Maybe they should start off with Jones, then put Bonderman in for the 2nd-9th innings!

Maybe they should start off with Jones, then put Bonderman in for the 2nd-9th innings!
Believe me, I already thought about this. Anyway, a 1-2-3 1st inning for Bondo. Maybe this is the turnaround point on his season (whatever is left in it).

More of the same from Tigs. After leaving runners at the corners in the 1st they only get 1 run out of bases loaded one out situation. Now Tigers have 1 run on 5 hits.

The offense finally wakes up. 5-1 Tigers.

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2179218&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)
Tigers have claimed lefty Clay Rapada off waivers (from Cubs), which completes an earlier trade.
The transaction involving Rapada satisfies the Aug. 23 trade in which Chicago obtained outfielder Craig Monroe and cash considerations in exchange for a player to be named.

Rapada, 26, was 7-2 with 17 saves and a 3.58 ERA in 55 relief appearances for (AAA) Iowa.

Tigers finally win a game on the strength of their top 4. The bottom of the lineup didn't show up for the game. But a win is a win and now maybe they can string a few of them together. Otherwise, September is going to be meaningless.

Bondo can preform in Toledo if he doesn't do it here. Let's pretend his name is Flip Saunders and I'll bet he's moved tomorrow.

Bondo can preform in Toledo if he doesn't do it here. Let's pretend his name is Flip Saunders and I'll bet he's moved tomorrow.

Why rip on Bondo tonight? He finally had a good game.

Why rip on Bondo tonight? He finally had a good game.


Agree. Bondy finally turned in a good performance. If anything send Andrew Miller back to Toledo,try Zach Miner as the 5th starter. Also try Guillen at third and send Inge to the bull pen to play catch with the relievers. Also force Pudge to take the first two pitches if he ever comes up with the bases loaded.

Agree. Bondy finally turned in a good performance. If anything send Andrew Miller back to Toledo,try Zach Miner as the 5th starter. Also try Guillen at third and send Inge to the bull pen to play catch with the relievers. Also force Pudge to take the first two pitches if he ever comes up with the bases loaded.
Miller is already at Lakeland. Vasquez has been called up to start.

Agree. Bondy finally turned in a good performance. If anything send Andrew Miller back to Toledo,try Zach Miner as the 5th starter. Also try Guillen at third and send Inge to the bull pen to play catch with the relievers. Also force Pudge to take the first two pitches if he ever comes up with the bases loaded.

I agree about Inge. I'm to the point now where I would rather see the pitchers bat and use the DH for Inge.

Inge has become Mr. Automatic Out on this team. This is unfortunate, since he sure has the talent. I am not sure what it is with him, but he needs to get his head on straight. Otherwise he'll be shipped outta here faster than you can say "strikeout".

I agree about Inge. I'm to the point now where I would rather see the pitchers bat and use the DH for Inge.

That is actually against the rules. I didn't know that, but looked it up, and the DH can only be used for the pitcher's substitute.

Miller is already at Lakeland. Vasquez has been called up to start.

Sent him straight from KC huh? Didn't even have time to fly back to his apartment or "extended stay" unit in Michigan to pick up his personal items...:) I guess we will see if the next experiment in Vasquez will work tonight. Maybe the bats will come out to give him some run support??

Tigers lose in what should of been a win. They blew a 7-0 lead and end up losing 8-7 in 10 innings. Just a bad loss. It's September and there is no room to be blowing games like this, especially when the Yankees AND Mariners lose and what could of been picking up some ground in the wildcard. Only good news is Kenny Rogers is coming back and starting Wednesday against the White Sox...

This team missed a golden opportunity on Sunday by not winning.

[quote=ggazoo69;110530]This team missed a golden opportunity on

Worst loss of the season IMO...leading 7-0 midway through the game and then losing the game even after knowing the Yankees, Indians, and Mariners had already put up L's before the Tigers even took the field.

Rodney and Todd Jones cound not retire their first five batters and JL stuck with them...oh well, blame the pitchers and the coach on this one. Of course the bats went silent for the last 5 innings tooo............

Only 2.5 back now in the Wild Card race as the Mariners beat the Stinkees. Wild card still attainable; division a pipe dream with Cleveland up 6.

I think this whole season is a pipe dream. The team has too many holes. Looks like they overachieved last season. Looks just like White Sox when they got their 'ship.

The real Tigers lost to a .500 team during the World Series. The team that cleaned up during the American League playoffs just got lucky.

another day another loss to an also ran.. and not to be out done, as soon as the Indians see that the Tigers lose, they rally and win their game to push them back to 7 games and basically eliminate last years American League Chumpians from a division crown. It's not to late to still win the wild card, but who are we foolin?? This team is not going to win anything with auto-outs and ralley killers inge and pudge and inconsistent Bondy, Nate and Grilli...

Jim Leyland leaves the pitchers in to long when they are struggling and pulls them to soon when they are not. His lineups are out of synch and he plays the percentages to much and is to conservative to get this team on a roll, so time to put them to rest and cheer on the Lions and Shock.

Tigers:rip::rip::rip:

I think we should just stop complaining and adjust our expectations. This team is not as good as everyone thought. They had a great season last year and blew their chance to win it all. Now they are back to the reality. They should be better than average for the forseeable future because their pitching is still better than a lot of teams, but the question remains whether they can compete for the 'ship.

We're still better than the Cubs, and they're leading their division.

Kenny Rogers' absence this year for us has been tough.

They should be better than average for the forseeable future because their pitching is still better than a lot of teams, but the question remains whether they can compete for the 'ship.

I disagree that the Tiger's pitching is still better than a lot of teams. In fact, the Tiger's pitching staff is ranked 11th in the AL in terms of runs allowed, out of 14 AL teams.

