Archive for the ‘Detroit Tigers Baseball’ Category
Detroit Tigers Report: Scherzer gets Rocked in Spring Training
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on March 8th, 2010
For his second straight appearance, Max Scherzer got rocked. He gave up 5 runs in the first inning, got yanked and had control issues again. In an earlier post this Spring, I mentioned concerns about the starters in the 3rd, 4th and 5th spots. I know it’s only Spring Training, but without at least a solid 3rd starter, you can forget the Playoffs or battling the White Sox or Twins for the division.
On a side note, Dontrelle Willis has been ok in his outings in Lakeland, FL. He’s been better than both Bonderman and Scherzer. I’m not getting my hopes up, but the guy has always had serious talent. Maybe this year he can eat up some innings and start earning that big contract?
Baseball is here!
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on April 11th, 2009
For us folks who live in Michigan, baseball is a welcome sign in the spring. It means we can say hello to Spring and Summer and goodbye to the long winter. The Detroit Tigers held their home opener yesterday and un-ceremoniously bashed Texas Rangers’ pitching on the way to a 15-2 slaughter.
The win was their second of the season and after a few questionable moves by Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland in the season’s opening series in Toronto, the win was welcomed by Tigers’ fans at Comerica Park. The highlight of the game was an early Grand Slam by First Baseman and Slugger Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera is off to a fast start and he had a career high 6 RBI.
On the mound was Armando Galarraga and he pitched outstanding. He is looking more like the Tigers Ace and a real find via Trade from the Rangers (they could use him) 14 months ago. Today its the Rangers at home again at 1:05 for Easter Saturday. Justin Verlander takes the mound and lets hope he gets his early season jitters out of the way and starts pitching the old Verlander of 2006. He was absolutely shelled in the season opener in Toronto.
Detroit Tigers: Tiger Great George Kell Passes in Arkansas
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on March 28th, 2009
Long time Tiger Georg Kell passed away at the age of 86 in his home in Arkansas. George was a Hall of Fame third basemen for the Tigers and was a heck of a player. He edged out Ted Williams for the batting crown in 1949. He rarely struck out and consistently batted over .300.
Kell was a TV broadcaster for the Tigers from 1959 to 1996. He had a slight southern draw and he was a pleasure to listen to with his partner, another Tiger Great – Al Kaline. George was never flashy, but he called a solid game and had some funny sayings for sure.
When I heard George passed I remembered those hot summer nights watching the games with my grandma and listening to Kell and Kaline. I grew up with George Kell calling Tiger games, and what he did for the Tigers as a player and a broadcaster was something I appreciated.
George Kell was a great player, a great announcer and a great Detroit Tiger.
Detroit Tigers: Pitchers and Catchers Report
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on February 14th, 2009
Pitchers and catchers reported to preseason workouts in Lakeland, Florida today. This is exciting for a couple of different reasons: A) it means spring is coming and B) Tigers baseball is just around corner. I think the Tigers are going to be better this year. After last year’s surprising last place finish, I suppose the only way to go is up.
There are some interesting story lines this year, mostly to do with Pitching and Defense. I believe our offense is going to be just fine.
That said, here are 10 things I think we should to keep an eye on:
1) Who will be closer? Brandon Lyon or Fernando Rodney?
2) Who is going to fill the fifth spot in the rotation? Presumably, it will be one of the Lefties like Nate Robinson or Dontrell Willis. Will Willis return to form?
3) Can Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman make a comeback this year? Can they be the pitchers they were in 2006?
4) Will the bullpen be better? It was pretty much awful last year.
5) Can Joel Zumaya throw any amount of innings before blowing another part of his body up?
6) How is Curtis Granderson going to platoon the whole outfield? With Carlos Guillen in left and Magglio Ordonez in right, Granderson is going to have to make up for two guys who both have had their knees reconstructed.
7) Can Adam Everett bunt?
8) Is Gerald Laird the answer behind the plate? How is he going to adjust to a new pitching staff?
9) Can Jim Leyland pull another one out of his pack of Marlboros and lead us back to the playoffs?
10) What Tigers names are on the list of 103 that cheated by using Steroids and will MLB release this list after A-Rod was sold out?
I can’t wait for baseball to start this spring. I hope the Tigers can finish above the Kansas City Royals this year!
Detroit Tigers sign closer Brandon Lyon, releiver Scott Williamson
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on January 24th, 2009
The Tigers have signed a closer for the 2009-10 season – a need that had to be addressed from last year’s bullpen woes. Ex-Arizona Diamondbacks righty closer, Brandon Lyon has agreed to undisclosed terms – 1 year contract. He had a great first half of the season last year, posting 19 saves and a 2.43 ERA. Oddly, he had an awful second half. He finished the year with 26 saves to go with a 3-5 record and 4.70 ERA in 61 appearances.
I’m not sure Brandon Lyon is the answer to the closer issue, but he is a solid pitcher. He’s a clear upgrade from what they had before the signing for possible closer’s. It’s not clear that he will win or be handed the closer’s job, but I can’t see anyone else claiming the role at this point. Let’s hope he pitches like he did in the first half of the 2008 season.
With closer Todd Jones’ retirement from last year, the Tigers had a gaping hole in the bullpen closer’s role. They dabbled with Fernando Rodney last year at the position, but it was clear he could not cut it. Ideally, fireballer Joel Zumaya would have inherited this role, but with erratic behaviour and constant injuries, Zumaya is a question mark to even throw pitches every year.
They also signed right handed middle-late releiver Scott Willimason; a pitcher with decent career numbers, but has had issues with injuries. Williamson has 510 strikeouts, a 3.36 ERA, and 55 saves in 439.3 innings pitched. He once had a 98 mph power fastball, but underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2001. In his rookie season, Williamson went 12-7 with 107 strikeouts, a 2.41 ERA and 19 saves; made the All-Star team, and earned Rookie of TheYear honors.
Tigers Talking With Closer Brandon Lyon’s Agent
Posted by Joe in Detroit Tigers Baseball on January 20th, 2009
The Tigers bullpen was, how does one say – “AWFUL” last year. We have plenty of offense, but our middle and closing releif was literally non-existent last year. With the retirement of (a great Tiger) Todd Jones, we have a gaping hole for a closer. Can Brand Lyon be the answer?
I have not seen a ton of his games, and in fact have only seen him pitch once or twice.
Here’s some of his stats:
