That's a darn shame. Thames plays with heart and soul. He was, IMO, just coming into his own and was as much a threat at the plate as anybody. He was playing extremely well defensively and his movement from 1st to left last night when JL could have inserted Raburn, is a testament to how much he was being valued for his contributions and effectiveness. His presence in the last few week has made the Tigers a better team.
This is a tough pill for him to swallow and let's just hope he recovers quickly and that he is able to handle the setback OK.
I am a bit surprised that Timo Perez is getting a start so quickly but that is JL's style. He likes to get call-ups and new additions into the fire right away to make them feel part of things. I think Perez' bat has cooled off somewhat but he will provide some of the need for a LHB that the club lacks.
JL could have called up Brent Clevelen as he knows what he can do and performed well at the MLB level for the Tigers last year.
Best of luck to Marcus and Timo and many thanks to Marcus for the way he has played his *** off for his team and their fans.
Don't look now, guys, but Mojo was spotted boarding a bus in Cleveland and was last seen walking through the terminal in Detroit. Welcome to Detroit, Mojo.
That was one amazing series. Three games, we win by a combined score of 8-5. Wow.
Don't be surprised if there is somewhat of a letdown this weekend with KC coming to Comerica. This past week was played at a high level of intensity and they're only human.
Myself, I'm heading down to Richmond Friday night to see the Mud Hens. My wife wants to see Chris Shelton, and let's hope he's still there by tomorrow, if just for that one night. A firstbaseman is required in Detroit.
Well Todd Jones has certainly impressed. He is on a roll right now and let's just hope he styas on it.
If it were not for Monroe being hobbled a bit I think we would have seen Shelton or, hold your hat, Hessman called up. Hessman can play first though he has played 3B this year.
Timo's left handed bad, speed and defense might just keep him here.
JL might use Guillen a tad bit at 1B. He may think that Guillen playing 1B might give him a break from the physical wear and tear of SS. Just a guess.
Rabelo did a nice job today. 2 sacrifice bunts on top of that well hit triple.
We should be hearing something about Rodney soon.
This was a tough series and the guys should feel pretty good about themselves in holding off the scrappy Twins in their own yard.
14 games in the next 13 days before a day off. Let's hope the injury bug finds the right environment in Cleveland and not the Motor City.
I think JL indicated that he was going to call up a starter during this deluge of games. I have heard a couple names like Barzado and Tankersley. My votes would be for Vasquez or Jair Jurjjens from Erie.
Dan - you make a good point about hearing from Rodney soon. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. The bullpen has finally been able to pull it together and gel for the last few series, and might actually be starting to get into their "groove." If the bullpen is starting to mend itself now, why "fix it" with someone who hasn't done well this year and doesn't have the will or the leadership ability to do it. I'm afraid that Rodney's return, his lack of enthusiasm, and JL's love affair with him might lead to some disastrous situations and possibily kill this mojo that seems to be gracing the team with its presence. I just hope that if Rodney starts to screw things up with his return, JL quickly decides he has a "tired arm." Who knows, I've never been a Rodney fan, but maybe he will prove me wrong. He has yet to do that this season.
I missed today's game(still a working stiff)and it must have been another good one. Have enjoyed the blogs and write ups. A sweep in the Metrodome is something to savor isn't it? Inge comes through today. It was certainly his turn on the offensive side.(he's always there defensively) Nice job Brandon. Jones 3 saves. Nice job Todd. At least for now the mojo is back in the camp. Everyone is playing so well, we can praise them all. This team is scary right now. Even without Zumaya and Rodney they are actually better than last year. A mojo machine so to speak.
Right now my Tiger is Marcus Thames. Someone already said it, but it bears repeating, he SAVED last night's game. Very reminiscent of Polanco's game saving catch last year against Boston that put him out for weeks. Hopefully not nearly that long for Marcus. Don't know if any players read these blogs(probably JL discourages it :-)) but dang it Marcus, why'd you have to do that?! We'd have taken the loss to have you healthy and mashing the ball. So heal quickly cause we need you.
Get ready for KC. They're not the same team as last year. Much improved and just gave Boston fits. If the Tigers have been paying attention to KC lately I don't think they'll let up any.