The Tigers need to seriously address their pitching woes through free agency, in the off-season. They also need a defensive minded shortstop, so that they can move Guillen to first, so that they can dump Casey.

If the Tigers sign a couple of free agent pichers, and shore-up their defense, they should be right back into contention next year.

I disagree that the Tiger's pitching is still better than a lot of teams. In fact, the Tiger's pitching staff is ranked 11th in the AL in terms of runs allowed, out of 14 AL teams.

The Tigers need to seriously address their pitching woes through free agency, in the off-season. They also need a defensive minded shortstop, so that they can move Guillen to first, so that they can dump Casey.

If the Tigers sign a couple of free agent pichers, and shore-up their defense, they should be right back into contention next year.
Look at who they had pitching this year. We had starters pitching below their abilities (see Bondo and Robertson with ERA going up by more than 1 run comparatively to the last year), we had injuries. That made Tigers throw out there inexperienced rookies, overworked the bullpen and inflated bullpen ERA as well. I wouldn't say the pitching has no holes, but which team claims to have it all worked out?
They also have a defensive-minded shortstop in Santiago. The issue is that he can't hit worth a lick (career .220 with no power). I am not sure who is out there that the Tigs can get, but they surely don't have much trading power anymore. They have to find a catcher who can step in in a year with Pudge clearly on the downward slope. They need a lefty with some pop. I also think that someone other than Grandy has to lead off, he needs to hit with someone on base. Definitely there are issues that need to be addressed, the problem is that the resources are limited and payroll is already high.

I also think that someone other than Grandy has to lead off, he needs to hit with someone on base.

You make many good points. I agree that Granderson should not leadoff. He strikes out a lot, yet he has decent power. IMO, he would be much better utilized hitting 3rd, followed by Sheffield, Ordonez and Guillen. What's wrong with Palanco as the leadoff hitter?

On Santiago...I never minded a light hitting shortstop, as long as he could field. Remember Eddy Brinkman?

But what the Tigers really need is an established veteran starting pitcher to lead the staff, the way Kenny Rogers did last year. It just takes a lot of pressure off the young kids. Hopefully, Rogers can come back to be productive next year, but I think it's unrealistic to think he'll ever be the ace of the staff again at age 43.

The Tigers also need to get rid of Todd Jones!!! Who ever heard of a closer with an ERA over 4.50? Jones sucks!!!

I wouldn't mind bringing back I-Rod for much less money. Ever since he gave up the 'roids, his offense has been on the decline. Nevertheless, he's still an excellent defensive catcher, and handles pitchers superbly.

In short, what the Tigers need is a veteran starter to lead the rotation, and a decent closer.

Come on Illich...if you can throw $14 million at Sheff, you can spend some bucks on some pitching.

.
The Tigers also need to get rid of Todd Jones!!! Who ever heard of a closer with an ERA over 4.50? Jones sucks!!!



Yeah where is Willie Herndandez when you need him???

http://www.thebaseballpage.com/images/players/hernawi01.jpg
We all remember the unsung hero of the Bless you Boys championship as he mastered the screwball in '84 and baffled American League batters on his way to the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards. He converted 32 of 33 save opportunities and posted a stingy 1.92 ERA

Yeah where is Willie Herndandez when you need him???

http://www.thebaseballpage.com/images/players/hernawi01.jpg
We all remember the unsung hero of the Bless you Boys championship as he mastered the screwball in '84 and baffled American League batters on his way to the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards. He converted 32 of 33 save opportunities and posted a stingy 1.92 ERA
It is possible that Zoom or Rodney will take over the closer role if Tigs can't sign a free agent.

Yeah where is Willie Herndandez when you need him???

http://www.thebaseballpage.com/images/players/hernawi01.jpg
We all remember the unsung hero of the Bless you Boys championship as he mastered the screwball in '84 and baffled American League batters on his way to the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards. He converted 32 of 33 save opportunities and posted a stingy 1.92 ERA

Willie Hernandez was untouchable in 84. And does anyone remember John Hiller? He turned into one of the Tigers' best stoppers of all time, after suffering a heart attack.



Here's an excellent article on Granderson, which points out much of what we've already discussed. Granderson is 4th in the AL in strikeouts.

ESPN - Kurkjian: Granderson's odd statistical season - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=3004014)

Tigs should try to pry Joe Nathan from Minni.

I disagree that the Tiger's pitching is still better than a lot of teams. In fact, the Tiger's pitching staff is ranked 11th in the AL in terms of runs allowed, out of 14 AL teams.

The Tigers need to seriously address their pitching woes through free agency, in the off-season. They also need a defensive minded shortstop, so that they can move Guillen to first, so that they can dump Casey.

If the Tigers sign a couple of free agent pichers, and shore-up their defense, they should be right back into contention next year.

This is a really good post, especially the part about getting a big-time free agent pitcher. I was begging for this at the trade deadline, but there probably weren't any to be had. I think they should have tried to go after Oswalt. I think the Tigers are still talented and are a few tweaks away from competing again. Good stuff, Murph.

Willie Hernandez was untouchable in 84. And does anyone remember John Hiller? He turned into one of the Tigers' best stoppers of all time, after suffering a heart attack.



Here's an excellent article on Granderson, which points out much of what we've already discussed. Granderson is 4th in the AL in strikeouts.

ESPN - Kurkjian: Granderson's odd statistical season - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=3004014)


Being in the top 5 in five positive statistical categories vs being in the top 4 in one negative category (Strikeouts) kind of offsets real issue here. But then again it hurts the team's cohesiveness when there is another everyday player on the roster who is number one in strikeouts (Brandon crInge) and in some instances the two will bat in the same inning since they are at the leadoff and 8th or 9th spot.

