Detroit Tigers 2013 Season - Page 7

RandyTiger · 04-27-2013, 12:46 AM

Tigers 10, Braves 0. [Boxscore]

Summary: Sanchez scalps helpless Braves in 17-K effort; Bats boom!

Pitching: Sanchez, once again, proved his value as he threw 8 innings, giving up just 5 hits and a walk while setting a new club record with 17 K's. [Video of all 17!] Masterful!

Rondon finished off the game with an inning, collecting a strikeout. Solid performance!

Offense: The bats finally came alive again as they smacked out 10 hits and drew 6 walks. I don't even know where to begin, there were so many good things happening here.

The big one tonight was Matt Tuiasosopo's 3-run jack to left in the 5th [video], his first of the season for the Cats. He went 2-4 with 5 (!) RBI. Perhaps they should play him a bit more than Kelly, eh?

Victor Martinez finally woke up with a resounding 3-5 effort tonight, whacking 2 doubles (4), driving in 2 (8). Cabrera went 2-4 with a double (5), and Infante collected his first double of the season.

Hunter collected 3 hits and Peralta added 2 as well.

All in all, terrific effort by the Tigers - and this is what many of us envisioned on paper before the season began: Monster offense and stingy pitching. Nice to have reality match up with expectations once in a while!

Next game: Braves @ Tigers, 1:08 Eastern. TV: Fox (national). Radio: 97.1 The Ticket. It will be Medlen vs. Porcello.

DamPenguin · 04-27-2013, 04:20 PM

Good win today for the Tigers (7-4 vs ATL)... big ups to Infante for playing like the player we expected to get back last year. And an even more big ups to the Potato who has skipped all his in-game theatrics (not sure if that's even a word) and looked very solid closing out the game. Porcello bounced back nicely and overall we have been "big-brothering" the Braves this series... hopefully this is what we'll do at least for 60% of the rest of the season.

CONN CHRIS · 04-27-2013, 04:28 PM

Our donkelly even had his first extra base hit since last July!

RandyTiger · 04-28-2013, 02:15 AM

Tigers 7, Braves 4. [Boxscore]

Summary: Solid effort from both sides of the team put Tigers on top; team improves to 12-10.

Pitching: Porcello turned in a solid performance as he earned his first victory of the season (1-2, 8.84 ERA), going 6.1 innings and giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. He also notched 5 punchouts.

The bullpen generally turned in a good performance: Smyly finished off the 7th, whiffing both hitters he faced, Benoit threw the 8th, surrendering a solo jack, and Valverde earned the save (2) with a flawless performance, striking out 2.

Offense: Today was Infante Day. The second-baseman went 3-4 with a 3-run HR in the 4th, a double (2) [video of both], and swiped third (1).

Other honorable mentions go to Peralta (1-4) with a 2-run HR in the 2nd (no video, sorry), and even the team's donkelly collected a double. As a matter of fact, every Tiger but Avila (who continues his season-long funk) got a hit.

Next game: Braves @ Tigers, 8:08 Eastern. (That's right, a NIGHT game on a SUNDAY... must be.... yup.) TV: ESPN. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

RandyTiger · 04-28-2013, 11:18 PM

Tigers 8, Braves 3. [Boxscore] Record: 13-10 (8-3 home).

Summary: Solid pitching and homers helps Tigers to sweep Braves on a nasty rain-soaked evening.

Pitching: Fister was his usual brilliant self, going a full 7, only permitting 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 hitting batters while whiffing 8. He improved to 4-0, 2.38 ERA. Apparently that pixie dust he was sprinkled with when he came over still works!

Alburquerque took over for the 8th, and man, he was all over the map tonight. :\ He walked 2, hit one, and had two wild pitches. Not his best outing, but at least he didn't give up any runs.

Jose Valverde took over after Big Al pitched to two batters in the 9th, and he was spot-on perfect. He's looking a bit like his 2011 self, and hopefully, he'll keep that up.