I'm not convinced that the Tigers are in any need of bull pen help. As usual I'd just as soon see them stick. Seems to me Durbin and Miner are filling in nicely as set up men(I'd take either over Rodney). How about one of them drawing a start rather than bringing up someone? That would be my suggestion, though it would obviously shorten the pen. Either one has proven capable of pitching numerous quality starts, but with the minor league guys it hasn't worked out as well this year. It's not exactly conceding a game but it's certainly rolling the dice. Every game is important.
Marty-- I'm with you on the bull pen issue. I see the names on the list and think one of two things (or both): He stinks or he's too stinking expensive/we'd have to give up too much to get him. Plus with Seay/McBride mowing down lefties and Miner/Durbin/Capellan (I like Capellan), I think the pen is much improved. I'm still a hold out for Rodney and we all know what Zumaya can do. Obviously, we should consider all options but I'll be really disappointed if we give up the farm for a 2nd tier arm.
Let me belabor my point a bit more, in my mind, the Rangers offer the best options for trading. They can offer a power hitting first baseman (Texiera) and a solid bullpen arm in Gagne. While I like both of these guys, I don't see either as major upgrades over Casey and Jones. (I know Dan will respond to this message after Jones blows a save and/or causes me to have a heart attack.) Furthermore, I think we have enough options (Thames/Perez/Hessman) to address the lack of power from Casey and think that Zumaya solves any issues that we'd bring Gagne in to address. Call me crazy, but that's my two cents.
As far as Thames going down, why'd you have to make the Polanco comparison Marty? We all know how much Polanco's injury affected the Tigers last year. I don't expect such a drastic dropoff with Marcus out but we're definitely going to miss his bat for the next few weeks (hopefully no longer than that).
I'm leary of the Royals this weekend and hope that the Tigers can keep the energy up. This is going to be a very interesting two weeks... Go Tigers.
It was a great set of wins this last week. Twin's were feeling pretty good after sweeping the A's. I didn't like how many guys were stranded on base though it was frustrating me through the whole game.
Regarding Jones, this is the Jones that I love. I said it earlier in the year when things weren't going so well for him, we were scoring so many runs that he wasn't needed for a week or more at a time and was also being brought in , for weird situations. I said it then he needed more work to stay sharp and he has gotten a lot of work lately and is sharp. I hate to say I told ya so, but I will, HA HA.
Anyway, great win will be at the game tonight, so I am looking for another Kenny win. It will be tought against Meche. Would like to see the bats going a little more.
I like your thinking, Brent. The only thing I would question is characterizing Gagne's arm as solid. There really isn't much of a track record proving that he's fully recovered from his many health issues. Given that, plus the fact that he's only signed for the rest of this season, makes me question giving up much of anything for him. I'd be much happier if we went after Otsuka, but I agree that the moves don't seem quite as mandatory after the last couple of weeks. I feel like the bullpen has really turned a corner (knock on wood)...
matt
I still think the Tigers need to shore up their bullpen. The main players have all been doing a pretty darn good job but there is still no one that you can count on to absolutely shut the door to possible damage.
Yes, Zumaya and Rodney will theoretically fix that problem but you can't logically presume that they will be effective. Rodney is well, he is Rodney. Zumaya will be trying to throw the ball 200 MPH to make up for lost time and we will be very fortunate if he doesn't injure his arm when he returns. They will both be "starting all over" in the middle of a pennant race. Jones has been doing extremely well but he will always be the type of pitcher that gives up a hit or two. There will be times in the stretch run where the Tigers simply will not be able to afford that luxury.
I'm not saying we should go after a Dotel (not good enough, an Oksuta (too old), a Gagne (physical riks), or Lidge (too expensive). And you aren't going to scoop a talent like a Putz, a K-Rod, a Papelbon or even a Neshek, but there are guys out there that are overpowering and affordable. Like Casilla, Marmol, Marte or Soria all guys who can shut the door.
I think DD will do a deal to bring someone else in too help offset what is, at present, an uncertain bullpen.
Well it is going to take an all out assault by the offense to get us a W today.
