78-69, 2nd place, 3 games behind CWS, E# 13 (same as Oak).
Well, last night was fun, but we actually lost ground if you consider the fact that we have one less game to catch-up to the White Sox. This is going to be a very tough last few weeks.
The Cabrera for MVP and Triple Crown race is in full swing. Verducci wrote this article yesterday, before Cabrera’s offensive outburst. He does make a good point about Trout’s unbelievable WAR advantage (10.2 – 6.1), but I think that a good close by Miggy and the MVP is his. He’s only 2 HR behind Hamilton for the HR and Triple Crown lead. Despite Morosi’s claim that the MVP is a mere formality at this point in time, Dave Cameron argues that a true evaluation of all around play decidedly points to Trout.
Some outlets have suggested that JV is still among the leaders in the Cy Young hunt, and I think a dominating stretch and a Tigers playoff appearance earns him the award again. A similar performance by Scherzer could thrust him into contention.
The other subplot is Jim Leyland’s contract (or lack thereof) situation. He’s contract expires in 15 games, and to date, there have been no extension talks. Lynn Henning suggests (and stephen is dreaming of) Terry Francona. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince thinks that no playoffs means no more Leyland.
Scherzer’s MRI report came out okay. No word on his next start.
Oh, JV pitches tonight. Do your thing, JV.
Tonight’s Lineup:
- Austin Jackson, CF
- Omar Infante, 2B
- Miguel Cabrera, 3B
- Prince Fielder, 1B
- Delmon Young, DH
- Jhonny Peralta, SS
- Avisail Garcia, RF
- Andy Dirks, LF
- Gerald Laird, C
JV is in the mix with Price, Rodney and Felix for the Cy Young. Scherzer is not even in the top 10.
Mark Townsend may see it differently.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/max-scherzer-quintin-berry-exit-tigers-win-shoulder-042047006–mlb.html
I didn’t read Townsend’s article until after I wrote the post, I saw someone else mention it. He’s 6-0 with a 1.29 (or so) as of late. Had he gotten the W yesterday, 10-0 to close with 20 wins would be worth a few votes.
Leyland: –15 and counting.
Lots of pitches to get through two innings. Verlander hasn’t been efficient very often since the break.
Anderson on the other hand, very efficient.
CWS just had bases juiced nobody out, and failed to score in the 4th
vs. Cy Chen. That’s baseball.
Wow, Miggy is just dialed in right now.
So is Benoit going to pitch every 8th inning for the rest of the season no matter what the score?
only if he can roll out Valverde every 9th for the rest of the season…
I’m guessing that is the “idea.”
In my novice opinion, Valverde has lost the effectiveness of his sinker pitch, and he hasn’t improved his velocity like last year…and he lacks a punch-out pitch… so he’s adopted the Todd Jones method of pitching to contact…and hoping its hit at somebody and within the park… not necessarily the blue print for a team’s “closer”…but he’s DET’s and JL’s
Its apparent DET is going to live or die by the AlAl or Villareal in the 7th, Benoit in the 8th and Valverde 9th – we shall see how this next two weeks plays out
This is a good spot for Valverde. I’m still a little nervous though.
Leyland: –14 and counting.
Great game, and yet…is it wrong to be irritated by Valverde?
i would be concerned if you weren’t irritated by the potato.
KC just went up 3-0 in the 7th. that’s not irritating.
A closer can protect a 1 run lead. Valweirdo is no closer. We will regret it if it isn’t already too late.
CWS hitters have left 18 on base through the 8th, and no runs yet… i can feel the CWS fans frustration from here… and will get no sympathy… but a Ventura ‘hat tip’ may be in order
Well, I know *I* have already tipped my hat to Cy Chen. And Goose Holland.
Another thing I will be very happy to see end when Leyland leaves in 14 games is his stupid little league move of letting runners steal every single 9th inning without a throw….we stopped doing that when we moved up from “coach pitch” yet Mumbles has allowed that defensive indifference 100 times …I watch a lot of 9th innings and no one does that except Mumbles.
I don’t see anyone else doing it either. It’s baffling to me.
Sorry that I didn’t get the post up, got caught up. Will have it up in 30 – got a hypo about Leyland for you.
Go Tigers.