Offense: In the 3rd inning, Jackson slammed a 3-run homer (2) to left center, Infante added a solo shot to left (2, homers in consecutive games) in the 7th, and then Miggy, not to be left out of the action, slugged an opposite-field 3-run tater (3). Martinez also had a nice SF to center to score Miggy back in the 6th. Solid effort all-around by the Tigers.

Notes: The weather was a major factor in this game, made all the worse by the fact that it was an interleague game. If they called it, it would be next to impossible to find a make-up date, as these two teams do not play each other again this season, so they really had no choice but to keep it going.

Footing was a bit treacherous, and it was easy to tell outfielders had a tough time seeing the ball with all that water clouding their vision. The fact that no-one was injured seems like a minor miracle to me.

Next game: Monday, Twins @ Tigers, 7:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

RandyTiger · 04-29-2013, 09:18 AM

Lynn Henning has penned a good rundown on the current minor league prospects. Worth the read, if only to keep abreast on what's happening in the system.

CONN CHRIS · 04-29-2013, 09:09 PM

Way to answer the call Mr Fielder!

RandyTiger · 04-30-2013, 12:21 AM

Tigers 4, Twins 3. [Boxscore]

Summary: Longballs buoy Tigers past Twinkies in a squeaker.

Pitching. Scherzer dominated the Twins as he tossed 7.1 innings, striking out 10 [video] (his third 10+ strikeout game of the season, no less!) while giving up 3 runs on just 6 hits - and unusually for him, zero walks. Just a terrific performance!

He improves to 3-0, 4.02.

Smyly took over in the 7th and breezed right through the Twins lineup, not permitting one baserunner. He earned his 4th hold, and is 1-0 (1 save) with a 1.59 ERA.

Benoit pitched the last out in the 9th, taking just 2 pitches to retire the last Twinkie batter and earn his 2nd save of the season. He has no record and sports a nifty 2.31 ERA.

Hitting: The Big Cats had 7 hits and 3 walks - but were 1-6 with RISP, their big issue this year. Fortunately, two guys named Dirks and Fielder were around tonight. Dirks, playing left and batting 2nd (he hasn't played in some time due to nagging injury issues, the bane of his career so far), went 2-3 with a walk and a solo shot [video] (1) in the 3rd. Fielder accounted for winning runs with a 3-run blast [video] (6) in the 6th that landed in the Twins bullpen area at Comerica. Impressive slam, if you ask me.

Peralta, going 1-4, collected his fifth double of the season, while the team's donkelly went 1-3 with a triple (1). Otherwise, they didn't get much done, which is a testament to the Twins pitching staff.

And... Avila got a hit, his first in a week!

Let's hope this terrific guy has finally broke out of his slump and will start hitting like he's capable of doing.

Note: Sorry if the video links do not appear with the post until later, MLB.com/Tigers are extremely slow these days posting videos. :\

Next game: Tuesday, Twins @ Tigers, 7:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

RandyTiger · 04-30-2013, 06:01 AM

I was reading Lynn Henning's twitter feed and I read this amusing quote:

Quote:

Looks like Twins scouting report on Tigers was: Only if you mis-read the catcher's sign can you throw these guys a fastball.

Heh! About right - they're an extremely good fastball-slugging team.

Now if they would just hit with RISP... (pet peeve).

RandyTiger · 05-01-2013, 01:42 AM

Tigers 6, Twins 1. [Boxscore]

Summary: Cats bats, pitching sink Twins.

Pitching: Verlander continued to dominate batters as he went 7, surrendering only 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, punching out 8. He improves to 3-2, 1.83 ERA.

Smyly took over for the 8th, and pitched fairly well - 1 hit and a walk, striking out 1.

Alburquerque began the 9th, but after a balk, 2 walks, and one out (and generally being a tad wild), he was yanked in favor of Benoit, who was rock-solid (11 strikes in 12 pitches) with a K to slam the door shut.

Offense: These guys were simply electric, slamming the Twinkies with 13 hits and drawing 2 walks.

