Game 2009.160: White Sox at Tigers

PREGAME: Edwin Jackson and Jake Peavy is the first pitching match-up Tigers fans care about tonight. The second one is Lenny DiNardo and Francisco Liriano Jeff Manship.

Peavy outdueled Eddie Bonine last time out despite Bonine’s fantastic outing. The Tigers fanned 8 times in 7 innings and could only muster 6 hits and 2 walks.

Jackson on the other hand was dinged for 5 runs in 7 innings when he faced the White Sox last time. He did only walk 1 batter though so the improved control was a good sign.

I wish I had something light and pithy or at least moderately insightful to add. Maybe I’m tense. Maybe the pressure is getting to me.

Chi White Sox vs. Detroit – October 2, 2009 | MLB.com: Gameday

Kansas City vs. Minnesota – October 2, 2009 | MLB.com: Gameday

POSTGAME: My friends and I decided to splurge a little since this was the last game in our season ticket package and have dinner in the Tiger Club. For those who haven’t been, that is the glassed in area that hangs from the uper deck in right field.  They have a buffet with a 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seating. We took in the 5 p.m. option so we could be in our seats in time for the game.

The buffet featured prime rib which delicious and marbled beautifully. Next to the prime rib was a personal favorite of mine, chicken oscar. You put asparagus and crab with anything and I’ll try it. Unfortunately the first batch was a little dry, I think it had been sitting under the lamp too long and the crab dried out. Fortunately they put out more that was delicious.

Around the corner from the chicken was ravioli florentine which was good enough to warrant a corner of each plate I prepared. There were green beans and sauteed vidalia onions as well as red skin mashed potatoes. The highlight for me though was a scallop and risotto dish.

There were cheeses and relish and salad options as well. I didn’t delve into those areas greatly. And for those who enjoy more traditional ball park food there were nachos and hot dog stations as well. Again, I passed.

I was already uncomfortably full though when I went for dessert. It was a monstrous Sanders hot fudge cream puff.  It was huge and wonderful and worth having to loosen my belt.

After paying our bill we went out to watch the game. Casey Fien and Clay Rapada did a nice job.

Comments

185 responses to “Game 2009.160: White Sox at Tigers”

  1. Sam Avatar

    mlb.com shows Manship starting, are you sure it is Liriano?

  2. Tbone Avatar
    Tbone

    Tigers lineup:

    Granderson cf
    Polanco 2b
    Ordonez rf
    Cabrera 1b
    Huff dh
    Guillen lf
    Inge 3b
    Laird c
    Santiago ss,

  3. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    If Inge can string together four strikeouts this weekend, he moves into the all-time, American League Top 20 for most strikeouts in a season. Ever. So, in reality, the magic number this weekend is two and four.

    1. Jeff Avatar
      Jeff

      That’s just insane.

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Inge’s job in this one is to get hit by a Peavy pitch his first time up (after Ed-Jack hits a batter in the first), leading to Peavy’s ejection.

      Edit: That should be “The Frog’s ejection.”

  4. Matt Avatar
    Matt

    It worked last time so let’s try this again:

    Last time we faced Pavano Peavy I played the “this cannot keep happening, tonight we beat up Pavano Peavy” card. Needless to say, it didn’t work.

    So today I’m going for the opposite strategy. Pavano Peavy is a brilliant pitcher worthy of the Cy Young award and tonight he will once again prove his dominance and shut down our formidable line-up.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Well, we have to share credit, since you had the anti-Pavano anti-jinx jinx, and I had the Pavano anti-curse curse…stay tuned, I’m working on it…

  5. KW Avatar
    KW

    Well, ain’t this some stuff: http://beck.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/bonderman_mac_suspended_mijare.html

    The Tigers get the ridiculous penalties again while the other team walks away scott free (even though the Twinkies had to apologize for their terrible pitcher).

    1. Andrew Avatar

      Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise not having “hitting” coach Lloyd McClendon available tonight to offer the same expertise he has been giving our hitters all year.

