With Neifi suspended for 80 games and Guillen not playing well at SS this season, it makes sense to do this deal:

Pirates, Tigers resume Wilson talks - Rumors - MLB - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Pirates-Tigers-resume-Wilson-talks;_ylt=AjT7G0dNjio7CyMy1sC8.acZ0bYF?urn=mlb,41 155)

But this guy has a pretty big contract. I'd hate to see the Tigers pick up too much of it.

So Neifi bats .182 while using performance enhancing drugs??? Are utility fielders that can't out-hit your typical AA baller that hard to come by that we had to pay him $3M?

So Neifi bats .182 while using performance enhancing drugs??? Are utility fielders that can't out-hit your typical AA baller that hard to come by that we had to pay him $3M?


Must have a VACUUM for a glove, or he brings the pregame doughnuts........:pound:

The Tigers injury problems are getting worse.


The team placed lefthanded pitcher Andrew Miller on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain today.


To take Miller’s spot on the club’s roster, the Tigers recalled reliever Fernando Rodney from Triple-A Toledo.

Miller has started 11 games for the Tigers this season, compiling a 5-4 record and 4.42 ERA (59.0IP/29ER). He left his start last night versus Chicago after four innings.

Rodney has been on the disabled list since June 24 with right shoulder tendinitis.

Tigs place Miller on DL; Rodney recalled (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070804/SPORTS02/70804012)

To me the sign of a superior ball club is a hot hitting SS. The SS can play without a wicked bat if his Dee is superior. But he won't play for a superior team.
Poor Neifi he was such a unwanted teammate.

Watching the Tigs right now and Bonderman has already given up 6 runs in three innings. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TEAM?

They hit the wall.

They hit the wall.
Not just the wall, if they still weren't hovering a half game out of first place I would day that they have hit rock bottom. Last year this slump did not occur until mid August, but this year it started mid July and they have gone only 9-15 since the allstar break including an 0 for August.

Not to be out done in futilty, the Indians have gone 10-15 since the break to go a half game ahead of the listless Tigers.

Meanwhile the once dead yankees have become those "Damn Yankees" going 18-7 since the break should be the favorite at this point to be the Wild card rep. Even if the Tigers some how manage to hang on and win the divsion, how many of you don't see the Yanks doing to them what they did to the yanks last year in the first round??

If they can't take 3 out of 4 from the D-Rays this week, then guess who is behind in the WC race??

Right now both the Mariners and Yankees deserve to be in the post season more so than the Tigers and Indians...also watchout for those Twins..:sssh:

I'm wondering if the Tigers are really as good as advertised. To me, the key is Sheffield. I think the whole team starts playing better once they start hitting. Shef coming back from injury and pounding the ball, I believe, will re-fuel the confidence.

Rodney pitched today and looked OK. That's a good sign, but it's the bats that need to get going. Right now, they've lost their mojo. They have zero confidence. Still plenty of time to turn things around. But, as Dre mentions above, the Yanks are coming on strong.

It looks as if the Tiger's lack of attention toward pitching is catching up with them. The Tigers have lost 9 out of 10, and have a pretty good chance of missing the playoffs.

Instead of adding pitching in the off season, the Tigers have actually lost a great deal of pitching, with Zumaya, Rodney and Rogers on the DL, and Maroth and Ledezma traded.

And last off season, instead of trading 3 top pitching prospects to the Yankees for Sheffield, and then spending $14 million a year on Sheff, the Tigers should have re-signed Dmitri Young (for less than a million bucks), and then spent that $14 million on starting pitching. (BTW, has anyone seen what kind of year Young is having for the Nationals?)

Jimmy Leyland is a great manager, but a lousy GM. And he's a boob for cutting Young and bringing in Sheff for $14 million.

My understanding is that Young was in a personal mess, and letting him go was a big step towards forcing him to re-organize his life.

Tigers are in a slump, but if they can come out of it, they are still a pretty good squad. I've got a lot of faith in veteran coaches/managers, guys who may scare you with their decision making, because they try to do what is right for the players, not just the results.

Larry Brown was not much different in that regard.

It looks as if the Tiger's lack of attention toward pitching is catching up with them. The Tigers have lost 9 out of 10, and have a pretty good chance of missing the playoffs.

Instead of adding pitching in the off season, the Tigers have actually lost a great deal of pitching, with Zumaya, Rodney and Rogers on the DL, and Maroth and Ledezma traded.

And last off season, instead of trading 3 top pitching prospects to the Yankees for Sheffield, and then spending $14 million a year on Sheff, the Tigers should have re-signed Dmitri Young (for less than a million bucks), and then spent that $14 million on starting pitching. (BTW, has anyone seen what kind of year Young is having for the Nationals?)

Jimmy Leyland is a great manager, but a lousy GM. And he's a boob for cutting Young and bringing in Sheff for $14 million.
And they should've kept Pena.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before. Shoulda coulda woulda.
You build your team around the players you trust and expect to deliver.

Tigers are slumping. Pitching has been spotty, so has been hitting. Need to put it all together. I'm personally more worried about Twins. They overtook Tigers last year and they are capable of doing it again unless this team wakes up.

Today Tigers need something from someone. Verlander comes out and gives out 2-out RBI to Pena and throws 25 pitches including a hit batter. I know it's just a first inning, but it becomes extremely annoying.

"Right now both the Mariners and Yankees deserve to be in the post season more so than the Tigers and Indians...also watchout for those Twins..:sssh:"
Not so fast, we didn't bust are azzz for the division lead for nothing.
It's a long season for everyone. Let's hope for a second wind.
And quit blaming Sheff, everyones got to contribute.

"Right now both the Mariners and Yankees deserve to be in the post season more so than the Tigers and Indians...also watchout for those Twins..:sssh:"
Not so fast, we didn't bust are azzz for the division lead for nothing.
It's a long season for everyone. Let's hope for a second wind.
And quit blaming Sheff, everyones got to contribute.
There are only 4 people that produce right now - Granderson, Polanco, Guillen, and Ordonez. Everyone else is struggling including pitchers. We haven't had a starter give us 7-8 innings for how long now? And now Verlander is getting smacked around. I just don't like the way it looks right now.

"I just don't like the way it looks right now."
-
No kidding.

Not to be pessimistic, but out of all contenders - Cleveland, Minni, NY, and Seattle, Detroit possibly looks the worst. They better turn it around quick. NY is already even, Minni is only 4 games behind.

Man I've seen some post Allstar break swan-dives that I just don't want to even think about.
One year the Tigs were .600 at the break then lost 30 of 35.
Game Over man!!!

I hear you. But this just doesn't look good with a bunch of players slumping. We get nothing out of the bottom of the batting order. Starting pitchers can't give innings. Bullpen can't hold leads. Players injured. Just a mess.

I think a team-wide slump is preferable to a slump that has two/three guys at a time going badly.

Lets face it, we hit way over our head the first half. We needed to because our relief pitching collapsed.

Now our starting pitching has cooled off as well as our hitting.

We need to get Sheffield back and healthy. Rodney and Zumaya back and healthy, and go from there.

The Yankees had two bad months at the start. Boston hasn't yet had their slump. Cleveland is playing as bad as we are.

There is a long way to go and the Tigers are at least in a postion to compete to the end.

We're going to have our chance at the title.

Glad you give us a chance Wood.
Damn Yanks.

Flash from the past...the Tigers bat around in the 7th to rally and go ahead. The win is secured by a good pitching effort by Rodney who stuck out two d-rays in the 8th and TJ who was equally impressive in the ninth. Zach got the W for pitching one third of an inning. Good to be ahead at the end for a change. Go get em Tigers

Now that several teams are equally in the thick of things, I'm betting on the homeboys.............

It was a timely win. But there are still things to consider.
- Verlander got hit around, his velocity seemed off
- We had 13 hits and 5 walks through 7 and only got 6 runs out of it
- We let the guy with ERA of almost 7 pitch like he was a Cy Young award candidate
All is not well, but I'll take the win and going one more game up on Twins. Hopefully this will be the jolt of confidence they needed after losing 9 of 10.
Positives:
- Bullpen was solid
- Rayburn got two RBI
- Ordonez is going nuts
- Granderson is getting on the base and scoring
- We got some production from the bottom of the lineup.

I've got a lot of faith in veteran coaches/managers, guys who may scare you with their decision making, because they try to do what is right for the players, not just the results.

Larry Brown was not much different in that regard.

I actually see a lot of similarities between Larry Brown and Jimmy Leyland. On the plus side, both are very experienced coaches who have been around for decades. Both are brilliant, brilliant in-game coaches and tacticians. Both are excellent motivators of the players that they favor. And both had great sucess in their 1st year in Detroit.


On the downside, both are cranky old men. Both formed an attitude against a veteran member of the team for no apparent reason, to the detriment of the team (Brown vs Okur; Leyland vs Young).

And after their initial success, both began to meddle in the personnel decisions of the team over-riding younger, more qualified GMs (Brown brought in McDyess and Coleman; Leyland brought in Sheff).


Brown and Leyland must have been separated at birth.

I actually see a lot of similarities between Larry Brown and Jimmy Leyland. On the plus side, both are very experienced coaches who have been around for decades. Both are brilliant, brilliant in-game coaches and tacticians. Both are excellent motivators of the players that they favor. And both had great sucess in their 1st year in Detroit.


