Game 2016.158: Indians at Tigers

Okay friends, lots to watch for tonight.

First of all, the obvious one, we’re 1 game out of the Wild Card. It’s a crowded race, there is no margin for error. 5-0 doesn’t guarantee us in, but I think that 4-1 probably gets us to at least a (first) play-in game.

Secondly, Fulmer needs 6 1/3 to qualify for the ERA title. He’s got a decent lead, it would be great for him to win it to cinch ROY.

Third, Casty is back. This is a good looking lineup.

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B

2. Cameron Maybin, CF

3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

4. Victor Martinez, DH

5. J.D. Martinez, RF

6. Justin Upton, LF

7. Nick Castellanos, 3B

8. James McCann, C

9. Jose Iglesias, SS

55 thoughts on “Game 2016.158: Indians at Tigers”

  1. The ESPN crew picked up on the fact that Miggy was “coasting” into 2nd. That’s not like Miggy but unforgiveable unless he’s hurting.

    1. Yep..this time of year it is all hands on deck and don’t admire your fly balls.

  2. I see Zimmerman slated to start Friday. I am fortunate enough to be playing East Lake Friday and have a chance to hit the game that night if I can work it in. Thinking about heading over Sudnay to see JV pitch of the game means anything.

  3. ESPN guys picked up on Miggy is playing on one leg. Nice recovery by Fulmer, kind of like we’ve seen JV do occasionally.

  4. Hello Friends. Do we have a timeline on the delay? I’d really like Fulmer to qualify.

    What would you think about sitting him if the delay is extended and letting him pitch 4 in 162?

        1. Hot tonight, but I’d start him Sunday after we’re eliminated from the WC. If we still have a shot, JV’s the man.

  5. Well, a hit and a walk from the pen to get two outs. Very frustrating.

    Can anyone tell that I really wanted Fulmer to win the ERA title as a rookie?

    1. Yes, we could tell. We wanted it, too, but pulling Fulmer out of the fire seems like the right thing to have done. He’s still Rookie of the Year.

  6. Ausmus sees all these other pens putting together long stretches of brilliance (the Rangers pen has allowed 1 ER in their last 24 innings; yes, 24 innings; Indians pen beat us) and thinks we can do it. After 158 games you think he’d understand that our best available pitcher was on the mound.

    Just to make that point again, in the middle of a playoff race, Brad Ausmus willfully walked out to the mound and removed our best available pitcher b/c there was a guy on first base.

    1. And he is willfully starting a guy Friday who will likely have a shorter outing than Fulmer tonight.

    2. Come on, be fair. It wasn’t just because there was a guy on first base. Fulmer was at 68 pitches after 3 innings, not exactly on top of his game, and there had been a delay.

        1. Okay, I’m giving in to SL today. I’m following along intermittently and did not check the pitch count.

          I do believe we’d be about 5 games better with a good manager though, and 10 with a great one. Bullpens are impossible to predict, and nearly impossible to manage; though Ausmus is well compensated to do that.

  7. Here’s the game plan. Get a run in the bottom of 5th, complete the 5th and pray for a 3 hour torrential downpour.

  8. Miggy is limping so he worked out a way not to hurry. 3 Run lead, raining hard, love it. Hurry make 3rd out.

  9. Don’t need the 3rd out if the home team is ahead. Doesn’t matter now. Time to call game so our bullpen can go home early!

  10. Looks like Britton sealed the deal too…rats! BTW it was Grilli that gave up the dinger!

        1. So, all things considered, the Orioles taking the next one as well is good for us (and the Seattle Mariners). Right?

  11. So I wonder what’s up with limping Miggy. It’s clear enough that he’d be missed greatly any of the next 4 games.

  12. the game just went “final” DET 6- 3 CLE …after 5 complete innings…saved both teams’ bullpens or blowpens…depending on your take

  13. Game is official. And in time to watch Perry Mason!

    Imagine if tomorrow is rained out and by some miracle we need to play Monday, how the Indians will feel having to come to DTW to play a meaningless game for them 3 days before the playoffs.

    1. good point Tony!

      the forecast for DET looks like rain most of the day on Thurs – especially during the day (game time 1pm EST). The CLE playing a makeup game would be advantageous for DET, but i suspect at this point in the season, MLB will find a way to get the game in at some point today, which if its not until tonight, will be a disadvantage for DET who has to fly to ATL today for a game tomorrow

  14. Smoking had a great question about Miggy. Do you think we should take a chance on his health in order to make a WC that we probably would lose anyway. I would fit him in a straight jacket and only release him to pinch hit and only on advise of a non-Tiger connected doctor.

  15. Jimenez pitching for BAL today against Stroman (TOR) – Jimenez has been pitching pretty well lately, but is due for a meltdown-type of game

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