      1. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        I feel the same as I did after the Porcello travesty–I think it’s great for the team. These guys seem to thrive when they have a little bit of the chip-on-the-shoulder, we-don’t-get-no-respect, edge to them..good for team chemistry…

  6. charlie Avatar
    charlie

    this is an important game…i don’t understand huff being anywhere in the lineup but batting 5th???

  7. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Audrey is 0-11 career against Peavy and hitting .190 as a Tiger.
    He hits 5th.
    He’s due I suppose.

    1. Jud Avatar
      Jud

      exactly the warped thinking of JL

  8. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Hey, you know what? Jake Peavy looks like a frog!

    (Once again, as with the Pavano curse, The Google was my friend. “Peavy looks like a” brought up this amusing post as the first result–a White Sox fan, in reference to the Peavy to Sox rumors, saying, “Peavy looks like a frog…I hope this trade doesn’t happen” http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2009/05/peavy_to_the_sox.html)

    (I also had many other choices–Peavy looks like a lot of stuff apparently, including a “punk,” a “terrorist,” and a “giant banana.” [??] But gotta stick with the animal theme here…)

  9. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    Mario opens the conversation with this gem Polanco is back in the line up tonight and that is “probably” good…………..duh

    however Huff in the 5 stop i hope isn’t the kiss of death

    1. Andrew Avatar

      Maybe Huff will “run into one” as Jim likes to say. I just hope he doesn’t hit into any double plays tonight.

  10. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Well…off to a lovely start.

  11. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    That’s not a great way to start…

  12. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Anybody else have a bad feeling about this last series against Chicago? After the implosion yesterday against the Twins, and a series with Chicago where we face Peavy who rocked us once already this year. Not to mention the Twins still red hot and facing the Royals…

  13. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Yep…I have that feeling…2 on, 1 out….Nothing from our clean-up guy or Huff…

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      You would like, at the very minimum, for Cabrera to at least swing the bat right there, no? That’s not asking too much from an “MVP Candidate”?

  14. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    Miggs the identical strike two and three duh no wonder your 2 for 20 against him

  15. Andrew Avatar

    The strike 2 on Cabrera was off the plate. The next pitch caught the edge of the plate. Why wasn’t Cabrera swinging to protect the plate after he knew the strike zone had been expanded?

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Even so it looked better than Grandy’s AB…

      1. Andrew Avatar

        Well, you’ve got me there – no doubt about it

  16. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    if we are all wondering….. what is the Tigers record in the last three games of -06 07-08 could it be 0-9

    1. Brenden Avatar
      Brenden

      That’s reassuring…

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      It’s 2-7

  17. Andrew Avatar

    Nice inning by Jackson there.

  18. West Coast Tiger Avatar
    West Coast Tiger

    Granderson and Laird should only be allowed to bunt.

  19. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Hate to be the eternal pessimist, but I could seriously see Detroit losing this 0-1…We had a chance in the 1st do put up some runs, and now Peavy will be in cruise control, striking out a ton and getting a lot of early swings…

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      I feel the same way. Peavy is owning the outside corner and then getting feable waves and misses at everything else, notably Laird, who all of a sudden is swinging from the heels in every at bat.

      1. Andrew Avatar

        Need to manufacture something with Santiago bunting his way on, perhaps?

  20. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    I hope the Tigs are not hanging on the best chance of winning this whole thing is the Kansas City Royals!

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      KC owes them for 2006, right? Inge buying the champagne like Torii Hunter?

  21. Andrew Avatar

    Heckuva throw on the putout by Laird! Nice 🙂

  22. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    Laird is ridiculous at throwing!!!!!!!!!!

  23. jaws79 Avatar
    jaws79

    Let’s hope that KC is watching the sign stealing and plays them! Cheaters never win in the long run and even though it is not ‘cheating’ it is an unwritten rule and unacceptable to play the way the Twins have. Hopefully it will get them tonight and tomorrow!!!

