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PREGAME: The Tigers will try to embark on a new winning streak with Kenny Rogers taking the mound. Rogers has only allowed 3 earned runs over his last 4 starts. He’s still not striking many out, he only has 34 on the season, but he’s cutting down on the walks which were hurting him early in the season and running up his pitch count.
For the Giants it will be lefty Jonathan Sanchez. Sanchez is another guy fanning a batter an inning, and limiting homers to the tune of 6 in 80.1 innings this year with no one taking him yard since May 16th. In his last start he snapped a string of 5 consecutive quality starts when he was touched for 7 runs in 7 innings.
Your lineup for tonight:
- Renteria, SS
- Polanco, 2B
- Guillen, 3B
- Ordonez, RF
- Cabrera, 1B
- Thames, LF
- Rodriguez, C
- Granderson, CF
- Rogers, P
Notice that Pudge is starting for the second game in a row. According to Beck it isn’t the end of the alternating catcher plan, but Leyland thinks Inge is still bothered by the oblique.
DET @ SFG, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Game Preview - Baseball-Reference.com
Game Time 10:15
POSTGAME: Very nice bounce back win for the boys and combined with a Cleveland loss the Tigers are now tied for 3rd place. Sanchez was some kind of filthy as he fanned 6 in his first time through the lineup. But the Tigers made some adjustments and got to him a little after being no hit for 5 innings.
- Kenny Rogers brought it again tonight going 7 strong yet again and keeping the team inthe game when there was no margin for error.
- Marcus Thames is some kind of wonderful. He got down to his last AB with a full count before crushing a ball to centerfield for a 5 game, 8 hit, homer streak.
- Edgar Renteria gets on base 3 times including his 2000th hit.
- Ryan Raburn comes through with the big pinch hit homer and Jeff Larish gets a pinch hit RBI as well.
- More excellent defense today with diving plays from Brent Clevlen and Marcus Thames and some nice picking by Guillen and Renteria as well.
{ 283 comments… read them below or add one }
I know I’m a E-Rent defender, but I’m already tired of this nonsense of him leading off ever. What part of his .273/.318/.366 line screams “lead off hitter!” to Uncle Jimmy?
I’m still kind of hesitant about tonight. I think Thames’ HR streak ends tonight.
No way, Thames is continuing!
Craig was at last night’s game and is heading there tonight. He wanted me to post this about his experience:
On Thames homer streak it’s just a matter of time until he hits an 0 for 20 streak with 12 K’s. Not because he sucks, but because that’s baseball. And everyone will blame it on him going for homers all the time and Chris Shelton’s name will be invoked.
Thames is a very very good platoon player. His HR/AB ratio over the past 4 years is ridiculous, but Leyland has made all the right calls with this guy.
I want to see Rodney redeem himself Tonight. I wonder if he’ll be available.
I don’t expect an extraordinary amount of production from Marcus just because he’s hot as of late. He will of course regress to the “normal Marcus”, as I believe he’s beyond the age that you break out to show your true potential. However, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the “normal Marcus”. I just always have thought he needed more time as an every day player and it’s great to see him having the time of his career. He just has that mild mannered, friendly giant thing going for him that makes him so likeable. Not to mention he has the humility of Barry Sanders, the power of Cecil Fielder, and the curves of Halle Berry. Wait.
Time to start a new winning streak. I hope Kenny can pitch great again, and actually get the win.
Kenny gets a ribby today.
Similar numbers that apparently scream “pudge at leadoff”, Mike. It’s a joke, just learn to accept it.
Isn’t it Inge’s turn today? WTF?
Billfer: I can’t wait for all the comps to Chris Shelton.
Ken: Pretty spot on. I’m not convinced he’s an everyday player on a club that has world series aspirations, but there’s no better option for the Tigers and I’m anxious to see him prove me wrong the rest of the year. He should be starting in LF 4 out of every 5 games the rest of the way.