I'll start out with the homers. After Hunter doubled in the first, Miggy promptly clubbed a 371-foot dinger to right (4). What a way to roar out of the gate!

And then, in the second, Avila went the other way with a 388-foot solo shot (3). He's gotta be feeling good, a hit in 2 straight games. Maybe he is coming out of his funk!

In the 7th, with Miggy aboard, the Prince deposited a 376-foot tater in right (7).

In the doubles category, Hunter (8) and Martinez (5) each slugged one.

Every Tiger starter had at least 1 hit, with Victor Martinez grabbing 3 to boost his average to .221. Fielder hit 2 (.301 average), and Dirks 2 (.218). Team's heating up.

They've won 5 in a row, and their record stands at 15-10 (10-3 home). Matter of fact, their 15-10 record is their best in April since 2006, Skipper's first year with the team.

And... Miggy continues to show he's extremely special as he set a Tigers record with 28 RBIs for the month. Fielder has 27. o.O Man, these boys are... no words can describe this duo.

Placido Polanco (remember him?) has the team record for the most hits (27) in April, and guess what? Miggy and Torii Hunter tied that tonight.

(Record stats are courtesy of Tom Gage.)

This team is rocking, and any pitching staff that isn't quaking their boots when they face them are absolute fools. There's not a more dangerous quartet right now than Jackson, Hunter, Miggy, and the Prince.

Next game: Twins @ Tigers, 1:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

CONN CHRIS · 05-01-2013, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

Placido Polanco (remember him?) has the team record for the most hits (27) in April, and guess what? Miggy and Torii Hunter tied that tonight.

There's a name I miss! Great roll they are on.

RandyTiger · 05-01-2013, 10:20 AM

Roster moves:

- LHP Phil Coke to 15-day disabled list retroactive to 4/26 with a left groin strain.

- RHP Jose Ortega recalled from Toledo.

- OF Avisail Garcia has been recalled from his rehab assignment in Lakeland (A), reinstated from the disabled list, and optioned to Toledo.

Roster section of initial post updated.

CONN CHRIS · 05-01-2013, 10:57 AM

Does anyone know where Colin Kaline is now? Injured? Out of baseball? He is not currently on any of Detroit's minor league rosters from what I can tell. He played with the Whitecaps last year.

He doesn't seem to have much if any future in professional baseball and probably wouldn't have even had the chance he had if his last name were different but I was just curious.

RandyTiger · 05-01-2013, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

Does anyone know where Colin Kaline is now? Injured? Out of baseball? He is not currently on any of Detroit's minor league rosters from what I can tell. He played with the Whitecaps last year.

He doesn't seem to have much if any future in professional baseball and probably wouldn't have even had the chance he had if his last name were different but I was just curious.

You're correct, he hasn't played this year - for anyone, and there's no indication where he's gone.

His Twitter feed hasn't been used since February 18th.

On the off-chance Tom Gage knows, I dropped him a line. Hopefully, he'll respond. I'll keep you posted.

cephasjames · 05-01-2013, 07:39 PM

This story links to an interesting video breakdown of Verlander picthing.

RandyTiger · 05-01-2013, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cephasjames

This story links to an interesting video breakdown of Verlander picthing.

Wow, that's just nasty. No wonder he's no blasted effective when he's in the groove. Thanks for posting that!

RandyTiger · 05-02-2013, 12:06 AM

Twins 6, Tigers 2. [Boxscore]

Summary: Tigers struggle on both ends in loss.

Pitching: Sanchez didn't do all that bad when you look at the numbers: 6 innings, 5 hits and 2 walks leading to 3 runs. He even notched 9 whiffs.

On the tube, he didn't look all that sharp or efficient, and another number bears that out: 115 pitches (75 strikes). Yet... beats me how a guy can look sharp on paper, but a bit unfocused on television. Maybe it's just me. *shrug* His record fell to 3-2, 1.82. Still stellar. But strange outing.

