Detroit Tigers 2014 Season Thread

[r0nster]

welcome and the Game is on now so I am looking forward to catching a few newcomers

[RchW]

What's with the Tiger TV crew? They talk about 2 of 3 challenges going against the Tigers. Replay got the calls right. Is that not what people want?

Of course they are nowhere near as bad as the Chisox idiots.

[r0nster]

NOT a big fan of replay and even the MLB said it is a flawed plan and it even failed them twice in two different games... Same in NFL when they use it in Lions games too. Umpires and referees seem to have a bias against the Detroit teams LOL. oh well cant win them all anyways they will win 60 and lose 60 now you gotta worry about the 40

[RandyTiger]

White Sox 3, Tigers 1. [Boxscore]

Summary: Lack of offense and replay calls sink Tigers.

Pitching: Sanchez was running along on a cruise setting, spinning a solid game, until he ran into the 7th inning from hell which cost him 2 runs.

Two consecutive doubles (the second one was a ground-rule RBI double that was upheld on a review challenge from Ausmus), followed by a Dunn whiff, another RBI double, and then a Ramirez single that scored Viciedo (aided in part by a Davis throwing error). Initially, Viciedo was called out at home, but an official review overturned the call. All in all, it was a messy inning for Sanchez.

His final line for the loss comes to 3 runs on 5 hits (4 doubles) and a walk over 6.1 IP. He struck out 5.

- Season line: 0-2, 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, with 22/9 K/BB in 20.1 IP.

Krol was inserted into the game with 1 out in the 7th and had issues from the start, committing a balk and hitting De Aza before settling down to retire the final two batters of the inning. At least he didn't allow any further runs.

- Season line: 0-0, 4 Holds, 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, with 5/0 K/BB in 6.1 IP.

Reed took over for the 7th, tossing a brilliant 1.1 innings and striking out 2.

- Season line: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, with 5/1 K/BB in 7.1 IP.

Miller finished off the game with a solid 2/3 of an inning, allowing no further hi-jinks from the White Sox.

- Season line: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.38 WHIP, with 1/0 K/BB in 2.2 IP.

Offense: Granted, John Danks is a terrific pitcher, and the White Sox bullpen performed very well in this one, but it's still no excuse for the pitiful way the Boys performed.

They had no issues with getting on base with 9 hits and 4 walks, the problem was that they could not score, stranding 10 on 0-10 hitting with RISP. They even had a bases-loaded situation in the 2nd, and only came away with one lousy run.

Watching this game uncomfortably reminded me of last year's struggles with scoring runs, a pattern which seems to be repeating itself.

Here's how they did:

Davis: 1-4 (.294), SB (7), BB (4).
- Walk and SB in the 1st; Single in the 7th.

Kinsler: 1-5 (.309), GIDP (2).
- Single in the 5th; GIDP in the 7th.

V. Martinez, 1-4 (.304), Double (2).
- Double in the 3rd.

Hunter: 2-4 (.264), Double (3), RS (7).
- Single and RS in the 2nd; Double in the 8th.

Jackson: 1-3 (.309), BB (8).
- Walk in the 2nd; Single in the 6th.

Castellanos: 1-3 (.261), BB (4).
- Walk in the 2nd; Infield single in the 4th (challenged on replay, call upheld).

Avila: 1-4 (.175), Double (3), LIDP (2nd GIDP), RBI (1).
- RBI ground-out in the 2nd; Lined into double play in the 4th (Castellanos doubled off 1B); Ground-rule double in the 9th. [Video of RBI ground-out]

Romine: 1-3 (.261).
- Single in the 7th.

J. Martinez: BB (1).
- (Pinch-hit for Romine), Walk in the 9th.

Defense: Errors, 2: Jackson (3), fly-ball, 1st inning; Davis (1), throw in the 7th.

Double plays, 1: 5-4-3 (Castellanos-Kinsler-Cabrera) in the 1st.

SB allowed/attempted: 1/1 (Sanchez-Avila) in the 3rd.