  24. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    It seems our best chance of winning this game is to drive up Peavy’s pitch count and chase him early….Unfortunately, I’m not seeing that pitchcount climb fast enough…

  25. Andrew Avatar

    Can someone please hit it out of the infield?

  26. oldmancoyote Avatar
    oldmancoyote

    This color guy is pissing me off.

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      Phillips of Sutcliffe, take your pick, both are awful.

    2. jaws79 Avatar
      jaws79

      rod allen knows everything–didn’t you know that? he even knows what people are thinking! he gets on my nerves too!!!

      1. oldmancoyote Avatar
        oldmancoyote

        I’m talking about the espn guys. I’d much rather hear Rod. The ESPN guy was saying he it “felt” like the Tiger team was nervous b/c they “blew” last night’s game and knew it. Ugh.

        1. jaws79 Avatar
          jaws79

          sry old man coyote–rod just infuriates me with his ‘know it all’ talk. wish he would stop some of that!

  27. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    At least Peavy is doing something every other good pitcher does, and that’s handle the Tiger line up very easily

  28. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Crap…..

  29. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Walk him…set up the double play… Runs are at a serious premium tonight…

    1. Brenden Avatar
      Brenden

      Nevermind…that works…for now.

  30. RoseTattoo Avatar
    RoseTattoo

    Rod and Mario are sure loving them some White Sox tonight.

  31. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Where did that miss?

  32. ouchudied Avatar
    ouchudied

    I’m sure all of those watching on gameday are wondering where pitch 5 of the Jermaine Dye at-bat was.

    1. Andrew Avatar

      Right over the plate for a strike. Just because Laird was set up outside and had to move to catch it – it was either missed or the movement threw off the ump and he thought it was off the plate.

  33. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Wow…that was great…..

    This team always has a way of punking out on Jackson…offensively and defensively…

  34. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Thanks Guillen, hell of a play there.

    Sorry. not much insight there. Terrible way to give away another run — which feels like about 20 — at this point.

  35. Andrew Avatar

    Tell me again why Guillen isn’t the DH and Raburn isn’t playing LF?

  36. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Nice Carlos…Inge should have gone for it like in the home opener…

  37. West Coast Tiger Avatar
    West Coast Tiger

    That should be an error. That was horrible.

  38. Joey in Portland OR Avatar
    Joey in Portland OR

    um……………. get guillen a slip and slide out there, he apparently loves sliding for fun.

  39. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    how can the Tigers have signed under contract the 3 worst left fielders in all of baseball Ra-y-burn Guillen and Thames…..you’d think they could find someone who can play there…

  40. Chris Y. Avatar
    Chris Y.

    From mlbtraderumors.com

    2010 MLB free agents – Left fielders

    Garret Anderson (38)
    Marlon Anderson (36)
    Jason Bay (31)
    Emil Brown (35)
    Marlon Byrd (32)
    Carl Crawford (28) – $10MM club option with a $1.25MM buyout
    Johnny Damon (36)
    David Dellucci (36)
    Cliff Floyd (37)
    Matt Holliday (30)
    Reed Johnson (33)
    Jacque Jones (35)
    Gabe Kapler (34)
    Greg Norton (37)
    Wily Mo Pena (28)
    Manny Ramirez (38) – $20MM player option
    Dave Roberts (38)
    Gary Sheffield (41)
    Fernando Tatis (35)
    Randy Winn (36)

    1. oldmancoyote Avatar
      oldmancoyote

      jason bay? is he a possibility? what do people think?

      1. Jeff Avatar
        Jeff

        No way they can afford him. Yankees and Red Sox will go hard after Holliday and Bay will probably go to the loser.

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Great…we can get rid of the 3 we have now and rotate Sheffied, Kapler, and Jacques Jones…

      1. Jud Avatar
        Jud

        not much difference defensively… Kapler might be the All Star in the whole group of 6 whats Bobby Higginson doing he is in that class

    3. Jeff Avatar
      Jeff

      Granderson didn’t know how many outs there were when he caught the 3rd out.

      edit: didn’t mean to post here.

  41. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Pitcher has froglegs…

  42. Andrew in Toronto Avatar
    Andrew in Toronto

    How did they score that a hit?

    Jackson did not look pleased!

    I agree, Guillen should be DH. Huff should be benched. And Rayburn or Thomas should be out there.

    1. Andrew Avatar

      Thanks, Cabrera, I think I saw you do that yesterday. Nice to hear Huff getting hassled by the fans 🙂

      oops, didn’t mean to reply here

  43. Andrew Avatar

    Got a gift there – Tigers need to do something with it.

  44. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    You are killing me Miguel…

  45. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Ribbit…ribbit…ribbit…

  46. Andrew Avatar

    That’s the best at-bat I’ve seen Huff have since his HR against Toronto.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Guillen and Inge both hit the ball hard…we’re gonna get to this frogman…

  47. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    Only a true fan would be doing what I am doing now. Using my son’s computer at his house which was just broken into. They got the big TV and other goodies but left the computer. Tell me the score is wrong. I just will not accept a loss. My Internet Exlorer is down on my computer at home, there’s a full moon, and I’m feeling madness. Don’t know when I can post again. Night all. We gd better win this game! Go Tigers!!!! Over and out.

  48. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Sigh…anther Tiger ball dying on the warning track…

  49. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    This team is so absolutely frustrating…. They aren’t going to win this game, there is no magic, there is no clutch hits. The Twins are about to pull in the improbable “coming back from 3 games to win the division in the last four games”….

  50. Andrew Avatar

    Ahh, another frustrating inning that merely teased us with the possibility of scoring a run or two.

  51. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    And we’re done….Might as well wait for the Royals-Twins game….Piss on it…

  52. jaws79 Avatar
    jaws79

    The Tigers show no “HUNGER”! Without it they cannot win!

  53. Andrew Avatar

    Is this a rerun? I’ve seen this Tigers episode before.

  54. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Off to a good start in Minny…not.

    1st and 3rd one out in the top and Brayan Pena GIDP. Fan-xxx-tastic.

  55. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    To add insult to injury, KC has 1st and 3rd, 1 out…GIDP

  56. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Is that a pitcher’s mound, or a lily pad? Ribbit…

  57. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Great, they’re going all web gem on us…awesome play…

  58. Joey in Portland OR Avatar
    Joey in Portland OR

    run through the base without wasting energy making the ‘SAFE’ sign yourself please!

  59. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    And the Twins are leading…

    1. Brenden Avatar
      Brenden

      And it’s about to get bigger…

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      “winning” is a bit of an understatement…that one has “game over” written all over it…

      1. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        As does this. The 2-game season begins tomorrow…

  60. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Cmon Grandy, try to bunt yourself on or something, this is just looking futile

  61. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Delmon Young grand slam. Just great.

    1. Randolph Avatar
      Randolph

      good to see kc decided to show up at the start of the game.

  62. Andrew Avatar

    5-0 Twinkies 🙁

  63. Joey in Portland OR Avatar
    Joey in Portland OR

    Delmon just got his revenge. Grand Slam.

  64. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Could this night get any worse….Twins are up big…Tigers are about to be down by 4….and the lead will shrink to 1….This team…. I can’t even type the vulgarities…

  65. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    I hate this kind of stuff, but hand it to the Twins, they are playing like a team that wants to get swept by the Yankees.

  66. RoseTattoo Avatar
    RoseTattoo

    Is there anything else on the teevee tonight?

  67. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    And who do we have starting tomorrow? Alfredo Figaro…Figaro is apparently suppose to save Porcello for the Playoffs… I vote Porcello starts tomorrow, because otherwise we aren’t going to the playoffs…

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      I hope that works out better than that “save Kenny Rogers for later in the World Series” maneuver…

    2. Jeff Avatar
      Jeff

      It’s not “saving him for the playoffs.” It’s because he’d be pitching on short rest – not a recipe for success.