Bruce Rondon took over in the 7th. He gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks in 1/3 of an inning, tossing 17 pitches, 5 of which were for strikes. He was sent back down to Toledo after the game for some more baking, he's clearly not ready yet. I'll cover the move in another post.

Darrin Downs took over from Rondon, but he wasn't too sharp, giving up a solo shot in the 8th. Line: 1.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 K.

Ortega, the new guy up from Toledo, was lights-out! He threw the 9th, getting 2 K's.

Offense: Well, the Twins starter, Diamond, has had good success against Detroit, and he continued that streak. He had a no-hitter going until the 5th, when Peralta singled. Unfortunately, that was the end of the line there as Peralta was caught stealing (1) in a VERY sloppy and awkward attempt shortly afterward. He slid way too early and didn't even reach the bag. That kind day all around.

The Tigers collectively garnered 4 hits and a walk off him in 6 innings. They weren't horrendous today by any means, they just couldn't get the bats going.

Amongst the hits, Jackson collected his 5th double, and Miggy his 7th on a 2-3 day, both in the 6th inning when they scored their only runs of the game.

Next game: Tigers @ Astros, 8:10 Eastern. TV:FS-D+ (FS-D will be showing the Wings playoff game at the Ducks). Radio: WXYT 1270.

RandyTiger · 05-02-2013, 12:08 AM

Roster move:

- RHP Bruce Rondon sent down to Toledo for more shake-and-baking.

- RHP Luke Putkonen recalled from Toledo. He's 1-0, 2.16 (1.18 WHIP) in 16.2 innings, with 16 punchouts.

Roster updated.

CONN CHRIS · 05-02-2013, 09:56 AM

Houston provides a golden opportunity to make it three series wins in a row. Let's go Kitties!

RandyTiger · 05-03-2013, 04:26 AM

Tigers 7, Astros 3. (14) [Boxscore]

Summary: Offensive barrage in 14th gives Cats a win.

Pitching: As games go, this one wasn't bad at all. Porcello threw well, going 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits (2 homers) while whiffing 7. Pity he didn't get the win, because he threw well enough for one.

The bullpen was absolutely stellar as they threw the remaining 7, allowing just 2 walks and a hit, punching out 11 Astros. That would be awesome for a starting pitcher, let alone a bullpen as shaky as the Tigers has been. Here's a brief rundown on each pitcher, in order of appearance.

- Ortega. Innings: 2. K's: 3. Wow, this kid continues to impress in his callup.
- Benoit. Innings: 2. K's: 3. Walks 1. Solid!
- Downs. Innings: 2/3. Punchouts: 1.
- Putkonen. Innings: 2.1. Whiffs: 4. Walks: 1. Anyone think we got a good deal, Coke for Putkonen?

Impressive. Good thing they had him, they really didn't have anyone else available. The donkelly probably would have had to pitch if things had gone on much longer.

Kudos to you boys for proving your worth!

Offense: Them kitties didn't have much success or punch against the Astro's pitching staff. While they banged out 15 hits and 6 walks, (regulation game: 12 hits, 4 walks), they simply couldn't deliver the runners home, as they went 7-16 with RISP, their usual bugaboo this season. They also whiffed an astounding 18 times!

Out of those 15 hits, only 4 extra-base hits, all doubles... and 2 of them in the 14th. The Astros staff did very well.

The 14th was a different matter: 3 hits (2 doubles), 2 walks, 4 runs.

Jackson had the most hits despite whiffing 4 times, going 3-7 with a double (6). Miggy went 2-5 with 2 walks, both singles, and he also collected his 1,000th hit as a Tiger. Yes, already. This guy is something special!

The donkelly went 2-3 with a double (2), and he singled in the winning run with the bases loaded in the 14th. He's turning out to be a valuable bench guy.

Peralta was 2-6 with a hat trick in K's. Infante 1-6 with a two-bagger (3).

Matt Tuiasosopo deserves honorable mention for his double (2) in the 14th that drove in 2 insurance runs.

