Comments on: Game 95: Monarchs at Stars http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/ 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: ADR http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60726 ADR Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:00:21 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60726 "They got the team to the 9th with a 2-run lead and really it was a fluky hit, a bad break on a DP ball and a seeing eye single." Not the entire bullpen - just Jones. He can't pitch with any kind of a lead - he needs the adrenaline rush with the game on the line. I've just been to one too many games where he gives up all the margin, even when he does get the save. We need someone who can pitch well with a 2-3 run lead; not someone whose pitching only kicks in when there's a one run lead with runners at the corner. Even when Jones wins, you usually don't get to enjoy it. There's always an excuse for Jones, like that above. I was at the game in DC when I had to listen to Leyland give the "I didn't tell him it was a save situation" when Jones almost blew a 5 run lead. “They got the team to the 9th with a 2-run lead and really it was a fluky hit, a bad break on a DP ball and a seeing eye single.”

Not the entire bullpen – just Jones. He can’t pitch with any kind of a lead – he needs the adrenaline rush with the game on the line. I’ve just been to one too many games where he gives up all the margin, even when he does get the save. We need someone who can pitch well with a 2-3 run lead; not someone whose pitching only kicks in when there’s a one run lead with runners at the corner.

Even when Jones wins, you usually don’t get to enjoy it. There’s always an excuse for Jones, like that above. I was at the game in DC when I had to listen to Leyland give the “I didn’t tell him it was a save situation” when Jones almost blew a 5 run lead.

]]> By: Mike R http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60702 Mike R Sun, 22 Jul 2007 18:02:06 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60702 I agree, Kurt, it's possible. But the chances of us looking to replace a healthy Todd Jones are almost zero, so the chances of Gagne coming here, I'd put close to zero as well. Especially with reports out of the Dallas Newspaper that Texas and Gagne are talking about an extension, apparently. I agree, Kurt, it’s possible. But the chances of us looking to replace a healthy Todd Jones are almost zero, so the chances of Gagne coming here, I’d put close to zero as well. Especially with reports out of the Dallas Newspaper that Texas and Gagne are talking about an extension, apparently.

]]> By: Kurt http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60693 Kurt Sun, 22 Jul 2007 16:07:29 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60693 I'm afraid I have to agree with them, Ron. The Tigers do need bullpen help. Especially come October, you need a reliable, power pitching bullpen. A move for that kind of pitcher plus great hope that Zumaya and Rodney come back in good shape, Detroit will be fine. Anything else, and I'm going to be a bit worried. And Mike, far as Gagne as concerned, it's possible Detroit is on his no-trade list because he wants to close for contract bonus reasons. If the Tigers were really committed to replacing Jones (and I doubt they are), I think he'd be more likely to waive it. Do I see Gagne-to-Detroit though? No. I’m afraid I have to agree with them, Ron. The Tigers do need bullpen help. Especially come October, you need a reliable, power pitching bullpen. A move for that kind of pitcher plus great hope that Zumaya and Rodney come back in good shape, Detroit will be fine. Anything else, and I’m going to be a bit worried.

And Mike, far as Gagne as concerned, it’s possible Detroit is on his no-trade list because he wants to close for contract bonus reasons. If the Tigers were really committed to replacing Jones (and I doubt they are), I think he’d be more likely to waive it. Do I see Gagne-to-Detroit though? No.

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60692 ron Sun, 22 Jul 2007 15:30:07 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60692 Whose sugar coating? T Smith, Mike R and Stephen form quite a trio. They're like the guy married to the beautiful woman. They are always thinking " if I have her, why can't I get someone even more beautiful". Changing boats in midstream is not good unless you're drowning. Quit looking at those stats. Those numbers will drive you nuts. On July 22, 58 and 37 are the only numbers of concern. Don't worry, Inge has Jones' back. Whose sugar coating? T Smith, Mike R and Stephen form quite a trio. They’re like the guy married to the beautiful woman. They are always thinking ” if I have her, why can’t I get someone even more beautiful”. Changing boats in midstream is not good unless you’re drowning. Quit looking at those stats. Those numbers will drive you nuts. On July 22, 58 and 37 are the only numbers of concern. Don’t worry, Inge has Jones’ back.