      1. Randolph Avatar
        Randolph

        I’d rather see Verlander go tomorrow in a “must win game” and if need be pitch Porcello on sunday on normal rest.

        1. Coleman Avatar
          Coleman

          What the heck…let Inge pitch. Bat Kelly 4th. Pinch-hit Everett for Ordonez. It’s not like it could be much worse…

        2. Jeff Avatar
          Jeff

          I like your idea.

  68. Andrew Avatar

    What a nightmare

  69. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    Unbelievable…

  70. Jud Avatar
    Jud

    Starting Figaro will be the most incompetent move Leyland has every made and he leads the majors already, by far, in incompetent moves….its Porcello or nothing

  71. Andrew Avatar

    I don’t usually bail out on a game, but I’ve seen enough. Hope the Tigers prove me wrong and come from behind to win it, but I can’t stand to watch this.

  72. Joey in Portland OR Avatar
    Joey in Portland OR

    wow, I really should have went to see Bruce Springsteen again at Giants stadium again tonight. this is NOT a good night. ugh. I guess at least being on the east coast I can go to bed earlier…

  73. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Suddenly shaky starting pitcher.
    No hitting.
    Shoddy fielding.
    Borderline incompotent managing.

    That’s how you make history….the bad kind of history.

    Absolutely no guts whatsover on this team.

    1. Jeff Avatar
      Jeff

      “Absolutely no guts whatsover on this team.”

      That’s a ridiculous comment. What would make you say this?

      1. Mike in CT Avatar
        Mike in CT

        Are you being sarcastic?

        This team is playing completely tight and scared. (One hit, too.)

        Down 8-0 in a nearly must-win game, yeah, that’s pretty gutsy.

        1. Jeff Avatar
          Jeff

          Losing 8-0 = no guts? That’s absurd. It’s baseball. You play well one day, you don’t the next. You can’t draw any conclusions about “heart” or “guts” or effort purely from the result.

          1. Mike in CT Avatar
            Mike in CT

            I won’t quibble back and forth, but when it got tight down the stretch, the team has collectively wilted under the pressure. To me that is a team lacking guts.

      2. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        Brett Favre literally has no guts, and he does alright…

  74. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    I hope we get a Leyland rant out of this game… Maybe that’ll do some good…

  75. jcm Avatar
    jcm

    Dye was out the second time. The last one was also ko. But the chief umpire has surpassed Hernandez as the worst ever

  76. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    HAHAHAHAHAHA. This team is so unbelievably indefensible. I mean. No urgency. Inge provides NOTHING in the field. He hits .220 and makes TONS of errors now. I mean. His knees are shot. Take a break, bro. Aubrey Huff. WHAT did you provide? So happy to just take a paycheck in Baltimore. You are BASICALLY depending on Greinke and the Royals to win a game tomorrow, and PRAY that you can win Sunday. This is HILARIOUS. I hope the Inge/Leyland worship STOPS now.

    But at least Polanco is rested. That’s good.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Um, yeah, whatever. This ain’t the Freep message boards…the whole Inge is a crappy fielder bit–I mean even Stephen never goes there…and if you were to actually read anything here about Leyland…well it’s a strange form of worship is all I can say…

  77. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Twins have the bases loaded again, no outs in the 2nd with the immortal Victor Marte pitching for the Royals.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Perhaps “Victor Martyr” would be more apt.

      1. Mike in CT Avatar
        Mike in CT

        Guess the only upside is they still clinch if they win tomorrow and Sunday. Who knows, though, Ozzie Guillen might dig up Tom Seaver to pitch, so anything’s possible.

        1. Brenden Avatar
          Brenden

          Or a waiver trade for Pavano…

  78. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    OK, I feel better now. The White Sox, like their manager, are very up and down, swayed by emotion. Tonight they will party. Hard. The next two are ours.

    1. RoseTattoo Avatar
      RoseTattoo

      Thanks for that Coleman. It’s not easy talking me off the ledge, but every little bit helps.