On the downside, both are cranky old men. Both formed an attitude against a veteran member of the team for no apparent reason, to the detriment of the team (Brown vs Okur; Leyland vs Young).

And after their initial success, both began to meddle in the personnel decisions of the team over-riding younger, more qualified GMs (Brown brought in McDyess and Coleman; Leyland brought in Sheff).


Brown and Leyland must have been separated at birth.
I beg to differ. Leyland never singled out any of his players in the press. All the issues had been handled in private. Also, Brown mismanaged Okur because Okur was a young player. On the other hand, Young had too many personal issues that were detriment to the team and needed a change of scenery to get his life back together. Yes, both of those guys are good coaches and tacticians, but that's where I say the similarities end.

I actually see a lot of similarities between Larry Brown and Jimmy Leyland. On the plus side, both are very experienced coaches who have been around for decades. Both are brilliant, brilliant in-game coaches and tacticians. Both are excellent motivators of the players that they favor. And both had great sucess in their 1st year in Detroit.


On the downside, both are cranky old men. Both formed an attitude against a veteran member of the team for no apparent reason, to the detriment of the team (Brown vs Okur; Leyland vs Young).

And after their initial success, both began to meddle in the personnel decisions of the team over-riding younger, more qualified GMs (Brown brought in McDyess and Coleman; Leyland brought in Sheff).


Brown and Leyland must have been separated at birth.

I like Jim Leyland. He is very humble. He always deflects credit from himself. He is always about the players.

Tigers just gave up a grand slam.........Score now tied 6 to 6......... :yukpuke:

Another win. Offense comes through. I just have one question:
When are they going to let Grilli go???

Another win. Offense comes through. I just have one question:
When are they going to let Grilli go???
Either that or at least sit him until bullpen coaches feel he had his stuff back. Rodney pitched a good inning last night, so why not bring him back to show that he is really back. JL is genius overall, but sometimes his pitching moves are just to ludacris. Luckily the hitters bailed him out in the next inning...Nate deserved that win and unfortunately JL and Grilli took it away from him..

Seems like nowadays that managers use the hook much too quickly. This will prevent pitchers from having 20 win seasons.....and 300 win careers. I figure they let a pitcher throw about 100 pitches and then get him out.......wether it's the 5th inning or the 8th inning.:hand::help2::doh::pout::bolt:

Lots of times Tigers pitchers pitch count was elevated, and they haven't been pitching deep into the games. Robertson threw 96 pitches and he usually struggled when getting close to 100. I have no problem with JL pulling him. However, I take up issue with Grilli having another horrific outing and giving up all those runs without even getting a single out.

This is really pathetic. The starter can't get through 5 innings. Then they put first 2 men on in the 5th trailing by 2, and 3 straight players strike out. Then they give up a homer (2nd in this series) to a guy hitting .190 this season.

...and now they bring in Grilli???

...who strangely enough gets them out of the inning. Now lets get some runs.

Now 4 straight Tigers struck out. Polanco struck out twice in this game.
:(

Make it 5 straight.

You're a good guy, Just tough looking at your AVATAR continuously......:pound:

Tiger pitchers give up 16 hits tonight and not to be outdone the D-ray pitchers strike out 13 Tigers:yellowprison:

If the Tiger are really contenders they should have swept these guys... Yanks still a half game back and Indians look like they will win and extend..

Seattle has caught up with Tigs as well. They also have one less loss. Tigers need to string some wins together.

I think I need to stop following Tigers for a while because they cause nothing but high blood pressure. For God's sake, can Bonderman get through the first inning without giving up runs and throwing a gazillion pitches? He walks two and then gives up a run scoring single...

...and now he walks a guy who's hitting .192 on the year to load the bases...

...and he's finally out of the 1st having thrown 31 pitches, given up 1 run, 3 walks, and struck out 2. How deep can he go into the game after this early pitch count? Get Grilli warmed up!!!

...Bonderman gets knocked around in this one. He manages to give up extra base hits and walks to the guys hitting under .192 for the season. And he just can't get anyone out from the top of the Tampa's lineup. He departs in the 7th inning after giving up 5 runs on 10 hits and responsible for runners at the corners and nobody out.

This is turning really ugly. Tigers down 8-0 and mustered 3 hits with 7 k's through 6 innings.

This is turning really ugly. Tigers down 8-0 and mustered 3 hits with 7 k's through 6 innings.

Thanks for the play-by-play Mik....I was following on MLB Game day for awhile, but once the Tigs blew their scoring opportunity in the 4th and then gave up the 2 runs in the 5th I turned it off.

The Tiger are making the D-ray pitchers look like allstars striking out 20 tiger batters in the past two games alone. If they can't muster any offense vs the bad teams, what's going to happen when they go head to head with the A's, Indians and Yankees over the next 10 games??? Bondy looks atrocius out there along with Grilli. They could find themselves 5 games out of the wild card by next weekend:yellowprison:

Thanks for the play-by-play Mik....I was following on MLB Game day for awhile, but once the Tigs blew their scoring opportunity in the 4th and then gave up the 2 runs in the 5th I turned it off.

The Tiger are making the D-ray pitchers look like allstars striking out 20 tiger batters in the past two games alone. If they can't muster any offense vs the bad teams, what's going to happen when they go head to head with the A's, Indians and Yankees over the next 10 games??? Bondy looks atrocius out there along with Grilli. They could find themselves 5 games out of the wild card by next weekend:yellowprison:
I concur. This team is in deep deep trouble, even if nobody is willing to acknowledge it. The team doesn't have a pitchig stopper. The hitting just disappeared. Can't even take a series from Tampa at home. It does look bad.

Well, today's embarassement is finally over. I was rooting for a second straight doulbe-strikeout game by Tigers offense and they just missed it. Something's gotta give or this team will be out of it in a heartbeat.

Tiger fans are not the only fans upset because ther team is falling apart. The Dodgers were in first place out here a week or so ago and had lost 6 straight before eeking out a W today in extra innings. They had been shut out in 4 out of the 5 games, so the anemia is not just in Detroit.

Tiger fans are not the only fans upset because ther team is falling apart. The Dodgers were in first place out here a week or so ago and had lost 6 straight before eeking out a W today in extra innings. They had been shut out in 4 out of the 5 games, so the anemia is not just in Detroit.
You know why else this Tampa series pissed me off? It reminded me of the Pistons-Cavs series with Tigers eking out the two wins in the first two games before getting their ass handed to them in the end.

Well, what do you know? We're in the 3rd inning and the Tigers are already down 6-1 and there's still nobody out in the top of the inning. And our favorite Grilli is in.
:gun1: :gun1: :gun1:

Focusing anger at one player (Girilli) is usually something I like to do. :gun1: The Tigers have been playing good team ball since the start of last year and now this. This streak of bad games seems more than what the team faced last season, starting around Mid August. This is a team effort at collapsing. I'm worried that a season of 82-85 wins may be the reality now. There are just too many guys not producing at this time. Bonderman is my example of somebody who started strong, but has been miserable as of late.

Focusing anger at one player (Girilli) is usually something I like to do. :gun1: The Tigers have been playing good team ball since the start of last year and now this. This streak of bad games seems more than what the team faced last season, starting around Mid August. This is a team effort at collapsing. I'm worried that a season of 82-85 wins may be the reality now. There are just too many guys not producing at this time. Bonderman is my example of somebody who started strong, but has been miserable as of late.
You could add Verlander, Robertson (although he has been in a slump for a long time now), Miller, Inge, Monroe, Sheffield, Granderson, Infante, Pudge... The list is too long. I don't know why Detroit sports writers are not worried, I am not sure why Leyland is not worried and I don't know why the players are not worried. They keep sliding out of contention. If you are getting killed by the likes of Tampa and Oakland on your playgrounds, you don't deserve to even be in contention.

You could add Verlander, Robertson (although he has been in a slump for a long time now), Miller, Inge, Monroe, Sheffield, Granderson, Infante, Pudge... The list is too long. I don't know why Detroit sports writers are not worried, I am not sure why Leyland is not worried and I don't know why the players are not worried. They keep sliding out of contention. If you are getting killed by the likes of Tampa and Oakland on your playgrounds, you don't deserve to even be in contention.

I read your passage and kept thinking of our "if it ain't rough, it ain't right" Pistons. Maybe success has also damaged the psyche of this team. I agree with you............I'm worried a lot.......

Tigers are back in the game with a big grand slam by Thames. Now if the bullpen can shut down the A's and we score more than 2 runs we might have a chance.

Tigers down 8-1..........they come back to take a 9-8 lead........Tremendous.:winner_first_h4h:

So then they give up 8 more runs the following inning. :hanged2:


This is one crazy bunch............:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

You're not going to win many games when you have 3 of your pitchers give up at least 4 runs. I think pitchers need to have a meeting and figure out what's going on.

I went out to get a bite to eat and then tuned in to Entourage for some laughs. I come back to my computer to find that the laughes were on the Tigers...8 runs in one inning???:nerd2: This team is heading nowhere fast ....time to send Tata and McBride back to Toledo...where's Mike Maroth when you need him??

