More solid pitching from Jordan Zimmerman, and a bunch of runs, and the Tigers finally get back in the W column. The real story of the game though was Miguel Cabrera, who finally had a game where he looked like Miguel Cabrera, who went 4-for-4, went long twice, and earned himself the coveted game post photo spot.
Was it the day off that helped get him back on track? And why did Brad Ausmus give him Sunday off? Was it to “send a message?” Does that work? Was it rest? Was Cabrera fatigued? Was it merely a scheduled day off? Leyland used to do that all the time, put out Sunday lineups with multiple starters missing. At any rate, let’s hope the big bat keeps booming.
Of course all of the Tiger noise today on the airwaves was not about Miguel Cabrera; Tyler Collins got himself in the spotlight with a few choice words and an unmistakable gesture for the fans. Collins apologized, but I don’t think he has to worry too much about how the fans will react, since he has one foot in Toledo already, and the other will join as soon as Cameron Maybin finishes his rehab. He does get the night off tonight though, even against the lefty Rich Hill (University of Michigan). Maybe that’s sending a message (Collins would normally start against the lefty), maybe that’s to protect Collins from the wrath of the fans.
Today’s Lineup:
- Kinsler, 2B
- Upton, LF
- Cabrera, 1B
- V Martinez, DH
- JD Martinez, LF
- Castellanos, 3B
- Saltalamacchia, C
- Gose, CF
- Iglesias, SS
Comments
16 responses to “Game 2016.19: A’s at Tigers”
I’ve never seen a third baseman drop as many throws as Castellanos. Meanwhile, the Tigers are baffled by curveballs. Hopefully the 2nd time through the lineup they can adjust to all the curves.
As the great Yogi said: Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.
Pelfrey needs to stop the bleeding now, 3 runs may be enough tonight.
Kirk Gibson reminds me of an instructor I once had: No matter how knowledgeable he was, his voice put me to sleep.
Scherzer – so far this year: 4.55 ERA, 3-1 W/L, 1.31 WHIP, BAA .255, 11 BB’s in 30 IN
sure he could/may turn it around and have another Cy Young-type year…but the Nats still owe him another $193M on his contract – he turns 32 on 7/27/16.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/15391039/max-scherzer-washington-nationals-says-funk
Scherzer ