the plate.

Bullpen Watch


A top notch performance from my three favorite Tigers relievers tonight, who combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Aquilino Lopez replaced Rogers in the 7th with two outs and a runner on first, getting a fly out to end the inning. Denny Bautista pitched the 8th, getting the first two batters and then walking Vernon Wells. The Big Hurt came to the plate and battled Bautista, but Denny didn't back down and froze him on a low inside fastball to strike Thomas out. Todd Jones pitched in a non-save opportunity, giving up two walks and looking like he couldn't find the strike zone with a telescope before calming down and getting the final two outs. I don't care how they do it; if our bullpen pitches scoreless innings I'm happy.

Concern Level: 6 out of 10




Today's Key Play


In the top of the 7th, the Tigers has just taken a 5-4 lead after Carlos Guillen had reached on a fielding error by shortstop John MacDonald. Edgar Renteria came to plate with a runner on and a chance to keep a rally going to put the Blue Jays away. Renteria hit a first pitch fastball high into the right field stands to give the Tigers a 7-4 lead to take control in Toronto. A big time swing by our new shortstop.




Tiger of the Game: Edgar Renteria



Not only did Edgar Renteria hit the gigantic two-run home run in the 7th, he also hit an RBI single in the 9th to finish 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBIs. Edgar is now batting .309 on the season and has been a spark plug as a second leadoff-type after the meat of our order. Renteria definitely seems more comfortable batting 7th than he did batting leadoff earlier in the year. It can't hurt to have the pitcher he's facing square off with Maggs, Miggy, and Carlos before him each at bat.

Payback: Indians Whip Tigers 11-1

Game in a Nutshell

After a three-game winning streak, it seemed like the Tigers were ready to start a long journey back to the top of the division. That journey will have to start tomorrow, because the Tigers really got their butts handed to them tonight.

Justin Verlander started the game for Detroit and couldn't seem to find his good stuff all night. Verlander gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks with a couple of pitches beaning Cleveland batters that resulted in a bit of retaliation. It's a bit troublesome that our ace has yet to have a completely solid outing yet this year. Verlander is now 0-3 with an ERA of over seven.

Zach Miner followed Verlander and continued the Tigers pitching trend tonight. Miner gave up five more runs on five hits and a walk. His ERA has now ballooned to over 15 on the season.

The Tigers weren't any better at the plate against Fausto Carmona. Detroit did manage to get seven hits off the right hander, but only crossed home plate one time.

It was a long, boring night where the Tigers just didn't seem to bring their "A" game.


Bullpen Watch


Zach Miner was atrocious, giving up five runs on five hits and a walk all in the 6th inning. Bobby Seay pitched the 7th and gave up another run. At least Denny Bautista continued to perform well this season, pitching a scoreless 8th. There were so many positive things said about Miner before this season that I talked myself into believing he would pitch well in long relief. Now he's just looking like another over-matched middle reliever.

Concern Level: 7 out of 10




Today's Key Play


In the top of the 6th, the Tigers were already down by five but they proved last night that runs with this club can come in bunches. After a bases loaded sac fly by Cabrera, the score was 5-1 with runners on 1st and 2ndd with only one out. This was their chance to either get a rally going or just go away. Carlos Guillen came to the plate and sliced a single to left fielder Jason Michaels as Gary Sheffield rounded third and was headed home. Michaels threw out Sheffield at the plate and Edgar Renteria grounded out to end the inning and any chance for a Tigers comeback.




Tiger of the Game: Denny Bautista



Not a lot to work with here tonight, so I'll go with Denny Bautista who pitched a scoreless 8th in a night dominated by the Indians hitters. Bautista and Aquilino Lopez are the Tigers relievers I trust most right now. If Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya can comeback effectively, we have a nice foursome of right handed power relievers. There, some positivity for the night.

Cabrera Explodes On Indians in 13-2 Win

Game in a Nutshell

After two straight wins over the Twins, the Tigers visited Cleveland tonight for the start of a two-game series with their arch-rival Indians. With Dontrelle Willis on the DL, Armando Galarraga was brought up to pitch. And pitch he did.