I went out to get a bite to eat and then tune in to Entourage for some laughs. I come back to my computer to find that the laughes were on the Tigers...8 runs in one inning???:nerd2: This team is his heading nowher fast time to send Tata and MCbride back to Toledo...where's Mike Maroth when you need him??

He's on disabled list with an ERA over 10.

He's on disabled list with an ERA over 10.

That's because he didn't care about pitching anywhere else and didn't want to take care of himself once he got shipped out...........:)

That's because he didn't care about pitching anywhere else and didn't want to take care of himself once he got shipped out...........:)

Yeah, that's exactly the reason.
:sssh:

That's because he didn't care about pitching anywhere else and didn't want to take care of himself once he got shipped out...........:)
Sounds like Mahorn when the Bullets traded him to Detroit and broke up McFilthy and McNasty.

These problems were solved by going on a diet and getting a downtown Detroit apartment. :)

I am not sure why Leyland is not worried and I don't know why the players are not worried. They keep sliding out of contention. If you are getting killed by the likes of Tampa and Oakland on your playgrounds, you don't deserve to even be in contention.

You can't play scared (or worried). You still have to play with confidence; otherwise you definitely WON'T win. The Tigers are still in the thick of it. Only 1 game back in the Wild Card and 1.5 in the division. IF they right their ship, they'll be in the playoffs. But even if they get Zumaya back, it doesn't matter if Bonderman and Verlander keep stinking it up. Those are the Tigers' horses and they aren't (Bonderman especially) are not pitching well. Robertson has been OK of late. Tata isn't the No. 5 answer. He's just a band-aid. Team needs to get healthy fast. I don't want to predict the Tigs demise and I won't. Their pitching is awful right now. If they don't win, I'm sure Leyland's buddy Chuck Hernandez won't be sacrificed though.

You can't play scared (or worried). You still have to play with confidence; otherwise you definitely WON'T win. The Tigers are still in the thick of it. Only 1 game back in the Wild Card and 1.5 in the division. IF they right their ship, they'll be in the playoffs. But even if they get Zumaya back, it doesn't matter if Bonderman and Verlander keep stinking it up. Those are the Tigers' horses and they aren't (Bonderman especially) are not pitching well. Robertson has been OK of late. Tata isn't the No. 5 answer. He's just a band-aid. Team needs to get healthy fast. I don't want to predict the Tigs demise and I won't. Their pitching is awful right now. If they don't win, I'm sure Leyland's buddy Chuck Hernandez won't be sacrificed though.

To be honest, I am not predicting a demise. But I am really worried about the state of things. The offense is going to be there most of the nights. But they won't win if they keep giving up all the runs. I don't know if last year was "theirs" but none of the pitchers are at the same level. They were there until all-star break, but since it has been one big struggle. You'd expect your horses to have a bad game here and there, but when it is 5-6 games in a row it is worrisome.

I think Verlander will right his ship. If he quits going 2-0 on guys and gets ahead of them, he'll be OK. His stuff is too good. Bonderman is someone I'll never understand. I think he has a million-dollar arm and a 10-cent head. I don't feel the guy concentrates out there.

In the future, Miller should be good. Nate will always be a No. 5. Rogers nees to move over after this season and let the youth come in. Not sure what Rogers' contract status is.

Not sure what Rogers' contract status is.

Rogers signed a 2-year, $16 million contract in the winter before the 2006 season. This is his final year of that contract. The Tigers need Rogers (or somebody else) to step up and give some quality starts down the stretch as the 5th starter. How (and if) Rogers comes back may dictate whether he plays for the Tigers next season.

Rogers contract ends this year. The question is - who can step in? IF they bring another youngster up, we'll have a rotation of a rookie, a second year (Miller), a third year (JV), Bondo, and Robertson. There will be lots of ups and downs with that rotation. I wonder if they're planning on converting Zoom back to starter? That was talked about times and times again.

Only 2 wins in the last 24 starts by our starters. Hopefully Kenny Rogers is still able to do the job. We'll need his leadership for another year.

Finally a Tigers type game yesterday. Timely hitting and solid pitching from JV with bullpen holding it together. Looks like Rodney is really back. That is good news.

Nate gets enough runs to grab a needed W as the tigers score 8 in the second as Mags hits 2 dingers in that inning. (Final 11-6 Tigers)

To put a positive spend on their state of affairs, the Tigers have won 4 out 7 games and the starters in the last two games have grabbed victories. If they can win tomorrow, they can notch their first series win in over three weeks.

Pitching still is a worry wart for the defending AL champions as those three losses in middle of the four victories were ugly as they gave up 30+ runs.

With the Indians still struggling and the Mariners and Yankees on fire, these last two victories are just what the tigers needed. Tuesday and Wednesday clash with the Indians will tell us who at this time is struggling the most. Hopefully the Tigers will enter the series with the Yankees on Thursday with a five game win streak and enough positive momentum to compete with them.

Maggs is the catalyst for the team right now. The offense is going to get some runs. Just hoping that young pitching staff can hold it all together.

After all talks about how starting pitching needs to get it going, 2 batters in the 1st inning the Tigers are down 2-0.

After all talks about how starting pitching needs to get it going, 2 batters in the 1st inning the Tigers are down 2-0.


Well we got the 2 back, (thanks Maggs) but still why do we always have to play from behind??

Well we got the 2 back, (thanks Maggs) but still why do we always have to play from behind??
That seems to be the theme of Tigers as of late. I don't like playing from behind. It must be difficult psychologically, the offense could be pressing since every time they are out there they have to put up runs just to get even.
Maggs is on fire.

The lead is no more. A couple of walks, a couple of singles, we have a run in, bases loaded and 1 out.
:(

Another day and another day off for the Tiger bats..

In the battle of the Chads, the A's Gaudin fans 9 Tigers in 6 2/3 innings and the Oakland bullpen stikes out five more batters in the remaining 2.1 innings as the Tigers offense picked up where they left off last week by whiffing away at numerous scoring oportunities and stranding 7 runners on base.

And then our "Chad" Durbin fell in line with recent woes of our starting pitching staff by giving up six runs in 5 innings, before JL handed the reins over to Jason "Why do you keep giving me the ball" Grilli.

Once again the Tigers are not able to win a series and now have 2 game stand with the Indians who they are now tied with. Then they play a weekend series with the Yanks who stole another victory in the bottom of the ninth vs the O"s to continue their hot play.

Never felt the Yankees were out of it. Was always afraid that we would match the slump that the Yanks had at the beginning of the season. Now we must win the division. Seems like the wild card is just becoming a distant option. Glad though that Cleveland and Minnesota are both remaining in the dumper like us...........

Never felt the Yankees were out of it. Was always afraid that we would match the slump that the Yanks had at the beginning of the season. Now we must win the division. Seems like the wild card is just becoming a distant option. Glad though that Cleveland and Minnesota are both remaining in the dumper like us...........
Next couple of weeks will probably decide this year's fate with all the games against Tribe and Yanks. Minni may be sitting pretty when all this is finished. They get to watch their main competitors beat each other up.

Finally got MLB extra innings on Comcast. It's a drag never being able to watch the games here.

Maybe this will change their momentum a bit.

Yeah, right. Bondo right on quoue giving up 2 runs in the 1st. Offense is nowhere to be found.

Offense is totally gone. Through 5 innings - 3 hits and 6 K's. And Sabathia with only 61 pitches to get through 5 innings.

Bondo has righted the ship (as I write), but yeah, no offense. Sabathia is pretty good.

Finally a solid outing by a starter. Too bad he won't get a W for this. Now keeping my fingers crossed that bullpen can keep Cleveland off the board long enough for the offense to come around.

Finally offense finds a little spark (Maggs with a 3-run shot) and this one should be in the bag.

Tigers win to take over first again..but the most surprising and the best thing is that the pitchers Bondy, Byrdman, F-rod and TJ throw 9 scoreless innings...something that hasn't happen in a month!!

Great news for the Tigers and I'm glad they beat the deadline:

Prep pitcher Rick Porcello is about to break Josh Beckett (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/6403)'s draft record for a signing bonus. Porcello is in agreement on a deal for $7.3 million with the Detroit Tigers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/tigers), SI.com has confirmed.
Porcello, a right-hander from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J., has been compared by scouts to Beckett, who held the record for a bonus for a high school player signing with the team that drafted him when he received $7 million from the Marlins in 1999 after they selected him second overall.
Porcello was the 27th pick in the first round but fell to that spot only because of his expected high asking price. The Tigers are one of the teams that's been willing to step out and not adhere to baseball's recommended slots, and it paid off last year with Andrew Miller (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/7847), who received a $5.5 million deal from them and was recently in the Tigers' rotation. Porcello's slot figure was pegged at $1.17 million.
The hard-throwing Porcello had a scholarship opportunity to the University of North Carolina he will now forego. Scouts see Porcello as having even more potential than Miller. Porcello's agreement was first reported by Michigan's Booth Newspapers.
link: SI.com - MLB - Heyman: Tigers, Porcello agree%on $7.3M deal - Tuesday August 14, 2007 5:35PM (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/08/14/tigers.draft/index.html?eref=si_mlb)

Great news for the Tigers and I'm glad they beat the deadline:

Prep pitcher Rick Porcello is about to break Josh Beckett (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/6403)'s draft record for a signing bonus. Porcello is in agreement on a deal for $7.3 million with the Detroit Tigers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/tigers), SI.com has confirmed.
Porcello, a right-hander from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J., has been compared by scouts to Beckett, who held the record for a bonus for a high school player signing with the team that drafted him when he received $7 million from the Marlins in 1999 after they selected him second overall.
Porcello was the 27th pick in the first round but fell to that spot only because of his expected high asking price. The Tigers are one of the teams that's been willing to step out and not adhere to baseball's recommended slots, and it paid off last year with Andrew Miller (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/7847), who received a $5.5 million deal from them and was recently in the Tigers' rotation. Porcello's slot figure was pegged at $1.17 million.
The hard-throwing Porcello had a scholarship opportunity to the University of North Carolina he will now forego. Scouts see Porcello as having even more potential than Miller. Porcello's agreement was first reported by Michigan's Booth Newspapers.
link: SI.com - MLB - Heyman: Tigers, Porcello agree%on $7.3M deal - Tuesday August 14, 2007 5:35PM (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/08/14/tigers.draft/index.html?eref=si_mlb)
These are good news. Tigers benefited from being willing to pay extra for premium talent.

