Not only are the Kansas City Royals a bad baseball team. Some of their best players - and we are using the word "best" loosely here - were missing because of injuries. Manager Buddy Bell was not even there because of an unfortunate health issue involving a cancerous growth in his mouth. For the Tigers to lose three straight games to that team over the weekend was one of the most stunning developments I can recall covering sports. The Tigers do not remind me of the 1927 Yankees. I have written a lot on this blog about how imperfect they are. So have many of the people who have commented here. But that series was ridiculous. To blow leads like that. To have situations that beg for scoring runs - and not scoring them. In my column in The Oakland Press today, I put a lot of the blame on Jim Leyland. He wanted his cake and eat it too by resting players and still winning the division. It does not work that way. And I strongly disagree with those who wanted the Tigers to face the Yankees in the first round either "to get them out of the way" or "because it is easier to beat them three times instead of four." Be careful what you ask for my friends because now you have it. Oakland at home for the first two games would have been the way to go. As for setting up his pitching rotation, Leyland did not get that done. Nate Robertson is a .500 pitcher. I like him. Understand he has some bulldog in him. But that is the bottom line. I saw where the local television stations were trying to pump up the playoffs Sunday night, but it seemed forced and contrived. Those five straight losses to close the season were a killer. That is particularly true of the last three against that stinko team from KC. There is no way to sugar coat it.
Random Thoughts
- I refuse to fall into the trap that says the Lions are improved offensively and will start winning games when the defense catches up. Bad teams play just well enough to lose. The week the Lions defense played well - the opener vs. Seattle - the offense scored just six points. That has always been the Lions problem. When they seem to fix one tire, another one automatically blows out and they lose anyway.
- Michigan State will not recover from losing to Illinois at home. Head coach John L. Smith might not survive the season. It is apparent he has lost his football team. Some will say the end was the Notre Dame game. But his problems really started to appear last season. In addition to Smith's goofy antics, his spread offense is not unique anymore. Defenses see a version of it all the time. They have adjusted - and Smith has no answer for the adjustments. Smith cannot remain the coach at Michigan State if for no other reason than the Spartans will get hammered because of him in recruiting. If you were an elite athlete, would you want to play for a coach who acts like that? His shtick is, to say the least, stale.
Want a prediction on the Tigers-Yankees series? OK here is one. The Yankees in four games.
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28 Comments:
Book,
Good Lord, what the hell happened this weekend.
Lions
0-16 I believe
UofM
I'm slowly coming around to cheering for them. State is making it easy to do this year.
Tigs
how can you do that. how can this team recover from that. If we were going to lose the division, then this is the "best" way it could happen, with Robertson and Verlander pitching in Yankee Stadium. If anyone can simply gut out a win its robertson. Secondly, If robertson cant do it, I give Verlander the best shot to pitch 7-8 innings of straight up lockdown ball. I think we have a better than 50% chance to come home friday night 1-1. And when we do, I cant wait to be at Comerica that night. No matter what happens, that 3rd game is pivotal, if its 2-0, 1-1, 0-2. The third game is huge.
MSU
This game didn't even bother me, you could see it coming a week ago. The damn thing about this team is they will beat either U of M or OSU, they'll finish with 5 or 6 wins, and John L will keep his job. After this last game just tank the rest of the season so we can fire this clown. Seriously, what the hell was up with that slap at the end of the presser.
"Bad teams play just well enough to lose"
Lion's version of parity?
Pat,
Thank for not sugar-coating a DISASTEROUS performance by the Tigers this weekend by saying "well, they made the playoffs," or "if you would have told me in April they would be in a position to win the division..blah,blah,blah....
They lost to a number of big games to lousy teams down the stretch: KC, Baltimore, Seattle. The pitching has been awful. The hitting has been spotty. They have been well below .500 for the last 50 games of the season.
If they go into NY and get clobbered in the first round, I will consider this season a disappointment for these reasons:
1) They were 40 games over .500 and could not win the division or secure home field advantage in any round of the playoffs.
2) They had a double-digit lead over the Twins and could not hold them off.
3) Expectations change over the course of a season - making the playoffs is a nice accomplishment based on April's outlook, but I think this team totally blew it down the stretch.
As the Indians and Cubs learned in recent times, you better seize the moment while it is there because you dont know what next year will bring. I hope this season goes on past this coming week, but I sure don't expect it to.
