Porcello killed by Yanks.
Rick Porcello showed that he is a 20 year old rookie Wednesday night at Comerica Park. He was clobbered time and time again by the Yankees. His final line is not good: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO. Compare that with the somewhat-more-seasoned Jaba Chamberlain of NY: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO. It only took Chamberlain 88 pitches to get through 7 innings, where it took Rick 75 just for 3 2/3 innings. No contest.
The offense once again was non-existent until they made it interesting in the 9th after Curtis smoked a 3 run HR off Mariano Rivera. Had Placido been able to scratch out a base hit, it would have brought up Magglio representing the potential tying run, but he couldn't do it.
Day off today, then they play the first of 13 straight divisional games (versus Indians, versus Twins, @ Chicago, @ Cleveland, @ Minnesota). These 13 games will tell us a lot as to how our team stacks up against the AL Central competition.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Game 20 : Record 11-9
Pathetic defense and horrible relief pitching.
The only thing worse than the defense was the bullpen's performance in the 7th inning. Edwin Jackson pitched very well again for the Tigers, but was really let down by the guys out of the pen. It started with Ryan Perry, then Nate Robertson and Brandon Lyon. Nobody was good and it all started with a horrible play on defense. Once again the defense let the team down...many times in this game:
4th inning - ugly misplay by Everett not called an error after an 11 pitch at-bat by Robinson Cano. Jackson saved him and no damage done.
5th inning - misplay by Miguel on a foul ball. Jackson saved him by fanning Jeter on the next pitch.
6th inning - horrible miscommunication and misplay by Curtis and Magglio. Again bailed out by Jackson.
7th inning - horrible error by Josh Anderson that gift-wrapped the Yankees first 2 runs and started that pathetic 10-run inning. Ugly, ugly, ugly.
Grades:
Pitching: D. Jackson is the only reason this isn't an F.
Defense: F. Pathetic, putrid, disgusting, horrible, bush league. Even though the official scorer only has them down for 2 unearned runs, it could be as high as 8 unearned runs given up.
Offense: F. First time they have been shutout this year. Ugly.
The only thing worse than the defense was the bullpen's performance in the 7th inning. Edwin Jackson pitched very well again for the Tigers, but was really let down by the guys out of the pen. It started with Ryan Perry, then Nate Robertson and Brandon Lyon. Nobody was good and it all started with a horrible play on defense. Once again the defense let the team down...many times in this game:
4th inning - ugly misplay by Everett not called an error after an 11 pitch at-bat by Robinson Cano. Jackson saved him and no damage done.
5th inning - misplay by Miguel on a foul ball. Jackson saved him by fanning Jeter on the next pitch.
6th inning - horrible miscommunication and misplay by Curtis and Magglio. Again bailed out by Jackson.
7th inning - horrible error by Josh Anderson that gift-wrapped the Yankees first 2 runs and started that pathetic 10-run inning. Ugly, ugly, ugly.
Grades:
Pitching: D. Jackson is the only reason this isn't an F.
Defense: F. Pathetic, putrid, disgusting, horrible, bush league. Even though the official scorer only has them down for 2 unearned runs, it could be as high as 8 unearned runs given up.
Offense: F. First time they have been shutout this year. Ugly.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Game 19 : Record 11-8
Verlander awesome in first win of 2009.
Justin was dominant against the Yankees, striking out 9 in 7 innings of work. He was throwing heat throughout the game, touching 99 mph on the radar gun. CC Sabathia on the other side was very good, but the Tigers were able to scratch out a few runs and that is all that was needed.
Magglio hit HR #2, Placido had 2 big doubles and Miguel drove in a run. Curtis laid down a perfect drag bunt for a hit. I was just marveling at Josh Anderson the other day for doing this and now Curtis pulled the same feat. I love that play, simply love it.
Nice win against the hated Yankees to stay in first place.
Grades:
Pitching: A-. Justin looked like a #1 pitcher for the first time, Bobby Seay was really good. Fernando really struggled - did not do well giving up 2 runs. Rodney got his bacon saved by a fantastic 5-4-3 double play.
