Friday, April 01, 2011

Just some thoughts on the Tigers...

Losing the opener does, obviously, put more pressure on Brad Penny in his second-game start Saturday. The Tigers themselves think more of Penny than their fans.
It was billed he was signed to be their fifth starter, but it's clear the Tigers think he is their second-best starter, which he may very will be - if he stays healthy. Ah, but that is very big "if."
Also, Max Scherzer was really good in the second half of last season, but you wouldn't have known it based on his spring training performance. We'll see if that means anything Sunday.

- I'm all for the theory it's only one game and a long season, but it is imperative the Tigers get off to a good start. We've seen a couple seasons get away from the Tigers very early within the last decade. Remember 2008 and 2002?

- It's not necessarily a road series against a top club like the Yankees that is going to make or break the Tigers. It's series like the following two - against Baltimore and Kansas City. In order to win 90 games or so remain in contention, and perhaps earn a postseason spot, the Tigers must clean up on traditionally struggling clubs like the Orioles and the Royals.

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8 Comments:

Anonymous Michael C said...

I don't think there's any way in hell the Tigers think Brad Penny is better than Max Scherzer. It's hard to believe anyone does.

11:54 AM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

I'm personally not upset that the Tigers lost the Yankees home opener. I watched it through that "Gameday" app on MLB.com - which is not like watching the game or listening on the radio. But seeing them go up first - and then chip away at the Yankees lead to tie - was encouraging.

Verlander seemed to have outpitched Sabathia. And watching Cokes face pop up on the screen releiving Verlander made no sense until I heard Skips explanation. Made me wonder if they caught Coke by surprise with that move.

I really can't see Avilla lasting too long as our starting catcher.

I guess in the end, I found more positive than negative in that opening game.

8:36 PM 
Anonymous donoverbey@gmail.com said...

I Would have had Martinez catching, Boesch in left and Rayburn as DH.We need our best against the best.Don,Royal oak.

8:50 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Michael C,
Where the Tigers placed the two in the rotation says something different.
Caputo

3:01 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
I didn't see the "positive." Seemed like a typical Tigers opening day loss on the road. Reminded me of a lot of games I've seen in the past. Agree about Avila. Do wonder how good or bad Martinez is defensively. Would be interested to see him catch.
Caputo

3:03 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

donoverbey,
I think that might have been the better option for opening day against Sabathia.
Caputo

3:04 PM 
Anonymous Michael C said...

Pat, I think they were purposely splitting up Verlander and Scherzer to avoid the bullpen getting taxed with our 3 weakest pitchers pitching back to back.

I can't believe anyone that knows anything about baseball would think that Penny is better then Scherzer. Scherzer was one of the best pitchers in the AL in the 2nd half last year. Penny is a giant question mark.

5:12 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Michael C,
Yankees a tough club in that ball park. Penny might have some success against lesser club, especially at Comerica Park.
Caputo

5:58 PM 

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