]]> By: Stephen http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60689 Stephen Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:40:17 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60689 Ron: if you think we're goona win a world series with this relief pitching, well let me introduce you to my good friends santa claus, the easter bunny, and casper the friendly ghost. i see to remember us having the best record--or close--this time last year and well august and september we went from best record to 2nd worst record over the last fifty games. I just don't think you can stand pat with this bullpen. If we got even one blue chipper, rodney came back healthy and we made miller the lefty specialist in october, i'd be ok with it. durbin and miner are great long men, but i don't think you can magically make them late inning guys and expect them to do the job come crunch time. I just fear a situation where todd jones et. al has a meltdown come sept or october. As I've said before, we've got #1 offense, #1 starting pitching, and #10 or so bullpen. If we make a move and move the bullpen up a notch, there's no reason we can't win it all Ron: if you think we’re goona win a world series with this relief pitching, well let me introduce you to my good friends santa claus, the easter bunny, and casper the friendly ghost.

i see to remember us having the best record–or close–this time last year and well august and september we went from best record to 2nd worst record over the last fifty games. I just don’t think you can stand pat with this bullpen. If we got even one blue chipper, rodney came back healthy and we made miller the lefty specialist in october, i’d be ok with it. durbin and miner are great long men, but i don’t think you can magically make them late inning guys and expect them to do the job come crunch time.
I just fear a situation where todd jones et. al has a meltdown come sept or october. As I’ve said before, we’ve got #1 offense, #1 starting pitching, and #10 or so bullpen. If we make a move and move the bullpen up a notch, there’s no reason we can’t win it all

]]> By: Mike R http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60688 Mike R Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:28:55 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60688 Well, on a hit and run, even a grounder to SS would likely advance Curtis to 2nd base, thus fulfilling what Jim wanted Placido to do with the bunt. Ron: Offense will slow down and I'm not exactly comfortable with a combination of Miner/Durbin/Jones to end a game and I'm not expecting much of anything out of Joel when he comes back and Fernando's proved to be inconsistent when healthy. Just because we're the best team, based on win %, doesn't mean we should stand pat. You can never have enough pitching. Well, on a hit and run, even a grounder to SS would likely advance Curtis to 2nd base, thus fulfilling what Jim wanted Placido to do with the bunt.

Ron: Offense will slow down and I’m not exactly comfortable with a combination of Miner/Durbin/Jones to end a game and I’m not expecting much of anything out of Joel when he comes back and Fernando’s proved to be inconsistent when healthy. Just because we’re the best team, based on win %, doesn’t mean we should stand pat. You can never have enough pitching.

]]> By: T Smith http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60687 T Smith Sun, 22 Jul 2007 05:27:54 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60687 Let's call a spade a spade, and at the same time give credit where credit is due: The pen has been stellar since the break. Some of us are just a little on edge when it comes to the rollercoaster we've endured before the break -- and rightly so. Tonight Grilli did very well. McBride didn't record an out. Miner did well. Durbin was exceptional. Result: one run over three innings: 3.00 ERA, respectable. However -- as for the ninth inning: Call it what you like, a weak hit, a flukey hit, a seeing-eye single -- whatever. A blown save is a blown save. The closer's job is to record three outs without surrendering the lead. Tonight our closer didn't do his job. Period. Even given the double-play-that wasn't, a run still scores, 8-7. Then there is the hit up the middle, and you still have your blown save. I'm not saying Gagne is the answer -- and I'm not saying I expect Jones to pitch at 0.00 ERA for the remainder of the year -- I'm just not willing to sugar-coat a blown save with string of excuses. That said, it's exactly Leyland's job to back his closer. Baring a complete meltdown of unforseen proportions, the Tigers are sticking with Todd Jones as their closer (sorry sports' fans), and there is no reason not to support him here. The last thing Leyland wants to do is errode Todd Jones' confidence by criticizing his blown save as bluntly and candidly as some rather unforgiving bloggers. And finally, if Polly didn't homer to cushion the lead, we lose this game. I think all the condoning moods -- including Leyland's --would be quite different given a different outcome to this game. Let’s call a spade a spade, and at the same time give credit where credit is due:

The pen has been stellar since the break. Some of us are just a little on edge when it comes to the rollercoaster we’ve endured before the break — and rightly so.