Mark: I know it’s a joke, but it’s just so annoying. I’m not asking Leyland to peruse Baseball Prospectus 10 hours a day but, c’mon.
Adam, the answer is in the game post. Leyland feels like Inge’s oblique is still bothering him. I wonder “how can you tell?” since all his check swings and K’s look the same to me whether he’s healthy or not.
Mike, it’s completely annoying. I think Leyland reads this board and does it to screw with us. It’s the only explanation. Even Ozzie Guillen put Swisher in the leadoff spot for a while because of his high OBP.
Very nice play by Guillen on the short hop. Terrific play, just like a real third baseman!
Ah, yes. I have a habit of not reading past the lineup unless it’s a big chunk of text.
The SF announcers just pointed out that Marcus’ last 7 hits are HR.
Wow
Everyone strikes out. But Kenny hits a homer.
My god, Sanchez is pitching out of his mind right now. I was really dreading this. Hopefully Kenny can blank the Giants tonight.
[insert dirty Sanchez joke] is sharp right now, the SF announcers pointed out the tough hitting backdrop behind a lefty pitcher right now.
Hopefully results are better once the sun goes down.
Sanchez has looked far more impressive than Lincecum did last night.
Mike - It’s probably Edgar’s 426 OBP against lefties this year that screams leadoff hitter. It’s not like he does it against righties.
Sanchez is dealing, wow. Let’s hope we can squeak something out… Grrr, would be a lot nicer to already have one in this series…
I think this is the game out of this series that we were supposed to have lost.
Thanks Bill, I didn’t notice that earlier. It makes some sense, then.
But, still. Comment of the night isn’t coming from this blog, it’s from Rod Allen:
“That just shows you how in-depth this Tigers coaching staff is.”
Sanchez has no-no material tonight. Let’s see what happens the second time through.
Well, maybe Kenny’ll plunk him.
Interesting post from Craig on how experiences at the same game can differ so much.
Ken in Cincy (the only way I dare try to spell it), you’re a funny man.
Keep me posted, please, guys and gals.
Burris vs. Rogers and Pudge should be fun. That guy can fly.
Knotted at nuthin through 3.
Thank you, Adam. How’s Kenny looking? Like he can last? That guy has quietly put together quite a run.
Tigers need to just try to get Sanchez to spend his pitches tonight. Hopefully Kenny can keep it at 0-0 and the Tigers can get to the SF bullpen.
Four innings and no ball out of the infield for the Tigers.
Keven - you’re crazy.
Everyone always accuses Thames of being a part-timer because no one’s given him the job, despite his production. Except he’s been completely consistent his entire career: He’s a .250 +/- guy with high K’s and a HR avery 14-15 ABs. Adam Dunn is making All Star games and Thames is regarded as a “platoon” guy. Same production.
This is one of Leyland’s mistakes, in my opinion: Play Marcus. He’s a good Joe and has historically great power ratios. He’s a huge thread in a lineup that’s too often lacking this season.
To put in in perspective: yesterday, we’d have been entering the 9th facing our 11th shutout, were it not for Thames and blown call at home plate.
Sanchez unhittable through 4…
“Hey, this guy’s got it goin’ on. Let’s help him out a bit and just swing at the first pitch every time. K?” OK.
Rogers has been okay. Throwing strikes. Usually has a guy on base the whole inning though.
Did I ever mention I freaking hate the Molinas?
I’m really coming around on Ordonez as an above average RFer. (and as I type that the SF color guy says “If Ordonez plays here every day he probably catches that ball).
rings,
There is one significant difference between Thames and Dunn - Dunn takes a ton of walks. I like Marcus too and think he should get a shot to play every day, but he’s not Adam Dunn.
Rowand looks so uncomfortable in his batter’s stance. Like he’s got a pole up his…. Sanchez.
Thames career OBP is 308, Dunn’s is .382. It’s not the same production.