Things started out shaky for Galarraga, giving up a 1st inning solo home run to David Dellucci. Once he got that out of the way, it was all downhill for the 26-year old right hander. Galarraga pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up only one hit and two runs getting the W.

But the pitching wasn't the only big story tonight for the Tigers. 2007 A.L. Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia was on the mound, but he didn't phase the all of a sudden blazing Tigers bats. In the 2nd inning, Miguel Cabrera came to the plate after a Magglio Ordonez walk. Cabrera blasted his third home run of the season to right field and Detroit took a 2-1 lead.

In the 3rd inning, Cabrera was back at the plate with Polanco on and two outs. Miggy singled and the Tigers took a 3-1 lead.

We were just getting started with the offense, as the Tigers exploded for a 7-run 5th inning including more damage from Cabrera, who had a two-run single, and a grand slam from Edgar Renteria. It was 10-1 before we knew it and Tigers fans were able to sit back and relax for the first time this season. Detroit would tack on 3 more runs for a total of 13 on 17 hits, and Jason Grilli was brought in to pitch the final 2 1/3 innings.

An absolutely dominant performance from the Tigers tonight, with spectacular at bats and hard-nosed pitching from Galarraga.



Bullpen Watch


If there is ever the right time to pitch Jason Grilli, tonight was the night. With a 10-run lead, Grilli pitched the final 2 1/3 innings, giving up a couple hits and walk with one of Galarraga's batters scoring in the 7th. Only two hits in over two innings? We'll take that from Grilli every time. Things are a little easier with a double digit lead, though.

Concern Level: 6 out of 10




Today's Key Play


While tonight's game will be remembered for the seven-run 5th inning, it was Miguel Cabrera's two-run homer in the 3rd that gave Detroit a lead they wouldn't lose. Galarraga was able to relax after giving up the early home run, and Tigers hitters went ballistic on Sabathia. Just an amazing hitting display by Miggy tonight. So this is the MVP-candidate we paid so much money for, right? Right.




Tiger of the Game: Miguel Cabrera



Miguel Cabrera finished the night going 4 for 6 with five, count 'em, five RBIs and two runs scored. This is the Cabrera we've all been waiting for. When Cabrera is on, it doesn't matter who is pitching to him. Just ask last year's Cy Young winner. Sabathia was dominated by Cabrera tonight.

Two In A Row: Tigers Again Rally in 8th for 6-5 Win

Game in a Nutshell

Going for the two-game sweep of the Twins tonight, the Tigers managed to stay in the game with the long ball and came through in the 8th once again for a 6-5 win.

Nate Robertson started for Detroit and pitched 6 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on six hits while striking out five. The majority of the damage to Nate came from the M&M boys, Mauer and Morneau, who combined for 4 RBIs of the Twins five runs. Aquilino Lopez and Clay Rapada both were stellar in relief of Robertson, pitching two hitless, scoreless innings.

Scott Baker took the mound for the Twins, giving up three runs in 7 innings. All three runs against Baker were on solo home runs from Sheffield, Ordonez, and Guillen.

Going into the bottom of the 8th, the Twins held a 4-3 lead with Jesse Crain coming in for relief of Baker. After a Crete Thomas strike out, Placido Polanco walked and then advanced to third on a throwing error in a pickoff attempt. After getting Sheffield to pop out to the catcher, Magglio Ordonez doubled down the right field line to tie the game at 4-4. Miguel Cabrera then stepped to the plate with a chance to get some Detroit love, and did just that walloping a line drive over the left field wall to extend the lead to 6-4.

Todd Jones came in for his third save attempt, and took us on another roller coaster. Delmon Young was the first batter Jones faced, who drove the ball deep at Ryan Raburn in left. Raburn, who made a game-saving catch last night, jumped and robbed a home run from Young but dropped the ball as he brought it back into the park. Jones retired Jason Kubel before giving up an RBI single to former Tiger Craig Monroe. With a runner on first and a one run lead, Jones got Mike Lamb to fly out for the 2nd out. Matt Tolbert then struck out swinging and Jones got his third save of the season; his second save in two days.