Tonight Grilli did very well. McBride didn’t record an out. Miner did well. Durbin was exceptional. Result: one run over three innings: 3.00 ERA, respectable.

However — as for the ninth inning:

Call it what you like, a weak hit, a flukey hit, a seeing-eye single — whatever. A blown save is a blown save. The closer’s job is to record three outs without surrendering the lead. Tonight our closer didn’t do his job. Period. Even given the double-play-that wasn’t, a run still scores, 8-7. Then there is the hit up the middle, and you still have your blown save. I’m not saying Gagne is the answer — and I’m not saying I expect Jones to pitch at 0.00 ERA for the remainder of the year — I’m just not willing to sugar-coat a blown save with string of excuses.

That said, it’s exactly Leyland’s job to back his closer. Baring a complete meltdown of unforseen proportions, the Tigers are sticking with Todd Jones as their closer (sorry sports’ fans), and there is no reason not to support him here. The last thing Leyland wants to do is errode Todd Jones’ confidence by criticizing his blown save as bluntly and candidly as some rather unforgiving bloggers.

And finally, if Polly didn’t homer to cushion the lead, we lose this game. I think all the condoning moods — including Leyland’s –would be quite different given a different outcome to this game.

]]> By: T Smith http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60686 T Smith Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:55:16 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60686 Agree Grandy should be running there. Especially against Buck's 29% throw-out rate. I usually advocate the bunt (mostly with runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs), but this time I was wondering why Grandy didn't attempt a steal. Or why the hit and run play wasn't on. These days it seems Polly can just as easily hit the ball to the opposite field as he can bunt. It is curious. Agree Grandy should be running there. Especially against Buck’s 29% throw-out rate. I usually advocate the bunt (mostly with runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs), but this time I was wondering why Grandy didn’t attempt a steal. Or why the hit and run play wasn’t on. These days it seems Polly can just as easily hit the ball to the opposite field as he can bunt. It is curious.

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60685 ron Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:51:23 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60685 Some of you still talking trade this guy ,that guy. Were going to the playoffs with this team come hell or high water. Last time I checked, we had the best record in the world. Inge can keep guessing all he wants. He's a helluva player and we need him. I think Jones is doing just fine. 10 to 8 is as good as 10 to 0. It's a win. Some of you still talking trade this guy ,that guy. Were going to the playoffs with this team come hell or high water. Last time I checked, we had the best record in the world. Inge can keep guessing all he wants. He’s a helluva player and we need him. I think Jones is doing just fine. 10 to 8 is as good as 10 to 0. It’s a win.

]]> By: Mike R http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60684 Mike R Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:24:53 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60684 1) Todd Jones got kind of dinked to death. But, it's a blown save nonetheless and that happens when he doesn't K anyone. And a trade for Gagne isn't likely. We're not on his list of teams the Rangers can trade him to without his consent, and they're talking contract extensions with Gagne. That may be lip service to the media and whatnot, but still noteworthy. And Otsuka is hurt, but if he's healthy, a deal could be made and his value will be lower because of the injury; may play into our hands if we go that route. I still think Octavio Dotel is man we wind up getting or maybe we can make a play for Chad Cordero, then again Jim Bowden's probably asking for a package of Verlander, Bonderman, and the city of Lansing. 2) I'm not a fan of bunts with a runner on first and 0 out. Granderson's yet to be thrown out stealing, I think. Can a brotha steal a base in a crucial situation at some point!? Let him run. Or hit and run. Something other then a bunt. 3) Typical Inge guessing and connecting. I don't get throwing him a first pitch fastball. I'd go at him with breaking balls all day long. 4) I probably won't see the game tomorrow, but here's to hoping for 2 out of 3 from the Royals. 5) I am officially a Billy Butler fan. When he's not playing Detroit, of course. 1) Todd Jones got kind of dinked to death. But, it’s a blown save nonetheless and that happens when he doesn’t K anyone. And a trade for Gagne isn’t likely. We’re not on his list of teams the Rangers can trade him to without his consent, and they’re talking contract extensions with Gagne. That may be lip service to the media and whatnot, but still noteworthy. And Otsuka is hurt, but if he’s healthy, a deal could be made and his value will be lower because of the injury; may play into our hands if we go that route. I still think Octavio Dotel is man we wind up getting or maybe we can make a play for Chad Cordero, then again Jim Bowden’s probably asking for a package of Verlander, Bonderman, and the city of Lansing.

2) I’m not a fan of bunts with a runner on first and 0 out. Granderson’s yet to be thrown out stealing, I think. Can a brotha steal a base in a crucial situation at some point!? Let him run. Or hit and run. Something other then a bunt.

3) Typical Inge guessing and connecting. I don’t get throwing him a first pitch fastball. I’d go at him with breaking balls all day long.

4) I probably won’t see the game tomorrow, but here’s to hoping for 2 out of 3 from the Royals.

5) I am officially a Billy Butler fan. When he’s not playing Detroit, of course.

]]> By: Jim http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60682 Jim Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:04:41 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60682 Pen was fine. Durbin did really well. The hits off Jones were weak. Another hit off a lefty for Granderson. Inge's HR was a nice line drive shot. The bunt by Polly really pissed me off though. I would have rather seen a hit and run. Pen was fine. Durbin did really well. The hits off Jones were weak.
Another hit off a lefty for Granderson. Inge’s HR was a nice line drive shot.

The bunt by Polly really pissed me off though. I would have rather seen a hit and run.

]]> By: Tbone http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60681 Tbone Sun, 22 Jul 2007 03:11:59 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60681 I agree with Leyland in his post-game presser, the bullpen did fine. They got the team to the 9th with a 2-run lead and really it was a fluky hit, a bad break on a DP ball and a seeing eye single. TJ came back to get the last 2 outs in the 9th and Chad was solid in the 10th. Strange game, great win! I agree with Leyland in his post-game presser, the bullpen did fine. They got the team to the 9th with a 2-run lead and really it was a fluky hit, a bad break on a DP ball and a seeing eye single.

TJ came back to get the last 2 outs in the 9th and Chad was solid in the 10th. Strange game, great win!

]]> By: T Smith http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60680 T Smith Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:49:59 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60680 Okay, just a bullpen hiccup? It's hard to be too harsh on the relief corps given their preformance since the break. I'll let this one slide and chalk it up as a hiccup -- especially since we eeked out the W --but I certainly hope a familiar pattern is not emerging. In particular, Jones did not look good tonight. Again, I'm letting it slide with his preformances in the last series fresh in mind. But any further transgressions on his part and I'm right there with ADR on this one. Okay, just a bullpen hiccup? It’s hard to be too harsh on the relief corps given their preformance since the break. I’ll let this one slide and chalk it up as a hiccup — especially since we eeked out the W –but I certainly hope a familiar pattern is not emerging.

In particular, Jones did not look good tonight. Again, I’m letting it slide with his preformances in the last series fresh in mind. But any further transgressions on his part and I’m right there with ADR on this one.

]]> By: cib http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60679 cib Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:35:05 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60679 Beautiful. I knew they would not break my heart tonight. Beautiful. I knew they would not break my heart tonight.

]]> By: Chris in Nashville http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60678 Chris in Nashville Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:31:30 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/07/game-95-monarchs-at-stars/#comment-60678 THATABABE Inge!!!!! THATABABE Inge!!!!!

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