Comments on: Game 77: Astros at Tigers

By: George

George — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:57:03 +0000

I wasn’t talking as much about Garner as much as I was talking about Berkman…and even Burke. Did you see the way he refused to swing at any of his pitches in the 9th? Just staring coldly at Grilli as Strike 3 (really, Strike 4) was called. yikes.

By: Jeff M

Jeff M — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 19:26:44 +0000

I guess I’m just a vengeful jerk

By: billfer

billfer — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 18:33:18 +0000

I actually wasn’t going for irony with Munson. I wanted to see him have a good game, but not at the expense of a Tigers W. Things worked out good!

By: Jeff M

Jeff M — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 18:24:25 +0000

I also love the fact that Munson hit the homer, but it didn’t really hurt…I hope he catches on somewhere and makes it back as a starter

I think you missed the irony when the others said that. Either that, or I invented the irony in my head.

Munson was infamous for his meaningless homers, so I think everyone was wishing the same fate on Houston.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:25:51 +0000

As far as Buckner’s concerned, he wasn’t very animated until the last 30 seconds or so, at which point it was really obvious that Garner was begging to get tossed. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were messing around with the yelling, saying stuff like “let’s put on a good show and pretend we’re yelling”.

did you see the smirk on buckner’s face when he finally tossed him? and Garner said as much, that he was trying to get tossed for the last 2-3 minutes of the argument, but Buckner wouldn’t oblige him. Inge also said he was cracking up watching the argument, because it was obvious what Garner wanted (to get tossed).

and I also love the fact that Munson hit the homer, but it didn’t really hurt…I hope he catches on somewhere and makes it back as a starter…I really liked him when he was here.

By: Jeff M

Jeff M — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 16:16:07 +0000

at one point I think they were 61-61; they go 10-30 the last 40 games. Only one explanation for this: they quit on the manager that didn’t stick up for them.

I think this is a huge oversimplification, but you’re bottom line is correct: they did quit on Tram and that was why he was fired. I don’t think anyone needed to explain this to Leyland though. I think he would have had the same “coniption fit” with any of his teams that were exerting less than 100%.

I was not a big supporter of having Trammell manage the Tigers….because I did not want fans lasting impression of him being a less-than-stellar manager.

The typical fan probably doesn’t look at it this way, but in my mind, it further cements his reputation as the ultimate team player. He sacrificed his good name on behalf of the organization in order to buy DD a few years to build the farm.

I hope he gets a chance to manage in the minors and work his way up, assuming that he wants that kind of responsibility. He may decide that he prefers to just coach.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 15:34:00 +0000

I was not a big supporter of having Trammell manage the Tigers. Not because of his inexperience, but because I did not want fans lasting impression of him being a less-than-stellar manager. I wanted him to be remembered for the great double plays he and Lou turned and for all of the good that he did for the organization.

You just knew it was not going to end well for Trammell when they announced hiring him as manager. It it a terrible thing to say about someone (because it should be a complement), but he was just too nice of a guy for the job.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 14:36:51 +0000

and another point – pure speculation on my part: this is why Trammell was let go. They bring Leyland in, tell him why. All undercover of course. The Tiges try to “backslide” there early on, and Leyland goes “ballistic” early in the year. Had that major coniption fit. Remember? That was the players’ test to see what kind of manager they had. They found out…. They played much better after that, and since. Of course, I have no proof of any of this, just the 3 brain cells of gray matter (that’s all that’s left) in that hollow between my ears.
And another aside to this: Trammell will never manage in the majors again (maybe he doesn’t want to), but everybody knows if you don’t stand up for your players…..well……..

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 13:51:23 +0000

part of a manager’s job is to stick up for his players. Even when they’re wrong, like in this case. He was out by half a step. When the player goes berserk-o, the manager must step in, not only to protect the player, but to keep the respect of his players. In my opinion, this is why Trammell lost his job. I still remember last year – I was watching this game, I think v the Yanks…their pitcher hits our very 1st batter in the 1st inning. Nothing else happens that half-inning. Our pitcher proceeds to throw his 1st pitch behind their 1st batter….the ump tosses him! But not the Yanks pitcher. Just ridiculous and not fair. So Trammell goes out there to have a “chat” with the ump. Actually, it’s time to get tossed. Something as blatantly unfair as that; you gotta stick up for your players. Yell, scream, wave the arms, make a fool of himself, that’s his job at that point. Gotta stick up for the team….Tram goes out there, hands in his back pockets, gets an explanation from the ump, MEEKLY accepts it, turns around and goes back to the dugout…not even a whimper. Didn’t even take his hands out of his pockets. I was appalled. HE DIDN’T STICK UP FOR THE TEAM. This was the week of July 4; I was at the folks house watching this. Shortly after, the Tiges tanked….at one point I think they were 61-61; they go 10-30 the last 40 games. Only one explanation for this: they quit on the manager that didn’t stick up for them. This is critically important for any team, knowing your manager will back you; will fight for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re wrong – the manager must be there with you. This is why Garner got himself thrown out; he had to make a point of sticking up for his team that still has a chance for the playoffs if they play decently.

By: Kyle J

Kyle J — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:48:14 +0000

My questions is this: What are the umpire and the manager actually yelling at each other when they get in each other’s faces. I mean it’s a simple question: was he safe or not? (In this case, the replay clearly showed he wasn’t.) But I assume they’re not just yelling back and forth, “He was safe! No he wasn’t! He was safe! No he wasn’t!”

Putting aside the precise nature of the conversation, Garner was clearly trying to get tossed to light a fire under the Astros. Didn’t work last night (except that Munson immediately hit the HR). Here’s hoping the fire isn’t lit tonight, either.

By: George

George — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:27:16 +0000

Man those Tigers! Sure there’s been a couple of problems, but you can’t argue with the sheer quantity of highs this team has already produced this season…

As for tomorrow’s game, all I’m saying is that Nate better be on his game. I have nothing but love for Robertson–he’s doing an outstanding job–but the Astros are mighty pissed, and I’ll bet they are planning a rather vengeful rally behind the Rocket tommorow. I hope the Tigers feel like playing a hard game…

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 01:29:55 +0000

I’d like to see Munson hit a meaningless home run

Is everyone happy now?

By: Tater

Tater — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 01:17:06 +0000

Billfer, be careful what you wish for on Munson! Let’s just hope the other part of your wish comes true, and that HR in fact proves to be meaningless.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 00:23:33 +0000

FYI, Tigers draft pick Nickerson is starting for OSU in the final game of the College World Series, happening right now.

By: Mark S.

Mark S. — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 00:20:38 +0000

Hey Guys, Up 5-1, 4 inn, this looks like a good one. Miner’s pitched out of some great jamups, including bases loaded one out in the first. WOW, they just need to keep up the good work. Look’s like Miner won’t be going back to the Miners any time soon.