RSS
Tigers Were Outhustled By The Twins
It wasn’t just that the Tigers lost Wednesday I found disturbing. It was how they lost.
They are supposedly fighting to get back into the pennant race. It was their first series against an American League Central foe in a long time, one that has emerged as a legitimate contender, the Minnesota Twins. It was the so-called "rubber game" of a three-game series. The White Sox are winning every day and threatening to run away with the division.
And how did the Tigers respond? With a lethargic performance. The Twins aren’t a better team than the Tigers, even with Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera out of the lineup. They outhustled the Tigers at every turn, though. Especially on Wednesday.
The Tigers dug themselves a hole. They can’t afford to give away games. They lost a game in the standings to both the Twins and White Sox Wednesday. That’s going to happen, but it shouldn’t be because emotion is lacking.
It was a habit the Tigers developed early this season. It’s a bad habit. Not one they can afford to fall back into at this crucial juncture of the season.
Random Thoughts
- I didn’t mention Marian Hossa among the possibilities for the Red Wings during free agency. I saw no way they had a shot at him. How could anybody envision - general manager Ken Holland among them - the Red Wings getting Hossa to agree to a one-year deal for less than market value? He was due, by any stretch, a multi-year pact at near max money. By pulling this off, the Red Wings have made the move of the off season. It says a lot about how revered their organization is among players. I liked the Ty Conklin signing, too. Oh, and getting Brad Stuart to return was another gem. Is this team set up to win another Stanley Cup or what?
- Brett Favre is "itching" to play again. What a surprise. How long has he been "retired?" Not even six months? Seems like the guy just loves the attention. Thing is, I’m not so sure the Packers would welcome him back with open arms.
- The Tigers have had few pitchers down through the years as puzzling as Zach Miner. He throws in the mid-90s, has excellent movement on his fastball and decent off-speed pitches. There are times when he has good control. The problem is consistency. Just when you think Miner can be trusted, he proves he can’t. Just when you think the Tigers should give up on him, he starts to pitch well again. It’s odd.
They are supposedly fighting to get back into the pennant race. It was their first series against an American League Central foe in a long time, one that has emerged as a legitimate contender, the Minnesota Twins. It was the so-called "rubber game" of a three-game series. The White Sox are winning every day and threatening to run away with the division.
And how did the Tigers respond? With a lethargic performance. The Twins aren’t a better team than the Tigers, even with Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera out of the lineup. They outhustled the Tigers at every turn, though. Especially on Wednesday.
The Tigers dug themselves a hole. They can’t afford to give away games. They lost a game in the standings to both the Twins and White Sox Wednesday. That’s going to happen, but it shouldn’t be because emotion is lacking.
It was a habit the Tigers developed early this season. It’s a bad habit. Not one they can afford to fall back into at this crucial juncture of the season.
Random Thoughts
- I didn’t mention Marian Hossa among the possibilities for the Red Wings during free agency. I saw no way they had a shot at him. How could anybody envision - general manager Ken Holland among them - the Red Wings getting Hossa to agree to a one-year deal for less than market value? He was due, by any stretch, a multi-year pact at near max money. By pulling this off, the Red Wings have made the move of the off season. It says a lot about how revered their organization is among players. I liked the Ty Conklin signing, too. Oh, and getting Brad Stuart to return was another gem. Is this team set up to win another Stanley Cup or what?
- Brett Favre is "itching" to play again. What a surprise. How long has he been "retired?" Not even six months? Seems like the guy just loves the attention. Thing is, I’m not so sure the Packers would welcome him back with open arms.
- The Tigers have had few pitchers down through the years as puzzling as Zach Miner. He throws in the mid-90s, has excellent movement on his fastball and decent off-speed pitches. There are times when he has good control. The problem is consistency. Just when you think Miner can be trusted, he proves he can’t. Just when you think the Tigers should give up on him, he starts to pitch well again. It’s odd.
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:54 AM
6 Comments:
Hey Pat, if Miner can get straighten out he could be an effective starter. Miner does have three good pitches and he should be a starter. He could be a #4 in the rotation and that will save DD megabucks in the off season. Does Kenny Holland have any interest in baseball?
Book,
Wednesday's loss by the Tigers was frustrating as a fan. After the Twins big inning off Bonine, the team seemed to just be going through the motions. Naturally, this resulted in their MLB leading 10th shutout.
Good bounce back game last night in Seattle. Today's game should be a tough fought contest. With Bedard throwing for the Mariners, the Tiger batters need to be ready to battle every pitch of every at-bat. Gee, maybe the Tigers could trade for him this month?
I read today that Leyland is considering pithing Verlander on Tuesday against the Tribe. Makes sense since then Verlander will get an extra start prior to the break. Bonine's next start will be pretty important for both he and the Tigers.
Regarding the Red Wings amazing signing of Hossa; reminds me of the adage that it's good to be lucky but your luck is better when you're good.
Pat,
While I'm not defending their laxidazical play in Minnesota - I do think there is something to the belief they can't play there. And I beleive it's as simple as that they believe it.
I think they should be beating the Twins handily too.
When the Tigers play bad - they make the oppossing picther look like CY Young (actually I am stealing that observation from you) and this has been a consistant identifier of when they are playing bad.
But we do need another starter - and I am not one to go looking for mid-season trades. I think they are usually more harm than good - but this case is different. Any thoughts on who?
Great news about the Wings and Hossa - I'm still hoping Sundin won't be a Maple Leaf next year. He has the same effect on that club as when Harold Ballard owned the Leafs - as long as he is a major factor they won't be a contender.
Barry,
I like him in either role because of his stuff. I don't like him in either role because of his lack of consistency.
Caputo
Andrew Winkle,
The Tigers need too clean up against bad teams and play the White Sox and Twins tough the rest of the way. It's the bottom line. They can't give any games. They have given up a few lately and it's disappointing.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
I think the Tigers should make a deal. They aren't good enough as is. They might be able to get a spurt if they add a starting pitcher and a little more pop from the left-aide of the plate. Agree with you about Sundin. Not the best era of Leafs hockey, when you think about it.
Caputo
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home