“Squander” is yesterday’s word of the day, as the Tigers left 12 on base, including 6 by Justin Upton, who picked an inopportune time to finally cool off.
Cleveland stayed hot, however, and now it’s 5 1/2. Norris pulls his van up to the mound for a big rubber game.
Today’s Let’s Try This Again Lineup:
Same lineup as last night, that hasn’t happened much lately.
That’s was quite a game on any day, much less a high-stakes September playoff run game. With the Royals seemingly stealing the game from the Tigers in the bottom of the 8th, only to have the Tigers take it back in the top of the 9th. Francisco Rodriguez looked unhittable in the 9th to get the win, after looking like a disaster and blowing the save in the 8th. It was like two different pitchers.
The real story of the game though was Miguel Cabrera, who had one of those Cabrera days we had gotten spoiled by in the past, knocking in 4. Upton continues to roll as well with two hits and another home run. My pick for today’s big bat though is JD Martinez, who is 7-for-16 against Ventura (.438). Let’s hope the Tigers come through unscathed: Ventura drilled both Collins and Kinsler when the two teams faced each other.
The Tigers have brought up side-arming lefty Joe Mantiply (who will be certain autocorrect bait) from AA Erie to add to the bullpen.
Today’s Lettuce Win Another Lineup:
This is the sweep or get swept, and the season is changed series. Which is the real Anibal, the one last out or the one the two starts before?
Upton continues to play with a vengeance. If this continues, it defies my many decades of watching baseball. You can’t slump for literally months, then beat the cover off the ball the rest of the season. Pitchers are afraid to pitch to him now. Did not see that coming.
And JaCoby is replacing the spark that Oops Hurt Again Maybin provided. He should be back soon. The Tigers are close to full strength. If Kinsler re-ignites, these guys could score a few runs; he is the only one not really riding the new wave here.
Some great baseball minds were pondering why the Tigers can’t beat lefties. One big reason: Nick Castellanos. Nick inexplicably hit .207, .656 OPS against lefties. Oh wait, he’s out today! OK, Saltalamacchia has been even worse, .173, .574 OPS agains lefties (why even switch hit at that point?). Oh wait, Brad actually went against the Righty/Lefty thing and went with McCann tonight.
Today’s Let the Real Season Begin Lineup:
Castellanos and Maybin out, but the Tigers seem to be fielding a major league lineup every day now. I like Aybar at 3rd tonight. I predict a bunt single and a key RBI.