Where is the LOB stat? I am sure Grandy, Inge and Pudge have to be among the leaders there...

Another error by Tigers management:

Tigers admit it: Maybin isn't ready -- yet (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS0104/709060418/1004&imw=Y)

More of the same for the Tigers. The offense is sputtering and not able to add runs, Rodney comes in, loads the bases and gives up a 2-run go-ahead double. If the Tigs lose this game they can pretty much kiss that wild card goodbye.

Tigers manage to tie the score on the bottom of the 9th. Hopefully they can win this game and series and stay in hunt for the wild card.

Tigers win it in the 9th! Still some fight in this dog, er, cat.

Tigers win it in the 9th! Still some fight in this dog, er, cat.
I call this a lucky win, although they didn't give up. However, this won't work against better team. The offense needs to start showing up. The pitching was good enough to sweep this series without issues.

I call this a lucky win, although they didn't give up. However, this won't work against better team. The offense needs to start showing up. The pitching was good enough to sweep this series without issues.

It's not luck. It's just baseball. Great win for the Tigs when they really needed it. They need to string together some more wins badly.

Yanks on the road for nine straight games, Tigers have the next seven at home vs the reeling-more-than-Tigers> Mariners and the rangers and Blue Jays. They got to take five out of seven of these to make a move on those damn Yankees. (Time to forget about the Indians).

With the return the Gambler, let's hope that starting pitching wakes up...Nice game by Durbin today along with relief by Grilli and Seay, but Rodney WTF? The issue now is what's the deal with our hitting? These bats need to wake up salvage this season and sneek into the playoffs.

Two series wins in a row for the Tigers and now four wins in a row. Need help from the Angels tonight to get us back within 4 games of first. Go Tigers...Go Angels

I was wondering if anyone noticed the Tigs have 3 or 4 series in a row?
A's, Yanks, M's. That's a start or fools gold.

Gotta play out strong and let the cards fall where they may.

Tigers have already given up 10 runs in the first three innings today?? Good news is that they have already won this series, but they need to comeback and win this game to keep hope alive.

Leyland trying to outduel Lloyd Carr in ineptness by sitting Pudge the day after he gets 4 hits, leaving Bondy in to long and then bringing in a rookie just brought up from Toledo with 2 men on and of course he gives up a 3 run dinger. I hope his parents weren't in attendance:)

Well.......we lose 14-7. Bonderman starts and the Tigers give up 13 runs in the first 4 innings........Can't blame hitting today, can't blame the bull pen. Bondo needs to be sent to Toledo............

Was not a good weekend for defense as relate to Detroit area teams...Tigers give up 20 runs in two games, Wolverines give 39 points in 3 quarters, Shock give up 98 points and now Lions give up 21 points in 10 minutes!!!

:focus:

Yeah the collapse of Bonderman in the second half has defined the Tigers demise. 10 starts, 1 win and I am sure the Tiger lost 8 of those starts.

Well.......we lose 14-7. Bonderman starts and the Tigers give up 13 runs in the first 4 innings........Can't blame hitting today, can't blame the bull pen. Bondo needs to be sent to Toledo............

Story reporting Bondo's got a sore elbow.

ESPN - M's dump Tigers with 13 runs in first four innings - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270909106)

I left out the word "won".
My proof read is Bondo like.

Bondo 10-1 to 11-8
Shouldn't his mph lowered if his elbow was getting progressively worse?

Huge win over BJays and Halladay. Rogers is back. At least for a while.

Tigers split twin bill, losing the first game by a touch down 13-6 as Durbin and a parade of Toledo Mudhen pitchers allow Rangers to tag them for seven homeruns.

The top Tiger pitching prospect Jarjar blinks :starwars:pitched a dandy with help from the regular setup men and savers, Grilli, F-rod and TJ and Tigers win the night cap 4-1.

So far a 6-3 home stand, but I think it is too late for the defending Al Chumps. Indians have gone 7-2 on their road trip and the Yankees have won 6 straight and the hour glass is running out of sand for the Tigers.:clock: Too many blown opportunities in August..:toilet:

It sure does like it is too late. Now Grilli's been great last month or so, Pudge is warming up, so does Inge, finally. But where was it all when it mattered? Unfortunately, everyone is probably working towards the next year. And Jurrjens looks like a keeper. I actually like him more than Miller. But next year's starting pitching may be younger yet.

Yankee pitchers have elbow problems, so it aint written in stone that they got the WCard. We have 2 series with Twinks coming up. Those should determine the Tigs fate. Win each series and that's the best we can do.

I was thinking that our only hope was to catch the Yankees for the Wildcard. But, upon further review, we still have a chance at catching Cleveland... mainly because we have a head to head series with them coming up.

So, assuming the Tigers sweep Cleveland (a big assumption), the following records in the remaining games would get the Tigers into the playoffs:

Det/ Cle
12-0/ 10-3
11-1/ 9-4
10-2/ 8-5
9-3/ 7-6
8-4/ 6-7

And so on.

So, the most realistic way for us to pull this out would be to sweep Cleveland and go 9-3 or 8-4 in the other 12 games. And of course, we would have to hope that they play about .500 baseball.

Tiebreaker-
My analysis above assumes that we win the tiebreaker. Here is why:

If we sweep Cleveland, then we would tie for head to head record with them this year.

So then, the 2nd tiebreaker would be the record within the division. We are both 3 games under .500 in the division, but if we sweep them, and they play about .500 in the other games, then we will surely win the tiebreaker.


Conclusion-
Basically, we can only lose about 4 more games, and have to sweep the Indians.

If Tigs win the remainder of their games they should be in. That's how I look at it.

