Comments on: When managers attack: Part II http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/ News, views, and analysis on the Detroit Tigers and baseball Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:11:17 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Series Preview in Blog: Detroit Tigers (4/14-4/15) « Daneeka’s Twins Ghost http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-94220 Series Preview in Blog: Detroit Tigers (4/14-4/15) « Daneeka’s Twins Ghost Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:16:47 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-94220 [...] many questions, but no easy answers. Leyland apparently let his team have it after the blowout on Sunday. No doubt he was frustrated after trying everything else to communicate [...] [...] many questions, but no easy answers. Leyland apparently let his team have it after the blowout on Sunday. No doubt he was frustrated after trying everything else to communicate [...]

]]> By: cib http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80160 cib Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:41:57 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80160 Just something baseball-related that put a smile on my face, which is not so easy these days! Enjoy. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-old-cubs-fansapr14,1,2326154.story Just something baseball-related that put a smile on my face, which is not so easy these days! Enjoy.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....6154.story

]]> By: Chris in Dallas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80159 Chris in Dallas Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:30:09 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80159 I don't know the exact answer to that. Off of the top of my head, I remember the Phillies starting 4-11 last year and the '06 Twins having something like a 9-16 April. Last year's Yankees were under .500 until after the 4th of July. All I know is it's *way* too early to be all Chicken Little and everything. I don’t know the exact answer to that. Off of the top of my head, I remember the Phillies starting 4-11 last year and the ‘06 Twins having something like a 9-16 April. Last year’s Yankees were under .500 until after the 4th of July. All I know is it’s *way* too early to be all Chicken Little and everything.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80157 Andrew Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:16:08 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80157 Anyone know what the worst April record is for a team that still made it into the playoffs? I know it's <b>WAY</b> too premature to think playoffs (quote Jim Mora - "Playoffs?! Playoffs?!?) when we can't even score runs in back to back games and are 8 games under .500. I was just wondering. Anyone know what the worst April record is for a team that still made it into the playoffs? I know it’s WAY too premature to think playoffs (quote Jim Mora – “Playoffs?! Playoffs?!?) when we can’t even score runs in back to back games and are 8 games under .500.

I was just wondering.

]]> By: Ryan in Brooklyn http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80156 Ryan in Brooklyn Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:52:27 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80156 I think Andy makes an interesting point. Everything I read this spring made it sound like Leyland was acting really laid back about the start of the season. He was probably trying to diffuse some of the high expectations for this team. But I wonder if this approach has backfired, in that the team started the year looking out of sync. I don't know how much effect he can have on this, but I think he's got to change his approach. I still think this team will be fine over the long haul, but we need to change the storyline soon. I think Andy makes an interesting point. Everything I read this spring made it sound like Leyland was acting really laid back about the start of the season. He was probably trying to diffuse some of the high expectations for this team. But I wonder if this approach has backfired, in that the team started the year looking out of sync. I don’t know how much effect he can have on this, but I think he’s got to change his approach. I still think this team will be fine over the long haul, but we need to change the storyline soon.

]]> By: Chris in Dallas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80155 Chris in Dallas Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:31:47 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80155 Yikes. I'm going to have to change my name or something, because apparently if you're named Chris you come off like an idiot on these comments. Anyway, yes the 2-10 abortion that we've seen so far is disappointing but take heart in the fact that CC Sabathia and Paul Byrd have ERA's over 11 right now, and Rafaels Betancourt and Perez have been getting torched. The Tigs aren't the only ones not performing like the script called for... Yikes. I’m going to have to change my name or something, because apparently if you’re named Chris you come off like an idiot on these comments. Anyway, yes the 2-10 abortion that we’ve seen so far is disappointing but take heart in the fact that CC Sabathia and Paul Byrd have ERA’s over 11 right now, and Rafaels Betancourt and Perez have been getting torched. The Tigs aren’t the only ones not performing like the script called for…