Knotted at nada through 4.
We can sure use another 14 pitch leadoff walk from Cabrera right now
Sanchez - 50 pitches thru 4 - not good
Sean,
You’re pretty hilarious yourself. (Sean and Ken sittin in a tree….shut up guys) I’m befuddled, however, over your fear of spelling the word Cincinnati considering I’m pretty sure you’re my college English professor guised as some guy from Illinois. Was I sposed ta capitalize English teach?
As to the game, I’m pretty sure I just saw someone accidentally spill their scalding hot Starbucks into their lap and upon jumping up in horror, knocked over a lady’s Merlot onto her white sundress.
Sanchez filthy through five…
Sanchez is at 63 pitches through 5. Yikes. Gotta make him work, boys. It would be nice to at least get a ball out of the infield, much less a hit.
Sean and Ken - we are in San Fran right now
Being no-hit through 4 1/2. I don’t think Sanchez can do it though, unless he gets his pitch count down a little. He’s already at 63.
This series blows…. The Bay area is a hopeless trap of losing for the Tigers…. Can’t leave soon enough.
FWIW, Dunn in LF makes Marcus Thames look like a graceful swan.
I’m sorry, Ken, but I’m already betrothed to Mark in Chicago. Let’s just be friends.
The Tigers got to Lincecum. What’s with this Sanchez guy? What’s he trying to prove? He’s gotta make a mistake soon.
We have to find a way to win this game. White Sox won and Indians lost.
Gotta win, and win tomorrow.
Very nice inning by Kenny, he’s definitely doing his part.
Kenny looks good again (so far). We just have to scratch out a run or two.
This just feels like one of those games where we all stay up really late and lose a painful 1-0 game in the 13th inning or something…
White Sox didn’t win yet. The Pirates are only down 11 in the 9th.
This does not look good, Tiger Fans. Every single hitter looks fooled and tied up. Hard to see a win at this point. Tigs just seem to be unable to hit the ball at all.
Do not despair, Tiger Fans! Kenny is keeping us in this one!
Maybe I’m way off, but it looks like they’re trying to pull Sanchez. I wonder if a little adjustment to go the other way would make any difference.
Have faith, we’ll win this game.
Sean, I always knew you cared.
Grandy needs to steal.
Oh yeah he’s hitting 8th. My bad.
Granderson ends the no-hitter bid. That was the first ball the Tigers hit out of the infield!
“FWIW, Dunn in LF makes Marcus Thames look like a graceful swan.”
I don’t know, Greg. I’m pretty sure a graceful swan would be awful in left field. Probably just hiss at the bullpen and ignore fly balls.
No, I get what you mean. People here in Cincinnati often call for Dunn’s head because of his fielding ability. They don’t care how many home runs he hits. They just look at him as American League trade bait.
Yeah, like that Curtis!
We’re in the ‘H’ column! Now for the ‘R’ column…
A steal and then a bunt would be a good play, man. But. Gee.
Sky the Optimist returns! Hey Sky - the Tigers are going to win this one just for you, just to cheer you up.
Cheer us all up.
Ooh baby we’re in business now, maybe.
C’mon, Polly. Fly ball here. Get it out of the infield.
Great play by Burris to save a run, BTW.
No GIDP please.
Oh yeah. There’s the first run. Let’s get some more.
Yeah!
oooooh, a break for the Tigers as Polly’s chopper goes over Aurilia’s head. 1-0
Carlos needs to bust it open here. Something…. extra bases.
I think they made a dugout group meeting type adjustment.
I would take a walk, gladly. Bases loaded for Maggs might get him out of his slump.
Polanco - GIRBI
Sounds like the Tigers are prying the lid off the can…
That run is just how I drew it up. High chopper over a drawn in 3rd baseman. Classic rocket.
Come on Maggs!
Chris in Tampa,
You at the game? Awful far from your neck of the woods.