If Tigs win the remainder of their games they should be in. That's how I look at it.

You may as well not bother looking at it then.

You may as well not bother looking at it then.
What I meant was if they win the games they'll make it, if not it is a tossup, not that I don't think they can make it if they don't win the rest of the games.

It is just a shame how close we are with injuries all over the place. Such a tough sport to make the playoffs in.

It is just a shame how close we are with injuries all over the place. Such a tough sport to make the playoffs in.
It sure is funny, considering that Bondo and Robertson could've had a few more decent games and we'd be right in it.

We're going to finish one Bondo short of the playoffs.:gun1:

It could come down to a playoff game with the Yanks. Baseball likes things like that.
You know they will keep it interesting.
If we just could've bolstered our pitching staff...why didn't they? Wasted the season if you ask me. It'll be 15 years before we sniff it again.

It could come down to a playoff game with the Yanks. Baseball likes things like that.
You know they will keep it interesting.
If we just could've bolstered our pitching staff...why didn't they? Wasted the season if you ask me. It'll be 15 years before we sniff it again.

Illitch might keep the wallet open. The Tigers went over 3 million for the first time in attendance. Hairpuck has to be happy about that so he might keep spending.

It's too late now, right?

It's too late now, right?

yeah, but I was speaking more to your point about it being 15 years before the Tigers sniff it again. I think moves will be made in the offseason. I think the Tigers will continue to be competitive.

Ilich is going to have the wallet open. Also, they are planning on adding more seats to increase the capacity (reduce bullpen = more premium seats). Verlander will have one more year of experience. Robertson should have a better year next year. So should Bondo. Rogers may be back for one more since he saved a year on his arm. Pitching will be solid. Need some bullpen help, either 1B or SS, and some left-handed power. A leadoff man wouldn't hurt. I'm sure Dombrowski is going to look at all the options in the offseason. Tigers should remain competitive for the forseeable future.

It would be stupid not to invest now as we will not see the likes of this batting lineup again.
Rogers has said he won't play for anyone else.
So he's here or done.

It would be stupid not to invest now as we will not see the likes of this batting lineup again.
Rogers has said he won't play for anyone else.
So he's here or done.
That would be correct. Batting carried the team throughout the season. The Tigers are #20 (out of 30) in MLB and #9 (out of 15) in AL in ERA. So, the pitching had issues. Yes, there were injuries. But can we count on Miller to step in and pitch consistently? Is Jurrjiens ready to pitch on the high level for the whole year? How Rogers' health going to hold up? Have we seen the best of Bondo and Robertson last season? Can we get some free agent bullpen help and possibly some young guns to step in? Who will be the closer? The balance of Tigers pitching for the next season is quite delicate. If everything works out fine we could have a repeat of the 2006. If not it will be "close but no cigar" situation.

If they hunt well in the off season maybe we can find another crusty ole Rogers out there. Under valued starter.

There are a lot of teams in our position. In other words, they have a chance at glory if their pitching stays healthy.

The Cubs were rearing to go with Prior, Wood, Maddox, and co a few years ago and couldn't put it all together.

It is a tough thing to do because pitching is expensive, delicate, requires youth physically, and veteran savvy mentally. You either get guys who fall apart, or guys that can't come through in the clutch.

And the worst part is that pitching always trumps hitting deep into the playoffs. When an ace is on, our great lineup will be totally neutralized.

Wood snapped.
Hopefully Verlander won't.

The Tigers are on a 5-game winning streak...

The Tigers are on a 5-game winning streak...

With 12 games remaining they may need to finish with a 17 game winning streak to secure the playoff spot.

They need to sweep the Indians this week. The Yanks are playing eveyone's whipping team Orioles this week, so only a miracle would see the Tigers gaining any ground on them.

The only way that we get the tiebreaker against the Indians is if we sweep them.

So, the final game of the series could have quadruple the weight.

Say for example that we cut it to 1 games going into the final game (just to illustrate). If we win, then we tie them and would effectively be 1 game ahead because of the tiebreaker. If we lose to them, we would be 2 games down and effectively be 3 down because we would lose the tiebreaker.

So, that game could produce a 4 game difference in the standings.

The only way that we get the tiebreaker against the Indians is if we sweep them.

So, the final game of the series could have quadruple the weight.

Say for example that we cut it to 1 games going into the final game (just to illustrate). If we win, then we tie them and would effectively be 1 game ahead because of the tiebreaker. If we lose to them, we would be 2 games down and effectively be 3 down because we would lose the tiebreaker.

So, that game could produce a 4 game difference in the standings.

I don't like your math...............unless we win..:pound::pound:

What a late inning disaster.

I absolutely cannot stand Inge.

Bottom of the 9th, Mohawks to the plate in a 5-5 tie.

Very painful loss. Yea, I can't stand Inge either.

This loss is on Leyland and Zumaya. Rogers pitches a nice game getting out of trouble here and there and then JL pulls him after 7 ....just because his pitch count was up to 100.

JL overmanaged all season pulling pitchers when he shouldn't have and then leaving others in too long. Case in point, Zumaya, who had pitched the last two games, comes in and walks the first batter he pitches to and then gives up a single on the next batter ....I am thinking, the guy is tired and doesn't have it, pull him. Nope.. JL leaves him in and he gets the next two batters to ground out (they score one run) and then the next batter hits over the right field fence.

The whole second half of the season was managed this way, but good pitching and timely hits in September had got them off them back in the race and a sweep of the Indians would have put enough pressure on them to see a possibe Cleveland collapse.....but nope, offense stalled hoping the pitching could hold on and Zumaya didn't have and then Zack gave up a walkoff HR to end this in the 11th.