Next game:Tuesday, April 23rd: Chicago White Sox (10-10, 4-6 Away) @ Detroit (9-7, 7-4 Home), 7:08 Eastern.

Projected starters: Charlie Leesman (0-0, 1.69 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (2-1, 2.08 ERA).

(Initial reports that Rienzo would start this one were incorrect.)

CWS TV: WCIU. Radio: WSCR 670, 97.5 ESPN Deportes
Detroit TV: FS-D+. Radio: WXYT 1270.
Subscription TV: MLBN.

Divisional standing: 1st place by 1 game over Chicago, Minnesota, and Kansas City.

[RandyTiger]

Injury update:

Luke Putkonen had an MRI performed on his right elbow, and the scan revealed no damage. Rest and medication were prescribed.

[RandyTiger]

Some interesting facts about the Tigers' new ways of Grand Theft Stolen Base, courtesy of the Detroit Tigers PR Twitter feed:

The Tigers 16 steals in April are tied for the 10th most in club history and are the most since the 1999 team stole 21 bases in April.

and...

Rajai Davis now has 7 steals this season. His 7 steals in April are the most by a Tigers player since Juan Encarnacion stole 7 in 1999.

Keep that larceny up, boys!

[r0nster]

Do you think new school working better than old school for the Tigers at this point ???? my answer is NOPE not yet at least

[RandyTiger]

This is a little off-topic (but relevant) for the Tigers, but on-topic for baseball in general, and something to think about, from the Detroit Tiger page at MLB Trade Rumours:

One executive told Rosenthal that the increase in extensions for younger players is due to the lack of overall talent in today’s game. With so few impact performers, teams are more compelled than ever to lock them up through their prime. As an example, that executive pointed to this year’s draft class, noting that NC State shortstop Trea Turner might be the only college shortstop selected in the Top 250.

Certainly puts the numbers we've seen bandied around into perspective, plus the sense that there just isn't as much talent as there was, say, 20 years ago. Oh, to be sure, we've got players that stack up with genuine HoF'ers, such as Miggy, but overall... well, guess it's a matter of perspective.

On the Tigers, I think they've only got 4 real impact players that can change a game simply by their presence on the field:

Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer.

Oh, to be sure, there are exceptional players such as Kinsler, Jackson, or Hunter that can change a game, but they're not in the same class as the above four.

Looking at the Tiger farm system, I'd say that executive has a point. Outside of three or four players with serious potential, it's hard to get excited about any of those guys.

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by r0nster

Do you think new school working better than old school for the Tigers at this point ???? my answer is NOPE not yet at least

I don't think anyone is comparing "old school" with "new school" style of play - it's simply observations about a dimension of the Tigers we haven't seen in quite some time. I, for one, am enjoying watching this brand of baseball, even if there are some hiccups at the moment.

Swift runners stealing bases beats a fat slugger with a bad attitude any day, far as I'm concerned.

[r0nster]

I agree with you that the talent level in baseball as deminished quite a bit over the last few years in which is the reason why i think MLB is looking to the international pool to fill the gap ... hense more far eastern players and latin american players I suspecting soon we will dip into Austrailian and European pools too

I have to admit i wasnt a fan of getting rid of Fielder at all for kinsler a 1 for 1 trade NOT good and i thought it hurt the team more than helpped although i do see the 2 reasons for it one being money and two constello at 3b rookie (spelling) My first though ohh no to Texas he is gonna have a banner year since thats HR friendly park i thought 40 HRs here we go

Right now i am in a wait and see mode with them Tigers and it be interesting to see how the new players we got pan out over the season

[r0nster]

The announcers and news report from the Tigers itself called Asmus the new school style manager when they hired him and they called Leland old school. Thats why i brought it up

[RandyTiger]

Just out of curiosity, I decided to compare the hitting numbers of Kinsler and Fielder - not trying to prove anything or argue, just a comparison to satisfy my stats itch, ha. Plus, I wanted to see how the trade was working out for both sides.

Kinsler: 68 AB's, .309 average, .342 OBP, .798 OPS, 12 runs, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 7/4 K/BB, 3 SB.
Fielder: 73 AB's, .205 average, .341 OBP, .697 OPS, 10 runs, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 11/14 K/BB, 0 SB.

WAR ratings (for whatever that's worth):

Kinsler: 0.8.
Fielder: -0.4

Defensive errors:
Kinsler: 0.
Fielder: 2.

[r0nster]

stats cant be debated LOL and right now you are absolutely correct for Kinsler does show the advantage out of the gate

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by r0nster

The announcers and news report from the Tigers itself called Asmus the new school style manager when they hired him and they called Leland old school. Thats why i brought it up

If putting the "new school" label on Ausmus means he makes better use of resources and stats and doesn't bat The donkelly in the clean-up spot, then so be it.

Never been one for labels, anyway.

Besides, you can't really compare Ausmus and Leyland - they are two completely different people with different styles. I like what I've seen of Ausmus so far. Leyland was okay, but I grew tired of his rambling and evasions near the end, plus some of his tactical decisions rankled, but that's armchair managing for you, ha.

[r0nster]

well thats why we got OOTP so we can literaly armchair Manage LOL

[RandyTiger]

Tigers 8, White Sox 6. [Boxscore]

Summary: Bats roar and bullpen falters.

Pitching: Verlander had a high old time playing, ahem, "cat-and-mouse" with the Sox, limiting them to 2 runs on 8 hits (double, homer) and 2 walks over a 119-pitch (73 strike), 7 inning start. [Overview of start]

He whiffed 7 with some very sharp 12-6 curveballs, sliders, and an absolutely devastating circle change that drove the lefties mad. It was fun to watch him. He earned the win for this one.

Interesting stat: JV now ranks 13th on the Tigers all-time innings list with 1,805 IP.

- Season line: 3-1, 2.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, with 27/12 K/BB's in 33.0 IP.

Alburquerque took over for the 8th, and... well, the best that can be said is that he limited the damage to just 1 run after he allowed a one-out walk, 2 consecutive singles, and a sacrifice fly.

(I just don't get this guy. One game he's untouchable and sharp as all get out, the next he's like a little-leaguer throwing in a AAA game. This kind of inconsistency drives a die-hard fan nuts!)

- Season line: 1-0, 1/1 SV/Opp, 2 Holds, 5.40 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, with 4/2 K/BB in 6.2 IP.

Coke entered in at the top of the 9th, and he appeared to be cruising along with 2 consecutive strikeouts. And then... disaster struck as it frequently does with him.

A double, followed by an RBI single, then a 2-run HR happened. Ausmus decided enough was enough and yanked Coke, giving him a final line of 3 runs allowed on 3 hits in 2/3 of an inning.

- Season line: 0-0, 1 Hold, 13.50 ERA, 2.25 WHIP, with 2/1 K/BB in 4.0 IP.

Chamberlain was summoned, and the first thing he did was to walk Viciedo. Visions of another bullpen loss loomed as Jeff Jones slowly walked out to visit Joba while Nathan furiously loosened up in the 'pen.

Chamberlain got Ramirez to line-out to LF to end the game, earning a save.

Antacids, anyone?

- Season line: 0-1, 1/1 SV/Opp, 2 Holds, 4.05 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, with 11/2 K/BB in 6.2 IP.

Offense: Whoo-wee, the bats came alive, with every single Cat getting a hit - collectively, 15 hits (8 extra base hits, no less!) and 3 walks. They stranded 10 on 5-18 hitting with RISP. (5-18... *grumbles*)

Here's the very long list:

Davis: 2-5 (.304), Double (1), RS (11), RBI (6).
- Single and RS in the 3rd; RBI double in the 5th. [Video of RBI double]

Kinsler: 2-4 (.319), 2 Doubles (6), BB (5), 2 RS (14), 2 RBI (13).
- Double and RS in the 1st; 2-run double and RS in the 3rd; Walk in the 4th; Reached on E-5 in the 8th. [Video of 2-run double]

Cabrera: 3-5 (.235), Double (6), HR (2), RS (4), 3 RBI (10).
- RBI double in the 1st; 2-run HR to RF (369 feet) in the 3rd; Single in the 8th. [Video of RBI double] [Video of HR]

V. Martinez: 1-5 (.295), Double (3), RS (5).
- Double and RS in the 3rd.

Hunter: 1-5 (.259).
- Single in the 6th; Reached on FC (Kinsler out at home) in the 8th.

J. Martinez: 1-4 (.250), SB (1), BB (2), RS (1).
- Walk in the 3rd; Infield single, SB, RS in the 5th.

Castellanos: 1-3 (.265), Double (3), SF (1), RBI (9).
- RBI SF in the 3rd; Double in the 7th. [Video of SF RBI]

Avila: 3-4 (.227), Double (4), CS (2), RS (5), RBI (2).
- Single and CS in the 2nd; Single in the 3rd; RBI double and RS in the 5th. [Video of RBI double]

Romine: 1-3 (.269), BB (6), RS (4).
- Single and RS in the 3rd; Walk in the 5th.

Defense: Double plays, 2: 6-4-3 (Romine-Kinsler-Cabrera), 2nd inning; 6-3 (Romine-Cabrera), 4th inning.

Next game: Wednesday, April 23rd: Chicago White Sox (10-11, 4-7 Away) @ Detroit (10-7, 8-4 Home; season series, 1-1), 7:08 Eastern.

Projected starters: RHP Andre Rienzo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Drew Smyly (1-1, 4.00 ERA).

CWS TV: CSN+. Radio: WSCR 670, 97.5 ESPN Deportes.
Detroit TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

Divisional standing: 1st place by 1 game over KC.

[RandyTiger]

With just a little over 10% of the season done, here's how the offensive players are doing:

Name             BA    OPS  RS  2B  3B  HR  RBI  SB  K/BB
Avila           .227  .638   5   4   0   0   2    0  21/6
Cabrera         .235  .709   4   6   0   2  10    0  16/6
Castellanos     .265  .776   4   3   0   2   9    0   9/4
Davis           .304  .760  11   1   0   1   6    7   9/4
Holaday         .222  .444   1   0   0   0   0    0   2/0
Hunter          .259  .761   7   3   0   3  10    1   7/2
Jackson         .309  .846   7   4   1   1   7    1  13/8
Kelly           .313  .853   2   1   1   0   1    0   3/1
Kinsler         .319  .845  14   6   0   2  13    3   7/5
J. Martinez     .250  .750   1   0   0   0   0    1   0/2
V. Martinez     .295  .845   5   3   0   3   7    1   2/6
Romine          .269  .675   4   0   0   0   0    3   8/6

The only Tiger in the top 5 of any offensive category is Davis, whose 7 SB ranks him 4th in the AL.

[CONN CHRIS]

It was great to see Cabrera's bat wake up!


This bull pen is unbelievable.

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

It was great to see Cabrera's bat wake up!

This bull pen is unbelievable.

It sure was - he's been pulling pitches to LF instead of going the opposite way, and last night, just started poking them to the right side. I think he'll quickly catch up to the leaders.

They're gonna have to make a decision on Coke fairly soon, especially with the guys they have at Toledo just chomping at the bit to get up to the Big Club.

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

It sure was - he's been pulling pitches to LF instead of going the opposite way, and last night, just started poking them to the right side. I think he'll quickly catch up to the leaders.

They're gonna have to make a decision on Coke fairly soon, especially with the guys they have at Toledo just chomping at the bit to get up to the Big Club.

They let Alex Gonzales go after three weeks of "bad" play - I'm assuming because they had someone waiting to take his place - but they don't let go of Coke? There has to be at least 3-4 young guys who can screw games up as bad as him or do better.