Justin Verlander pitched like he was auditioning for the bullpen. How often is that going to happen? That’s baseball. Or is it? After the game Verlander and McCann implied that the Indians were somehow stealing their signs, which is one reason McCann made so many trips to the mound. Upon further review, the Tigers think it might not have been the signs at all, but Verlander tipping his pitches.
To the Tigers credit, they didn’t wave the white flag, and actually made the game interesting. Justin Upton, the streak hitter par excellence, looks like he’s kicking off a hot streak, and that is a very good thing. Another good thing: Andrew Miller through 27 pitches and probably isn’t available today. If I were an Indians fan I’d probably give Francona a -1 for using Miller in that situation.
Today’s Rubber Game Lineup:
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- Victor Martinez, DH
- Justin Upton, LF
- Tyler Collins, RF
- Alex Avila, C
- Andrew Romine, CF
- Jose Iglesias, SS
Pitching: Matthew Boyd vs Carlos Carrasco
After all those trips to the mound, not to mention all those pitches called, McCann gets a breather.
Very nice Easter baskets…let’s celebrate a win today!
Big Al!!
The Boss’ son…well done!
Let’s break this open 1 and 3 one out the 50 million dollar duo coming up……… Never mind!
McCann needs his wife to throw more BP.. He is back to hacking at everything outside the zone… Lucky for us AAvila has filled in big time with the stick!
We need to stop wasting base runners. Boyd is OK but with his pitch count so far we will have to go to he pen at some point. If we do, 2 run lead may not cut it.
That will help the old pitch count!
Boyd is steadying the waters…well done!
Well done Matthew…you and Norris keeping these Outlaws to only 1 run in six innings each speaks well!
No way this bullpen can go 3 innings. We need 2 more runs.
Just 2?
AWillie, all guts, nice inning.
He’s a tuff and good Ag!
Heads up base running by Casty. Miggy comes through, life is good. Could be better if Victor can hit one.
So much for Upton being on a hot streak
A freebie we’ll take it!
McAllister appears to be the Sanchez of the Tribe?
I know it won’t happen, but with a day off coming up and how F-Rod has looked this year, I let JWillie start the ninth.
Just don’t let Franconia bat Perez….I mean Chisenhall…too late!!
I guess Gibby’s still has some work to do with the Tigers.
What, me worry? Nice job and we won the series. Big start against the tribe.
Wow…a 2 out of 3 win series felt different…but a series win is a series win. Ok boys, take tomorrow off and then bring on the Rays! Players of the series…Norris, Boyd, and Avila. The Slingin Willies also need honorable mention.
Norris and Boyd… Wow… Good WeekEnd boys!! =
+1
well, after yesterday, we needed that “W” I know our Cuevas went to Toledo, but it appears he has family in the Mariners system, his name is Noel, he must be a Christmas baby! thanks, I’ll be here all week, tip your waitress, try the veal!
Good article on F-Rod…we need some help.
http://www.blessyouboys.com/2017/4/15/15311124/francisco-rodriguez-detroit-tigers-bullpen-brad-ausmus
i agree Kevin good article, and i agree w/the article’s premise: putting faith in KRod as the closer is setting oneself up for failure
…personally, i can’t believe KRod is still in the league…here’s a guy that with the exception of the occasional 75mph slow curve, all his pitches come in between 82-89 and not a lot of movement on any of his pitches. I guess it must be a testament to his experience and effectiveness (getting hitters to chase pitches out of the zone) of his change-up… because i can’t believe MLB hitters don’t punish him more often.
the article correctly states that DET essentially has one ‘dependable’ relief pitcher – and that may be a stretch too – but the article fails to address that Ausmus manages the same way regardless of bullpen pieces, and i believe a change in that mentality (the one inning role for the 7th, 8th & 9th) and a recalibration and use of talent (how scarce it may be) might be a better approach…but DET is 8-4, so until we see more losses and more frequent blowpen showings, the status quo will likely continue. It is early and pitchers “can improve”…though most do not throughout the course of a season… but i guess we’ll see.
and speaking of ‘pitching’ – only two teams have allowed more runs than DET (63), and that’d be CLE 65 and STL 64.. two perennial stalwarts in pitching…go figure