]]> By: Andy in Kalamazoo http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80154 Andy in Kalamazoo Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:54:34 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80154 One thing I have not seen this year is the Leland temper tantrums, and the frequent "coaching" trips to the mound to regain the pitchers focus. I think the pitchers depended on that and he is taking a "mature team" approach this year it seems. He needs to get into the typical Jim Leland style of "hands on" approach, and get these guys fired up. They need to see the salty little manager he can be, coming uncorked over a bad call etc, and getting ejected a few times. Something has to get these sleeping giants fired up. Somebody send this team a couple cases of Red Bull. Hopefully the Minnesota series will start things brewing for us. it's suppose to be a bit warmer so maybe these South Americans will loosen up a bit. Nothing like getting this far behind this early, hopefully they can recover. One thing I have not seen this year is the Leland temper tantrums, and the frequent “coaching” trips to the mound to regain the pitchers focus. I think the pitchers depended on that and he is taking a “mature team” approach this year it seems.
He needs to get into the typical Jim Leland style of “hands on” approach, and get these guys fired up. They need to see the salty little manager he can be, coming uncorked over a bad call etc, and getting ejected a few times. Something has to get these sleeping giants fired up. Somebody send this team a couple cases of Red Bull.
Hopefully the Minnesota series will start things brewing for us. it’s suppose to be a bit warmer so maybe these South Americans will loosen up a bit. Nothing like getting this far behind this early, hopefully they can recover.

]]> By: Christie http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80153 Christie Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:36:24 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80153 Get rid of Jones in LF (actually put him in Toledo) and put Cabrera there (since he originally played that); put Inge back at third. Getting rid of Guillen would be the silliest thing ever. If we were able to get better pitchers, I say cut Miner and Grille. Get rid of Jones in LF (actually put him in Toledo) and put Cabrera there (since he originally played that); put Inge back at third. Getting rid of Guillen would be the silliest thing ever. If we were able to get better pitchers, I say cut Miner and Grille.

]]> By: Slashpyne http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80150 Slashpyne Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:52:45 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80150 I'm with Stephan on this one...except I'd sit Cabrera and Polonco until healthy, playing Rayburn at 2B until Poloncos back. Platoon Thomas and Thames in LF, J. Jones to be used as a backup. When Granderson comes back, move Inge to 3B, Cabrera to LF, with occasional turns at 1B, DH and 3B. I think Guillen footwork at 1B will improve unless he gets himself killed by straying into the baseline. The only possible help for the bullpen would be for Grilli to convert to the LDS church and go on a two year mission to Africa... maybe C. Iorg can have a chat with him. I’m with Stephan on this one…except I’d sit Cabrera and Polonco until healthy, playing Rayburn at 2B until Poloncos back.
Platoon Thomas and Thames in LF, J. Jones to be used as a backup. When Granderson comes back, move Inge to 3B, Cabrera to LF, with occasional turns at 1B, DH and 3B. I think Guillen footwork at 1B will improve unless he gets himself killed by straying into the baseline.

The only possible help for the bullpen would be for Grilli to convert to the LDS church and go on a two year mission to Africa… maybe C. Iorg can have a chat with him.

]]> By: cib http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80146 cib Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:49:25 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80146 I posted it the minute it happened and I still believe it. When Granderson was hit by that pitch, horrible things were set in motion. Bad Omen. I posted it the minute it happened and I still believe it. When Granderson was hit by that pitch, horrible things were set in motion. Bad Omen.

]]> By: Blake http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80144 Blake Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:31:06 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80144 Yeah, that's the thing with a blow up like this. It needs to work. If it doesn't work it's not like Leyland can use it once a week and all of the sudden have it click. If the guys don't whip it into shape now you have to wonder how much longer Leyland will be around. I have to think that since the guys appear to trust and respect him they will respond with all they have after being chewed out. Yeah, that’s the thing with a blow up like this. It needs to work. If it doesn’t work it’s not like Leyland can use it once a week and all of the sudden have it click. If the guys don’t whip it into shape now you have to wonder how much longer Leyland will be around. I have to think that since the guys appear to trust and respect him they will respond with all they have after being chewed out.