Kenny doesn't have it much like Saturday in Seattle. Not sure what kind of speed he has today but he had no fastball to work with in Seattle and the order just sat back and waited for him. He got in trouble with some walks in that game and this one seems eerily similar.
It certainly seems the Tigers have trouble getting going when returning after a road trip.
I predict Guillen is not going to win a Gold Glove this year.
I was at the game (if you want to call it that) and they played like they just didn't give a ####? I really feel as they all owe me some money back. I don't know what it is about Friday nights at home, but they always play flat. This is really only 1 of 4 games that I have been really mad following a loss. Don't get me wrong, I hate to lose any game but this one really really ticks me off. Hopefully they feel like playing tomorrow night, instead of wasting 42,000 more peoples money.
Ugh......Hope the hot dogs were good GK.
Ugh (as in ugly) Pretty much sums it up Marty.
All facets of their game were in sync tonight. Starting and relief, offense and defense.
Good to get this stinker out of the way. Sorry you had to "take one for the team" GK!!
Let's hope that Kenny sorts himself out his next start. This is not post season form for him for sure.
I bet Perez goes down and Hessman comes up. Hessman has played some outfield but I think JL is going to want to replace the right handed pop that is gone now that Marcus is on the DL and C-Mo is on the fritz.
Actually Hessman has played a little OF in his career.
Capellon was pretty horrible. As I mentioned earlier--something needs to be ADDED to this bullpen and not just patchwork additions and hope for the best but a real solid acquisition.
Lineup for tomorrow?:
Raburn
Polanco
Sheffield
Ordonez
Guillen
Pudge
Monroe
Infante
Inge
Just a guess!
I warned about the letdown that would happen tonight. Three intense games in the Dome following four scrappy games on the west coast. Too much intensity, too many time zones in too little time. The players don't plan a letdown and even guard against it, but it happens just the same. Just the way it goes. That's baseball.
GK, I think the Tigers are like 12-3 at home on Sundays. That's your best bet.
I just got back from the Toledo game in Richmond. It was an entertaining, albeit rather sloppy encounter. Chiavacci struggled all night, but battled it out fairly well. Neither team's pitchers seemed able to throw many first pitch strikes. De La Cruz was wild low, but kind of effective. Darensbourg pitched a good inning. Clevlen made a good throw from the outfield but struggled at the plate. Hannahan got the big hit in the ninth, what should have been the game winner. Mateo was a big disappointment. I doubt you'll see him up in Detroit.
Aquilino Lopez came in to close. He allowed a single to Bigbie, then induced a tailor made doubleplay ball but Santiago's replacement at shortstop, Altamonte, totally muffed the grounder and everyone was safe. After that it was all downhill. Lopez should have breezed but for that key error.
Chris Shelton, on the other hand, put on a pretty good show. He smacked two of his patented drives to rightfield, one for an RBI hit and was robbed on the other. He also walked twice and scored the lead run in the ninth. He also executed a perfect rundown in the first inning when a Braves baserunner got hung up between third and home. He charged the runner, ran him back towards third, and retired him with one easy throw. Excellent work.
I don't know, guys. Seems to me there's a good replacement for Thames right there in Toledo. Big league experience, and something to prove. If they don't recall him at this point in time, they probably never will. If that's the case, do the man a favor and deal him to a club that can use him.
Just my opinion.
I like that idea Rich. Shelton might be a good fit supplying some RH power that was lost with Thames. The down side would be Shelton doesn't play outfield. I just took a look at the active roster and it has Infante listed as an outfielder. With him there are 6 outfielders(7 counting Sheffield)and 4 infielders, but in reality Infante, as well as Raburn, play both quite adequately. With Shelton you have a RHB first baseman and possible DH. Sheffield could cover in the outfield occasionaly, and Infante and Raburn can play either. It would work.... On the other hand, management may be looking to use Shelton in a trade for relief help. I hope they haven't given up on him yet. I just have this feeling that he might one day be a good one.
That's a darn shame. Thames plays with heart and soul. He was, IMO, just coming into his own and was as much a threat at the plate as anybody. He was playing extremely well defensively and his movement from 1st to left last night when JL could have inserted Raburn, is a testament to how much he was being valued for his contributions and effectiveness. His presence in the last few week has made the Tigers a better team.