Defense: A. Really great double play in the ninth. No errors. No misplays.
Offense: A-. Only four runs on six hits, but they were timely hits and one huge HR.
Justin was dominant against the Yankees, striking out 9 in 7 innings of work. He was throwing heat throughout the game, touching 99 mph on the radar gun. CC Sabathia on the other side was very good, but the Tigers were able to scratch out a few runs and that is all that was needed.
Magglio hit HR #2, Placido had 2 big doubles and Miguel drove in a run. Curtis laid down a perfect drag bunt for a hit. I was just marveling at Josh Anderson the other day for doing this and now Curtis pulled the same feat. I love that play, simply love it.
Nice win against the hated Yankees to stay in first place.
Grades:
Pitching: A-. Justin looked like a #1 pitcher for the first time, Bobby Seay was really good. Fernando really struggled - did not do well giving up 2 runs. Rodney got his bacon saved by a fantastic 5-4-3 double play.
Defense: A. Really great double play in the ninth. No errors. No misplays.
Offense: A-. Only four runs on six hits, but they were timely hits and one huge HR.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Game 18 : Record 10-8
Galarraga masterful again.
Armando was fantastic Sunday against the Royals. He only made it through 6 innings, but gave up 3 hits and 1 run. His problem was 5 walks. The Royals hitters were patient, took a lot of pitches and got walks, elevated his pitch count and got him out of the game earlier than would have otherwise happened. This is the 2nd straight start that the opposition has taken this tactic and it is time to adjust by pounding the strike zone to get an early 0-1 and 0-2 lead on hitters.
In not-at-all surprising news, Brandon went deep and Everett screwed up another play he should have made. Adam's misplay was not an error but a supposedly-great defensive shortstop makes that play. He has yet to make a "web-gem" material play this year and he has messed up a lot of routine plays. He has yet to impress me.
Dane Sardinha was just called up to replace Matt Treanor on the roster and got the start today. He had an RBI on a sacrifice and gunned down Coco Crisp trying to steal. That throw was outstanding. The pitch was low, so he got no help from that and simply threw a strike to Everett. It wasn't close.
Grades:
Pitching: A. Our ace looked like an ace again after a shaky start his last time out. Bullpen was good, even though Rodney gave up one HR to make it a 1 run game.
Defense: B. No major screw-ups.
Offense: B-. Only threee runs on six hits, but enough to win.
Armando was fantastic Sunday against the Royals. He only made it through 6 innings, but gave up 3 hits and 1 run. His problem was 5 walks. The Royals hitters were patient, took a lot of pitches and got walks, elevated his pitch count and got him out of the game earlier than would have otherwise happened. This is the 2nd straight start that the opposition has taken this tactic and it is time to adjust by pounding the strike zone to get an early 0-1 and 0-2 lead on hitters.
In not-at-all surprising news, Brandon went deep and Everett screwed up another play he should have made. Adam's misplay was not an error but a supposedly-great defensive shortstop makes that play. He has yet to make a "web-gem" material play this year and he has messed up a lot of routine plays. He has yet to impress me.
Dane Sardinha was just called up to replace Matt Treanor on the roster and got the start today. He had an RBI on a sacrifice and gunned down Coco Crisp trying to steal. That throw was outstanding. The pitch was low, so he got no help from that and simply threw a strike to Everett. It wasn't close.
Grades:
Pitching: A. Our ace looked like an ace again after a shaky start his last time out. Bullpen was good, even though Rodney gave up one HR to make it a 1 run game.
Defense: B. No major screw-ups.
Offense: B-. Only threee runs on six hits, but enough to win.
Game 17 : Record 9-8
Tigers offense rocks Royals.
Gerarld, Curtis, Magglio all go deep as the Tigers smoked the Royals 9-1. Zach Miner was OK, not great, but got through 5 innings for the win.
