Granderson And Jackson Part Of Three-Way Deal

Posted on December 8, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

                                         

Have
you ever been told someone you knew, or possibly loved, was about to
die? You began to ready yourself emotionally for the inevitable. 
Unfortunately, when the time arrived, you found that all the mental
preparation had been useless. There was still disbelief, pain, and
sorrow. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how well you think you prepared, you find in the end that you were not.

You may think my example leans toward the extreme. Possibly it does.
But, I saw how the fans reacted to the Granderson/Jackson trade.

Really, it had come as no surprise. Days ago the Tiger’s had said
Granderson could easily be part of a future deal. So then, why the
shock? I suppose it is because as humans we always hope that what we
fear most will never come to pass. Even when we are given the time to
prepare for an eventuality such as this, we procrastinate. We will deal with it later. Right now, we don’t want to hear it. Many thought it would never happen.

If you haven’t heard about the three-way deal that took place today – here’s the skinny:

  • The Detroit Tigers will send CF Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees and RHP Edwin Jackson to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • In return, the Tigers will get LHP Phil Coke and OF Austin Jackson from the Yankees.
  • Detroit will also get RHP Max Scherzer and LHP Daniel Schlereth from the Diamondbacks.
  • In addition to Jackson, Arizona will get RHP Ian Kennedy from New York.

It will be some time before we know whether this deal will be
beneficial to any of the teams involved. Certainly, as a Detroit fan, I
think the Yankees got the best of this one, and that is why it hurts as
it does.

Curtis Granderson isn’t just a solid centerfielder. He is a good,
decent guy who became an ambassador for the game of baseball. He is an
eloquent speaker who took the time to help the community, most notably
through his organization Grand Kids Foundation.

He became a part of our extended family.

Now, it is time to say good-bye to him and Edwin Jackson. They will
become part of another city’s extended family. Their presence will be
felt in another community, and another group of fans will call them
their own. Good-bye and best wishes for continued success. Detroit fans
will miss you.

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Amid Rumors The Tigers Sign Everett

Posted on December 7, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

If separating truth from rumor is a normal part of the winter
meetings, then consider the first day a normal day. Trades, rumors of
trades, and deals close at hand dotted the emotional landscape in
Indianapolis. To find an example of the frenzy you need look no farther
than early this afternoon. During a conversation overheard in a
corridor, came the rumor that the Detroit Tigers had reached a deal
with the New York Mets for pitcher Edwin Jackson. That turned out to be
untrue. Then, as quickly as that was laid to rest, word shot out that
the Tigers were close to a deal with the Yankees for Curtis Granderson,
and (yes, once again) Edwin Jackson.

Winter meetings. You gotta love them.

The Tigers were able to make two deals that will reach into next
season. They re-signed shortstop Adam Everett to a one-year, 1.55
million dollar deal. When it comes to plate appearances, Everett batted
a paltry .238. But, it is at short where he is needed most, and where he shines the most. His fielding percentage is .969. He has turned 70
double-plays, has had 161 put-outs, and he has 282 assists.

Earlier it was announced that a deal had been inked with Brad
Thomas, a left-handed pitcher. Thomas played the last two years in
Korea.

The Tigers also traded pitcher Clay Rapada to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later, or for cash considerations.

Over the next few days, expect some big news as the Tigers appear to be up for just about anything.

The winter meetings will continue tomorrow.

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Tigers And Twins Play A Tiebreaker/Heartbreaker

Posted on October 7, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

I have seen many stories online, in the paper and heard countless more on
the sports channel. All of them have touched upon a myriad of problems
that caused the Detroit Tigers to suffer their biggest defeat in the
club’s history (and in Major League Baseball). Yes, no team was up by
three games with four games left and then lost the division.

But, selfishly, I don’t care about that.

I don’t care that Brandon Inge was robbed of a base by a bad call from
an umpire. I don’t care that Magglio couldn’t get a runner to score
when it was his turn to bat. I also don’t care that Zach Miner probably
never should have been brought in to relieve Rick Porcello. I don’t
care that Fernando Rodney should have been relieved long before the
twelfth inning.

No, I don’t care about the particulars – anymore. I did last night.
Last night I applauded the spectacular plays, and I fretted over the
bad plays. Today, I only care about how I feel in the wake of that
defeat.

During baseball season, the Tigers become an integral part of my days and
nights. I watched all 162 (+1) games that the 2009 Detroit Tigers played.
I blogged. I tweeted. I updated my thoughts on Facebook. I internalized
their victories and losses alike – until last night’s loss. It was unlike any other. That loss was much worse.

