Comments on: Friday Warm-Up

By: jvwalt

jvwalt — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:58:08 +0000

Willie Hernandez almost certainly sacrificed his left arm for the 1984 Tigers. He appeared in 80 games and pitched 140 (!) innings as a pure reliever. He came back in 1985 and threw over 100 innings. He was never any good after that. Hmm, wonder why not?…

His case may have helped turn the tide away from the Mike Marshall/John Hiller pattern that was common in the 1970s — getting maximum mileage out of your very best relievers — and toward the modern standard of shorter relief outings, especially for your closer. If I recall correctly, Tony LaRussa was a pioneer in this regard, when he restricted Eckersley to single-inning save situations with the Oakland A’s of the late 80s.

By: Slashpyne

Slashpyne — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:56:55 +0000

Thanks for the tip on Craigs book. 1 red cent (and 399 red cents for shipping) and it’s on it’s way to me. I have had Sparky’s book since it came out and I didn’t find it that interesting or insightful, though it’s nice to have the box scores…

By: Ryan in Brooklyn

Ryan in Brooklyn — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:48:29 +0000

I have a copy of “Bless You Boys” which is Sparky’s book about the ‘84 season. It’s very cool, in that it has the box score from every game along with Sparky’s thoughts. I’ll have to see if I can pick up a copy of Craig’s book too. Sounds interesting. I was about the same age (11) in ‘84 and it’s very interesting to go back and compare what you remember and what actually happened (the two do not always coincide!).

By: cib

cib — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:26:23 +0000

thanks! I didn’t have anything too profound to add in the offseason. Oh, my son got into U of M! He also won the state tennis championship in his doubles flight. So we’ve been keeping busy, but I am ready for baseball!

By: billfer

billfer — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:46:28 +0000

cib - welcome back. Haven’t seen you around for awhile.

By: cib

cib — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:41:39 +0000

Hi Billfer, I agree about Omar’s music. I have often thought it would be a good fundraiser for the Tigers charitable foundation to put out a CD of all of the favorite walkup music -

By: TC Chris

TC Chris — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:16:31 +0000

I love Roger Craig’s book. Just like BIlfer says - great nostalgia trip. It goes through every game of the season. So much fun.

Highly recommended.

By: potthole

potthole — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:31:13 +0000

Ah, how those songs make me think of summer…

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:48:48 +0000

Thanks for the WDFN link. However, I listened to the whole thing and they didn’t play Magg’s music. Everytime I hear it, I think of the 9th inning, 2 on, and me with my face covered by my hands thinking he can’t do it again. And with the crack of the bat, my son said ‘it’s gone’ and I looked up and actually saw it floating over the field into the stands and then we all went berserk.

By: Kyle J

Kyle J — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:14:17 +0000

A penny! You can’t beat that with a stick–even with shipping of $3.99.