Verlander struggling big time through the first two innings against Indians giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 4 and throwing over 50 pitches. Tigers leave two runners on in each inning.
Tried watching tonights game. They had the basis loaded on 2 HB's and 2 singles and only got one run out of it. Their only run and that was on a sacrafice fly. its now 8-1. - check that 10-1. Unwatchable game unless you are a Clev fan.
Yea, that inning was a killer. I'm not sure which was worse, Lamont sending Sheffield home or Sheffield not sliding at home.
Wonder if this is going to become a trend? When we do not hit the ball; our pitching is terrible. When we hit the ball our pitching is good. Wonder if this is going to be an all or nothing team?
They were saying it was partly the coaches fault for not guiding him in. But when you are comming in all the way from 2nd on a single to left field then you should know its going to be close.
That one play didn't make or break the game. Verlander pitched like crap. And Tigers didn't get any timely hits. They had quite a few opportunities to score runs but failed to deliver when it counted. Simple as that. And their ERA is the worst in the league.
Verlander was wild. He needs to be our ace and guaranty us at least 1 solid win with little or no bullpen help when his turn comes up.
It appears that Verlander has the junior jinx.....this is his third year right// Remember the Bird Mark Fidrych won ROY in 1976 and by 1978 he was basically finished after all the hoopla of his rookie season in 76. Of course a couple of injuries did him in.....was JV's excuse?? I think that opening game non decision for him, but loss for the Tigers still has him second guessing himself!
He was burnt out after one season. Lost all his speed with that injury. Could not adapt after that. If you remember Frank Tanana he had a similiar injury and was able to adapt but not everyone can do that.
Tonight Tigers go against a rookie in Toronto. Hopefully offense can get back into the groove. And, oh by the way, the team really needs Rogers to pitch a decent game. Bullpen needs a rest and he needs a good game for his psyche.
You've gotta be kidding me. Tigers score 1 run in the first 2 innings. But they leave 5 men on including 4 in the scoring position failing to bring runners home with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out and twice with bases loaded and 2 outs. They just don't have good enough pitching to keep missing out on these. The guy walked 5 in 2 innings, but only 1 run scored.
The Tigers are now 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position through 3. And this is supposed to be the best offense of all times???
Why do they have to do everything the hard way? When you have your opponent down you step on the throat and don't let go. This team has not done it this year. They were 2-14 with runners in scoring position before they were finally able to string a few hits together, aided by the error. What's missing is that "timely hit" that kind of puts the other team on the brink and does a lot of psychological damage. When you let pitcher off the hook and give him confidence, you make it tough on yourself. The Tigers ended up scoring 8 runs and winning fairly comfortably, but not all the games are going to be like this.
Here is something interesting. Lopez, Bautista, and Todd Jones have combined for 28 innings pitched this year and they have only given up 3 runs (1 each). Also, Verlander and Bonderman have had > 20% of their runs allowed of the "un-earned" variety. On a negative note, Jaques Jones has 8 total bases this year, including walks. That is in 37 trips to the plate. All of his hits have been singles. My Cubs buddy laughed when I asked him about JJ after the trade. Here is a stat I like to look at. Total bases + walks. So far on the season: Guillen- 42 (on fire) Ordonez- 33 solid Cabrera- 33 solid Inge- 33 (surprisingly productive) Retneria- 29 solid Sheffield- 26 (a ton of walks) Thomas- 20 (very good for limited at bats) Pudge- 20 (not good compared to Spring training) Polanco- 15 (miserable. Hopefully b/c of injury) Thames- 9 Jones- 8 (Horrendous) Starting pitching needs to wake up.
These stats are helpful, but the timing of the things is also quite important. Sheffield struck out with bases loaded. Guillen bounced out. That's what I don't like.
The best hitters only convert 1 in 3. In each situation like that, the odds are against the hitter. Michael Jordan missed more game winning shots than he made. Also, on a very positive note, Detroit pitched a 3-hitter tonight. Something I think is funny... our 9th hitter is Inge and Toronto's is Inglett.
I know those odds are less then 1 in 3. But when you're talking 0 for 7 or 2 for 13 it is not good. But all good that ends good. They got the W. As long as they don't make a trend of leaving too many on base they should be fine.
I think this can put Jaques Jones's slump in perspective. Guillen had 7 total bases in the first games of the season. Jones has 8 total bases on the season. Maybe there is a spot for Inge in LF when Grandy comes back. Or Clete Thomas.