I believe, however, that some sort of salary cap is needed for the MLB and NFL draft picks similar to what NBA has. That would put all teams on even footing.

These are good news. Tigers benefited from being willing to pay extra for premium talent.

I believe, however, that some sort of salary cap is needed for the MLB and NFL draft picks similar to what NBA has. That would put all teams on even footing.

I'd love to see a salary cap PERIOD in baseball. Never happen, though. Players' union too strong and too many owners with big egos and pocketbooks.

I'd love to see a salary cap PERIOD in baseball. Never happen, though. Players' union too strong and too many owners with big egos and pocketbooks.
I don't know. All other major sports do have some kind of cap. It may come to that eventually. It is too bad that only a handful of mostly the same teams has a chance to compete. Tigers only got competitive when they started spending. Having a good GM and all those high draft picks didn't hurt either, of course. But if the Tigs didn't want to spend, they would still be stuck in the league basement.

Tigers only got competitive when they started spending.

I think you can credit the NHL salary cap for Illitch spending more on the Tigers.

Fantastic point gazoo.

That is probably true, since Wings' payroll was slashed by about 40%.

Despite the loss to Indians, the young guy pitched a heck of a game. He was on, and made a couple of errors that Tribe turned into 3 runs. With Miller struggling in his rehab outing Jurrjens may stay here for a while.

Zumaya had two outstanding outings. He's got one more coming and then he'll be called up.

Tigers need some left-handed hitting, badly. They've really struggled against the right-handers.

A grand slam by Guillen in the 1st off Musina. 4-0 Tigers. I like this beginning.

I like how you live blog the game. I don't get it on radio.

I like how you live blog the game. I don't get it on radio.
Usually I follow it on MLB.com. I am working.
:)

Me too. :sssh:

Don't tell my boss, "themicrowave". He's a real hardass. :)

Verlander finally out of the 1st after throwing 30 pitches and giving up a run on 2 hits, WP, and HBP. He was laboring out there. I'm somewhat worried that he hasn't really pitched good (he's been about adequate) in a long time.

Tigers add 2 more runs in the 2nd. Magglio with a 2-our RBI when it looked like the team was going to let another golden opportunity to score (runner on 3rd with 1 out) slip away when Thames lined out. I just hope Verlander can have a better 2nd inning and be more economical with pitch count.

I follow the game on MLB Gameday and believe me watching computer graphics of the game is very tedious when you are sitting there hoping that the Tiger pitching doesn't find away to blow the lead especially the way Verlander was laboring out there. I read that he had the flu but he threw 121 pitches before Leyland finally pulled him in the 6th. he gave up 3 runs and struck out only 2.

Meanwhile the relievers kept the game interesting by putting runners on, but did manage to end the game by getting nine of the 11 remaining outs in the game by strikeouts..:gun1:

The grandslam by Carlos was huge and the insurance runs came through too...

Hopefully we have the Yanks number or they are in their own pitching slump giving up 26 runs in the last 3 games.

Good thing they won Game 1. Got Nate and Durbin going the next two games, followed by Bonderman.

Tigers make a few interesting moves today:
1. Calling up Cameron Maybin from AA
2. Putting Monroe on wavers
3. Calling up Santiago from AAA
4. Optioning Infante to AAA

Monroe has brought it all on himself. He is hitting barely over .200 and his homerun power had dried up comparatively to the previous couple of years. Maybin has been smashing the ball in the minors with 4 homers in 6 games. Strange is that Tigers, just a couple of days ago, said that Maybin is not going to be brought up.
Santiago is a better defensive shortstop plain and simple. And with Guillen's knees giving him trouble and Casey hitting with no power whatsoever, Tigers take Santiago's glove over Infante's bat.
Looks like next year Tigers will be looking for a new starting shortstop.

Actually, Monroe was designated for assignment. This means that the Tigers have 10 days to trade, release, or send Monroe to the minor leagues. Monroe cleared trade waivers earlier this month, so he can be dealt to any of the 29 other big-league clubs.

Tigers make a few interesting moves today:
1. Calling up Cameron Maybin from AA
2. Putting Monroe on wavers
3. Calling up Santiago from AAA
4. Optioning Infante to AAA

Monroe has brought it all on himself. He is hitting barely over .200 and his homerun power had dried up comparatively to the previous couple of years. Maybin has been smashing the ball in the minors with 4 homers in 6 games. Strange is that Tigers, just a couple of days ago, said that Maybin is not going to be brought up.
Santiago is a better defensive shortstop plain and simple. And with Guillen's knees giving him trouble and Casey hitting with no power whatsoever, Tigers take Santiago's glove over Infante's bat.
Looks like next year Tigers will be looking for a new starting shortstop.

Bringing Santiago up and optioning Infante is a poor move. Infante ain't an SS, I realize, but Santiago can't hit. I don't think Leyland cares much for Omar. Just a hunch.

Bringing Santiago up and optioning Infante is a poor move. Infante ain't an SS, I realize, but Santiago can't hit. I don't think Leyland cares much for Omar. Just a hunch.
It certainly looks that way. It also looks that if Guillen continues to play at SS he may be heading to the DL in the near future. His knees are not going to hold up to the use while playing a SS. He's also barely being adequate (if that) on defense, again due to limited mobility. His move to the first base is imminent. At this point he needs to be spelled at SS to prolong his season and keep him off the DL. Infante struggled defensively, he's average at best. Santiago is a solid defensive player. Also, we weren't getting much offensively from Infante as well. As I mentioned before, looks like Tigs either going to go through with the trade with Pirates for Wilson, or will look for a SS in the off-season.

I heard on the radio that Monroe has been released. A Tigers assistant GM mentioned that he thought Monroe would catch on "somewhere".

Has a guy who has led a major league team in homeruns ever been released the very next year (career ending injuries excluded)?

Monroe was given many chances, but just lacks the production needed for a major league outfielder. The guy is batting .222, has on obp of .264, and only has 11 HR and 20 BB. To make things worse, he struck out 94 times in 343 at bats. If the Tigers are serious about a return to the playoffs, cutting Monroe loose was necessary.

Cameron Maybin is batting second and playing left field tonight. Nothing like having your major league debut in Yankee Stadium. Between him and Granderson, I don't envision a lot of open space out there in the outfield.

Monroe was given many chances, but just lacks the production needed for a major league outfielder. The guy is batting .222, has on obp of .264, and only has 11 HR and 20 BB. To make things worse, he struck out 94 times in 343 at bats. If the Tigers are serious about a return to the playoffs, cutting Monroe loose was necessary.

Cameron Maybin is batting second and playing left field tonight. Nothing like having your major league debut in Yankee Stadium. Between him and Granderson, I don't envision a lot of open space out there in the outfield.
Monroe had a great season last year, he was CLUTCH. But this year things unfortunately fell apart. A couple of years ago it would've been overlooked, but not when the team is trying to get back to the World Series. I am sure someone will pick him up. He could play for a few more years. Maybe a change of scenery will help.

Btw, Tigers still need a left-handed hitter.

A rather uneventful 1st MLB career at-bat for Cameron Maybin - a 3-pitch strikeout. Honestly, I don't have high expectations for the near future, he needs to get used to the speed of game on this level, and good pitching.
Good luck to the kid.

After a hitless debut, Maybin gets a single in his first at-bat against Clemens and his first career homerun in his second at-bat to put Tigers up 2-1. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Monroe was given many chances, but just lacks the production needed for a major league outfielder. The guy is batting .222, has on obp of .264, and only has 11 HR and 20 BB. To make things worse, he struck out 94 times in 343 at bats.

Yeah, but if you throw stats out the window, he is a great hitter.

Tigers fall to the Yankees 5-2. Despite Maybin's good game, Tigers still lose...

Maybin's HR was nice. Hit it very hard to straight-away center. Still, another "L" in the standings. :(

Yeah, but if you throw stats out the window, he is a great hitter.

Excellent point. He looks good in warm-ups, too.

Another day and another loss for the overated, underachieving Tigers. What started off as a promising series with a game 1 win over those Damn Yankees quickly reverted back to the same ole Tigers as they lost three winnable games over the weekend. Pitching held up for awhile in each game, but collapse again in the middle innnings. Not enough power in the batting order as the tigers continued to average 10+strikeouts a game including 5 straight batters getting mowed down in the 7th and 8th innings today.