The person with the worse game? Avila: 0-3, with 3 K's and a walk. Wonder what's wrong with the guy? He's been in a funk for a long, long, long time. (If you count last year as a funk that is; I do.) Either something ain't right with him, or scouts have discovered some glaring weakness that opposing teams are exploiting to handcuff him. Either way, it needs to be fixed.

The Tigers were lucky to come away with this one.

Next game: The Furry Ones @ Astros, 8:10 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

04-27-2013, 04:28 PM	#123
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,057	Our donkelly even had his first extra base hit since last July! __________________ Check Out My Cards!

04-28-2013, 11:18 PM	#125
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 8, Braves 3. [Boxscore] Record: 13-10 (8-3 home). Summary: Solid pitching and homers helps Tigers to sweep Braves on a nasty rain-soaked evening. Pitching: Fister was his usual brilliant self, going a full 7, only permitting 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 hitting batters while whiffing 8. He improved to 4-0, 2.38 ERA. Apparently that pixie dust he was sprinkled with when he came over still works! Alburquerque took over for the 8th, and man, he was all over the map tonight. :\ He walked 2, hit one, and had two wild pitches. Not his best outing, but at least he didn't give up any runs. Jose Valverde took over after Big Al pitched to two batters in the 9th, and he was spot-on perfect. He's looking a bit like his 2011 self, and hopefully, he'll keep that up. Offense: In the 3rd inning, Jackson slammed a 3-run homer (2) to left center, Infante added a solo shot to left (2, homers in consecutive games) in the 7th, and then Miggy, not to be left out of the action, slugged an opposite-field 3-run tater (3). Martinez also had a nice SF to center to score Miggy back in the 6th. Solid effort all-around by the Tigers. Notes: The weather was a major factor in this game, made all the worse by the fact that it was an interleague game. If they called it, it would be next to impossible to find a make-up date, as these two teams do not play each other again this season, so they really had no choice but to keep it going. Footing was a bit treacherous, and it was easy to tell outfielders had a tough time seeing the ball with all that water clouding their vision. The fact that no-one was injured seems like a minor miracle to me. Next game: Monday, Twins @ Tigers, 7:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket. Last edited by RandyTiger; 04-29-2013 at 05:48 AM. Reason: Added video links.

04-29-2013, 09:09 PM	#127
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,057	Way to answer the call Mr Fielder! __________________ Check Out My Cards!

04-30-2013, 12:21 AM	#128
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 4, Twins 3. [Boxscore] Summary: Longballs buoy Tigers past Twinkies in a squeaker. Pitching. Scherzer dominated the Twins as he tossed 7.1 innings, striking out 10 [video] (his third 10+ strikeout game of the season, no less!) while giving up 3 runs on just 6 hits - and unusually for him, zero walks. Just a terrific performance! He improves to 3-0, 4.02. Smyly took over in the 7th and breezed right through the Twins lineup, not permitting one baserunner. He earned his 4th hold, and is 1-0 (1 save) with a 1.59 ERA. Benoit pitched the last out in the 9th, taking just 2 pitches to retire the last Twinkie batter and earn his 2nd save of the season. He has no record and sports a nifty 2.31 ERA. Hitting: The Big Cats had 7 hits and 3 walks - but were 1-6 with RISP, their big issue this year. Fortunately, two guys named Dirks and Fielder were around tonight. Dirks, playing left and batting 2nd (he hasn't played in some time due to nagging injury issues, the bane of his career so far), went 2-3 with a walk and a solo shot [video] (1) in the 3rd. Fielder accounted for winning runs with a 3-run blast [video] (6) in the 6th that landed in the Twins bullpen area at Comerica. Impressive slam, if you ask me. Peralta, going 1-4, collected his fifth double of the season, while the team's donkelly went 1-3 with a triple (1). Otherwise, they didn't get much done, which is a testament to the Twins pitching staff. And... Avila got a hit, his first in a week! Let's hope this terrific guy has finally broke out of his slump and will start hitting like he's capable of doing. Note: Sorry if the video links do not appear with the post until later, MLB.com/Tigers are extremely slow these days posting videos. :\ Next game: Tuesday, Twins @ Tigers, 7:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket. Last edited by RandyTiger; 04-30-2013 at 05:26 AM. Reason: Added video links.