Mr.C. I think you said the tigers pitching was what kept them on top. I agree with that. I watched the game trying to think of a starter who is a stopper and can't come up with one. I wonder if Bonderman is hurting a bit. I have read some pitchers have a sore arm and won't tell anyone. He looked good for a few ennings then lost it. It seems he doesen't get as many s/o and ground ball outs as he did when things were going better for him. If they can't shut down KC the Yankees in 3. Hate to say this but except for the HR Inge had a bad game at the worst time. Good luck tigers i think you will need it. (hope i'm wrong) Vinny.
I couldn't agree more with what you said yesterday on the sportworks in regards to Millen. There is absolutely no justice or pride what so ever in Allen Park. We talked about all summer long. One of the biggest problems with the lions is yes they got rid of Joey, but that was it. For a team that sucked you spend all your energy on 1 guy to replace Joey fine and then another to sit his ass on the bench. We all knew Bryant wasn't going to play this season. You mean to tell me Jamar Fletcher was the best you can do? Um let me see Ty law what was that guys name. 41 pts later I'd think he'd be worth a look. What about
the other area of need. Oh yeah an offensive line. Minnesota seemed to think Steve Hutchinson would have been good. I don't even think we even had his name on top of our boards. We had guys like demulling, stokes, verba, tucker. Guys that are on E and have been injury plagued there whole
careers. And franchise a left tackle who in my mind is nothing more then a guard or right tackle at best. I think Millen has been very Randy Smith during his
tenure. I was listening to the radio the other day and a guy said it correct. The lions problem is the same as it has been for ever.
Their players suck. What about that pass rush. Oh Kalmiba Edwards is a must sign. Give me a freaking break. Who ever said that should be dropped kick in the teeth right into a pit of flesh burning acid. I have no expectations, but it is just getting to the point where it is
rediculous. A big waste of time. With my wolverines in town.
Hell the bears aren't to far away. I am offically looking the other way now. Its just rediculous where this team is at. Not much more you can say. They just suck. It is simple I would say.
ANd the Tigers how embarrassing. Yes getting to the playoffs is great(you have exceeded all expectations), but needing only one game against a AAA ball club (at best) in Kansas City and you choke? As a matter of fact it has been a really bad second half. I think it is going to be a quick end to the season. I hope to god I am extremely wrong. But he left Perez on the lineup. That guy was nothing but bad luck. Santiago fine. I just feel Shelton even though didn't do well down the stretch. With out his start to the season is deserving a spot over Perez. I just don't see us taking 3 games from the Yankees. Maybe one at the most. We wil lsee.
Pat
For as good as Leyland hab been at
the start he was as bad at the finish. Manager of the year? No
way. Did he forget how to manage?
No small ball, leaving pitchers in
too long, allowing Rodney and Perez
to play is enough for me to say good bye.
My prediction three straight losses.
Dave and Jim's biggest challenge
will be the off season moves. Our
expectations will be extremely high.
Pat
For as good as Leyland hab been at
the start he was as bad at the finish. Manager of the year? No
way. Did he forget how to manage?
No small ball, leaving pitchers in
too long, allowing Rodney and Perez
to play is enough for me to say good bye.
My prediction three straight losses.
Dave and Jim's biggest challenge
will be the off season moves. Our
expectations will be extremely high.
Pat
For as good as Leyland has been for
the first half of the season he
has been just as bad the second half. Manager of the year? No
way, should be considered a
firing candidate because of the
great start and bad finish.
It is his job to motivate and
make the decisions and has done
a very poor job.
The real test for Dave and Jim will
be this off season. Our expectations will be much higher
than this year's finish.
Prediction Yankees in 3
Pat, Leyland's moves since August 1st have can really be questioned and I wanted to get your opinion on something. Often times managers like Leyland/Sparky use veteran players who are clearly past their prime. For example this season his crazy obsession with Neifi Perez (Including allowing him to lead off the 12th inning when a baserunner was needed, he brings off the bench the worst On Base guy on the entire team) and Sean Casey.
I think manages do that because they are being far too conservative or and this is a poor word selection, lazy in their duties. Veterans know what to do without having to explain it, therefore a manager can sit back and expect certain things to happen. Young guys need to be reminded, coached, have their emotions dealt with. Veterans don't. Therefore managers turn to these veteran guys in an attempt to limit their risk. In Leyland's case this year, he's turned to veteran players in Perez/Casey that are frankly, just not that good anymore. The American League figured Casey out quickly. Play the SS behind 2b, rotate the outfield over to left and he is toast at the plate. After his initial success, he quickly faded when faced with that type of defense. As for Perez, inserting him into the line-up at any point opens up a manager to a cat scan to determine the amount of long term damage smoking does to the brain. Turning in a line-up card with him batting leadoff is even worse. Allowing him to leadoff in inning when you need a baserunner is comical.