The Detroit Tigers were, in many ways, fortunate to be in first place. But, in spite
of the issues that plagued them, I truly thought that they would find
something (anything) within their collective baseball soul that would
propel them to win the division.

They didn’t.

This team let me down. Period.

But, as we all know, there is no crying in baseball, and now is the time to look ahead to 2010. That team will be different. In which ways, I don’t know. They WILL
be different though. They have to be. There will be some aspects that
we will recognize, some that we won’t. The changes may make them better
– or not.

One thing is for certain. In 2010, this baseball fan will
watch 162 Detroit Tigers games (and a 163rd if that happens). Also,
this baseball fan will tweet, blog and post his thoughts on Facebook.
This fan will internalize every win and every loss. THIS is certain.

Just like the baseball fans of the Mudville nine, who got to watch
another Casey come to bat, and hit a home run to win the game, I will be back. Joy, too, eventually came back to Mudville.

At least, I like to think it did.

It will come back here, also.

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Chicago White Sox, 8 Detroit Tigers 0

Posted on October 3, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

*** UPDATED ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2009 ***

The Detroit Tigers were shut out last night by the Chicago White Sox,
8-0. Once again, Detroit failed to pull together a victory in these
last days of the 2009 baseball season. On the other hand, the Minnesota
Twins handily beat the Kansas City Royals 10-7, to gain a game on the
Tigers.

The Tiger’s offense, failing to show up for this one, managed to eke out three hits.

I don’t think you need me to tell you that this has become more than
just a small problem. Early in the season it was the pitching staff
that put a number of games into the win column. Unfortunately, pitching
is now becoming a problem for the Tigers, too.

Last night, Edwin Jackson gave up 8 earned runs in only five innings.
He pitched to five batters in the sixth, and he was unable to record an
out. Casey Fien entered the game in relief to give up two more runs
that were charged to Jackson’s account.

Tonight’s game is a big one (and, I don’t say that lightly). Manager
Jim Leyland is betting on the rookie Alfredo Figaro to win tonight’s
game. He is also expecting the offense to light up White Sox pitcher
Freddy Garcia.

Here is tonight’s Detroit Tiger’s lineup:

CF Curtis Granderson
2B Placido Polanco
RF Magglio Ordonez
1B Miguel Cabrera
LF Carlos Guillen
DH Aubrey Huff
3B Brandon Inge
C Gerald Laird
SS Adam Everett

As I conclude this post, the Twins/Royals game has finished. The Twins were able to pull out a victory over Zach Greinke, 5-4.

It has now become that much more critical that the Tiger’s win tonight!

*** UPDATE SUNDAY OCTOBER 4, 2009 ***

Going into today’s game, the Detroit Tiger’s have found themselves in the unfortunate position of being tied for first place with the Minnesota Twins.

A win this afternoon, coupled with a Twins loss, would have assured the Tiger’s their first divisional title in 22 years.The Tiger’s were able to hold up their end of that bargain. They beat the White Sox, 5-3.

Too bad the Twins didn’t get the memo. They beat the Royals (who put up a decent fight) to remain in a dead heat for the Central Division title.

The two victories mean that a division-deciding game will be played at 5:07ET on Tuesday, October 6, in Minnesota.

The entire season has come down to this one game.

Look for Rick Porcello on the mound for Detroit. He will face the Twin’s Scott Baker.

Stay tuned. This one is going to be good!

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The Heat Is On

Posted on October 1, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

I don’t know where to begin. The Detroit Tigers should have been able
to clinch a Central Division title this afternoon. Instead, the game
quickly got away, and got out of hand. The Minnesota Twins stalled the
Tigers celebrations by beating them, 8-3.

The Tigers fell behind quickly and were unable to recover.
Starter Nate Robertson, who was tagged with the loss, gave up four runs
and nine hits. Denard Span also walked after being hit by a pitch.
Casey Fien and Bobby Seay were each responsible for two runs that added
to the Twins total. However, the inability to clinch a title that is within their grasp,
will not be the story that you see on your evening news.

The story will
be about two teams playing an ugly game of bean-ball.

Intentionally throwing at a batter is sometimes a part of the game. But, today it was an unnecessary distraction.

Things began to deteriorate in the seventh inning.

After reaching base on an error, Ramon Santiago was doubled off of first.
Santiago, who had taken his primary lead, was called out
for failing to tag back up on Miguel Cabrera’s fly ball out. It was a
terrible call. One that the replays showed was inaccurate.

In the bottom of the eighth, Jim Leyland was ejected. I am not sure
why. I believe it was because he was arguing the earlier call on
Santiago. Then, Adam Everett saw a Jose Mijares pitch sail behind him.
(Marcus Thames, earlier in the game, was buzzed twice.)