The Yankee relievers had no problem with our batters, but our relievers and the starters probably had no more three 1-2-3 innings the since Thursday. The Yanks seem to get on base every inning via cheap hits, BB or int walks. Meanwhile our batters faced a tight strikezone and were force to swing to protect the plate and seldom took a pitcher beyond 5 pitches.....

Brandon Inge has struck out 15 times in the past 7 games including 3 more today and Sean Casey has lost all power getting only 6 singles in the past 10 games and barely hitting the ball out of the infield this series and leaving several men on base.

Meanwhile, the Yanks, Indians and Mariners will get probable sweeps over the weekend and leave the Tigers 2.5 games out of first and 3.5 out of the wildcard race... Only a 3 game sweep of the Indians next week at Comerica can keep the Tigers in this race... IMO

Inge is scratched for the Tuesday game against Tribe.
I am getting down on this team. It's upsetting. And, also, can any pitcher on this team go 7-8 innings without giving up more than 1-2 runs? Once in a while? Please?

And, also, can any pitcher on this team go 7-8 innings without giving up more than 1-2 runs? Once in a while? Please?

No, they can't. Amazingly, as bad as things have gotten, they are still within striking distance. Who knows? Maybe they sneak into the playoffs and gain some momentum. A lot of it depends on Miller getting back and that Jurrjens guy being a diamond in the rough. I have a feeling we won't see Rogers again this season.

This team is better than it has showed since the All-Star break. I'm waiting with bated breath for them to turn it around.

The next seven games for this team are huge. Three against Cleveland and four against the Stinkees. All at home. I guess we'll find out if this team wants to go away and hide or step up to the plate. Jurrjens, Verlander and Robertson going for Detroit against Cleveland. Tigers must win 5 out of 7 in my estimation against these two teams and at least 2 of 3 vs. Cleveland. Detroit has 38 games to play so there is time for them to turn it around, but I think they need to show signs of life soon. This team is 15-23 after the break. I hope Zumaya being back provides a spark.

No, they can't. Amazingly, as bad as things have gotten, they are still within striking distance. Who knows? Maybe they sneak into the playoffs and gain some momentum. A lot of it depends on Miller getting back and that Jurrjens guy being a diamond in the rough. I have a feeling we won't see Rogers again this season.

This team is better than it has showed since the All-Star break. I'm waiting with bated breath for them to turn it around.
Jurrjens was touted before, I don't think this came as any surprise. Miller had a much better outing in his 2nd rehab start going 3 innings only giving up a run on one hit with 5Ks and no walks. The problem that we've been having with Miller is that he can't give the team enough innings. He's lucky to be able to get through 6. Rogers is a big question mark indeed. He's said to begin throwing from the rubber, but it is a great unknown whether he's back or not. It would be a huge psychological boost more than anything if he could pitch a few games.

The next seven games for this team are huge. Three against Cleveland and four against the Stinkees. All at home. I guess we'll find out if this team wants to go away and hide or step up to the plate. Jurrjens, Verlander and Robertson going for Detroit against Cleveland. Tigers must win 5 out of 7 in my estimation against these two teams and at least 2 of 3 vs. Cleveland. Detroit has 38 games to play so there is time for them to turn it around, but I think they need to show signs of life soon. This team is 15-23 after the break. I hope Zumaya being back provides a spark.
Both series are going to be tough. Cleveland is going to have Carmona (who shut the Tigs down last time), Bird (who's been very solid as of late), and Westbrook (who's starting to pitch good). We have a rookie, JV who's been throwing 120 pitches per game and Robertson, who can't win in spite of himself. And we have an offense that decided that they want to set a strikeout record. I'm not even going into talking about series against NY until the Cleveland series is over.

How many J's can one guy have in his name anyway?

Jair Jurjens?

This is the record as far as I know.

How many J's can one guy have in his name anyway?

Jair Jurjens?

This is the record as far as I know.
And he's only 21 to boot.
:)

He will accumulate more Js with age.

Why is it that every time the Tigers score to go on top or tie the game the pitcher comes back and gives up runs?

Speaking of J's the one hitter is just what the doctor ordered as JJ showed JB and JV how to pitch six innings without giving up more than one run. JJ deserved to go the distance and pickup the complete game, but JL yanked him for JZ and then TJ got the save ...the J's have it and the Tiger grab game one of the series. :)

First game watched on extra innings. And what a great game.

JJerjenjs looked great. Very confident with the off-speed stuff. And some nice defense behind him.

Zoom his 99 I believe. Not bad in his first game back.

I wonder if this kid is going to get another start. He looked better than any other Detroit starter over the past few weeks. I wonder if Rogers comes back. If he can't, our starting pitching will be quite interesting with two rookies that came straight from AA ball:
Verlander
Bonderman
Robertson
Miller
Jurjens

I wonder if this kid is going to get another start. He looked better than any other Detroit starter over the past few weeks. I wonder if Rogers comes back. If he can't, our starting pitching will be quite interesting with two rookies that came straight from AA ball:
Verlander
Bonderman
Robertson
Miller
Jurjens

I say shut down Rogers. Mr. Pine Tar is a cheater anyway.

Most of the national pundits don't seem worried about our extended slump. They still see the talent and figure the pitching will come together. I hope they're right...........Wanna see Kenny Rogers come back to full form..............

The kid gave up 1 hit and 4 walks before he was yanked.

I believe that is the first time this season that a starting pitcher was relieved after giving up 1 hit.

He is definitely getting another start.

Most of the national pundits don't seem worried about our extended slump. They still see the talent and figure the pitching will come together. I hope they're right...........Wanna see Kenny Rogers come back to full form..............
So do the local sports writers. But it is not only pitching. The offense has been pretty spotty. Too many strikeouts. Not enough timely hits. Too many mental mistakes. Shef hasn't hit with much power as of late. Just hope that shoulder gets better. Inge has been just horrible offensively. You need some production out of your 3rd baseman. We're not getting much out of the 1st base. But we'll need a new SS for the next season if we want to have Guillen reasonably healthy. Casey is a goner.

problem is that everyone with the exception of probably Ordonez hit the slump at the same time. It seems like we are reliving the last 3 weeks of last seasons regular season. As Mikhal says no consistency in the batting lineup at the corners and the DH has been in an insjury induce slump.

I don't have th stats handy, but I know if the Tiger batters didn't lead the AL in strikeouts this past month, they were in the top 3. Thye had at last 6 straight games of 10 strikeouts or more a week or so ago. Our batters are to impatient and don't work the opposing pitcher (pudge has only walked 5 times this year but has 74 K's) Inge has already struckout 127 times this year. Wher is the concentration?

Hopefully the return of Rodney, Zumaya and the adding of Jair JJ to the squad translates some resurgence to the starters and then gets the offense to get back on task THIS WEEK!~!

In August, the Tigers have the 3rd most strikeouts in the MLB with 156. Detroit is dead last (30th out of 30 teams) in walks with only 41 during the month of August.

Over the entire season, the Tigers are 20th in the MLB with 812 strikeouts. That surprised me. I thought they were worse than that. Detroit is 27th (out of 30 teams) with only 369 walks. This is very bad. That is still a concern for this team.

Quite often players that strike out a lot also walk a lot. That doesn't apply to Tigers. Pudge never walked much throughout his career. Monroe was struggling, so they were not pitching around him. Inge is striking out too much. Granderson needs to walk more as a leadoff man. Polanco is not taking pitches. We only have Sheff, Maggs, and Guillen that regularly get walks. I also noticed another tendency, Tigers let the opposing starter pitch deep into the games more times than not. That way they can't get to the opponents' weak link - middle relief. How many times we've seen Tigers starters pitch fairly well, but throw a lot of pitches and having to leave after 5th or in the 6th innings just to bring in the middle relief corps who promptly give up runs? It is a huge advantage when you can get into opponents' middle relief, it practically guarantees runs and wearing out of the opponents bullpen. But you have to take pitches and take walks. Otherwise it is a mute point.

This is gonna hurt:

Tigers' Gary Sheffield out indefinitely with shoulder injury (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/UPDATE/708220478)

I am really getting upset with team's starting pitching. Is it a must to spot runs to the opposition in the 1st inning while throwing a boatload of pitches???

Verlander gives up a run on 2 hits, HBP, and 23 pitches. That's too much no matter how you look at it.

Go Carlos! Guillen with a 3-run shot to put Tigers up 3-1. He also homered in a game yesterday.
:)

Lets hope Verlander can buckle down.

In August, the Tigers have the 3rd most strikeouts in the MLB with 156. Detroit is dead last (30th out of 30 teams) in walks with only 41 during the month of August.

Over the entire season, the Tigers are 20th in the MLB with 812 strikeouts. That surprised me. I thought they were worse than that. Detroit is 27th (out of 30 teams) with only 369 walks. This is very bad. That is still a concern for this team.


Thanks for the stats BillL...I knew their strikeouts were heavy and above average this month. You'd think the batting coaches would notice the lack of patience they are having and try to correct the situation. It is very obvious when our pitchers are already up to 90 pitches by the sixth inning and the opposing pitchers just barely over 70.