Like I said in a post earlier today, they got to win everygame the rest of the season to assure a spot in the playoffs and that ain't going to happen. :(:mad:

Team seems to be pushing up daisies..................:skull::granade::frusty:: help2::swear2::closed_2::Cry::pout::censored::rip:

So much for my dream scenario.

Now we are realistically out of the race for the division.

Wildcard is the only way.



Just another thought. Take a look at the runs scored by the Yankees and the runs given up compared to us. They are way better. It is amazing that we are only 3 games behind them.

I think the race for the playoff spot ended last night. I hope they manage to prove me wrong, but they are too far behind now with to little time left. There is one thing that has been an annoyance to me as of late. Where is the offense in the late innings? They tend to score early and disappear. And leave it up to the pitchers to keep the lead. A run here and there in the end would seal the deal, it is also psychological.

stick a fork in the tigers this year, they're done.

This is not their year. As soon as they get a lead on Tribe they give it right back, and that's with the supposed "ace" on the mound.

It's official in my opinion, the season is over for the Tigers. :yield:
The last time they swept the Twins in July, they fell flat and it took them 2 months to recover...well the did again ans it deja vu. With only 10 games left and 6.5 games behind Clevaland and 4.5 behind the Yankees, only a major collapse by those teams get the Tigers in.

The whole second half of the season has been a mishmash and even though they put together a five game winning streak going into this series, their actions in these two games have mirrored those dog days on August. Bad relief pitching yesterday, bad starting pitching today , bad base running both days, questionable calls by JL and then the Tigers bats going silent after 4th inning. At one point after four innings, the line score was Tigers 4 runs 8 hits and the Indians, 4 runs 2 hits. The Indians did their damge with the long ball and the Tigers left 20 batters on base as they got caught stealing twice hindering their chances of getting more runs. Meanwhile the Tiger ace got killed by walking batters and giving up three dingers.

:toilet::fish2:

I think we have to start looking towards the next season. The future looks bright and the team should be competitive for the foreseeable future. They are not going to be on the top every year, too many things have to go right. But they fought until the end.

Wasted season
one and done
At least they made it interesting er frustrating.
damn yankees...spotted everyone 20 games at the start of the year and still fought back!!!!

I think were still going in the right direction. for every break that went our way last year they went against us this year. injuries last year? notta.... they were everywhere this year. if rogers pitchese all year and wins 14 games we are either in the playoffs or still right there fighting it out... if rodney and zum arn't hurt..... if bonderman wasn't hurt (seems for most the 2nd half).

we look to have 3 stud rookie pitchers that are going to be the real deal, maybe not even next year but the year they will be dependable starters.... we have other young players that are getting better and better, we look to be a more attractive landing spot for free agents now.....

We are not as bad this year as some think, just like we wern't as good last year as our playoff push may have been...

were a playoff contender this year, and that is great if you remember where we were 18 months ago, and we should be better next year.

Dumping Maroth was not a good move. What if Verlander goes down?
Buy now, Buy now.

Dumping Maroth was not a good move. What if Verlander goes down?
Buy now, Buy now.
Maroth struggled mightily for St Louis. And he's pitching in a pitcher-friendly league. I think it was a right move. Need to bring in youngsters, someone who could be a #1 or #2 starter on any team, not someone who is a #5.

It just wasn't in the cards this season for Detroit. But this team, the owner and the GM are pretty hungry. I hope Leyland stays hungry. He had burnout issues in Colorado. I'm really disappointed in Bonderman. Talk about a question mark for next season. Geez, I wonder how he'll perform next season. Verlander was great. Jurrjens was a nice surprise. I'm not that worried about the pitching even though that was the Achilles' heel this season. Zumaya will get better. Some of the middle relievers need to get lost (Byrdak, Grilli). Rodney has to throw strikes consistently. The guy seems to go 3-2 on everybody. I say keep Todd Jones around another year until he starts blowing saves consistently. I think the Tigers will pick up Pudge's option. Sheffield is a huge question mark. I think his workout ethic is so good that he'll do everything to get back in tact. But he's pretty old. But if anyone can do it, Sheff can. He's addicted to working out.

I don't expect Maggs to have as good a season, but I expect Pudge to have a better season.

What to do about third base and first base? I say Casey will be gone. Brando becomes a bench player. His ABs are horrible. Either the Tigs get Jack Wilson from the Pirates (although I'm not sure why they would give him up) or Santiago starts at SS. But his bat blows. I think Guillen will be the guy at first.

What to do about Maybin? Not sure he's ready for prime time yet. But they'll have a full preseason to evaluate him. Could be Maybin, Maggs and Granderson in the OF.

Tough season overall but I enjoyed the seasons by Verlander, Granderson, Maggs and Guillen quite a bit.

Go get 'em next year Tigers!

anybody know for sure when bonderman starting having his problem with his arm? i seem to remember reading it was as far back as july.... if thats the case then maybe thats more to do with his second half issues then a "pitching" problem....

on july 19th he was 10-1 with a 3.53 ERA with 5 starts that he either got the one lose or got a no decision where he gave up 2 or fewer runs... so with a few breaks he could have been 15-0 (i know i am stretching) mid july.

I'll take him as our number 2 pitcher for years to come.

It just wasn't in the cards this season for Detroit.

It was in the Cards last season, unfortunately.

Sorry Zoo we need for Maggs to do it again next year. He better stay healthy.
290 team ba next year.

Granderson sounded pretty good on ESPN last nite. I wonder how he got the job?:)

Granderson sounded pretty good on ESPN last nite. I wonder how he got the job?:)


Depends on who you know and how articulate you are (in most cases) and what sports smarts/opinions you can bring to the camera without looking like you are reading notes or teleprompter. Possibly a couple interviews on PTI and Jim Rome's show may have caught someone's attention at ESPN.