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80142 ron Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:03:14 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80142 Birdy, could not agree more. Birdy, could not agree more.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80141 Ryan Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:36:26 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80141 I think firing Leyland now would be a huge mistake. Obviously I'm speaking as an outsider, but it's always seemed that he's the guy you want to have when your team is threatening to turn into 25 basketcases. As horrible an in game manager as he can be, he's always seemed to be good at the psychology and behind the scenes stuff. He's a guy you fire when things are generally fine, but the team is slightly underperforming (*cough* last August *cough*) And I totally agree with what Kyle said. We seem to have five or six guys who are going through Bonderman syndrome right now; trying to 'play through it' when they are hurt enough to hurt the team. I am impressed that Sheffield is playing everyday with what he's going through, but it doesn't help. Leyland (or DD) needs to make it clear that he will call up and play the entire Erie infield for two weeks if it means everyone getting healthy. I really want Cabrera to sit for two weeks, and then have 135 games of real Cabrera. Same for Polanco, and Guillen and Sheffield. And what better time than after back to back shutouts for an en masse trip to the DL. The Erie Seawolves will not score less than zero runs. Summary: If you're banged up, I appreciate the effort, but SIT DOWN! I'll take a 4-20 start if everyone comes back healthy. I think firing Leyland now would be a huge mistake. Obviously I’m speaking as an outsider, but it’s always seemed that he’s the guy you want to have when your team is threatening to turn into 25 basketcases. As horrible an in game manager as he can be, he’s always seemed to be good at the psychology and behind the scenes stuff. He’s a guy you fire when things are generally fine, but the team is slightly underperforming (*cough* last August *cough*)

And I totally agree with what Kyle said. We seem to have five or six guys who are going through Bonderman syndrome right now; trying to ‘play through it’ when they are hurt enough to hurt the team. I am impressed that Sheffield is playing everyday with what he’s going through, but it doesn’t help. Leyland (or DD) needs to make it clear that he will call up and play the entire Erie infield for two weeks if it means everyone getting healthy. I really want Cabrera to sit for two weeks, and then have 135 games of real Cabrera. Same for Polanco, and Guillen and Sheffield. And what better time than after back to back shutouts for an en masse trip to the DL. The Erie Seawolves will not score less than zero runs.

Summary: If you’re banged up, I appreciate the effort, but SIT DOWN! I’ll take a 4-20 start if everyone comes back healthy.

]]> By: Dave BW http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80139 Dave BW Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:22:26 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80139 Thanks, Chris, that was hilarious. Thanks, Chris, that was hilarious.

]]> By: Kyle J http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80138 Kyle J Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:18:56 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/04/when-managers-attack-part-ii/#comment-80138 Getting back to Leyland's outburst. I'm skeptical it will have an impact, although it probably can't hurt. I don't think this team's problem is not playing hard enough. If anything, they look like they're trying too hard--trying to hit the ball hard every at bat, trying to take an extra base when it's not a wise risk, etc. I think a lot of Leyland's strategic decisions are questionable, but the one thing I like about him is a trait he shares with Coach Izzo--he keeps the team on an even keel by building them up when everyone's down on them and talking them down when everyone's high on them. Hopefully, he can find a way to restore the team's confidence with the weight of fan expectations now weighing down on them like a ton of bricks. One way to do this might be to rest the guys who are banged up. Give the young guys a chance to provide a spark (as they have so far). And reduce the sense of panic that Cabrera/Sheffield/etc. have to play through significant injuries, even though they're not hitting well. Getting back to Leyland’s outburst. I’m skeptical it will have an impact, although it probably can’t hurt. I don’t think this team’s problem is not playing hard enough. If anything, they look like they’re trying too hard–trying to hit the ball hard every at bat, trying to take an extra base when it’s not a wise risk, etc.

I think a lot of Leyland’s strategic decisions are questionable, but the one thing I like about him is a trait he shares with Coach Izzo–he keeps the team on an even keel by building them up when everyone’s down on them and talking them down when everyone’s high on them. Hopefully, he can find a way to restore the team’s confidence with the weight of fan expectations now weighing down on them like a ton of bricks.

One way to do this might be to rest the guys who are banged up. Give the young guys a chance to provide a spark (as they have so far). And reduce the sense of panic that Cabrera/Sheffield/etc. have to play through significant injuries, even though they’re not hitting well.

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