Good start so far tonight score wise, but Verlander thru 38 pitches in the first two innings.:yellowprison:

Thanks for the stats BillL...I knew their strikeouts were heavy and above average this month. You'd think the batting coaches would notice the lack of patience they are having and try to correct the situation. It is very obvious when our pitchers are already up to 90 pitches by the sixth inning and the opposing pitchers just barely over 70.

Good start so far tonight score wise, but Verlander thru 38 pitches in the first two innings.:yellowprison:
Verlander is going to exit early again tonight.
:smash:

Tigers batters in the 3rd inning

Maggs 3 pitches and flyout
Guillen 1 pitch and flyout
Pudge 6 pitches and strikeout

No patience for tigs....1-2-3 inning for Byrd

Anyone noticed Texas hanging 30 runs on Baltimore?

Verlander is falling apart. After 2 outs he gives up 4 straight base hits and a WP. Cleveland scores 4 runs and takes the lead.

Verlander is going to exit early again tonight.
:smash:


If only you would have predicted that he would go the distance>>>>4 runs as as tagged him well. 80 pitches after 4 and a certain ouster if the Tigs don't score any runs this inning.:yellowprison:

Anyone noticed Texas hanging 30 runs on Baltimore?


And after sitting for a half hour between games, the rangers probably won't score more than 5 runs in the second game...

And after sitting for a half hour between games, the rangers probably won't score more than 5 runs in the second game...
BTW, this is the most runs by one team in a MLB game since the 1800's.

If only you would have predicted that he would go the distance>>>>4 runs as as tagged him well. 80 pitches after 4 and a certain ouster if the Tigs don't score any runs this inning.:yellowprison:
Tigers are out 1-2-3 on 10 pitches.
:yellowprison:

Verlander gets pulled and leaves the game with no outs in the 5th. He looked sharp in the beginning of the game, then it all fell apart.

And the Indians open it up even more with a three run blast against Miner, now 8-3.

After being held to one hit last night, the tribe erupts for 11 hits in 5 innings. Of course the 8 runs is a backbreaker, because you just know that Tigers will never score 5 runs vs the Cleveland pitching let alone 9!!!

Tigers left-handed pitchers can't get left-handed hitters out. And now they look like they are pitching scared - two intentional walks in one inning.

And now couple of more runs in. This is ridiculous.

Last night Tigers use 4 pitchers and 1 run between them...tonight 4 pitchers and 11 runs??? Solution, bench the pitchers who stunk up Comerica tonight and go with the relievers who shut out the Indians last night.

Indians averaged 3.5 runs a game the last month and get 11 tonight. Hopefully they maxed out and don't score anymore the rest of the weekend.

Other issue, Tiger bats seem to die when they get behind late, so expect 1-2-3 Tiger ninth.....

This looks mental more than anything with this team. There are two problematic areas that were accented in yesterday's game. Inability to close the inning once you have two outs and inability to drive people in from 2nd and 3rd with less than two outs. It is all about concentration. And add double-digit strike-out number on the top of that.

Well, what do we know? Robertson gets through the first inning on 9 pitches. Tigers, in kind, go down 1-2-3 on 8. Can Robertson have a good game for a change? He's been struggling. Hopefully this is a game he shows up, especially since it is the game the Tigers need really badly.

Tigers have runners at the corners with 1 out and Casey coming up. Lets see if they can cash in this time.

First pitch swinging pop out. WTF is going on??? Where's the patience???

Another wasted opportunity. This team is really struggling. I know, there's talk whether they even deserve to be in the playoff race. They're still in it, but they can't be squandering every chance. They also don't play with the lead enough, and that is going to start wearing you down mentally.

Tigers just announced Craig Monroe was traded to the cubs for a player to be named later. I haven't found any links yet, but they announced it over the television.

Tigers just announced Craig Monroe was traded to the cubs for a player to be named later. I haven't found any links yet, but they announced it over the television.
At least got something back.

Tigers just announced Craig Monroe was traded to the cubs for a player to be named later. I haven't found any links yet, but they announced it over the television.

Here we go:
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today traded outfielder Craig Monroe to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later on or before Oct. 15. Designated for assignment by Detroit on Aug. 17, Monroe hit .222 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI in 96 games with the Tigers this season. Monroe was claimed off waivers by the Tigers from Texas in 2002. He batted .259 with 101 home runs and 379 RBI in 672 games in six seasons with the Tigers.
link: toledoblade.com -- Tigers trade Monroe to Cubs (http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070823/SPORTS09/70823027)

Unfortunately, Monroe had too many ups and downs and he went into too many slumps. He would have a horrid month hitting up a storm, and then go really really cold. This is really unfortunate. I wish him luck with Cubs.

Poor Robertson. The guy goes really strong, very economical, shutting out Tribe for 8 2/3 innings just to get pulled with 2 outs in the 9th without any offensive support and without a win. Sad, sad, sad.

I love Leyland as a manager. But sometimes I just don't get him. Why let Santiago hit with 2 runners on in the 9th with 1 out in a tie game? Wouldn't someone like Rayburn provide a better alternative?

I love Leyland as a manager. But sometimes I just don't get him. Why let Santiago hit with 2 runners on in the 9th with 1 out in a tie game? Wouldn't someone like Rayburn provide a better alternative?

Good point. I was wondering about putting in Pudge as the pinch runner when he has 0 stolen bases this year too.

Good point. I was wondering about putting in Pudge as the pinch runner when he has 0 stolen bases this year too.
I dont' know how fast Rabelo is. Maybe he's just too slow to be any kind of threat to move at all.

Zumaya manages to mess up the game after all. Another run given up by Tigers pitching with 2 outs.

Now it all completely falls apart. It's 3-0 and this one is over.

This one could have been won several times by the Tigers as they had several innings with two men on but punchless bats could move anybody to third let alone home.

Some questional coaching moves by Leyland will be second guessed. Bottomline, a nice 8 2/3 scoreless pitching performance by Nate "I can't get no runs support" Robertson will be wasted...:mad:

This team is done..

This one could have been won several times by the Tigers as they had several innings with two men on but punchless bats could move anybody to third let alone home.

Some questional coaching moves by Leyland will be second guessed. Bottomline, a nice 8 2/3 scoreless pitching performance by Nate "I can't get no runs support" Robertson will be wasted...:mad:

This team is done..
Certainly looks that way. They'll be 2.5 games behind with a 4-gamer against Yanks and no Sheff.

That is 10 straight series losses since the sweep of the Twins in mid July. Nate should go in the clubhouse and start throwing bats and balls at his clubmates. Only ordonez has been able to avoid the slump, the rest of the players must be satisfied with the AL pennant they won last year.

Leyland???has the game passed him by? He gets out managed everygame when it comes to knowing when to pull his starters, when to insert a base runner, and when to call for an intentional walk. Starting to remind me a little of Flip Sr:)

27 games over .500 after that Twins series to now just nine over and playing a team this weekend that spanked them last weekend. Heard that some of the Yankee players were already in the stands cheering the Indians on....maybe they were just laughing at the Tigers ineptitude :)

That is 10 straight series losses since the sweep of the Twins in mid July. Nate should go in the clubhouse and start throwing bats and balls at his clubmates. Only ordonez has been able to avoid the slump, the rest of the players must be satisfied with the AL pennant they won last year.

Leyland???has the game passed him by? He gets out managed everygame when it comes to knowing when to pull his starters, when to insert a base runner, and when to call for an intentional walk. Starting to remind me a little of Flip Sr:)

27 games over .500 after that Twins series to now just nine over and playing a team this weekend that spanked them last weekend. Heard that some of the Yankee players were already in the stands cheering the Indians on....maybe they were just laughing at the Tigers ineptitude :)
Is it possible that last year was a fluke? And expectations are just too high for this team? Lets look at it objectively.

Our fielders

1. Granderson - young with little experience, strikeout prone, not a typical leadoff player
2. Polanco - steady with bat and glove
3. Sheffield - a power when healthy, but he wasn't for large parts of the season
4. Ordonez - no comment necessary
5. Guillen - solid with the bat for the most part, suspect defensively due to injuries
6. Monroe - struggled and gone
7. Thames - career backup with lots of power, a free-swinger
8. Casey - no power, doesn't walk much
9. Pudge - great catcher, sliding as a batter
10. Infante - career backup, average bat, average defense
11. Inge - great defensively, can't hit worth a lick, constant strikeouts, lost his power

Our pitchers

1. Verlander - a second year with great potential, struggled second half of the season, not used to innings pitched
2. Bonderman - an up and down season, struggled in the second half, just can't get out of the 1st without giving up runs, shown signs of what he could be but has been inconsistent throughout his career. I wonder how much more time does he get.
3. Robertson - your #4 or #5 starter. Struggled mightily this season. Cannot consistently get hitters out.
4. Rogers - injured
5. Miller - great potential, no experience above AA
6. Durbin - career minor leaguer
7. Jurrjens - see Miller
8. Jones - just what you'd expect
9. Zumaya - injured, doesn't look like he's all the way back
10. Rodney - struggled, looks to finally getting his normal self back
11. Rest of bullpen - scrubs with ERA over 5

So, objectively, how much can we expect from this team? For them to achieve some kind of greateness, everything has to fit. Last year they avoided injuries, and looks like some players played over their head. I am hoping it's not the case, but that's what it's looks like so far. It seems like last year was "their" year. Leyland seemed to make all the right moves, pitchers shut the opponents down. Now every move that Leyland makes seems to explode in his face, pitchers can't get people out, bullpen can't hold leads and can't keep team in the game, hitters can't get those "easy" runs in. Just looks like their luck ran out.