05-01-2013, 01:42 AM	#130
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 6, Twins 1. [Boxscore] Summary: Cats bats, pitching sink Twins. Pitching: Verlander continued to dominate batters as he went 7, surrendering only 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks, punching out 8. He improves to 3-2, 1.83 ERA. Smyly took over for the 8th, and pitched fairly well - 1 hit and a walk, striking out 1. Alburquerque began the 9th, but after a balk, 2 walks, and one out (and generally being a tad wild), he was yanked in favor of Benoit, who was rock-solid (11 strikes in 12 pitches) with a K to slam the door shut. Offense: These guys were simply electric, slamming the Twinkies with 13 hits and drawing 2 walks. I'll start out with the homers. After Hunter doubled in the first, Miggy promptly clubbed a 371-foot dinger to right (4). What a way to roar out of the gate! And then, in the second, Avila went the other way with a 388-foot solo shot (3). He's gotta be feeling good, a hit in 2 straight games. Maybe he is coming out of his funk! In the 7th, with Miggy aboard, the Prince deposited a 376-foot tater in right (7). In the doubles category, Hunter (8) and Martinez (5) each slugged one. Every Tiger starter had at least 1 hit, with Victor Martinez grabbing 3 to boost his average to .221. Fielder hit 2 (.301 average), and Dirks 2 (.218). Team's heating up. They've won 5 in a row, and their record stands at 15-10 (10-3 home). Matter of fact, their 15-10 record is their best in April since 2006, Skipper's first year with the team. And... Miggy continues to show he's extremely special as he set a Tigers record with 28 RBIs for the month. Fielder has 27. o.O Man, these boys are... no words can describe this duo. Placido Polanco (remember him?) has the team record for the most hits (27) in April, and guess what? Miggy and Torii Hunter tied that tonight. (Record stats are courtesy of Tom Gage.) This team is rocking, and any pitching staff that isn't quaking their boots when they face them are absolute fools. There's not a more dangerous quartet right now than Jackson, Hunter, Miggy, and the Prince. Next game: Twins @ Tigers, 1:08 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket. Last edited by RandyTiger; 05-01-2013 at 01:46 AM. Reason: Fixed vid links.

04-27-2013, 12:46 AM	#121
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 10, Braves 0. [Boxscore] Summary: Sanchez scalps helpless Braves in 17-K effort; Bats boom! Pitching: Sanchez, once again, proved his value as he threw 8 innings, giving up just 5 hits and a walk while setting a new club record with 17 K's. [Video of all 17!] Masterful! Rondon finished off the game with an inning, collecting a strikeout. Solid performance! Offense: The bats finally came alive again as they smacked out 10 hits and drew 6 walks. I don't even know where to begin, there were so many good things happening here. The big one tonight was Matt Tuiasosopo's 3-run jack to left in the 5th [video], his first of the season for the Cats. He went 2-4 with 5 (!) RBI. Perhaps they should play him a bit more than Kelly, eh? Victor Martinez finally woke up with a resounding 3-5 effort tonight, whacking 2 doubles (4), driving in 2 (8). Cabrera went 2-4 with a double (5), and Infante collected his first double of the season. Hunter collected 3 hits and Peralta added 2 as well. All in all, terrific effort by the Tigers - and this is what many of us envisioned on paper before the season began: Monster offense and stingy pitching. Nice to have reality match up with expectations once in a while! Next game: Braves @ Tigers, 1:08 Eastern. TV: Fox (national). Radio: 97.1 The Ticket. It will be Medlen vs. Porcello.