Wikipedia indicates he also worked over at TBS during this years playoffs offering commentary of baserunning and outfield defense.

he is still young at 26, but it appears that he already has a post baseball career in broadcasting established.


How bout them Rockies.....has Matt Holliday come back to tag home plate yet:)

If the Red sox can stretch the ALCS out a couple more games, the Rockies may have the same issue the Tigers had last year with the extended layoff and spoil the party...

he is doing 1st take on espn in the mornings this week, he has been on the show a few times over the last year. Zum and him were on during the week break last year during the playoffs, and he was also on during the summer I think when the tigers were in NY for a series with the Yankees.

Class act and glad he's our CF for years to come.

From what I read, they liked the way he handled himself during the interviews and during a couple of TV appearances. The TV pundits think that he could have a big future in the media if he choses to do so.

"If the Red sox can stretch the ALCS out a couple more games, the Rockies may have the same issue the Tigers had last year with the extended layoff and spoil the party..."
-
The Rockies are a trip. And have a good record against both Sox and Indians.
Should be interesting.

"If the Red sox can stretch the ALCS out a couple more games, the Rockies may have the same issue the Tigers had last year with the extended layoff and spoil the party..."
-
The Rockies are a trip. And have a good record against both Sox and Indians.
Should be interesting.


The Tigers celebrated the pennant for 8 days before they took the field with the Cardinals. After taking out the Yankees and Athletics in 8 games, they were the favorites with all the momentum pointing to a series championship....Right now the Rockies are sitting in the same boat, with that momentum evaporating every game that the ALCS continues. In the end they could be off 8 days too and that record vs the Indians or Sox may mean nothing vs these two strong AL teams.. Should be a great series vs either and hopefully no sweep

The Tigers celebrated the pennant for 8 days before they took the field with the Cardinals. After taking out the Yankees and Athletics in 8 games, they were the favorites with all the momentum pointing to a series championship....Right now the Rockies are sitting in the same boat, with that momentum evaporating every game that the ALCS continues. In the end they could be off 8 days too and that record vs the Indians or Sox may mean nothing vs these two strong AL teams.. Should be a great series vs either and hopefully no sweep

Well what did I say??? the long layoff made the Rockies this years Tigers..the young team going with momentum lays as egg sitting at home waiting for the other league champion.

Red Sox were the best team most of the season, it is fitting that they won, but a sweep? :sweeping:

Wonder if the Tigers should go after A-Rod or Lowell to take over that hole at Third base??

Jeez that was a boring World Series.

Jeez that was a boring World Series.
What world series? Did I miss something? :stirthepot:

Wonder if the Tigers should go after A-Rod or Lowell to take over that hole at Third base??

A-Rod would be a nice fit here, but at shortstop. A-Rod will want monster dollars, too. He isn't worth it unless you make postseason incentives part of the deal. Illitch has to weigh the potential increase in fan attendance (with having A-Rod) and paying that monster contract. I think Boston is the "perfect" place for A-Rod. Short, left-field porch will make it easier to break Bonds' HR "record."

Seems weird to walk away from that much money. He'll be hearing the boos in Yankee Stadium next season if he stays in the A.L. I don't think A-Rod liked playing in NY at all and didn't want to say it publicly (which was smart).

Rockies had no chance. I saw that after the Sox turned the tables on the Indians who had all the MO before Beckett sucked the life out of them.
Don't want A-rod, just one big stopper.

JOEL ZUMAYA TAKES AIM: 'I will prove this world wrong' (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/SPORTS02/802130410/&imw=Y)

I'm not sure if I would have told the interviewer that I was crying in bed because people thought I was lying. But each to his own. He's an emotional dude.

It really is a shame he's had so many BS injuries.

1) guitar hero tendinitis
2) popped ligiment in throwing finger
3) box falling on shoulder???

Come on man. What's next? Maybe he'll get his throwing hand caught in a meat grinder and it will just turn into spaghetti.

The only comparable injuries were Lou Whitaker's dancing injury and Willie Hernandez's gardening accident.

It's like baseball's version of the Spinal Tap drummers' woes.

JOEL ZUMAYA TAKES AIM: 'I will prove this world wrong' (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/SPORTS02/802130410/&imw=Y)

I'm not sure if I would have told the interviewer that I was crying in bed because people thought I was lying. But each to his own. He's an emotional dude.

It really is a shame he's had so many BS injuries.

1) guitar hero tendinitis
2) popped ligiment in throwing finger
3) box falling on shoulder???

Come on man. What's next? Maybe he'll get his throwing hand caught in a meat grinder and it will just turn into spaghetti.

The only comparable injuries were Lou Whitaker's dancing injury and Willie Hernandez's gardening accident.

It's like baseball's version of the Spinal Tap drummers' woes.


I thought it compares to Dave Rozema's injury when he fell and cut himself on a beer bottle. Just so happens the bottle was in his pocket at the time

In my opinion these episodes in Zumaya's life and his attitude in public make me appreciate even more the attitudes and actions of Stuckey and AJ, both of whom are at least I believe 2 years younger than Zumaya.

:hoops:

I thought it compares to Dave Rozema's injury when he fell and cut himself on a beer bottle. Just so happens the bottle was in his pocket at the time

Man, that is a dangerous situation having broken glass in your pockets. Hope he was wearing his cup.

I thought it compares to Dave Rozema's injury when he fell and cut himself on a beer bottle. Just so happens the bottle was in his pocket at the time

He also hurt his knee with his kung fu kick in a brawl in '82 between the Tigers and Twinkies. Rozema: Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Fidrych hurt his knee in spring training in '77 trying to jump over a fence.

