Pudge set to tie Carter

Interesting about Bonderman. While I'd like to see Bazardo again, it may be best not to let the Bonderman question fester over the winter. That's probably more of a fan's point of view, though. At least until they allow us into the bullpen sessions. :-)

Hate to see our hottest hitter (Santiago) sit, but Big Case needs a start. My wife always laughs when I call Santiago "my boy."

Okay, this is the night that the most amazing comeback in baseball history begins. Well, not really, but that's what it would be if it happened.

We're playing the National League WEST next season? Lawd-a-mighty, will this never end?

Jurrjens looks like he may be able to be a successful Comerica Park pitcher. I think he will be the kind to take advantage of the big outfield. Will be nice to see a few strikeouts though to help him get out of trouble now and then.

I'll never understand why they don't run Granderson more. Could have kept us us out of the DP and have a runner on 3rd with a successful steal.

Here we go. The other sides weak hitters hit 'em out on us again. Seems like mnst of these KC guys hit way over their average against us.

Will we see our guys be able to respond with some legitimate power tonight?

It has been a bit depressing not seeing any home runs from the good guys lately.

Pretty "polite" baseball we are seeing. Right down to the PA man and his curtain call type of announcemnents. The club politely steps up to the plate and politely waves at the offerings of this young pitcher with questionable talent. There's no passion being displayed right now.
It looks like a team going though the motions so far tonight. I honestly don't see the virtue of playing Sheffield. He can't hit the ball out of the park and his presence in the lineup is not going to stimulate his mates at this stage.

Play the kids.

Isn't it nice to get 3 at once? We have been missing that element for a long time now. Casey gets big kudos for that AB.

Maybe that passion is coming back after all. Nice at bats by Inge Granderson Polanco and Sheffield--just no luck.
Byrdak looks like he is enjoying himself and this LHB lineup. Good to see. I just want to see these guys play like they still care and respect the game. I think they are triying to do that.

I hate to say it but I'd rather see Santiago up there right now rather than Carlos. He just seems kind of clueless at the plate lately.

I's be bringing in Santiago for sure and maybe Clevlen.

I's be bringing in Santiago for sure and definitely Clevlen.

Nice comeback win--nice to see and fun to watch.

This was the kind of game that makes me want to see the same guys come back next year and prove something. I think they still can. Casey may still have one more 15 HR season in him. That's only 25 short of what you wanted Dan:-) Now that the Nefster is gone there's even room for Santiago. Nice play by him in the 9th by the way. Love to watch a full season of that. With improved pitching(from who we already have) I think the offensive numbers put up this year would be plenty. More clutch would be good.

Talkin' about clutch. The Yankees scored 4 runs after the first guy went out in the 9th to tie the Jays 4-4.

The Jays 2nd basemsan (usually very reliable) hurried a throw on a Poasada ground ball for the final out with POSADA nowhere near the bag he threw it in the dirt and the 1st sacker bobbled it long enough for Posada to beat it out.

But the clutch part came when Giabi singles to left off the lefty to tie the game. Giambi has been a true big time player for the Yanks. He had a big homer last week to start another improbable rally that Jeter eventually won with a 3 run HR (against Boston). That was actualy the game that really sealed our fate.

The fun was tempered somewhat by that NY comeback, but that game is still on.

Good game tonight, fun. Clutch hits, and shut down bullpen work. I joked that "here's where Casey hits a 3-run homer." We were still laughing when he actually did it. Then we get two breaks, the botched DP and Casey's foul ball that suddenly went fair. And took advantage of it. All the hallmarks of a winning ballclub tonight. It's the kind of stuff that always brings us back for more.

Pitching, 3-run homers, and a break here and there. Seems easy sometimes, doesn't it?

Thuuuuuuh Yankees lose!

I want to drag this thing out as long as possible.

Interesting note: The Tigers' official attendance tonight was about 40,000. Cleveland, on the verge of clinching the division, had 36,000. I guess they need Dollar Dogs to fill the house.

