Comments on: Game 40: Twins at Tigers

By: Kyle J

Kyle J — Fri, 19 May 2006 20:22:32 +0000

It may not be luck. Billfer, when you get some downtime, could you examine his career and see if Jones’ shaky outings correlate with the games where he inherited multi-run leads?

I did a quick and dirty analysis just on Jones’ game log from last year. I assumed that he finished the game in all his appearances, so that the run margin when he entered was a function of the final score and the number of runs he gave up. I defined a “shaky outing” as allowing two or more baserunners (hits plus walks). Nearly all of his outings were one inning or one inning and a fraction, so I think this is fair.

When his team was behind, he had shaky outings in 46.7% of outings (7 of 15)
When his team was ahead by one run, he had shaky outings in 15.4% of outings (2 of 13)
When his team was ahead by two runs, he had shaky outings in 20.0% of outings (3 of 15)
When his team was ahead by three runs, he had shaky outings in 7.1% of outings (1 of 14)
When his team was ahead by four or more runs, he had shaky outings in 18.2% of outings (2 of 11)

Hard to make a judgement here. He was clearly better with a lead than when his team was behind–but the size of the lead didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Probably hard to pick out much given that he had a very good year last year. He only gave up a run in 3 out of 53 outings in which he came in with a lead.

By: Matt in Toledo

Matt in Toledo — Fri, 19 May 2006 15:26:07 +0000

Did anybody see the home run Polanco hit? I noticed Yahoo! said the wind was blowing out to left at 15 mph, and I was wondering if he actually tagged one or if it might have been “wind assisted”. It would be nice if he started coming around, since he seems to be pretty well cemented in that two spot.

By: Joey (the other Joey. Joey C.)

Joey (the other Joey. Joey C.) — Fri, 19 May 2006 14:45:21 +0000

Maroth was interviewed during the game on Wednesday and he talked about moving a step over on the rubber as per the advice of The Gambler. He clearly believed that this has made a difference and is one of the reasons he’s off to such a great start.

I was definitely not one of the people defending Trammell last year and I’m glad that he’s was moved out in favor of Leyland (obviously). That being said I think we should give him and his staff some credit for the work they did with Robertson, Maroth, and especially Bonderman. I think Bob Cluck is a good pitching coach and I don’t think we’d be in the shape we are now without his effort.

Also…

WE HAVE BEST RECORD IN THE LEAGUE!!!

By: Joey

Joey — Fri, 19 May 2006 04:45:39 +0000

I think the starting pitching has been better because we have two pitching coaches, Chuck Hernandez and Kenny Rogers. Everytime they show him in the dugout when he is not pitching he is talking to Mike, Bondo, Nate or JV. I think he has been a great addition on and off the mound.

On a side note I think Troy Percival deserves mad respect for working as an advance scout for the Tigs and not just lounging at home collecting his paycheck. What a standup guy.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 19 May 2006 02:47:11 +0000

Thanks for all the feedback. I was born and raised in Detroit; so of course was (and still am) a Tigers fan. Given that I live in the Chicago area now; keeping up with (and today PASSING) the White Sox is amazing!!!

I really liked Tram as a player; and felt his 43-119 season was unfortunate given what he inherited. I did expect more out of last year’s club, though. I place some blame on the players. It seems they need more of a disciplinarian to kick their a** from time to time instead of the easy-going Trammell approach. I would have thought these guys were beyond that. But… it looks like there’s more to it than that.

I’m thrilled with the Tigers’ success so far; and will keep reading for the insight from Detroit.

By: billfer

billfer — Fri, 19 May 2006 02:44:18 +0000

Downtime, what’s that

Chris M - I agree about Rogers

Steve - Thanks. You’re right about the balance of this team. That should be an upcoming post.

Marshall - I defended Trammell more than I probably should have, mostly because I thought a lot of the criticism was unfair. That business about not planning for the upcoming season is unfathomable.

By: Jeff M

Jeff M — Fri, 19 May 2006 02:31:08 +0000

Luckily, most of Jones’ shaky outings have come when he had a margin for error.

Ite may not be luck. Billfer, when you get some downtime, could you examine his career and see if Jones’ shaky outings correlate with the games where he inherited multi-run leads?

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 19 May 2006 01:51:19 +0000

There are a lot of little things that the Tigers are doing this year that seem to have an impact on their play. This has brought some confidence out in them that has been lacking and that has caused them hang in there and battle. They are almost like the Buffalo Sabres. No great stars but everyone doing their part to put up W’s and the wins just keep on coming. I am interested in seeing them this weekend vs the Red’s.

Bilfer… Love this Blog,

Steve

By: Kyle J

Kyle J — Fri, 19 May 2006 01:12:25 +0000

I know this topic has already been beaten to death, but Jones does concern me. Here are the WHIPs of our three top relievers:

Jones: 1.58
Rodney: 0.94
Zumaya: 0.98

Luckily, most of Jones’ shaky outings have come when he had a margin for error. I just worry that the shaky outings are going to cost us at some point.

But not much Leyland can do at this point. Here’s hoping Jones’ performance picks up.

By: chris m

chris m — Thu, 18 May 2006 22:12:43 +0000

Though there is no way to ‘prove’ this, I would also say that Rogers deserves some kudos for the improvement of the starters.