  79. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    Twins face Greinke tomorrow. We get to face Garcia. Bottom line is, they lose and we win, it’s over tomorrow.

    1. Chris Y. Avatar
      Chris Y.

      And this is what is miraculous. We really should be thankful. For all the hand-wrenching, and despite our preference for the Tigers, we have to know this is a blessing.

      Most teams with ~85 wins were eliminated a long time ago,; i.e. Texas, Seattle, SF, Cubbies, Rays. These are our peers.

      I will continue to pull hard, but it’s only a division pennant. My hope that this team can compete in the playoffs went on vacation a long time ago.

  80. mark_in_gr Avatar
    mark_in_gr

    I will take this opportunity to official thank Sir Loyd McLendon for cultivating and INSPIRING one of the most stellar offensive lineups in all of baseball history. The heart, the spirit, the determination, and the all out never say die attitude of this offense speaks volumes.

    Ok, before you all flame me, we all know that historically any offense that leaves a trail of LOBs throughout the season like this team has is definitely the fault of coaching. There simply is no other explanation.

    Radio and TV announcers alike continue to spout off excuses of “This guy has great stuff . . . oh no, they are going to have a tough time facing “sillinininin” tomorrow night . . .” . . . so I suppose it’s safes to say that as long as we face Cleveland or scrub pitcher w/an 8.0 era or above, we will be shut down offensively . . .

    Hey, here’s an idea . . . let’s do nothing whatsoever within the organization in the offseason and run this same bunch out in 2010 . . . makes sense to me.

    Why is it that a team like the Twins have all those AL Central flags hanging up, 02, 04, 06 . . . with less than half the payroll, and the media in MI keeps focusing on 1984 and 1987? DD, why is that? Mr. Illitch, why is that? Do they have broadband in Sweden, homes?

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      I agree, the approach at the plate at times seems baffling, but its not the coaches swinging the sticks.

      One thing I have noticed from a coaching standpoint is the opposition defenders have the Tigers hitters scouted perfectly, meanwhile, well, let’s not talk about the recent outfield defense by the Tigers.

      1. mark_in_gr Avatar
        mark_in_gr

        True, they aren’t swinging the sticks, but someone has to be accountable for this systemic season long non-sense.

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      McClendon is awesome, and the Tigers hitters would clearly be lost without him. Or weren’t you aware he was suspended tonight?

  81. Brenden Avatar
    Brenden

    What a bunch of bums…

    1. mark_in_gr Avatar
      mark_in_gr

      Come on, don’t be so hard on DD . . . he has amazing hair!

      1. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        It’s not bad, but it’s not in the same league with Adam Everett hair…

  82. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    You are right. This team is just what it is. Mediocre. In an awful division. I am saying, if this team blows this lead. I mean, thats twice in 4 seasons they’ve blown a division on the final weekend. And this time, no backup plan..

  83. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    I decided I was too nervous to watch and watched Harold and Kumar instead thinking I’d click over and catch last three innings. And it’s already over. Sigh. Guillen can’t play the field ever again.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Again?

  84. Andrew Avatar

    Just for kicks (no, not like the butt kicking the Tigers & Royals have received tonight) lets say that the division is not secured before Sunday and Verlander pitches Sunday and the Tigers & Twins end up *gasp* tied. Porcello would pitch in the game at the baggy dome and if the Tigers manage a win who gets the ball in Game 1 against the Yankees? Jackson (I assume)?

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Bominer.

      1. stephen Avatar
        stephen

        Milt Wilcox looked good the other night.

    2. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Actually it makes less difference than you would think–if we clinch Sunday, the Yankees can elect to start the series on Tuesday. If we have a playoff, they lose that option and the series starts Wednesday. So with the playoff we burn whoever pitches the playoff game, but for the rest of the rotation there would actually end up being an extra day off…

  85. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    I’m feeling a bit bad for billfer right now…who clearly has consumed celery stalks by the score trying to think of SOMETHING possible to say in a Postgame sort of way…

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      What a waste of sympathy…celery stalks indeed…

      🙂

  86. Mike in CT Avatar
    Mike in CT

    Well, tip of the cap to White Sox GM Kenny Williams, sure trading for Jake Peavy screwed up his team’s 2009 chances, but at least it messed up the Tigers postseason chances.