This is a tough pill for him to swallow and let's just hope he recovers quickly and that he is able to handle the setback OK.
I am a bit surprised that Timo Perez is getting a start so quickly but that is JL's style. He likes to get call-ups and new additions into the fire right away to make them feel part of things. I think Perez' bat has cooled off somewhat but he will provide some of the need for a LHB that the club lacks.
JL could have called up Brent Clevelen as he knows what he can do and performed well at the MLB level for the Tigers last year.
Best of luck to Marcus and Timo and many thanks to Marcus for the way he has played his *** off for his team and their fans.
Report any abuse or spam
Don't look now, guys, but Mojo was spotted boarding a bus in Cleveland and was last seen walking through the terminal in Detroit. Welcome to Detroit, Mojo.
That was one amazing series. Three games, we win by a combined score of 8-5. Wow.
Don't be surprised if there is somewhat of a letdown this weekend with KC coming to Comerica. This past week was played at a high level of intensity and they're only human.
Myself, I'm heading down to Richmond Friday night to see the Mud Hens. My wife wants to see Chris Shelton, and let's hope he's still there by tomorrow, if just for that one night. A firstbaseman is required in Detroit.
Report any abuse or spam
Well Todd Jones has certainly impressed. He is on a roll right now and let's just hope he styas on it.
If it were not for Monroe being hobbled a bit I think we would have seen Shelton or, hold your hat, Hessman called up. Hessman can play first though he has played 3B this year.
Timo's left handed bad, speed and defense might just keep him here.
JL might use Guillen a tad bit at 1B. He may think that Guillen playing 1B might give him a break from the physical wear and tear of SS. Just a guess.
Rabelo did a nice job today. 2 sacrifice bunts on top of that well hit triple.
We should be hearing something about Rodney soon.
This was a tough series and the guys should feel pretty good about themselves in holding off the scrappy Twins in their own yard.
14 games in the next 13 days before a day off. Let's hope the injury bug finds the right environment in Cleveland and not the Motor City.
Report any abuse or spam
I think JL indicated that he was going to call up a starter during this deluge of games. I have heard a couple names like Barzado and Tankersley. My votes would be for Vasquez or Jair Jurjjens from Erie.
Report any abuse or spam
Dan - you make a good point about hearing from Rodney soon. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. The bullpen has finally been able to pull it together and gel for the last few series, and might actually be starting to get into their "groove." If the bullpen is starting to mend itself now, why "fix it" with someone who hasn't done well this year and doesn't have the will or the leadership ability to do it. I'm afraid that Rodney's return, his lack of enthusiasm, and JL's love affair with him might lead to some disastrous situations and possibily kill this mojo that seems to be gracing the team with its presence. I just hope that if Rodney starts to screw things up with his return, JL quickly decides he has a "tired arm." Who knows, I've never been a Rodney fan, but maybe he will prove me wrong. He has yet to do that this season.
Report any abuse or spam
I missed today's game(still a working stiff)and it must have been another good one. Have enjoyed the blogs and write ups. A sweep in the Metrodome is something to savor isn't it? Inge comes through today. It was certainly his turn on the offensive side.(he's always there defensively) Nice job Brandon. Jones 3 saves. Nice job Todd. At least for now the mojo is back in the camp. Everyone is playing so well, we can praise them all. This team is scary right now. Even without Zumaya and Rodney they are actually better than last year. A mojo machine so to speak.
Right now my Tiger is Marcus Thames. Someone already said it, but it bears repeating, he SAVED last night's game. Very reminiscent of Polanco's game saving catch last year against Boston that put him out for weeks. Hopefully not nearly that long for Marcus. Don't know if any players read these blogs(probably JL discourages it :-)) but dang it Marcus, why'd you have to do that?! We'd have taken the loss to have you healthy and mashing the ball. So heal quickly cause we need you.
Get ready for KC. They're not the same team as last year. Much improved and just gave Boston fits. If the Tigers have been paying attention to KC lately I don't think they'll let up any.