Another clutch performance last night was by Rodney. As inconsistent as he has been he showed why he can be a difference maker. When he is on he is one of the most devastating relievers around. His problem is his ball/strike ratio and if he can improve there he could be dominant.

Casey's HR was big and CLUTCH. I think there is a pretty good chance he will be on the team next year but as likeable and as efficient as he is, I respectfully hope he is not our everyday response to what I see is hole that can be filled opportunistically, with a power LHB.

I think we saw again last night why Marcus has never been given a shot as a regular left fielder. He is OK in the field but barely. He has made some big catches but his body style will never allow him to be a real fly chaser and will lend itself to injuries. I think he could make a pretty productive DH or first sacker for someone.

Ichiro went 0 x 5 last night. Sure would be nice to see Magglio get a couple of doubles (oh heck with that, homers) today. Last Tiger to do what he is threatening to do was Stormin' Norman (.361 in '61).

Well the inevitable question:

Do you want Barry Bonds to come to Detroit?

No, I don't want Barry Bonds. I'm sure he'll end up over here somewhere as a DH, and I hope it's with Tampa Bay or Baltimore. Keep him in the East and make Boston and New York deal with him.

I lost two balls in the lights in one game while playing outfield once. It's a scary thing and always makes you look foolish. I'm not sure what Marcus was supposed to do about that one last night.

Ichiro has to face Cleveland pitching for four games next week.

If Granderson finishes the 161st game at .300, I sit him for the finale. A gift for a fine year.

I don't want Barry Bonds either Dan. I know you want a power LH bat but DD picked up Shef last year and, while I wasn't crazy about that trade, I have come to appreciate his play. It has been a tough second half for him, but if he gets healthy again why shouldn't he come back with a strong year? I like the Guillen, Casey, Santiago combination for 1st and SS. The starting pitching is what has to improve in the off season. I'm not ready to give up on Inge either. I believe he's one of your favorites David Tiger. If he could just hit .260-.270 with 20 HRs that would be good enough with the excellent defense he plays.

Yeah, Marty, Inge is a favorite of mine. He played high school ball 45 miles from my home town, and we followed him all the way through VCU. He does have to work on his swing and approach. The 27 HR's last year were more of having no pressure with Thames and Monroe hitting ahead of him. But not only is he a great athlete, he is a class individual. Just read what he has done for kids in Detroit. it still doesn't excuse him from having to perform; I just hope he can make those adjustments and get back to .265-275. with 18-20 HR's and 80 RBI's. With the defnese, that would be more than adequate. As for Bonds, I'm with you guys; don't want him; don't need him.

I don't want Bonds either. But, if they did get him the hate would change to love quickly.

Power LHB needs to be a young stud not an old dud. Something like a Howard, Fielder or Morneau would be huge. The keyword there is "like".

I don't like the uncertainty with the Guillen, Santiago, Casey triangle. It's OK for now but it would lend itself to deterioration over a whole season. Guillen is showing signs of age IMO. I like him a whole lot but he is wearing down. If he had a full-time job at 1B that might be OK but platooning him there and at short is a pretty unattractive solution. All hopeful optimisim aside, Casey banging out his 4th HR yesterday is not a premonition of being able to hit increase his total 275%.

Which is the absolute minimum we need from a corner infielder--particularly if you are not getting a bunc from your corner outfielders.

I can't see them trading or improving their starters in the off season. I think we will likely see the same cast of characters and I would think they would naturally improve. Bonderman does need another pitch and mabe some shock therapy, but he has the arm and the demeanor.

Jurrjens will need to develop a strikeout pitch.

I do think Robertson may be the odd man out though. He has trade value beyond real value IMO.

I think it is a simply a case of velleity to stand pat and think you can do more with the same group next year. They are great guys and we can visualize them winning everything--but that ain't enough.