Just curious as to what you guys would think about picking up Bonds for cheap. We'll call it investing in junk bonds.

1B- Guillen
2B- Polonco
SS- Renteria
3B- Cabbrera
C- Rodriguez
LF- Bonds
CF- Granderson
RF- Ordonez
DH- Sheffield

Jaques Jones is our weakest link right now and Bonds' offensive #'s are still pretty good. Especially when you consider all of the walks that he gets.

I know that the obvious answer is that he'll be a distraction and he might be in jail during the post season, but just wanted to throw it out there for discussion.

Not sure how I'd feel about it. It would be sort of like acquiring Artest... in 13 years or so.

Just curious as to what you guys would think about picking up Bonds for cheap. We'll call it investing in junk bonds.

1B- Guillen
2B- Polonco
SS- Renteria
3B- Cabbrera
C- Rodriguez
LF- Bonds
CF- Granderson
RF- Ordonez
DH- Sheffield

Jaques Jones is our weakest link right now and Bonds' offensive #'s are still pretty good. Especially when you consider all of the walks that he gets.

I know that the obvious answer is that he'll be a distraction and he might be in jail during the post season, but just wanted to throw it out there for discussion.

Not sure how I'd feel about it. It would be sort of like acquiring Artest... in 13 years or so.
Nah, I don't think we need him. If Jones is the weakest link, then we're in an awesome shape. How many other teams can say that?

Nah, I don't think we need him. If Jones is the weakest link, then we're in an awesome shape. How many other teams can say that?

Would you take him if he said he'd play for free?

Would you take him if he said he'd play for free?
Probably not. :)
The clubhouse seems to be in a pretty good shape, why risk anything?

Probably not. :)
The clubhouse seems to be in a pretty good shape, why risk anything?

Whenever I think of BB, I think of those stories with him in his own section of the locker room with his big leather lazy boy.

I would also think that he'd have to DH with all of his injury issues. And we have no spot on DH with Sheff already sitting pretty.

Just stick him in LF and tell Granderson that he has to basically play 2 positions.

What about Piazza for a backup catcher and then resume trying to trade Inge?

Just stick him in LF and tell Granderson that he has to basically play 2 positions.

What about Piazza for a backup catcher and then resume trying to trade Inge?
I am not sure Piazza's knees would hold. I believe he DH'ed last season. Wilson is also supposed to come back later on during the season. But Tigers do need someone to backup Pudge as you can't expect him to play 130-140 games. I wonder what's on Dombrowski's mind.

I say "no" to Bonds, too, although I think it would be cool if the Stinkees picked him up. That would liven up things in the Big Apple.

I would like to see him playing next season because things are more interesting when he's around. Just not in a Tigers' uni. Too steep a price to pay on the PR front.

Just curious as to what you guys would think about picking up Bonds for cheap. We'll call it investing in junk bonds.

1B- Guillen
2B- Polonco
SS- Renteria
3B- Cabbrera
C- Rodriguez
LF- Bonds
CF- Granderson
RF- Ordonez
DH- Sheffield

Jaques Jones is our weakest link right now and Bonds' offensive #'s are still pretty good. Especially when you consider all of the walks that he gets.

I know that the obvious answer is that he'll be a distraction and he might be in jail during the post season, but just wanted to throw it out there for discussion.

Not sure how I'd feel about it. It would be sort of like acquiring Artest... in 13 years or so.

It would be an interesting idea if we wanted to play Shef in left field and DH Bonds.

Having said that, I don't think it will happen.

:hoops:

Tigers love Cabrera's glove (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/SPORTS0104/802220429/1129)

Nice little feel-good piece about Cabrera's fielding.

The Tigers are beginning to upgrade their expectations about Miguel Cabrera as a third baseman.

In fact, their changing opinion about him might already rank as one of the biggest developments of the spring

Instead of saying Cabrera will probably grade out as "average" with the glove, which even general manager Dave Dombrowski has said about him, early indications are that the Tigers could be pleasantly surprised.

Woo-hoo, he might be better than average! Great news.

Tigers love Cabrera's glove (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/SPORTS0104/802220429/1129)

Nice little feel-good piece about Cabrera's fielding.



Woo-hoo, he might be better than average! Great news.
The guy is working for that blockbuster contract, what would anyone expect?

Leyland announced his intended lineup against Right handed pitchers today. So, here it is + ave + slg against RIGHTIES ONLY

Granderson/.337/.621
Polanco/ .345/.460
Sheffield/ .271/.461
Ordonez/ .351/.564
Cabrera/ .309/.534
Guillen/ .295/ .489
Renteria/ .323/ .451
Rodriguez/ .274/.412
Jones/ .283/ .397

Combined, the lineup hits .310 with a .488 slg%. Sweet Jesus!

Leyland also said that he doesn't know what the lineup will be against lefties, and that he may not set it in stone.

Just to set your mind at ease, the above lineup against LEFTIES ONLY hits .305 with a .499 slg%. That is spectacular and it includes Granderson's .160 ave.


Here are the players with the biggest differences in their performance against R or L hand pitchers.

1) Granderson hits .160 against LH and .337 against RH.
2) Ordonez hits .410 against LH and ONLY .351 against RH.
3) Cabrera hits .364 against LH and .309 against RH.
4) Sheffield hits .245 against LH and .271 against RH (but he loses power).

The rest of the players are within a reasonable range between the two.

Nice outing from Dontrell Willis today. 3IP, 2 hits, 1 walk, 3 strike outs, 0 runs scored.

Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement Saturday on an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension, a source close to Cabrera told ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.
The All-Star third baseman will undergo a physical on Monday to complete the deal, the source said.
ESPN - Cabrera set to ink Tigers' biggest pact: $153.3 million - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3307289)

Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement Saturday on an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension, a source close to Cabrera told ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.
The All-Star third baseman will undergo a physical on Monday to complete the deal, the source said.
ESPN - Cabrera set to ink Tigers' biggest pact: $153.3 million - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3307289)

Wow! This is great news and I'll tell you why: A guy like Cabrera is gonna demand that this team stay competitive throughout his tenure. At least I hope he does.

Inge is probably putting some shaving cream in Miguel's shoes right now.

Grandy on the DL to start the season.


:ouch:


ESPN - Tigers center fielder Granderson to start season on DL with broken finger - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/news/story?id=3307847)

Here's my reaction this morning:

THE TIGERS SIGNED CABRERA! wOOHOOO...WOOOOHOOO YAYYATTTYAY!! YEAH BOY, YEAH!..SHOW MEEE THE $$$$$$$$...HELLO MY BABY-HELLO MY HONEY! HELLO MY RAGTIME GALLLLLL!....


granderson starts season on DL:

O
O -
O -
O -
O -
O -
O
O

BWAPP-BWAP-BWAAAAAAAAP!


actually we'll be fine...

My Toronto Blue Jays just released Reed Johnson. I don't know what the Tigers' depth is like in the outfield, but perhaps with Granderson out for a bit, they may take a look at him?

I LOVE Reed Johnson. He was my favourite Jay. The guy is just a pure baller. Tough as nails, always gives 100%, never complains, great defensively, solid hitter, good speed.

He had a back injury early last season and was supposed to be out for the entire year. But he busted his butt to get back early (probably not the best choice in hindsight) and didn't finish the year very strong. But he has looked solid once again this spring.

I'm very surprised that the Jays released him. The writing was on the wall though when they signed former Jay Shannon Stewart in the off season. I'd rather have Johnson than Stewart any day of the week though.

I'm sure that someone will give Reed a chance. I hope he does really well - especially against the Jays.

WoW ! we have money to spend at the $19M per rate. That's Yankee money.

We have allowed 21 runs more than Cleveland, yet they are only 1 game ahead of us. That's not bad.

We have to be happy where were sitting... as of 9am this morning after a start that most of us could have never imagined we are only 3 games behind 1st place in the lose column... I am not talking the division I am talking about all of the American League.

Odd stat, were 0-8 in day games.... vs. 5-2 in night games

The offense has arrived and if our starters pitch there normal selves we are right back into the thick of things.

We have to be happy where were sitting... as of 9am this morning after a start that most of us could have never imagined we are only 3 games behind 1st place in the lose column... I am not talking the division I am talking about all of the American League.

Odd stat, were 0-8 in day games.... vs. 5-2 in night games

The offense has arrived and if our starters pitch there normal selves we are right back into the thick of things.

So much for the Offense?

So much for the Offense?

They are not going to score 12 runs in every game. Pitching has to pitch in (pun intended).

Another good game by Galarraga. 3 hits in 5+ innings. 2-0 for the call-up.

Jacques Jones plunges further into the abyss with a .178 slugging %.

All of our hitters, besides JJ, Polanco, and Sheff are coming around. Looks like Shef might be a bust this year. We need Polanco and Granderson to return to previous form and we should be on our way offensively.

Another good game by Galarraga. 3 hits in 5+ innings. 2-0 for the call-up.

Jacques Jones plunges further into the abyss with a .178 slugging %.

All of our hitters, besides JJ, Polanco, and Sheff are coming around. Looks like Shef might be a bust this year. We need Polanco and Granderson to return to previous form and we should be on our way offensively.
Maybe Tigs should look at Frank Thomas or maybe even that former Giants slugger to fill in the DH spot?

Maybe Tigs should look at Frank Thomas or maybe even that former Giants slugger to fill in the DH spot?

Time to double down!

From The Disabled List Informer › Fantasy Baseball Injury News and Analysis from a Physical Therapist (http://www.disabledlistinformer.com) (this site is run by a physical therapist who offers fairly informed opinions on players' injuries based on what he is able to observe):

Gary Sheffield, DH, DET : This guy should definitely be sent to the DL. He has too much going on, and by playing through his injuries, his body is not being allowed to heal. His shoulder is still acting up and he has mentioned in the past that he does not have full range of motion (not a good sign for anyone, especially someone who is playing professional sports). This is the same shoulder that he had offseason surgery on to repair a torn glenoid labrum (cartilage).


Physical Therapist offers opinion on Sheffield's injury status : PROTRADE (http://www.protrade.com/content/DisplayArticle.html?sp=S59c0a5db-0fce-11dd-b19d-0b9859abb9ee)

Sucks, but it is what it is.

For the past three weeks or so, the rigors of baseball couldn't aggravate Brandon Inge (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/3525)'s side injury enough for him to be placed on the disabled list. What those rigors couldn't accomplish, a pillow did. "It was the stupidest, most freakish thing," Inge said Wednesday, explaining why he had just been placed on the 15-day DL with the pulled side muscle (oblique) he suffered 3 1/2 weeks ago. "I have a 3-year-old son who sleeps in the bed with my wife and me," Inge said. "I was trying to push the pillow down behind his head (two nights ago), and when I did ... I repopped (the strained muscle). "You take swings in baseball, and it's not as bad as pushing a pillow down." Upon hearing this story, manager Jim Leyland said, "That's a first."

This goes down with the legendary gardening injury and dancing injury.

I understand/believe completely.
But the 3 year old still sleeping with mom and dad ?

This goes down with the legendary gardening injury and dancing injury.

Better excuse then "putting the pillow under her hips ..." :sssh: