Make that 6 – 0!
Although that is still only good enough for a tie for first, since those pesky Royals won again. (I think the Royals own that in the sports world now, the “pesky” moniker).
The Cleveland sweep, while satisfying, showed that this season will not be the breeze that a 6 – 0 start would suggest, because: pitching. The Lobster spent much of the game in hot water, and Blaine Hardy joined Ian Krol in the Shaky Lefty club.
But oh, that hitting! As good as Miguel Cabrera has been the last couple of seasons, it’s been a while since he has been fully healthy, and a while since he flat out scared anybody. After two long bombs and a double, Terry Francona finally gave in and walked him with a man on first. Expect to see a lot more of that this season, especially if Victor Martinez has a prolonged slow start (this is still his Spring Training after all).
The Tigers will be without Victor in the lineup as they ride their Vespas down I-76 to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates in an early season Interlegue game, which almost seems designed to slow down early season momentum. Did I mention I’m not a fan of the way Interleague is done now? At least we won’t have any pennant races decided in an Interleague game, since the Interleague schedule concludes this season with the Astros at the Diamondbacks.
* * * * * * * * * *
It’s too early to get too excited about the hot start (although how would you like to be 0 – 6?), but that didn’t stop Sports Illustrated from jumping all over it. After giving Detroit a rather tepid pre-season prediction (I think we were barely sneaking in with the last wild card spot), we now find that Detroit is already playoff caliber. And that was only after the Twins sweep. Tap the brakes there, guys.
Today’s Did I Mention I Don’t Like Interleague This Early In The Season Lineup:
- Anthony Gose, CF
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- JD Martinez, RF
- Yoenis Cespedes, LF
- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- Alex Avila, C
- Jose Iglesias, SS
- Anibal Sanchez, P
Well, this is not starting well.
Bases loaded and nobody out, and 2 pitches later the inning is over. Not impressed.
Nothing can stop this Tiger offense…except Castellanos.
Hey Casty how bout just making one out at a time…shheesshhhhh!
Give him “The GOAT” of the game prize.
….. with special mention to Smokey Jr. for not pinch hitting for Casty with VMart when we had basses loaded!
Dang it ! I know we can’t win them all, but execution in the clutch is vital! 161-1 is still OK
As much as Castellanos has improved on defense he looks worse on offense. Still dives after the low and away..still goes after very marginal pitches….hope this isn’t the soph jinx year we all know about…..
Lets square this series tomorrow!
Both Castellanos’ DPs were on the first pitch. I hope the coaches work that issue. Coleman…did I tell you I don’t like Interleague play period??? Then again, I still don’t like designated hitters either!
99% of all baseball players have grown up playing the DH rule. Every single division of baseball, with one exception use the DH. Its way past time for the National league to get with the times.
…Softball takes it even one step farther. You can replace any one of your starters with a DH,, not just the pitcher. Also in softball you can play a defensive specialist who doesn’t bat. Another great concept baseball should try!
A lot of levels of ball allow a re-entry of any one of your nine starters. Now there is an interesting twist to the stratedgy of the game. Allows for more participation.
I read yesterday that baseball is dying among the young people in America. You would think encouraging more participation would be a small step in the right direction. I am pretty sure watching pitchers flail at the ball, wasting a batting spot doesn’t help their image.
I’m with you Jud, always thought the DH was a great idea since the AL implemented it in ’73. I also like the designated fielder concept.
…but then again, I’m also an advocate of: 1) a ‘pitch clock’, and 2) having K-zone call all balls and strikes (w/a wired ump behind the plate voicing the call – and carrying out his other normal HP ump duties).