04-27-2013, 04:20 PM	#122
DamPenguin All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 605	Good win today for the Tigers (7-4 vs ATL)... big ups to Infante for playing like the player we expected to get back last year. And an even more big ups to the Potato who has skipped all his in-game theatrics (not sure if that's even a word) and looked very solid closing out the game. Porcello bounced back nicely and overall we have been "big-brothering" the Braves this series... hopefully this is what we'll do at least for 60% of the rest of the season.

04-28-2013, 02:15 AM	#124
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 7, Braves 4. [Boxscore] Summary: Solid effort from both sides of the team put Tigers on top; team improves to 12-10. Pitching: Porcello turned in a solid performance as he earned his first victory of the season (1-2, 8.84 ERA), going 6.1 innings and giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. He also notched 5 punchouts. The bullpen generally turned in a good performance: Smyly finished off the 7th, whiffing both hitters he faced, Benoit threw the 8th, surrendering a solo jack, and Valverde earned the save (2) with a flawless performance, striking out 2. Offense: Today was Infante Day. The second-baseman went 3-4 with a 3-run HR in the 4th, a double (2) [video of both], and swiped third (1). Other honorable mentions go to Peralta (1-4) with a 2-run HR in the 2nd (no video, sorry), and even the team's donkelly collected a double. As a matter of fact, every Tiger but Avila (who continues his season-long funk) got a hit. Next game: Braves @ Tigers, 8:08 Eastern. (That's right, a NIGHT game on a SUNDAY... must be.... yup.) TV: ESPN. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

04-29-2013, 09:18 AM	#126
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Lynn Henning has penned a good rundown on the current minor league prospects. Worth the read, if only to keep abreast on what's happening in the system.

05-01-2013, 10:20 AM	#132
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Roster moves: - LHP Phil Coke to 15-day disabled list retroactive to 4/26 with a left groin strain. - RHP Jose Ortega recalled from Toledo. - OF Avisail Garcia has been recalled from his rehab assignment in Lakeland (A), reinstated from the disabled list, and optioned to Toledo. Roster section of initial post updated.

05-01-2013, 10:57 AM	#133
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,057	Does anyone know where Colin Kaline is now? Injured? Out of baseball? He is not currently on any of Detroit's minor league rosters from what I can tell. He played with the Whitecaps last year. He doesn't seem to have much if any future in professional baseball and probably wouldn't have even had the chance he had if his last name were different but I was just curious. __________________ Check Out My Cards!

05-01-2013, 07:39 PM	#135
cephasjames Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,736	This story links to an interesting video breakdown of Verlander picthing. __________________ 5000+ Generic Logos Free for the Taking FREE: Uniforms and logos for 500+ teams spanning 1871-present Great Lakes League: 10 Conferences, 100 Teams Pre-OOTP 23 Custom Cap & Jersey Template v3.0 by Deft and NoPepper (with layers from other various artists) that I use: Caps, Jerseys

05-02-2013, 12:06 AM	#137
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Twins 6, Tigers 2. [Boxscore] Summary: Tigers struggle on both ends in loss. Pitching: Sanchez didn't do all that bad when you look at the numbers: 6 innings, 5 hits and 2 walks leading to 3 runs. He even notched 9 whiffs. On the tube, he didn't look all that sharp or efficient, and another number bears that out: 115 pitches (75 strikes). Yet... beats me how a guy can look sharp on paper, but a bit unfocused on television. Maybe it's just me. shrug His record fell to 3-2, 1.82. Still stellar. But strange outing. Bruce Rondon took over in the 7th. He gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks in 1/3 of an inning, tossing 17 pitches, 5 of which were for strikes. He was sent back down to Toledo after the game for some more baking, he's clearly not ready yet. I'll cover the move in another post. Darrin Downs took over from Rondon, but he wasn't too sharp, giving up a solo shot in the 8th. Line: 1.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 K. Ortega, the new guy up from Toledo, was lights-out! He threw the 9th, getting 2 K's. Offense: Well, the Twins starter, Diamond, has had good success against Detroit, and he continued that streak. He had a no-hitter going until the 5th, when Peralta singled. Unfortunately, that was the end of the line there as Peralta was caught stealing (1) in a VERY sloppy and awkward attempt shortly afterward. He slid way too early and didn't even reach the bag. That kind day all around. The Tigers collectively garnered 4 hits and a walk off him in 6 innings. They weren't horrendous today by any means, they just couldn't get the bats going. Amongst the hits, Jackson collected his 5th double, and Miggy his 7th on a 2-3 day, both in the 6th inning when they scored their only runs of the game. Next game: Tigers @ Astros, 8:10 Eastern. TV:FS-D+ (FS-D will be showing the Wings playoff game at the Ducks). Radio: WXYT 1270.