Bullpen Watch


Aquilino Lopez was brought in for Robertson in the 7th after Nate struggled with some shoulder tightness. Lopez was fantastic, getting two outs with a strikeout in the 7th and a fly out in the 8th. Clay Rapada came in with one out in the 8th, getting Mauer to ground out and then was nasty to Morneau with a huge strikeout. Todd Jones pitched another exciting 9th, but came through when it counted and got the save. Loved the bullpen tonight, they were really on top of their game in a close one.

Concern Level: 6 out of 10




Today's Key Play


After Sheffield failed to score Polanco from third with one out, the pressure was on Magglio Ordonez to come through to tie the game in the 8th. Like Maggs has done so many times in Detroit, he sliced a double down the right field line and we had a tied ball game. Cabrera's home run gave us the lead, but it was Ordonez' monster double that really was the play of the game.




Tiger of the Game: Magglio Ordonez



Magglio Ordonez was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the 6th and then the enormous double in the 8th. Maggs also scored two runs, each of them needed to win this one. It's so exciting to see the heart of this order finally smacking the ball around Comerica. Tonight, Sheffield, Ordonez, Cabrera, and Guillen combined for all six RBIs. This is what we've been waiting for. Like Al Green said, here I am, baby.

Don't Wake The Sleeping Giant - Tigers Rally For 11-9 Win

Game in a Nutshell

I have to admit, I was about to call this blog a jinx and stop writing for a while. But then out of nowhere the Tigers that we expected to watch this year showed up and started smacking the ball around like they were playing pick up ball in the Dominican. Detroit fell behind 2-0 in the 2nd after Pudge Rodriguez dropped a foul pop up that started a two-out rally by the Twins against Jeremy Bonderman. In the 6th, it was another error, this time by Clete Thomas, that expanded the Twins lead to 5-0. That's when the game got exciting. In the bottom of the 6th, Gary Sheffield and Magglio Ordonez started a two-out rally against starter Nick Blackburn with singles followed by an RBI single by Miguel Cabrera. Carlos Guillen, who can barely walk, followed with a two-run double and the Tigers were back in business. Matt Guerrier came in to face Edgar Renteria, who singled to bring the game to 5-4, but was tagged out to end the inning. Bonderman remained to start the 7th, but was replaced by Bobby Seay after giving up two singles with one out. To no one's surprise, Seay spontaneously combusted giving up a walk and three singles as the Twins took a 9-4 lead and the game seemed over once again. To lead off the bottom of the 7th, Pudge hit a solo shot to close the score at 9-5 with the next three batters all shut down by Guerrier. Francis Beltran replaced Seay and pitched a scoreless 8th, giving up a lone double. Then we had fireworks in Detroit. Sheffield and Ordonez led off the inning with back-to-back doubles with Sheff scoring to make it 9-6. Cabrera hit a slow roller to short, but he reached first on Adam Everett's throwing error. Guillen then singled to cut the lead to two, followed by a fielder's choice by Renteria. Pudge then tripled to right center field, scoring two and we had a tied ball game with only one out. Jacque Jones hit a sharp line drive to left, Pudge tagged up and Detroit took a 10-9 lead. With the crowd going crazy, Clete Thomas hit another triple to keep the inning alive. Placido Polanco wrapped a single up the middle to give the Tigers a two-run lead before Sheff struck out to end the inning. Todd Jones came in for his second save chance of the season, giving up a hit and a walk. With Jonesy making things as nervous as possible like usual, Ryan Raburn made a tremendous catch as a defensive replacement in left to end the game in dramatic fashion. Whew. What. A. Game.




Bullpen Watch


Bobby Seay came in for Bonderman with one out in the 7th and was a complete disaster. Brought in to face the lefty tandem of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, he didn't get either of them. He managed to give up two runs awarded to Bondo and two runs of his own before getting just two outs. Francis Beltran pitched much better than his last outing, getting the win and pitching a scoreless 8th. Jonesy recorded his second save of the season in his typical nerve-wrecking style. But he got the job done and that's what he does.