    Can’t wait to face him four-fives times a season for the next couple years.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      I’m with you there, if by “tip of the cap” you refer to that gesture with middle-finger extended…

      1. Mike in CT Avatar
        Mike in CT

        How’s this? Over the summer I was going through my old baseball cards and stumbled upon a shot of Kenny Williams as a Tiger.

        I nearly threw up.

        1. Coleman Avatar
          Coleman

          I did not know that.

          Thanks for enlightening/horrifying me…

          1. Mike in CT Avatar
            Mike in CT

            What horrified you, my would-be vomit or kenny as a Tiger?

          2. Coleman Avatar
            Coleman

            I did know Kenny Williams was a Detroit Bengal Cat…I’m OK with the vomit, as long as it maintains the “would-be” status…at least Hawk Harrelson never wore the Olde English D (except maybe privately before his hotel-room mirror with the doors locked…)

  87. Coleman Avatar
    Coleman

    Don’t have much to say to that…but i DO want to see if my reply stays at the bottom of all the posts no matter what like your comment has magically done…

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Wow…and the replies don’t even reply in a reply-ish way…just hoping Jud uses these powers for good instead of evil…

      1. Jeff Avatar
        Jeff

        Well said. That’s an amazing skill to have.

  88. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Twins blown half their lead. I’m telling you this is the NC A &T versus Widener play-in game.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      Q. When is blowing half your lead no biggie?
      A. When aforementioned lead is 10 frickin’ runs

  89. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    BILLFER: THAT IS BEST POST GAME COMMENT EVER. WELL DONE!
    (yes i’m shouting, it is that awesome).

    1. Mike in CT Avatar
      Mike in CT

      Second that fact. Needed something to take my mind off that atrocity.

    2. billfer Avatar
      billfer

      Glad you liked it. I was reading the comments throughout the game. And I certainly understand the negativity and frustration. But I thought it would be best to focus on the positives.

      1. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        Pay no attention to the disarming nonchalance of billfer’s comments…the postgame was pure genius, a clever strategem combining the metaphorical and the visceral…avoiding the popular but somewhat negative complaints – “The Tigers show no “HUNGER”!, etc” – he instead inspires by CREATING a hunger with his over the top descriptions of his fine dinner (tell me, are you hungry now? I am!…case closed). Now we’re all hungry, and no doubt the feeling will carry over in some fashion to the players.

        (Although as far as “fire in the belly goes”…in some ways that may be the opposite of being “hungry.” Because I had a delicious habanero shrimp skewer that was filling and yet seems to be producing a fire in the belly…)

  90. Ian C. Avatar

    That’s the best postgame of the season. Well done (unlike the prime rib), Bill.

  91. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Royals got two on, no out in the 8th! It’s not impossible!

  92. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Royals got tying run on deck circle!

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      and yet…I’m guessing warming up in the bullpen is–Farnsworth?

  93. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    ROYALS GOT TYING RUN AT PLATE!

  94. Chief Avatar
    Chief

    Excellent postgame wrapup. Good game by Fien and Rapada.

  95. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Crap, Royals strand two with 400 ft out. Crap.

  96. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Twins going to have to use Nathan again! This is not a small thing.

    1. Jeff Molby Avatar
      Jeff Molby

      Eh. All year long I’ve stressed that it’s too early to go into full-throttle mode. That’s not the case anymore. For the next two (or three, if it’s f!@#ing necessary), both teams will play their best people at every conceivable opportunity. Nathan will pitch in every game, even if it means he’s pitched in 6 of 7 straight games.

      1. stephen Avatar
        stephen

        I agree, but he won’t be effective if he’s used four straight days. Twins are not playing that well, I don’t think they win the next two. They had two more errors tonight, squander most of a 10-run lead and had to use Nathan again. We just need to win one more frickin game in my opinion.