I'm not convinced that the Tigers are in any need of bull pen help. As usual I'd just as soon see them stick. Seems to me Durbin and Miner are filling in nicely as set up men(I'd take either over Rodney). How about one of them drawing a start rather than bringing up someone? That would be my suggestion, though it would obviously shorten the pen. Either one has proven capable of pitching numerous quality starts, but with the minor league guys it hasn't worked out as well this year. It's not exactly conceding a game but it's certainly rolling the dice. Every game is important.
Report any abuse or spam
Marty-- I'm with you on the bull pen issue. I see the names on the list and think one of two things (or both): He stinks or he's too stinking expensive/we'd have to give up too much to get him. Plus with Seay/McBride mowing down lefties and Miner/Durbin/Capellan (I like Capellan), I think the pen is much improved. I'm still a hold out for Rodney and we all know what Zumaya can do. Obviously, we should consider all options but I'll be really disappointed if we give up the farm for a 2nd tier arm.
Let me belabor my point a bit more, in my mind, the Rangers offer the best options for trading. They can offer a power hitting first baseman (Texiera) and a solid bullpen arm in Gagne. While I like both of these guys, I don't see either as major upgrades over Casey and Jones. (I know Dan will respond to this message after Jones blows a save and/or causes me to have a heart attack.) Furthermore, I think we have enough options (Thames/Perez/Hessman) to address the lack of power from Casey and think that Zumaya solves any issues that we'd bring Gagne in to address. Call me crazy, but that's my two cents.
As far as Thames going down, why'd you have to make the Polanco comparison Marty? We all know how much Polanco's injury affected the Tigers last year. I don't expect such a drastic dropoff with Marcus out but we're definitely going to miss his bat for the next few weeks (hopefully no longer than that).
I'm leary of the Royals this weekend and hope that the Tigers can keep the energy up. This is going to be a very interesting two weeks... Go Tigers.
Report any abuse or spam
It was a great set of wins this last week. Twin's were feeling pretty good after sweeping the A's. I didn't like how many guys were stranded on base though it was frustrating me through the whole game.
Regarding Jones, this is the Jones that I love. I said it earlier in the year when things weren't going so well for him, we were scoring so many runs that he wasn't needed for a week or more at a time and was also being brought in , for weird situations. I said it then he needed more work to stay sharp and he has gotten a lot of work lately and is sharp. I hate to say I told ya so, but I will, HA HA.
Anyway, great win will be at the game tonight, so I am looking for another Kenny win. It will be tought against Meche. Would like to see the bats going a little more.
Report any abuse or spam
I like your thinking, Brent. The only thing I would question is characterizing Gagne's arm as solid. There really isn't much of a track record proving that he's fully recovered from his many health issues. Given that, plus the fact that he's only signed for the rest of this season, makes me question giving up much of anything for him. I'd be much happier if we went after Otsuka, but I agree that the moves don't seem quite as mandatory after the last couple of weeks. I feel like the bullpen has really turned a corner (knock on wood)...
matt
Report any abuse or spam
I still think the Tigers need to shore up their bullpen. The main players have all been doing a pretty darn good job but there is still no one that you can count on to absolutely shut the door to possible damage.
Yes, Zumaya and Rodney will theoretically fix that problem but you can't logically presume that they will be effective. Rodney is well, he is Rodney. Zumaya will be trying to throw the ball 200 MPH to make up for lost time and we will be very fortunate if he doesn't injure his arm when he returns. They will both be "starting all over" in the middle of a pennant race. Jones has been doing extremely well but he will always be the type of pitcher that gives up a hit or two. There will be times in the stretch run where the Tigers simply will not be able to afford that luxury.
I'm not saying we should go after a Dotel (not good enough, an Oksuta (too old), a Gagne (physical riks), or Lidge (too expensive). And you aren't going to scoop a talent like a Putz, a K-Rod, a Papelbon or even a Neshek, but there are guys out there that are overpowering and affordable. Like Casilla, Marmol, Marte or Soria all guys who can shut the door.
I think DD will do a deal to bring someone else in too help offset what is, at present, an uncertain bullpen.
Report any abuse or spam
Well it is going to take an all out assault by the offense to get us a W today.