They’re not so much prying the lid off the can, just kind of poking some tooth picks through the foil on top of the can.
I’m feeling a big hit from Maggs here. A la 2007.
Okay, okay, well we gained some ground.
Went from being no-hit to being three-hit.
Let’s go Kenny, keep us safe.
I’m also feeling a Lakers comeback, so take it for what it’s worth.
Man, would have liked to have gotten more there. At least they made him throw some pitches.
I think I get it, Greg. Clever new stat.
1-0 Tigers going into bottom of 6th seems to always means at least 2-1 for the opposition by the end of the game. I sure hate to make that comment but it has just been that way all year. If we do not have a big lead it is certain to be lost.
I’ll take the toothpicks in the foil, Mike. Do they rip the foil off next inning?
Ken
If your asking if I’m at the game. No. Just mentally.
Sean I hope they blow the entire can up with a package full of bottle rockets.
So far, I like Kenny’s strategy of shutting out the Giants. I hope he sticks to that game plan.
And I seriously LOATHE the person who taught the FSN Detroit Crew how to use the split screen. If I wanted to watch the game on a screen that’s about 10 inches across, I’d buy a 10 inch television.
Oh no.
See, now men on 1st and 2nd no one out for SF. It happens every time and is as certain as rain in Seattle.
Frankly, it’s just disgusting it happens so often. They NEVER stop at the critical moment.
Look at that swan in LF
Crap Crap Crap.
Rejoice. This is the kind of game Detroit was almost never in earlier in the year. Exciting, nerve-wracking… and a feeling that it’s winnable. At least that’s my feeling.
Well at least he didn’t Rodney one.
Sky: Not making this up but Seattle gets less annual rain fall than NYC and Atlanta both. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
That damn walk. They were trying to give you the out Kenny!
You know what always happens. A player makes a great defensive play, and then gets a key hit next inning. Country Strong up second.
I have GOT to learn to stick with the pessimism.
Kevin, did you get your paper turned in ok?
Cabrera is really, really good.
And Miguel Cabrera with a blast of sunshine over Rowand’s head. See, Sky, it doesn’t rain all the time.
I did Sky, many thanks. I emailed it you yesterday if you’d like to see it.
Pudge is really, really bad (in situations like that).
Once again…….stupid baseball…………don’t tell me that truck should even think of going on a hopper to 3rd. Way to really place the ball in a good place Pudge.
And then the coaching staff comes in like an Arctic freaking snow storm to just cool off any good thing. Who is sending MIGUEL CABRERA on contact? You don’t send him on contact even if Aurilia is playing in San Diego, let alone, a couple feet behind the cut of the grass.
Blast of sunshine being…?
Has no one on the Detroit staff ever even heard of the suicide squeeze? I mean, I know it is risky but we can not seem to score men on 3rd any other way…..why do they not try it in close games like this?
Yep, ladies and gents. A 7 pitch inning.
Wooo.
I just found it in my mailbox, Kevin. Thanks!
OK, I get it now. And the double is wiped out.
sean: I was playing off the ‘just as certain as rain in Seattle” from Sky when Miggy doubled to lead off the inning.
Seriously, what manager thinks “hey, Miguel Cabrera should come on contact on this play?”
And the score would be…?
I’m travelling without my Univac, so I can’t answer my own questions as usual…but I’m wondering here, has any team had more runners thrown out at home this year than the Tigers?
Mike, i got the reference, just not the double part.
What manager trusts Pudge to hit the ball to the right side when he’s supposed to? Sounds bad all around.
Strangely enough I am in Seattle, bitterly, under clear skies…then to San Francisco a few hours after the Tigers game will have ended.
OK, I should shut up. I thought Miggy was going to 3rd. He was out going home?
FYI - I’m switching from the MLB.tv broadcast to Dan & Jim, that should do it.
The Tigers need to score, and get Kenny a win. He deserves it.