The bullpen was nearly flawless, including the return of Joel Zumaya. He came in throwing heat, gave up 2 hits in the 9th but did not allow anybody to score. It was nice to see Joel out there on the mound in a big league game doing what he does again. Very good sign indeed. Think of having him, Ryan Perry and Fernando Rodney all at the backend of the bullpen. It could be fantastic. It could mean squeezing Brandon Lyon's role down to next to nothing, which would be a good thing.
This was a big win for the Tigers as they now have a chance to win the series when Armando pitches on Sunday afternoon. I like their chances.
Grades:
Pitching: A-. Miner was good. Bullen (Seay, Lyon, Robertson, Zumaya did not allow a run).
Defense: C. Still not perfect.
Offense: A. Big hits all around.
Gerarld, Curtis, Magglio all go deep as the Tigers smoked the Royals 9-1. Zach Miner was OK, not great, but got through 5 innings for the win.
The bullpen was nearly flawless, including the return of Joel Zumaya. He came in throwing heat, gave up 2 hits in the 9th but did not allow anybody to score. It was nice to see Joel out there on the mound in a big league game doing what he does again. Very good sign indeed. Think of having him, Ryan Perry and Fernando Rodney all at the backend of the bullpen. It could be fantastic. It could mean squeezing Brandon Lyon's role down to next to nothing, which would be a good thing.
This was a big win for the Tigers as they now have a chance to win the series when Armando pitches on Sunday afternoon. I like their chances.
Grades:
Pitching: A-. Miner was good. Bullen (Seay, Lyon, Robertson, Zumaya did not allow a run).
Defense: C. Still not perfect.
Offense: A. Big hits all around.
Game 16 : Record 8-8
Greinke too much for Tigs.
Zack Greinke was awesome for the Royals Friday night, pitching a complete game 3-hitter. He allowed only 1 unearned run. He was simply dominate.
This was the first game of the year that the Tigers did not get at least 8 base hits. They just couldn't muster much of anything against Greinke. The one run they scored was entirely because of Gerarld Laird's heads-up baserunning and good speed (especially for a catcher). Rick Porcello pitched good, but far inferior to Greinke.
Rick's final line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. Greinke's line: 9.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 SO. Complete game on only 108 pitches. Very impressive. Sometimes you have to just take your hats off to the other guy. They just cannot let no-name guys do this to them like what happened in 2008.
Grades:
Pitching: B-. Porcello was good, Nate was OK, Perry also good. 5 earned runs is too many, though.
Defense: F. Every game with at least one error gets an F. I am so sick of the defense being horrible and putting more pressure on the pitchers. It is a domino effect.
Offense: F. One unearned, manufactured run. They were dominated.
Zack Greinke was awesome for the Royals Friday night, pitching a complete game 3-hitter. He allowed only 1 unearned run. He was simply dominate.
This was the first game of the year that the Tigers did not get at least 8 base hits. They just couldn't muster much of anything against Greinke. The one run they scored was entirely because of Gerarld Laird's heads-up baserunning and good speed (especially for a catcher). Rick Porcello pitched good, but far inferior to Greinke.
Rick's final line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. Greinke's line: 9.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 SO. Complete game on only 108 pitches. Very impressive. Sometimes you have to just take your hats off to the other guy. They just cannot let no-name guys do this to them like what happened in 2008.
Grades:
Pitching: B-. Porcello was good, Nate was OK, Perry also good. 5 earned runs is too many, though.
Defense: F. Every game with at least one error gets an F. I am so sick of the defense being horrible and putting more pressure on the pitchers. It is a domino effect.
Offense: F. One unearned, manufactured run. They were dominated.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Game 15 : Record 8-7
Putrid defense carries the day.
Absolutely horrible defense by the infield in this game, especially the left side where they were supposed to be so much better this year. Brandon was horrible and Adam Everett contributed his customary 1 error per 2 games played. Really, really bad and tough to watch at times.
The pitching was OK by Edwin Jackson. Not great by any stretch, but he pitched well enough to win had the defense and bullpen been better. Eddie Bonine came in relief and was not good at all. You know it is a bad night when Brandon Lyon comes in and is the only pitcher who didn't surrender a run.