  97. Jeff Molby Avatar
    Jeff Molby

    LMAO. Billfer… You’ve outdone yourself. That postgame will be unanimously inducted in the Hall on the first ballot.

  98. jcm Avatar
    jcm

    Now , Nathan hit him for running

  99. Sam Avatar

    Billfer,

    Well written!!

    -Sam

  100. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    Yes, that wrapup was brilliant.

    Unfortunately, Jud has rigged the site, so none of the well-deserved compliments will end up at the bottom.

  101. David G Avatar
    David G

    I think the Tigs get it done tomorrow. In Greinke we trust.

  102. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    160 games in, the Tigers are exactly one run on the plus side of run differential.

    1. Coleman Avatar
      Coleman

      So, wait–that means we won, right?

  103. Jerry the Tiger Fan Avatar
    Jerry the Tiger Fan

    Does everyone now see why I freaked out during the Thursday afternoon loss? Because this was sooooooo predictable, that is why. I have to laugh that people were counting on Jackson to outduel Peavy tonight in yesterday’s thread. Peavy is one of the elite pitchers in all of baseball, Jackson is good but nowhere near Peavy’s level. Porcello’s young arm be damned, they need to start him tomorrow or go with JV on three day’s rest and come back with Porcello Sunday. Leyland counting on Figaro tomorrow is akin to taking a card with a 16 at a blackjack table with the dealer showing a six. It might work, but the odds are not in your favor. What a mess. THIS is why I lost my mind Thursday afternoon. It was all there for the taking, the Twins made four errors, and we still got blown out. After blowing an opportunity like that it is tough to re-group (as we saw tonight). I’m hoping for the best, but this has historical collapse written all over it (as ESPN reminds us of nightly). So depressing to see this go down this way.

    1. Jeff Molby Avatar
      Jeff Molby

      Question: What’s the only thing sillier than assuming a .531 team will hold onto a 1 game lead with two games left?

      Answer: Assuming that a .525 team can overcome a 1 game deficit with two games left.

      I wish this was locked up a week ago, but it’s not. Oh well. Think of these as bonus playoff games. Every move matters so much that it has the same intensity. Enjoy it. This is baseball drama at its finest, even if the baseball skill leaves a bit to be desired.

      1. Coleman Avatar
        Coleman

        Not so silly when said team is 12-4 in their last 16 games…

    2. Keith (Mr. X) Avatar
      Keith (Mr. X)

      I’m not depressed. As long as the Tigers are in 1st place, I’m happy. I’ve been very happy for since May 10th. That’s nearly 5 whole months. If the Twins can somehow take 1st place away from us, then congrats to them. I’m not a sore loser.

  104. Tater Avatar
    Tater

    Awesome, awesome postgame. Billfer is my Tiger!

    Back to the deep, cleansing breaths.

  105. MCM Avatar
    MCM

    Nothing better than taking this thing down to the wire….if our bats don’t come alive today, shame on us!

  106. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Oriole fan wrote me this: “You know what Aubrey Huff is? He is PAYBACK FOR KEITH MORELAND! CHOKE ON IT, TIGERS! Happy 20th anniversary of ruining one of the best baseball seasons of my life, Detroit.”
    (The Tigers pawned off Moreland during the 1989 pennant race).

    Moreland and Huff post-trade stats are remarkably similar!

    1. Chris Avatar

      Huff hit a huge 3-run ninth inning homer against Toronto. Tigers won that game in extra innings. That win could be the difference between winning the Central. Did Moreland do anything like that for the Orioles?

  107. Keith (Mr. X) Avatar
    Keith (Mr. X)

    I’ve gotten fairly use to how Rodney closes games. The way the Tigers will win the division is just the Rodney way of doing things.

  108. stephen Avatar
    stephen

    Let me state for the record I stated with 100% certainty there was no way the Twins would get to 85 wins.
    I am an idiot.