Just wondered what your thoughts were on that after being around baseball for a long period.
Mr. Caputo,
First off, I will say that I am bitterly disappointed that the Tigers did not win the Central. And I am not about to excuse the way they played this last week. But to say that that is all I will remember from this season? Do you realize how much fun I had watching this team this summer? How many amazing memories I have that still send shivers through me when I think of them, memories that will last me a lifetime? How much fun it was to follow a winning team when nobody expected it of them? No matter what, this season has been an absolute blast, and to suggest that this last week is all I will remember is simply not fair. I certainly don't know what to expect in the playoffs. To be honest, losing in four games would be all right- at least they would win one game. I just know that I can't wait for Tuesday night!
Pat,
I was so damn distraught after the Tiger diaster against Omaha yesterday, that I turned on the Lions game!!! I just couldn't bear listening to your pain on the post-game show - man, I hope someone else had to do it, Book! Hopefully, the callers diverted discussion to the Red Wings or Pistons.
But, let's remember the positives... the Tigers surprised us this year, they were the best team in baseball for most of the season, they are in the playoffs, and yada, yada, yada. It was fun talking baseball again, and there was more than just post-game fireworks at The Copa.
Now we become a part of Yankee history. Geez, have we ever played NY in the post-season? This is an achievement worth remembering as the years go by. I'm not feeling giddy, as I thought I would be feeling today, about a month ago, but at least we have the table set to have the whole nation watch the Tigers have their asses handed to them, inspite in having their rotation all set up for the playoffs, without the washed-up Mike Maroth. It seemed like we were all good, after having pourged the roster of the leftie power stick of that puke Dmitri Young banished! Who needs guys with a bit of a chip on their shoulder? *ROTFLMAO*
In Game 3, it would only be fitting to have a spectacular finish, and this is how I see it - down 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, with Polanco on first, and two down, Neifi Perez is called upon to pinch-hit for Monroe, and on a bunt attempt, he pops out in foul territory to Posada! (I'm sure even Shelton bunts better... if not, he has the capability of reaching the seats) In the post-game interview, Leyland levels with us, stating that, "we weren't really as good as our record, but better than we thought we were. We focused near the end, to avoid coming into the playoffs, with the jinx of bringing in the best record! Who'd believe that we'd get swept?"
I think MSU and the Lions are actually the same team, with two sets of uniforms.
This past weekend was a major kick in the groin. It's surprizing that the Wolverines weren't on the same page!
Pat,
I am heartbroken still after26 hours later.
We had game 1 with KC won. We were 1 strike away. Inge (my favorite Tiger) had the game winning catch in his webbing until it hit some fans beer cup (please tell me it wasn't a Blue!).
Yes, it's great we are in the postseaon -but WE ARE NOT DIVISON CHAMPS!!!
No banner.
No penant.
Unless we win the ALCS we will have lost any mention of t is amazing seaon - this team will fade away only to be remembered for their final KC series flop.
Watching the Canadian sports news was hard. We looked like Michelle Wie in a PGA event.
Go Tigers! I pray we make up for this by beating NY _ but I ain't betting the farm on it!
Nick P,
If you want my honest opinion, Nick, I think they are done. The Yankees lineup is incredibly tough and the Tigers are really reeling after losing those games to Kansas City. Nate Robertson is not bad, but he is no ace, either. Verlander hasn't pitched in a while, Who knows what we'll see from him. In baseball, anything can happen. True. The third game is always important, but it is even more important in a five-game series the Tigers win one of the first two. If they do, I think their chances improve to 50-50. If they don't get win in New York, I figure they will get knocked out in three.
Caputo
Chris,
If there was wild card like back in the day, the Tigers would be considered among the biggest chokers in baseball history.
Caputo
Vinny,
Good point on Inge. That error cost them the division. Then he struck out with the bases loaded and one out. Those two plays killed them.
Caputo
Maddog52,
It seems to me that people are too accepting of Millen being in his position. Everybody seems to accept the Lions losing the same way. Like it's a fact of life. Get over it. Where is the outrage? They're 0-4. And I don't buy this stuff they are getting ready for the future, either. I think the Lions' future is bleak.
Caputo
Anonymous,
If Dombrowski is as sharp as I think he is, I can see him turning the Tigers bad ending this season into a good beginning for next season. There is a lot to work with there, but the roster definitely needs repairs. I fully expect the Tigers to make a couple blockbuster trades this winter.