Jackson: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. Those unearned runs were HUGE.
Bonine: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Really bad.
The offense was not good either, leaving 13 men on base. Magglio, Miguel and Carlos (our vaunted 3-4-5 hitters) left 8 men on base! Just not good enough - especially on a night when the pitching and the defense were smelly.
Grades for last night:
Pitching: D. Jackson was OK, but Bonine made up for it by being horrible.
Defense: F. 4 errors, 3 unearned runs, lots more pitches thrown because of the errors. This was the reason they lost.
Offense: D+. A few good at bats and some runs scored, but too many runs left on the field.
Absolutely horrible defense by the infield in this game, especially the left side where they were supposed to be so much better this year. Brandon was horrible and Adam Everett contributed his customary 1 error per 2 games played. Really, really bad and tough to watch at times.
The pitching was OK by Edwin Jackson. Not great by any stretch, but he pitched well enough to win had the defense and bullpen been better. Eddie Bonine came in relief and was not good at all. You know it is a bad night when Brandon Lyon comes in and is the only pitcher who didn't surrender a run.
Jackson: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. Those unearned runs were HUGE.
Bonine: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Really bad.
The offense was not good either, leaving 13 men on base. Magglio, Miguel and Carlos (our vaunted 3-4-5 hitters) left 8 men on base! Just not good enough - especially on a night when the pitching and the defense were smelly.
Grades for last night:
Pitching: D. Jackson was OK, but Bonine made up for it by being horrible.
Defense: F. 4 errors, 3 unearned runs, lots more pitches thrown because of the errors. This was the reason they lost.
Offense: D+. A few good at bats and some runs scored, but too many runs left on the field.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Game 14 : Record 8-6
Verlander still struggling, but the offense bails him out.
Large, huge, massive win on the left coast last night. It did not look good for most of the night as Justin gave up 7 runs in only 5 innings pitched. His final line: 5.0IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO. He had to throw 104 pitches just to get through the 5th, which is very similar to what Armando did the previous night. The difference is that Armando only gave up 3 runs versus 7 by Justin. All of the runs he allowed were scored as earned runs, but that is somewhat ridiculous. There were two horrible misplays by Ryan Raburn in RF. Ryan was just called up after the Tigers put Marcus Thames on the DL. He looked horrible, absolutely horrible in the field last night and it cost the Tigers a few runs. I know he is a better fielder than what he showed, because we saw him play pretty good defense last year, but he had a forgettable night.
On the plus side, Curtis & Brandon both went deep and Magglio had 3 hits. Even little Adam Everett had 3 hits in his return to the lineup.
Grades for last night:
Pitching: D+. Not a single pitcher had a clean line last night. Even Fernando struggled at the back end of the bullpen.
Defense: C. Those misplays by Raburn could have cost the team a win.
Offense: A+. Sometimes you can get away with outscoring your opponent. They won't win many games 12-10, but we'll take it when they do.
Large, huge, massive win on the left coast last night. It did not look good for most of the night as Justin gave up 7 runs in only 5 innings pitched. His final line: 5.0IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO. He had to throw 104 pitches just to get through the 5th, which is very similar to what Armando did the previous night. The difference is that Armando only gave up 3 runs versus 7 by Justin. All of the runs he allowed were scored as earned runs, but that is somewhat ridiculous. There were two horrible misplays by Ryan Raburn in RF. Ryan was just called up after the Tigers put Marcus Thames on the DL. He looked horrible, absolutely horrible in the field last night and it cost the Tigers a few runs. I know he is a better fielder than what he showed, because we saw him play pretty good defense last year, but he had a forgettable night.
On the plus side, Curtis & Brandon both went deep and Magglio had 3 hits. Even little Adam Everett had 3 hits in his return to the lineup.
Grades for last night:
Pitching: D+. Not a single pitcher had a clean line last night. Even Fernando struggled at the back end of the bullpen.
Defense: C. Those misplays by Raburn could have cost the team a win.
