Comments on: Mid Week Thoughts http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/ News, views, and analysis on the Detroit Tigers and baseball Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:06:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Thomas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-21012 Thomas Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:40:44 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-21012 I can see them using Rogers in 2 and 6. He has been just lights out at home, so moving him out would be wierd. He pitches like that, and we have a easy 2, if it goes at least 6. Verlander would be a good game 4. Rookie, no real experence, and looked a little shakey in his last start. Then your choice to start in what town. Bonderman or Robertson. Robertson starts the series, like normal, and Bonderman in St. Louis? Becuase if it goes 7, Bonderman has been known to go lights out at home. Ask the Yankees. I like a Robertson-Rogers-Bonderman-Verlander lineup. I can see them using Rogers in 2 and 6. He has been just lights out at home, so moving him out would be wierd. He pitches like that, and we have a easy 2, if it goes at least 6. Verlander would be a good game 4. Rookie, no real experence, and looked a little shakey in his last start. Then your choice to start in what town. Bonderman or Robertson. Robertson starts the series, like normal, and Bonderman in St. Louis? Becuase if it goes 7, Bonderman has been known to go lights out at home. Ask the Yankees. I like a Robertson-Rogers-Bonderman-Verlander lineup.

]]> By: Sean Carroll http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20895 Sean Carroll Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:39:56 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20895 Yes, Kyle J, I suppose I might use Verlander in long relief if the starter was getting hammered badly in the first couple innings, say if the Tigers were down 7 runs right away. But I could just as well use Ledezma here. In your scenario of Tigers down 4-2 in the 3rd inning of Game 7, starter looking really, really bad, I'll assume the other team is still at bat and threatening. In this situation, I would not pull the starter no matter who it was unless they had a complete meltdown, walking 3 consecutive batters, giving up 3 home runs in a row, something like that. In this case a situational reliever like Walker or Grilli is called to get the Tigers out of the inning, and after that, well... it depends what the Tigers do at the plate in the bottom half. If the Tigers make it a game again, I can see putting Verlander in as the "do over" starter, sure, and then I'd want him in there through the 8th inning if he was getting it done. So it's the Cardinals. They worry me more than the Mets would have, the way they snuck off with the NLCS. I would have preferred the Tiges beating yet another New York team with big bats, questionable pitching, and a tendency to choke. Fortunately, I don't think it matters to the Tigers. Yes, Kyle J, I suppose I might use Verlander in long relief if the starter was getting hammered badly in the first couple innings, say if the Tigers were down 7 runs right away. But I could just as well use Ledezma here.

In your scenario of Tigers down 4-2 in the 3rd inning of Game 7, starter looking really, really bad, I’ll assume the other team is still at bat and threatening. In this situation, I would not pull the starter no matter who it was unless they had a complete meltdown, walking 3 consecutive batters, giving up 3 home runs in a row, something like that. In this case a situational reliever like Walker or Grilli is called to get the Tigers out of the inning, and after that, well… it depends what the Tigers do at the plate in the bottom half. If the Tigers make it a game again, I can see putting Verlander in as the “do over” starter, sure, and then I’d want him in there through the 8th inning if he was getting it done.

So it’s the Cardinals. They worry me more than the Mets would have, the way they snuck off with the NLCS. I would have preferred the Tiges beating yet another New York team with big bats, questionable pitching, and a tendency to choke. Fortunately, I don’t think it matters to the Tigers.

]]> By: Nate A http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20889 Nate A Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:08:08 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20889 Here's hoping Miller is only in town to pitch batting practice. Since the Mets lost, it looks like his inclusion in the WS roster is even less likely. Suits me just fine. He might be a good prospect and be great someday, but for now we've only seen how many batters he can walk. I prefer Bondo-Rogers-Verlander-Robertson for a rotation, but the Bondo-Rogers-Robertson-Verlander isnt terrible either. I'd really like to keep Rogers pitching at home, tho I admit keeping Bonderman at home also means his 0 for 19(12 strikeouts) history at the plate doesn't come into play. None of the others are any better, but at least they've got a better contact rate. Still, I don't think that aspect of these games will factor in that much. Here’s hoping Miller is only in town to pitch batting practice. Since the Mets lost, it looks like his inclusion in the WS roster is even less likely. Suits me just fine. He might be a good prospect and be great someday, but for now we’ve only seen how many batters he can walk.

I prefer Bondo-Rogers-Verlander-Robertson for a rotation, but the Bondo-Rogers-Robertson-Verlander isnt terrible either. I’d really like to keep Rogers pitching at home, tho I admit keeping Bonderman at home also means his 0 for 19(12 strikeouts) history at the plate doesn’t come into play. None of the others are any better, but at least they’ve got a better contact rate. Still, I don’t think that aspect of these games will factor in that much.

]]> By: Kyle J http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20866 Kyle J Fri, 20 Oct 2006 01:59:51 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20866 Supposed to start raining hard in NY at about 11:00. Wouldn't mind seeing the Cardinals and Mets have to wait around and play the game past midnight. Supposed to start raining hard in NY at about 11:00. Wouldn’t mind seeing the Cardinals and Mets have to wait around and play the game past midnight.