Caputo
Atomicrod,
It's not being lazy. It's trust. They know veteran players have been through just about everything and don't make foolish mistakes as often. But talent is a key. Leyland's philosophy to keep Zumaya and Verlander out of spring training set a certain tone. It was "use talent, it will take you far." Then he went away from it with Perez over Infante when Polanco was hurt. I think that cost the Tigers a win or two. Obviously, they could have used those wins in the end.
Caputo
Anonymous,
If you take what the Tigers did this season, it was mostly terrific. I love baseball and baseball counts again in our area. Your point is well taken.
Caputo
I rule,
What happened against Kansas City was one of the worst set of games we have ever witnessed, regardless of the sport, in Detroit. To more people than not, it completely took the wind out of the sails of people who had embraced baseball so this summer. If the Tigers perform better than is being expected in the playoffs it will restore a lot of the luster to what was otherwise a fabulous season.
Caputo
Thinkingman,
It was really strange. One of the best things Leyland does is handle his pitching staff. Yet, he mishandled it so obviously over the weekend. Hopefully, that isn't the case in the playoffs.
Caputo
Garold,
I used to think people were insulting the Spartans by comparing them to the LIons. But right now, the shoe fits. I must say, it is a little different paying so much attention to baseball at this time of the year. I hardly watched the Lions game because I was covering the Tigers game. I TiVoed it, though, and thought it was actually a pretty interesting game. It's just the Lions still don't know how to win.
Caputo
Anonymous,
If the Tigers do not play well this week, I wonder how much it will hinder them in the future. A lot of people consider Inge their favorite player. He is a solid person who works hard. It's too bad he had those breakdowns at such important points.
Caputo
Warrenmott72,
Oh, they are very confident in this town that the Yankees will crush the Tigers. But if the Tigers win a game the next two nights, they will be all over the Yanks. They should be in the Tigers benefit.
Caputo
I agree a hundred percent. I am sick and tired of hearing "oh what good did the lions take out of this" They lost again. That is what they took out of the game. Nothing less and nothing more. Teams like the Titans who will probably bounce back or maybe the Rams one day. They have stuff to build on becasue they aren't to far off. The lions they lose lose lose. Who made all the moves? Millen. The lions are much like the mans company (Ford) going down rapidly fast. To me oh might ford is kicking loyal fans in the teeth the way this franchise is ran. Personally with the Tigers doing well. If they make a dent in the FA market to only improve. I can see the Lions fading out fast. At the same time shame on us fans for continuing to buy into this mess.
Dude I forgot to mention on Spartans. Watching that game shame on the coaching staff. Imean what an awfully bad called game. I know players play, but the coaches were bad with what they were calling and in my mind didn't give the kids a chance to win.
I am glad for Michigan. Mostly as a College Football fan. Because if Michigan can hang on to the end. I think Ohio state will. How awesome is that really. Fantastic stuff. Winner goes to national title game and loser goes to a rose bowl possibly.
I fear the Tigers will be down 0-2 before they have a chance to win a game. Wang and Mussina have been tough on Tigers hitters this year. Playing the Yanks is not all bad. The games will be in primetime. We have a chance to knock off the Evil Empire and no one is picking the Tigers. Do you think Robertson ever thought he'd end up a Game 1 starter at the beginnig of this year? Did Wang? Verlander v. Mussina and the Gambler v. the Old Unit could both be great matchups. The last reason it will be fun to watch is Damon, Jeter, A-Rod, Sheff, Giambi, Matsui, Abreu, Cano and Posada. Wow!!!
I don't blame Leyland for the Tiger's collapse. They lost the last five games, when only one starter, Verlander, didn't make his regular appearance. The regular lineup was intact every night, including, Guillen, Polanco and Ordonez. It was a total team collapse. Maybe that is Leyland's fault, but not because he didn't play his regulars. His guys didn't perform.
Maddog52,
It is really sad what has happened in East Lansing. Spartan fans are among the best in college sports. They are loyal to a fault and deserve so much better than that on the gridiron. I just have a feeling Michigan is going to have a special season. Mario Manningham is their next great player and the Wolverines defense is fantastic.
Caputo
Rob,
Yeah. Playing the Yankees does put the Tigers more in the spotlight. All the games are in prime time. There are more fans of the Yankees in this country than any other team. They are also the team non-Yankee fans hate the most. The Tigers are on the big stage. How well they perform this week will determine if that is a good thing or a bad one. They need to at least be respectable.
Caputo
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