Offense: A+. Sometimes you can get away with outscoring your opponent. They won't win many games 12-10, but we'll take it when they do.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Game 13 : Record 7-6
Lyonized again!
Perhaps bringing a guy named Lyon to Detroit wasn't the best idea on the heels of the Lions 0-16 season.
Armando did not pitch great or even good last night, but he battled and battled and left after 5 innings with the game tied. Gave the team a chance to win. This is what good pitchers manage to do...battle their way through on nights where they do not have their best stuff, and this definitely qualified.
His line for last night: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO. The biggest stat is that he threw 110 pitches in only 5 innings of work. This is why he had to leave so early and, ultimately , why they lost the game. He threw huge volumes of pitches in the first 3 innings. Exhibit one on why it is always a good thing for players to take pitches and make guys throw strikes. Even if you make an out, the pitcher's pitch count is elevated and you will usually get to the other teams bullpen sooner.
On a positive note, Curtis hit two HR last night.
Justin pitches tonight. Time for win #1 for him in 2009!!!!
Perhaps bringing a guy named Lyon to Detroit wasn't the best idea on the heels of the Lions 0-16 season.
Armando did not pitch great or even good last night, but he battled and battled and left after 5 innings with the game tied. Gave the team a chance to win. This is what good pitchers manage to do...battle their way through on nights where they do not have their best stuff, and this definitely qualified.
His line for last night: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO. The biggest stat is that he threw 110 pitches in only 5 innings of work. This is why he had to leave so early and, ultimately , why they lost the game. He threw huge volumes of pitches in the first 3 innings. Exhibit one on why it is always a good thing for players to take pitches and make guys throw strikes. Even if you make an out, the pitcher's pitch count is elevated and you will usually get to the other teams bullpen sooner.
On a positive note, Curtis hit two HR last night.
Justin pitches tonight. Time for win #1 for him in 2009!!!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Game 12 : Record 7-5
Porcello gets first win and the Tigers win the series in Seattle.
20 year old Rick Porcello got his first major league win in Seattle on Sunday afternoon. He pitched 7 strong innings and got the win. His line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. He needed only 86 pitches to get through 7. I'm sure if any of the other starters had that line, they would have been sent back out there in the 8th, but young Mr Porcello is being handled with care to not ruin his arm or ruin him for the rest of 2009.
Ramon Santiago went 2-3 with 5 RBI. This included a bases clearing double in the 8th to put the game effectively away for the good guys. He has been on fire since starting to play every day with the injury/sickness of Adam Everett. As said on this blog earlier, if Everett cannot hit very well (Leyland has said this outright) and he is making errors every other game he plays, then let Ramon start and have Everett be the backup. Ramon's defense is second to nobody and his hitting is better than you'd think. He is proving this to be true day after day.
Also....Miguel went 2-3 and scored 3 runs. He is now hitting .489. He cannot be stopped.
They are off Monday and then get to play 3 against the mighty Angels. First game has our 2009 ace (so far) Armando Galaragga against Jered Weaver. Can't wait. Bring em on.
20 year old Rick Porcello got his first major league win in Seattle on Sunday afternoon. He pitched 7 strong innings and got the win. His line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. He needed only 86 pitches to get through 7. I'm sure if any of the other starters had that line, they would have been sent back out there in the 8th, but young Mr Porcello is being handled with care to not ruin his arm or ruin him for the rest of 2009.
Ramon Santiago went 2-3 with 5 RBI. This included a bases clearing double in the 8th to put the game effectively away for the good guys. He has been on fire since starting to play every day with the injury/sickness of Adam Everett. As said on this blog earlier, if Everett cannot hit very well (Leyland has said this outright) and he is making errors every other game he plays, then let Ramon start and have Everett be the backup. Ramon's defense is second to nobody and his hitting is better than you'd think. He is proving this to be true day after day.
Also....Miguel went 2-3 and scored 3 runs. He is now hitting .489. He cannot be stopped.
They are off Monday and then get to play 3 against the mighty Angels. First game has our 2009 ace (so far) Armando Galaragga against Jered Weaver. Can't wait. Bring em on.
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