Is it possible that last year was a fluke? And expectations are just too high for this team?

...how much can we expect from this team? For them to achieve some kind of greateness, everything has to fit. Last year they avoided injuries, and looks like some players played over their head. I am hoping it's not the case, but that's what it's looks like so far. It seems like last year was "their" year. Leyland seemed to make all the right moves, pitchers shut the opponents down. Now every move that Leyland makes seems to explode in his face, pitchers can't get people out, bullpen can't hold leads and can't keep team in the game, hitters can't get those "easy" runs in. Just looks like their luck ran out.


Mik, your comments sum it up in a nutshell. If they get swept this weekend, you can probably say that their season is over..:(...but as long as the Indians struggle at the plate there is still some hope :pray:

Team batting .285 normaly fantastic but the Yanks and Mariners have passed them.
We need the Cheater, pine tar and all, period.
Teach Bondo how to use vaseline.
38 games to go.
Nut up Tigs.
G.D.

I don't know what to think about this team. Bonderman SHOULD be better. Verlander will be very good. Hard to knock a guy who tossed a no-no against a good hitting ballclub in Milwaukee. Miller throws across his body so I'm worried about his longevity. Keep the Gambler but make him the pitching coach and if Leyland complains about his buddy Hernandez being canned, ship Leyland and promote Van Slyke or McClendon. Leyland's magic touch ain't working.

As far as the offense, Shef is a bandaid (who needs a bandaid) and Ordonez is getting older. Granderson will be better moved down in the lineup. Inge is a good athlete and I feel he can LEARN to hit better. Sky's the limit for Maybin. I like Raburn a lot but can he hit the curve ball consistently? Polanco is still the perfect No. 2 hitter. Give Casey his walking papers and move Guillen to first and get a friggin shorstop or convert Raburn, who has a good arm.

But, as TheeTFD says, there are 38 games left and much can still happen. I'm not ready to bury this team yet, but they need a spark. And Casey hitting third ain't gonna cut it. What an idiotic move.

I like how Casey puts the ball in play.
Keep rapping out those hits.

I like how Casey puts the ball in play.
Keep rapping out those hits.

Yeah, but he was 0 for 5 in the 3-hole in the finale against Cleveland. He's struggling lately.

What made this team great was clutch hitting. They're doing none of that now. NONE !

What made this team great was clutch hitting. They're doing none of that now. NONE !

Word, even with the bad pitching of late some Clutch hitting in the last 15 games would have had them possibly 2.5 up on the indians instead of 2.5 down...

Word, even with the bad pitching of late some Clutch hitting in the last 15 games would have had them possibly 2.5 up on the indians instead of 2.5 down...
If they could only improve that and 2-out pitching they should be in good shape to compete until the end.

This game just brings more of the same. Although offense seems to get on the right track, Miller struggled. As soon as Tigers score he gives up runs to get Yanks back into the game.

Left-handed pitchers can't left-handed hitters out

Inge needs to take a vacation to figure out whether he wants to play. This drives me absolutely berserk. Bottom of the 10th bases loaded with 1 out in a tie game and he can't get that run in!

Finally a clutch hit. First a boneheaded out by Polanco, of course. And then a 3-run blast by Guillen. And Tribe lost. Not a bad day.

Finally a clutch hit. First a boneheaded out by Polanco, of course. And then a 3-run blast by Guillen. And Tribe lost. Not a bad day.

Yeah only us westcoast believers stayed up for this one. Even Roger Clemens was back at the Hotel sleeping....:)

damn! I went to bed at 10:30 figuring they'd postpone the game and play two today...then wake up at 4:30 to discover I missed the end of a great game by an hour :frusty:

Good news for the slumping Tigers though...the bullpen pulled it out. Let's hope this late loss throws the Yanks off track for the rest of the series :)

Yeah the game ended at 12:32AM here on the west coast and the Tiger fan/posters on the Det News site hung in there along with the diehard sleepy fans at Comerica to see the Tiger batters squander many opportunities to win this one before daybreak. Luckily the five tiger relievers held the Yankees in check until the tigers "woke-up" to win this with the Guillen walk off home run at 3:30 in the moanin"

Although Casey got a timely hit in the 11th and scored the winning run, we still got problems with him, Pudge and Inge as it relates to hitting. Both Pudge and Inge managed to get walks last night and score, but still those two are rally killers as it relates to relying on them for clutch hits. Pudge strikes out or pops out by swinging at balls and Inge just strikes because that is what he is good at! The Tigs had 11 hits last night (today) and Maggs and Grandy had 8 of them with Guillen getting 2 and Casey 1. The rest of the batters just slept....

Every time the Tigs got a Miller a lead he gave it back with the usual walk and he never had a 1-2-3 inning. Lets hope that Bonderman was at home sleeping during this midnite affair so that he is well rested tonight and can get thru to the 7th or 8th inning and keep this short winning streak going!!

Bonderman can't get out of first without damage again. He seriously needs to go see a shrink. It cannot continue. I mean, when he's pitching the opponents are GUARANTEED runs in the 1st.

And two more runs given up after 2 outs. :(
Right now our best pitchers are Jurrjens and Robertson? This is not going to get us anywhere.
Bondo with 62 pitches through 3. Given up 3 runs on 4 hits 2 walks and no strikeouts.
Bullpen needs some innings from the starters, and he's not going to help.

Bondo just falls apart. As soon as Tigers score to get within 1 he goes out and serves up a bases loaded triple and then another triple. He has 4 walks and no strikeouts.

Leyland pulls Bonderman 5 2/3 innings in after giving up 7 runs on 8 hits with 4 walks and no strikeouts. What a lousy start. After all, who needs Santiago's defense when we need to score 10 runs to win a game. Bring up Hessman, at least he can hit those balls a mile when he connects. Especially since nobody else can hit in the #3 with Shef being injured.

Bonderman struggles again. I don't think anyone can deny this guy's great potential. But potential ain't squat unless you deliver. What a horrible second half he's having. Unreal.

Wasn't Bondo 10-1 at one point before the all-star game?? He went down hill once he didn't get that fan vote to get in the all-star game.

I think I heard someone say that he has given up runs in the first inning in 7 straight starts..:(

Bonderman struggles again. I don't think anyone can deny this guy's great potential. But potential ain't squat unless you deliver. What a horrible second half he's having. Unreal.
You know, I've been wondering as of late, where is that potential? I mean we've been hearing about it for several years now. Wouldn't it show by this point? I am starting to doubt that this guy has mental strength to be consistent. He hasn't shown that he can consistently produce over the period of time.

I didn't see Friday's play, but:

The record lives.

Upon further review, the error that was assigned to Placido Polanco in the first inning Friday night's game for a low throw was reassigned Saturday by official scorer Ron Kleinfelter to first baseman Marcus Thames, who never had his foot on the bag.

Before changing his call, Kleinfelter consulted with umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, who worked first base in the Tigers 9-6, 11-inning victory over the Yankees.
Had it been Polanco's error, his major league record streak for second basemen would have ended at 147 games. Because of the change, however, it climbed to 148 and his streak of errorless chances -- also a record for major league second basemen -- grew to 734.

"When I saw (Thames) was a couple of inches off the bag," Wendelstedt said, "that was the reason I called the runner safe."
Polanco's streak reached 149 games without an error after the Tigers' 7-2 loss to the Yankees.


After further review, Polanco remains errorless (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070826/SPORTS0104/708260352/1004)

I'd send Bonderman down to AAA for awhile. He needs time to rethink his future. His potential is the first half of the season. He had 17 straight starts icluding some of last season where the team didn't lose.
Now, he looks like Jeff Weaver did before we parted ways...............

Tigers up early 3-1. Hopefully the inside the park home run by Granderson sparks the Tigers up for at least this game. Only bad news is Jurrjens left the game in the 2nd inning with a injury.

Tigers end up winning 5-4. Three homers were enough even though it was a nail-biter until the end...

Great game! :hoops:

Tigs are hard to figure. Right when you think they are falling out of contention, they beat up the Yankees. Very much needed win. It would be nice to finish it up tomorrow and take 3 out of 4 from New York.

Tigs are hard to figure.

They are consistenly inconsistent. Their starting pitching staff is really on crutches. Jurrjens on the DL now. With the way Miller pitched the other day and the way Bonderman has been, Jurrjens was sorely needed. Miner was brought up to "replace" Jurrjens. Should be an interesting month of September.

They are consistenly inconsistent. Their starting pitching staff is really on crutches. Jurrjens on the DL now. With the way Miller pitched the other day and the way Bonderman has been, Jurrjens was sorely needed. Miner was brought up to "replace" Jurrjens. Should be an interesting month of September.
Miner was just sent down because he still had options. Otherwise, Grilli would be the one going to Toledo. He was upset, whic is good, but looks like his "demotion" didn't last long. Also, prior to Jurrjens injury, Leyland mentioned something to the extent that even when and if Rogers comes back Jurrjens would stay. Wonder who was going to be cut from the starting rotation?