Yes Sean he was out going home
Coleman, of what possible use to us are you without your Univac/ Be gone, unless you can tell me the score.
Sean: Miggy doubled, Thames hit a sac fly to RF to get him to 3rd and then with the infield playing about 3-4 feet behind the cut of the grass (and Rod Allen said “they’re playing there because Cabrera’s not coming home on contact so they don’t have to play as shallow as they would if another runner were on 3rd.”) and pudge grounded to 3rd and Miggy was coming on contact and out at home.
Sean C - he tagged from 2nd to 3rd on a flyout to deep right field. Then he was coming home on contact when Pudge bounced out to 3B. 3B Coach should have been in his ear “on contact on the ground, unless right to Aurilia.” Miggy should already know this, but he’s young and has made many baserunning mistakes already this year, so I’ll put that one on Lamont.
Holy Raburn!!!
RABURN!
He crushed that ball.
Kevin comes through!
Ryan Raburn with a BOMB. Marcus Thames would be jealous of that shot, holy crap.
Rod Allen: “Ry-an Ra-burn, stop it! Stop it!”
So who comes in the 8th inning to pitch now? Rodney? Dolsi? Miner? Bautista? Everybody make your pick now so you can second guess later.
By about 40 feet Sean
Radio switch is working so far. I’d like to recommend it to all the MLB.tv watchers out there right now (though I’m a bit jealous that I didn’t get to see that bomb, sounds like he drilled it).
Bilfer I want to second guess Rodney on consecutive nights
Thank you, Mike (and Sky). Man, they’d better not let this one slip away.
I think they’re gonna have to pull him. Yay!
Well, I am stupid….I missed both Miguel’s double and Rayburn’s HR in my bedroom typing here!
Billfer, give me Miner since Sexy Freddy and F-Rod pitched last night.
I say Miner…
Ryan Raburn? He hasn’t caught up to a fastball in weeks but that was clobbered!
Hopefully we’ll score some more runs so it won’t matter. I’m not comfortable with any one of them, if the truth be told.
Tack on runs please.
“Everybody make your pick now so you can second guess later”
That would force us to commit to something that might not work. No fair.
I say Miner. Not my choice, just guessing what will be.
But if I were to pick, I say Miner.
Now, can we just score the guy on 3rd?…If we don’t I will be sick. By the way, my doctor today told me I am a prime candidate for a deadly heart attack. Wish me well boys!
Nice rip by Polanco to move Renteria from 1st to 3rd with no outs. Takes Mr. Sanchez out of the game. Receives standing ovation and a future loss.
Ken lights a Basic and pours himself a Ginger Ale because he is a 25 year old living in a 60 year old’s body.
I know you’re all getting tired of the man on the dark side of the moon here, but… score please?
Maybe I shouldn’t watch close games!……and did anyone see Tiger win that US Open…….? What a round of golf that was!
I’m going with Miner as well. We’re gonna get Jonesy in the 9th, and he got drilled last time up, which means he’s due for a harmless out, single, pop out, K inning.
What I’d like to do is tack on 3 more runs here (more radio switchers please) and then go Miner/Rodney or Bautista, and save Sexy and Jones for tomorrow.
I’m going with Bautista. That’s my choice.
Did you notice on that last hit and run that nobody broke to cover second? Didn’t matter cuz Polanco hit it, but E-Rent would have had himself a steal.
3-1 sean, guillen beat out a DP ball — run would’ve scored regardless but now it’s 1 out runner on 1st Tigers up two.
Sky: That was the best round of golf, and most entertaining round, I’ve ever watched. And I’m a big golf fan. Such enthralling tv.
Did Maggs get a hair cut? The locks don’t look quite as bushy.
Thanks, Mike. Tack some on, Tigers.
RABURN BLAMO! Sorry, I forgot to post my exclamation when that happened 15 minutes ago. That’s really what we live for on here isn’t it?