In the top of the ninth, Jeremy Bonderman nailed Delmon Young on the
first pitch. Young threw off his helmet, and it appeared that he was
going to charge the mound. Instead, he yelled something into his own
dug out and both benches cleared. Immediately following, Bonderman was
tossed, along with Gerald Laird.

Although there weren’t any punches thrown, it was still a messy loss for Detroit.

When I envisioned players on the field, I did so with an impending
celebration in mind. This was not what any of us had in mind.

Now, as the Tigers head into the final series of the season against Chicago, their magic number remains at 2.

They still need one victory coupled with a Minnesota loss in order to
clinch. There are only three games left. Is this too tall an order for
Detroit to fill?

Tomorrow night’s pitching match-up features Edwin Jackson against Jake
Peavy. Peavy you will recall was really good when we last faced him.
Hopefully he won’t be as sharp this time around.

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Detroit’s Magic Number Is At 4!

Posted on September 30, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Minnesota went into the first game of a doubleheader with a two-game
lead over Detroit. A first game 3-2 win, in 10 innings, put the Twins
right at the front door. They were knocking. The Twins wanted in.
Detroit had other plans, and pitching ace Justin Verlander figured
prominently in those plans. Behind a season high 129 pitches, Verlander
secured his 18th win of the year, 6-5. The victory pushed Minnesota
back toward the steps of the front porch. The Tigers regained their
two-game lead in the Central, and the magic number is now at four. At
least for now, the Twins can not touch the door.

Tonight’s game is equally big. Jim Leyland will give the ball to Eddie
Bonine. He is 0-1 with a 4.60 ERA, and a 1.47 WHIP. He will face Carl
Pavano, who has a 13-11 record, 4.86 ERA, and a 1.35 WHIP.

Bonine pitched brilliantly on Friday night against the Chicago White
Sox. Can he duplicate that performance tonight? The stakes are higher,
much higher than they were four days ago. My biggest concern is whether
he will be able to hold it together long enough while a struggling
offense gets geared up.

On the other hand, Carl Pavano has been masterful against the Detroit
Tigers. This season, he boasts a 4-0 record against Detroit. He has
only allowed 7 earned runs. Will he continue to dominate Detroit in a
place where the Tigers typically rule?

Once again, exciting and meaningful baseball is being played in
Detroit. Biting your nails, pacing, and heart palpitations are a part
of this. Those are the symptoms of pennant fever. It is what we asked
for, it is what we welcome.

Under other circumstances, we would cringe. But, not so tonight.

GO TIGERS!

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Looking To Gain Ground

Posted on September 28, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

Tonight is a big, big night in the baseball town of Detroit, Michigan.
The Detroit Tigers (83-72) are planning to put more distance between
them and the Minnesota Twins (81-74) at Comerica Park. It is a four
game series that will have all of the excitement and thrills of playoff
baseball. Heck, it is pretty much like a playoff series. Even the
weather in Detroit today feels like playoff weather.

The Tigers, up by two games, are looking for their first ever Central Division title. Tonight, they need to put the hurt
on a Twins team that has steadily kept pace this season. A win will put
them on solid footing going into the three remaining games.

Don’t forget that this is a team that has played exceptionally well at home in 2009. Let’s go and get ’em!

Tonight’s pitching match up features Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.14 ERA,
1.35 WHIP) against Nick Blackburn (11.11, 4.18 ERA, 1.41 WHIP).

UPDATE!

Tonight’s game with the Minnesota Twins has been postponed because of
rain. The game will be made up at 12:05ET tomorrow (Tuesday, September
29) as part of a day/night doubleheader. Tickets from tonight’s game
will be honored for the first game only.

Porcello/Blackburn will pitch in the first game. Verlander/Duensing will duel in the nightcap.

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The Tiger’s Magic Number is SIX

Posted on September 27, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond


(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

They made it through the weekend series with Chicago relatively unscathed.

The Detroit Tigers lost two out of three games to the White Sox, but
remain two games on top of Minnesota, who lost to the Royals today,
4-1.

Last night’s come-from-behind victory, 12-5, was big. Huge. It even caused a usually mild (sarcasm intended) Ozzie Guillen to go on a rant during the post game press conference.

But, what a difference a day makes. The effort this afternoon fell a little short (as much as we had hoped it wouldn’t). Detroit lost, 8-4.

The Twins have kept pace with the Tigers. Unfortunately, they are not going away any time soon. By the way, they lost this afternoon, too, amidst our collective sigh of relief.

“They’re just not losing,” Detroit manager Jim Leyland
said. “They’re putting good pressure on us. If you handle it right,
it’s good pressure. If you handle it wrong, it’s bad pressure.”