Tigers end up winning 5-4. Three homers were enough even though it was a nail-biter until the end...
Tigers squeezed this one out. They still only managed 4 hits. It is good that they won, but they need more consistency from the hitters.

Tigers place Sheffield on disabled list (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/UPDATE/708270432/1129/SPORTS0104)


The Tigers on Monday faced the reality of not getting Gary Sheffield back anytime soon. They placed him on the 15-day disabled list because of the persistent pain in his right shoulder.
To replace Sheffield on the roster, the Tigers brought up outfielder Timo Perez from Triple-A Toledo.
Including the series finale against the Yankees, Sheffield has missed the last six games because of his troublesome shoulder. On Sunday, he said he was no better than earlier in the week -- and the cortisone patch he wore overnight also didn't prevent the necessity of this move.
"Our original plan (of waiting while Sheffield remained on the roster) was based on his shoulder responding to where he could have played in six or seven days," said manager Jim Leyland. "But it's not. We have to get the shoulder right, that's No. 1. We also couldn't go along being short a player. That's No. 2."
Perez, who had a brief stint with the Tigers earlier this season, was hitting .309 at Toledo

A COSTLY WIN: Jurrjens' injury puts damper on Tigers' victory (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS0104/708270362/1129)


Jurrjens left the game because of pain in his right shoulder in the second inning -- "eight on a scale of 10," he called it. He said he feared his dream of pitching in the majors was "going away" in his third start.
But he received relatively good news later.
"Inflammation around my rotator cuff," he said. "I'm happy it's not a real big thing."
All the same, Jurrjens was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will be replaced on the roster today by Zach Miner, whose stay with Toledo lasted three days.

A COSTLY WIN: Jurrjens' injury puts damper on Tigers' victory (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS0104/708270362/1129)

mikhail, you are the bearer of good news! LOL.

I am trying to get all the news, especially the good ones.

Tigers get another crack at Yanks tonight. JV looked alright in the 1st, although he managed to put 2 on via walk and a single after two outs and throw 19 pitches, at least he hasn't given up any runs.

Another mental error in the 1st. Tigers go from runners at the corners and no outs to runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out after Granderson is out on the fielders choice. Good thing Maggs walks and loads the bases for Guillen who's been hot as of late.

Tigers do get a run and make Mussina throw 30 pitches, but I'd still like to see more when you have loaded the bases with 1 out. Guillen's SF brings him closer to his career numbers of 20hr and 97 rbi. He now has 19hr and 88 rbi.

Tigers up 3-0 on the Yankees after the 2nd inning. The Tigers are all over Mussina early, he isn't going to last that much longer. Also important to get in the Yankees bullpen and weaken there arms so there heading into the Boston Red Sox series down a little bit.

Tigers up 3-0 on the Yankees after the 2nd inning. The Tigers are all over Mussina early, he isn't going to last that much longer. Also important to get in the Yankees bullpen and weaken there arms so there heading into the Boston Red Sox series down a little bit.
Verlander gets through 3rd without much damage. His pitch count is still reasonable. I am ready for Tigers turnaround and getting back into the playoff race like they mean it.

Verlander gets through 3rd without much damage. His pitch count is still reasonable. I am ready for Tigers turnaround and getting back into the playoff race like they mean it.
There going on that path right now, killing the Yankees 6-0 and everything is going right for them right now. Everyone in the offense is pretty much involved and good pitching by Verlander helps even more.

Tigs now have a double-digit lead. Everything is working. Just keep it up in the upcoming games. We have KC, Oakland, and Chicago. Time to makeup ground while Tribe has Twins, Chicago, and LA.

Cleveland just turned a triple-play.

16-0 in the 7th inning......Verlander giving up just three hits...Against the New York Yankees....If I keep dreaming like this, maybe the Lions will win the division.......

'bout time Inge started swinging the lumber with authority.

Tigers finally win a series as Verlander and Miner shut out the yanks 16-0. Yanks are held to 3 hits, while every Tiger who batted got at least one hit and some power hitter by the name of Inge got three hits and knocked in 4 runs...Casey had 7 total bases and had to be pulled due to over exertness of running out a triple. :)

Pudge got 2 hits but also struck out twice and left 7 men on base so unfortunately we missed out on matching the 30 runs that the rangers put up last week.

Like my old man used to say, they should have saved some of those runs for the next game. Looks like pitching and batting are hopefully coming around and with the upcoming ez schedule, they got to take advantage of it...

Like my old man used to say, they should have saved some of those runs for the next game.

Your old man was wise. Maybe their confidence is back at the plate. They'll need it. I don't forsee Shef coming back this season at all.

'bout time Inge started swinging the lumber with authority.

It's a lot easier to get a hit when your team is up by 10 runs. I'd like to see Inge with a clutch hit one of these days...

Interesting thing about last night is the Tigers only hit one home run, and it was a solo blast by Polanco.

That's what I want to see every game.

I wonder what the record is for most runs scored in a game NOT off homeruns.

The 30 the other day surely beat it, but 15 runs must be up there in the modern era.

Tigs still 2.5 back for everything.
Die Yankees DIE!

There is a "lighter" stretch of schedule coming up, so the chances are there to get closer. I don't see Cleveland getting through Minni and Anaheim without some losses.

Maybe a playoff game for the division.

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070827&content_id=2173711&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)


Jurrjens may return in relief

The Tigers expect that injured rookie Jair Jurrjens will make another pitch sometime this season. That doesn't mean that he'll make another start.

While the Tigers and their 21-year-old rookie are optimistic that he'll be ready to return in September and that the inflammation in his shoulder is nothing that would require surgery, they're not sure they'll have a lot of time or a way to work his arm back into shape to the point that he'll be able to go long enough to start.
For that reason, manager Jim Leyland said, "I'm looking at Jurrjens as a strong possibility to pitch out of the bullpen the rest of the year when he comes back."
It's an idea that crossed Leyland's mind as early as Jurrjens' Major League debut. After Jurrjens pitched seven innings in defeat at Jacobs Field on Aug. 15, Leyland said his style would fit well in relief with his combination of aggressiveness and command. He still sees those traits.
"He can locate the fastball, a good fastball," Leyland said, "and he can locate it from both sides of the plate."
If that were to happen, of course, the Tigers would have to find someone to take his spot in the rotation. For now, Leyland said that Chad Durbin is the scheduled starter for Friday's opener at Oakland -- "as it stands right now."
That could change, Leyland said, but he didn't go into details about how it could change.
Durbin pitched three innings of relief after Jurrjens left with one out in the second inning on Sunday. A couple of days of rest would sideline Durbin until Wednesday anyway. Moreover, Durbin has started recently, making two starts while Andrew Miller was on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. Durbin made three relief appearances once he was placed back in the bullpen.
For now, Kenny Rogers is not an option. He's scheduled to throw another bullpen session this week at Kansas City, where he hopes to show enough command to work his way back into the Tigers' plans. He might also need to throw to live hitting, probably in a simulated game.
"I expect more, without a doubt," Rogers said of his command. "I need more. It'll come as soon as it can. I'm going to keep trying to throw until it gets to where they're comfortable thinking that I'm OK to get out there and contribute." As for Jurrjens, he'll rest his arm for about six days before playing catch. He said he's confident that he'll return this season.

The night and day tigers continue to amaze and disappoint. After scoring 16 runs and 20 hits on the pennant contending Yanks, they pound out 16 hits on the near celler dweller Royals....but only score 3 runs:frusty:

First Nate who pitched 7 or 8 scoreless inning his last time out fell apart in the 4th inning and the Leyland left him a couple of batters to long as the Royals got all six of their hits and runs off him before JL finally yanked him. (too late as usual). Grilli in a surprise retires the last 11 batters with out a hit or BB. What really killed Nate was the walk to John Buck in the 4th with 2 out after he worked him for 10 pitches. The next batter Alex Gordon cleared the bases with a 3 run double. Most of the Tiger losses here lately could be tied to a base on balls and intentional walks when leyland is not thinking.

OK now more bad news...The tigers got 16 hits, but for some reason known only to Leyland, he put Timo Perez in the lineup batting third and the guy proceeded to leave 6 runners on base. Grandy had 2 hits batting first and failed to score...Polanco had three hits batting 2nd..and failed to score. Ordonez had 4 hits batting 4th, but could not knock anybody in because Perez was tonights designated rally killer. of course not be out done in killing rallies Pudge and Inge returned to normalcy also leaving 4 and 3 runners on base which explains why Maggs and Carlos did not cross home base.

Can't fall to far behind losing to a team like this..Yanks and Indians win and Mariners still have a chance tonight.

How do you lose to a team when you outhit them 16-6 ???:sherlock: :frusty:

How do you lose to a team when you outhit them 16-6 ???:sherlock: :frusty:

Was that a riddle?

Tigers reveted to their habits of late - not getting a clutch hit and giving up two-out runs. When you get 16 hits you have to get more than 3 runs. However, when instead of clutch hits you produce pop-outs, strikeouts, double-plays, fielder's choice at home you're not going to win period. Tigers are falling further behind.

Yep what goes around comes around. I think the Tigs w