05-02-2013, 12:08 AM	#138
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Roster move: - RHP Bruce Rondon sent down to Toledo for more shake-and-baking. - RHP Luke Putkonen recalled from Toledo. He's 1-0, 2.16 (1.18 WHIP) in 16.2 innings, with 16 punchouts. Roster updated. Last edited by RandyTiger; 05-02-2013 at 12:12 AM. Reason: Added Putkonen's stats.

05-02-2013, 09:56 AM	#139
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,057	Houston provides a golden opportunity to make it three series wins in a row. Let's go Kitties! __________________ Check Out My Cards!

05-03-2013, 04:26 AM	#140
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers 7, Astros 3. (14) [Boxscore] Summary: Offensive barrage in 14th gives Cats a win. Pitching: As games go, this one wasn't bad at all. Porcello threw well, going 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits (2 homers) while whiffing 7. Pity he didn't get the win, because he threw well enough for one. The bullpen was absolutely stellar as they threw the remaining 7, allowing just 2 walks and a hit, punching out 11 Astros. That would be awesome for a starting pitcher, let alone a bullpen as shaky as the Tigers has been. Here's a brief rundown on each pitcher, in order of appearance. - Ortega. Innings: 2. K's: 3. Wow, this kid continues to impress in his callup. - Benoit. Innings: 2. K's: 3. Walks 1. Solid! - Downs. Innings: 2/3. Punchouts: 1. - Putkonen. Innings: 2.1. Whiffs: 4. Walks: 1. Anyone think we got a good deal, Coke for Putkonen? Impressive. Good thing they had him, they really didn't have anyone else available. The donkelly probably would have had to pitch if things had gone on much longer. Kudos to you boys for proving your worth! Offense: Them kitties didn't have much success or punch against the Astro's pitching staff. While they banged out 15 hits and 6 walks, (regulation game: 12 hits, 4 walks), they simply couldn't deliver the runners home, as they went 7-16 with RISP, their usual bugaboo this season. They also whiffed an astounding 18 times! Out of those 15 hits, only 4 extra-base hits, all doubles... and 2 of them in the 14th. The Astros staff did very well. The 14th was a different matter: 3 hits (2 doubles), 2 walks, 4 runs. Jackson had the most hits despite whiffing 4 times, going 3-7 with a double (6). Miggy went 2-5 with 2 walks, both singles, and he also collected his 1,000th hit as a Tiger. Yes, already. This guy is something special! The donkelly went 2-3 with a double (2), and he singled in the winning run with the bases loaded in the 14th. He's turning out to be a valuable bench guy. Peralta was 2-6 with a hat trick in K's. Infante 1-6 with a two-bagger (3). Matt Tuiasosopo deserves honorable mention for his double (2) in the 14th that drove in 2 insurance runs. The person with the worse game? Avila: 0-3, with 3 K's and a walk. Wonder what's wrong with the guy? He's been in a funk for a long, long, long time. (If you count last year as a funk that is; I do.) Either something ain't right with him, or scouts have discovered some glaring weakness that opposing teams are exploiting to handcuff him. Either way, it needs to be fixed. The Tigers were lucky to come away with this one. Next game: The Furry Ones @ Astros, 8:10 Eastern. TV: FS-D. Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.