As the “magic” number to clinch their first ever Central
Division title fell to six, the biggest series of the year loomed just over the horizon. Beginning tomorrow night in Detroit is a
crucial four games series with the Twins.

“It’s a very
crucial time,” Inge said. “I would say as close to a playoff game as
you can get without actually being a playoff game, so you just have to
go out there and have some fun with it.”

Buckle up,
kiddies. Here we go. The next four games will decide the division. By
Thursday, we will know the direction we are heading. I’m ready for
this. I hope you are, too.

It doesn’t get better than this!

GO TIGERS!!

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The Magic Number Shrinks

Posted on September 20, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

The
past several weeks have caused many a die-hard Tigers fan to question
what had appeared imminent just a few weeks ago – could the Tigers win
the pennant? By the time they had finished playing Tampa Bay, Detroit
was sitting in the catbird seat. The division title was within sight.
The magic number countdown had begun, and it was all just a matter of
time.

At that time, I cautioned everyone about becoming overly excited.
First, the Tigers had to get past the Kansas City Royals. The Royals
are always a royal pain in the butt, and the Detroit Tigers were swept.
Following that series, they split with the Blue Jays, went on to lose
two of three with the Royals (again) at Comerica Park, and then
traveled to the Metrodome to lose the series there.

It has been rough, to say the least. Heading into this afternoon’s game
with the Twins, the seven game lead had dwindled to just two.

Nate Robertson, who has been trying to get into the rotation, had a
chance today to show he deserves a starting role. If this was a test,
he passed. Robertson only allowed two earned runs over five innings,
and the Tigers won, 6-2.

Placido Polanco had a 3-RBI day, and Ryan Raburn helped the effort with a solo home run in the eighth.

As big as it was to win today, the Tigers are still not out of the
woods. Detroit has a three game lead, and the magic number falls to 11, but the remainder of the schedule
features their AL Central rivals. Detroit has only won four of their
last 13 games.

Can they win the division? Absolutely. Will it be easy to do?
Absolutely not. The offense still has to pick it up in these last
games. That seems to be the biggest hurdle for them.

But, there is still something to be said about not running away with
the division. It keeps us (the fans) into the game in a more focused
way. Don’t you find yourself hanging on every pitch, every single,
every stolen base? I do.

Also, in a strange way, I feel good complaining about their losses,
because I feel exponentially better when they win. It’s the ups and
downs of a pennant race. The Detroit Tigers are in the thick of it. I
would rather have it this way. I have seen the alternative. I didn’t like it.

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Pennant Fever Heats Up In Detroit

Posted on September 1, 2009 by mlblogsskiponsecond

I love the month of September. This is the month that the heat of summer days transitions to the coolness of autumn nights, as we welcome the autumnal equinox.

Because of this, the sun hangs a little differently in the sky, creating an easement between summer, and the harshness of a mid-western winter. The leaves begin to change their colors, and there is naturally created beauty among the displayed shadows on the ground. But, that isn’t all.

Excitement is in the air, too. Can you feel it?

For Detroiters, the thrill of a pennant race, and the possibility of getting into another World Series.

The Detroit Tigers are on top of the American League Central. They are 3 and 1/2 games in front of the Twins (who look like they will be our main rival), and six in front of the White Sox.

It looks as though the White Sox have raised the white flag of surrender, of which I have mixed emotions. It is nice that they unloaded Jim Thome (a Tigers killer) to the Dodgers, and Jose Contreras, too, but I really wanted something to get me riled during this heated race. The White Sox were the team I loved to hate, and I feel cheated.

The Twins will be formidable. They are a solid team, and they will cause us grief down the stretch.

The remainder of the Tigers schedule is packed with White Sox and Twins games, and other Central Division rivals.

Being a part of September’s “run for the roses” will be fun, and exciting!

The Detroit Tigers expanded their roster, and some new “old” names are on the list;

Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman, pitcher Eddie Bonine, pitcher Casey Fien, catcher Dusty Ryan, outfielder Wilkin Ramirez, infielder Michael Holliman (placed on the 60-day DL), and the Tigers purchased the contract of shortstop Brent Dlugach.

Carlos Guillen has been heating up lately, and Placido Polanco, too. Both men add a little extra punch to this team.

Although pitching hasn’t been a big problem this season, I’m concerned about Jarrod Washburn’s seeming inability to become the pitcher we thought we were getting. Yesterday’s loss showed us that he needs to turn things around – immediately.

Armando Galarraga will be back with the team on Saturday, everyone is hoping he’ll continue to get better on the mound, and Verlander will need production from the line-up to get the wins for the Tigers.

 

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