Concern Level: 7 out of 10




Today's Key Play


With one out in the bottom of the 8th, the Tigers were rallying and cut the lead to two runs with one out. Pudge Rodriguez, who had made a costly error in the 2nd inning, made up for it big time with a two-run triple that tied the game at nine apiece. His fire and enthusiasm had Comerica Park rocking and the Tigers were on their way to an impressive comeback win.




Tiger of the Game: Carlos Guillen



Pudge's triple may have been the play of the game, but it was Carlos Guillen who had the biggest impact on this night. Playing with a hamstring pull that made it look like he could barely walk, Guillen went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. Every hit was crucial and he even managed to play solid defense at first despite barely being able to move. A gutsy performance from our star who doesn't get the type of attention that Ordonez and Cabrera receives from the media. He deserves all the positive press he can get.

What A Joke: Tigers Fall To White Sox 11-0

Game in a Nutshell

There's not much to say here, and frankly, I'm a little too frustrated to write anything worth reading. Kenny Rogers gave up a grand slam to Paul Konerko and Zach Miner gave up a grand slam to Joe Crede. The Tigers didn't score. That's about it.




Bullpen Watch


Zach Miner came in and was disgustingly bad. Clay Rapada, who was brought up because of Yorman Bazardo's incompetence, was pretty decent. Rapada went two innings without giving up a hit and struck out two.

Concern Level: 7 out of 10




Today's Key Play



Paul Konerko's grand slam finished this game in a hurry. I think every Tigers fan at this point knew that we wouldn't be coming back after falling behind by five runs.




Tiger of the Game: No One



That's right, no one deserves player of the game after this mess we called a baseball game.

Tigers Drop Another: Fall 7-0 to White Sox

Game in a Nutshell

Man, I hate losing to the White Sox. Especially when our ace is on the mound and goes into the 8th. But that's what happened this afternoon in Chicago as Gavin Floyd took a one-hitter into the 8th in a 7-0 Tigers loss. Orlando Cabrera's home run down the left field line gave the White Sox a 1-0 lead in the 3rd and that was all the runs they would need. Justin Verlander pitched great into the 8th, but once he hit the 100 pitch mark, things fell apart. After a walk to Nick Swisher, Verlander nailed Cabrera in the head. Jim Thome singled to load the bases, then Verlander beaned another batter; this time Paul Konerko was hit to score a run. A.J. Pierzynski singled with two outs to score two more runs and that was it for Verlander. Francis Beltran came in and was basically useless giving up runs to two of Verlander's batters and another run of his own on two hits and a walk. Carlos Guillen was sidelined today with a mild hamstring strain, so Miguel Cabrera made a rare start at 1st base. The Tigers fall to 2-9 and are yet to win a series this year. They will try to split this series with the Sox tomorrow afternoon with Kenny Rogers on the mound. Mark Buehrle will start for Chicago. Dontrelle Willis had an MRI on his hyperextended right knee. No word yet on the extent of the injury.




Bullpen Watch


Francis Beltran was the only Tigers pitcher other than Verlander to take the mound today, and he was rotten. He needed to get one out, but Beltran gave up two hits and a walk before getting it. Two of the batters that reached against Verlander scored on Beltran's pitching and Juan Uribe's single was an earned run against the reliever. Beltran may be getting close to Yorman Bazardo's fate - a trip to Triple A Toledo.

Concern Level: 7 out of 10




Today's Key Play



Orlando Cabrera's solo home run in the 3rd got the White Sox on the board with the only run they would need. It was the only mistake Verlander made until he tired in the 8th and fell apart. It was one of those days where the bats couldn't catch a break to get Verlander the runs he needed. A real disappointing game in a pitching match-up that looks great for Detroit on paper, but didn't go the way we wanted.




Tiger of the Game: Jacque Jones



With only two hits on the day in a loss, it's hard to find someone worthy of getting player of the game honors. I'll go with Jacque Jones only because he made two very difficult plays on the day out in left field. A diving catch to rob Nick Swisher in the 3rd saved a run, because Cabrera's home run was the next at bat. Jones also made a tough jumping catch in the corner of the warning track in foul territory to get the first out in the 8th. Too bad the Tigers self-destructed after his nice play.