]]> By: Kyle J http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20864 Kyle J Fri, 20 Oct 2006 01:58:31 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20864 You use Verlander in game 7 if the starter's getting beat up early. If they're down 5-0, it might make not much difference (but you'd pull out all the stops anyway). If they're down, say, 4-2 in the 3rd and it's clear the starter doesn't have it, wouldn't you rather bring a fresh Verlander in instead of Ledezma or Grilli? You use him for three innings or so and then go to Rodney/Zumaya/Jones. You use Verlander in game 7 if the starter’s getting beat up early. If they’re down 5-0, it might make not much difference (but you’d pull out all the stops anyway). If they’re down, say, 4-2 in the 3rd and it’s clear the starter doesn’t have it, wouldn’t you rather bring a fresh Verlander in instead of Ledezma or Grilli? You use him for three innings or so and then go to Rodney/Zumaya/Jones.

]]> By: Sean Carroll http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20855 Sean Carroll Fri, 20 Oct 2006 01:12:46 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20855 I almost agree with Coach Jim that leaving the rotation as it has been would be fine - except that I think opening the ALCS and ALDS away played a part in setting it (or perhaps just leaving it) that way. That is, Leyland knew that it would be hard to come out of New York with even one win, and wanted the best stoppers in place for the home games. I almost agree with johnw that the rotation hardly matters, with the Tigers having the upper hand in pitching no matter what. But it does matter, of course, if only because one of the starters will start just one game. I can't imagine a situation where it would make sense to bring on Verlander in relief in Game 7, unless the starter was injured early. Don't the Tigers have enough righty flame-throwers in the bullpen already? For me, the fun in trying to play Jim Leyland here is seeing if I can think like a manager rather than a fan. For instance, as a fan, I can imagine where starting Rogers in Game 1 would be an "honor" and a "reward" that might "inspire" him. As a manager, though, I would hate to not have him available for Game 6 (especially) or 7. In part because - and here I might be thinking too much like a fan again - of how he performed in the 2 previous "homecoming" games. Does anyone think that Leyland would pitch leftys two games in a row? I've gathered that this is highly unlikely, but wouldn't it be just like him to throw such a curve? In that case, I could see Robertson and Rogers for Games 1 and 2. I haven't got a clue about how the no-DH thing might affect the rotation, maybe even use of the bullpen, and wouldn't mind hearing some thoughts on this from someone who does. I'd prefer (slightly) to see the Tigers play and beat the Mets, for what it's worth. I almost agree with Coach Jim that leaving the rotation as it has been would be fine – except that I think opening the ALCS and ALDS away played a part in setting it (or perhaps just leaving it) that way. That is, Leyland knew that it would be hard to come out of New York with even one win, and wanted the best stoppers in place for the home games.

I almost agree with johnw that the rotation hardly matters, with the Tigers having the upper hand in pitching no matter what. But it does matter, of course, if only because one of the starters will start just one game.

I can’t imagine a situation where it would make sense to bring on Verlander in relief in Game 7, unless the starter was injured early. Don’t the Tigers have enough righty flame-throwers in the bullpen already?

For me, the fun in trying to play Jim Leyland here is seeing if I can think like a manager rather than a fan. For instance, as a fan, I can imagine where starting Rogers in Game 1 would be an “honor” and a “reward” that might “inspire” him. As a manager, though, I would hate to not have him available for Game 6 (especially) or 7. In part because – and here I might be thinking too much like a fan again – of how he performed in the 2 previous “homecoming” games.

Does anyone think that Leyland would pitch leftys two games in a row? I’ve gathered that this is highly unlikely, but wouldn’t it be just like him to throw such a curve? In that case, I could see Robertson and Rogers for Games 1 and 2.

I haven’t got a clue about how the no-DH thing might affect the rotation, maybe even use of the bullpen, and wouldn’t mind hearing some thoughts on this from someone who does.

I’d prefer (slightly) to see the Tigers play and beat the Mets, for what it’s worth.

]]> By: Bryan http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20841 Bryan Thu, 19 Oct 2006 22:19:41 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20841 With Leyland's thought process, he may start Grillie because of his batting average. With Leyland’s thought process, he may start Grillie because of his batting average.

]]> By: Greg http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20839 Greg Thu, 19 Oct 2006 21:54:30 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20839 Does anyone know for sure if Casey is able to play? I would have no problem with Miller over Miner. Miller is more valuable when you need a strikeout early one. And they already have long relief guys in Ledezma and Grilli (plus whichever starter only gets one start). Clevlen is in Phoenix (as am I) so this is probably out, but I want him as a possible pinch-runner instead of Neifi or Santiago. Of course I said before that I wanted him instead of Alexis Gomez, and that was obviously wrong. Does anyone know for sure if Casey is able to play?

I would have no problem with Miller over Miner. Miller is more valuable when you need a strikeout early one. And they already have long relief guys in Ledezma and Grilli (plus whichever starter only gets one start).

Clevlen is in Phoenix (as am I) so this is probably out, but I want him as a possible pinch-runner instead of Neifi or Santiago. Of course I said before that I wanted him instead of Alexis Gomez, and that was obviously wrong.

]]> By: Chris Y. http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20823 Chris Y. Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:35:30 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20823 Not dismissing Ledezma in the least. His role is cemented and he's performed well. Just saying that, if all things are as is being reported, it may make sense to replace Miner with Miller if we face the Mets. That of course depends on Miller's recent performance, but right now Miner is essentially a non-factor unless a starter goes down. And remember, Miner isn't exactly selfish with his BBI either. Not dismissing Ledezma in the least. His role is cemented and he’s performed well. Just saying that, if all things are as is being reported, it may make sense to replace Miner with Miller if we face the Mets. That of course depends on Miller’s recent performance, but right now Miner is essentially a non-factor unless a starter goes down. And remember, Miner isn’t exactly selfish with his BBI either.

]]> By: Coach Jim http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20816 Coach Jim Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:54:35 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20816 Kyle J makes a great point about Verlander being best suited for a relief role. Fresh power pitching kills rallies. Sam, I do believe Miner was warming up with Ledezma in the 8th inning of game 4 against the A's (I really hate the apostrophe for plurals). If *I* were manager, I would keep the rotation exactly as it is now. Leyland had a habit of sticking with his players all year (like Jones and Monroe when things were going poorly). This was done to prove the manager's confidence. I see no reason to change that now. It also puts Kenny Rogers in games 3 and 7. Statistically through the regular season, these guys were all so close you can't say one is better than the other, so don't make them feel that way by shuffling the rotation. Kyle J makes a great point about Verlander being best suited for a relief role. Fresh power pitching kills rallies.

Sam, I do believe Miner was warming up with Ledezma in the 8th inning of game 4 against the A’s (I really hate the apostrophe for plurals).

If *I* were manager, I would keep the rotation exactly as it is now. Leyland had a habit of sticking with his players all year (like Jones and Monroe when things were going poorly). This was done to prove the manager’s confidence. I see no reason to change that now. It also puts Kenny Rogers in games 3 and 7. Statistically through the regular season, these guys were all so close you can’t say one is better than the other, so don’t make them feel that way by shuffling the rotation.

]]> By: Matt in Toledo http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20814 Matt in Toledo Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:38:22 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20814 Considering the scouting report on the Tigers' website for Kenny Rogers said he pitched both Game 4s, I'm not putting a whole lot of faith in their research. Considering the scouting report on the Tigers’ website for Kenny Rogers said he pitched both Game 4s, I’m not putting a whole lot of faith in their research.

]]> By: J http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20813 J Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:26:40 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20813 The site is speculation if you read it closely. The rotation still has not been announced officially. The site is speculation if you read it closely. The rotation still has not been announced officially.

]]> By: johnw http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20805 johnw Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:24:00 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20805 Watching the Mets and Cardinals bludgeon each other to death, it's had to see the Tigers' rotation mattering much. With the inconsistent performances of Glavine and Carpenter, the Tigers will have the better starter for every game no matter what they do. Of course, my inner Tiger Fan will be worrying every step of the way... Here's hoping for an 18-17 extra-inning Game 7 in the NLCS. Burn out those pitching arms, fellas! Watching the Mets and Cardinals bludgeon each other to death, it’s had to see the Tigers’ rotation mattering much. With the inconsistent performances of Glavine and Carpenter, the Tigers will have the better starter for every game no matter what they do. Of course, my inner Tiger Fan will be worrying every step of the way…

Here’s hoping for an 18-17 extra-inning Game 7 in the NLCS. Burn out those pitching arms, fellas!

]]> By: david V http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20803 david V Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:13:52 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20803 Chris, don't forget Ledezma as the #1 lefty in long relief. Chris, don’t forget Ledezma as the #1 lefty in long relief.

]]> By: cameramano http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20802 cameramano Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:02:30 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2006/10/mid-week-thoughts/#comment-20802 I'm convinced Robertson was the sacrificial lamb against the Yankees, with Leyland knowing the Tigers' pitching was deeper. I'd pitch Robertson in game 4. However, being a national league manager, Leyland may pitch the two weakest hitters (Robertson/Bonderman) in a DH setting. Then again, by pitching the "weaker" pitchers (again Robertson/Bondo IMHO) in a national league park, Leyland would have to worry less about pulling them in the 6th inning. I’m convinced Robertson was the sacrificial lamb against the Yankees, with Leyland knowing the Tigers’ pitching was deeper.

I’d pitch Robertson in game 4. However, being a national league manager, Leyland may pitch the two weakest hitters (Robertson/Bonderman) in a DH setting. Then again, by pitching the “weaker” pitchers (again Robertson/Bondo IMHO) in a national league park, Leyland would have to worry less about pulling them in the 6th inning.

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