Kenny doesn't have it much like Saturday in Seattle. Not sure what kind of speed he has today but he had no fastball to work with in Seattle and the order just sat back and waited for him. He got in trouble with some walks in that game and this one seems eerily similar.
It certainly seems the Tigers have trouble getting going when returning after a road trip.
I predict Guillen is not going to win a Gold Glove this year.
Report any abuse or spam
I was at the game (if you want to call it that) and they played like they just didn't give a ####? I really feel as they all owe me some money back. I don't know what it is about Friday nights at home, but they always play flat. This is really only 1 of 4 games that I have been really mad following a loss. Don't get me wrong, I hate to lose any game but this one really really ticks me off. Hopefully they feel like playing tomorrow night, instead of wasting 42,000 more peoples money.
Report any abuse or spam
Ugh......Hope the hot dogs were good GK.
Report any abuse or spam
Ugh (as in ugly) Pretty much sums it up Marty.
All facets of their game were in sync tonight. Starting and relief, offense and defense.
Good to get this stinker out of the way. Sorry you had to "take one for the team" GK!!
Let's hope that Kenny sorts himself out his next start. This is not post season form for him for sure.
I bet Perez goes down and Hessman comes up. Hessman has played some outfield but I think JL is going to want to replace the right handed pop that is gone now that Marcus is on the DL and C-Mo is on the fritz.
Actually Hessman has played a little OF in his career.
Capellon was pretty horrible. As I mentioned earlier--something needs to be ADDED to this bullpen and not just patchwork additions and hope for the best but a real solid acquisition.
Report any abuse or spam
Lineup for tomorrow?:
Raburn
Polanco
Sheffield
Ordonez
Guillen
Pudge
Monroe
Infante
Inge
Just a guess!
Report any abuse or spam
I warned about the letdown that would happen tonight. Three intense games in the Dome following four scrappy games on the west coast. Too much intensity, too many time zones in too little time. The players don't plan a letdown and even guard against it, but it happens just the same. Just the way it goes. That's baseball.
GK, I think the Tigers are like 12-3 at home on Sundays. That's your best bet.
I just got back from the Toledo game in Richmond. It was an entertaining, albeit rather sloppy encounter. Chiavacci struggled all night, but battled it out fairly well. Neither team's pitchers seemed able to throw many first pitch strikes. De La Cruz was wild low, but kind of effective. Darensbourg pitched a good inning. Clevlen made a good throw from the outfield but struggled at the plate. Hannahan got the big hit in the ninth, what should have been the game winner. Mateo was a big disappointment. I doubt you'll see him up in Detroit.
Aquilino Lopez came in to close. He allowed a single to Bigbie, then induced a tailor made doubleplay ball but Santiago's replacement at shortstop, Altamonte, totally muffed the grounder and everyone was safe. After that it was all downhill. Lopez should have breezed but for that key error.
Chris Shelton, on the other hand, put on a pretty good show. He smacked two of his patented drives to rightfield, one for an RBI hit and was robbed on the other. He also walked twice and scored the lead run in the ninth. He also executed a perfect rundown in the first inning when a Braves baserunner got hung up between third and home. He charged the runner, ran him back towards third, and retired him with one easy throw. Excellent work.
I don't know, guys. Seems to me there's a good replacement for Thames right there in Toledo. Big league experience, and something to prove. If they don't recall him at this point in time, they probably never will. If that's the case, do the man a favor and deal him to a club that can use him.
Just my opinion.
Report any abuse or spam
I like that idea Rich. Shelton might be a good fit supplying some RH power that was lost with Thames. The down side would be Shelton doesn't play outfield. I just took a look at the active roster and it has Infante listed as an outfielder. With him there are 6 outfielders(7 counting Sheffield)and 4 infielders, but in reality Infante, as well as Raburn, play both quite adequately. With Shelton you have a RHB first baseman and possible DH. Sheffield could cover in the outfield occasionaly, and Infante and Raburn can play either. It would work.... On the other hand, management may be looking to use Shelton in a trade for relief help. I hope they haven't given up on him yet. I just have this feeling that he might one day be a good one.
Report any abuse or spam