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What I liked most about the Tigers Monday
The Tigers remain a flawed team, but I get the sense that we haven't even begun to see how effective Max Scherzer can be.
He hasn't pitched that well early this season, but he is 3-0 and his ERA is 4.30.
We dwell so much on what the Tigers don't have that we don't focus on what they do have. With Scherzer joining Justin Verlander, the Tigers could very well have the best 1-2 starting pitching punch in the American League Central.
- It was a good move by Jim Leyland to put Ryan Raburn at second base. While he will remind no one of Lou Whitaker there, it is by far his best position defensively.
- Miguel Cabrera may appear to be overweight, and his off-the-field issues have become a constant concern. But what a great hitter - easily the best I have ever seen play for the Tigers
He hasn't pitched that well early this season, but he is 3-0 and his ERA is 4.30.
We dwell so much on what the Tigers don't have that we don't focus on what they do have. With Scherzer joining Justin Verlander, the Tigers could very well have the best 1-2 starting pitching punch in the American League Central.
- It was a good move by Jim Leyland to put Ryan Raburn at second base. While he will remind no one of Lou Whitaker there, it is by far his best position defensively.
- Miguel Cabrera may appear to be overweight, and his off-the-field issues have become a constant concern. But what a great hitter - easily the best I have ever seen play for the Tigers
posted by Pat Caputo at
3:52 AM
8 Comments:
I like the Raburn at 2nd experiment too, but more for offense than defense. If he can hack it there defensively not many 2nd baseman have that kind of power, and it allows us to get Boesch and Magglio in the lineup regularly as well.
My only concern is lack of range up the middle with Peralta and Raburn there.
I see what you're saying Book, but here is my counter-point.
It's a lot like hockey. And Leyland's pretending he's Babcock.
"huh? what does that mean?"
When you got a hot pitcher on the mound - like when you have a hot goalie in net - defensive position players look better. When your pitching's getting hit - like when you're goalie's off his game - your defense position players are much more important.
So you pick your positions by whos on the mound / in net - and roll the dice on how hot they are?
That's what this Tiger's team feels like this year.
In short - Rayburn at second last night was a great pick - for last night. But don't make a habit of it. Beacause when Penny's on the mound, or Porcello, you'd rather have Rhymes there.
Because baseball ain't nuthin like hockey.
Huh? I am totally confused. You guys are like Leyland outhinking himself.
You put the best players on the field even tho one might be in a slight slump or a pitcher is somewhat stuggling but still has good stuff.
Everyday, day in and day out.
Sure, you have to factor fatique and other stuff ... but best players.
That may sound simplistic and naive, but it works.
Michsrl C,
Range an issue, but would, I think, be offset by Raburn's bat. He must make the routine play, though.
Caputu
Fred Brill,
Normally, I think Leyland managing by feel is a strength. But some of this lineup stuff lately is iffy to me.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I agree. Play your best players as often as you can.
Caputo
Don Kelly batting 3rd?!
Now it's obvious. Don Kelly has compromising naked photos of Jim Leyland.
Everyone here is trying to turn a .500 team into a .750 team. Ain't gonna happen. This team has 3-4 keepers and everyone else is iffy. We're shaky up the middle and Verlander is the only sure thing on the mound. All of that spells .500 ball.
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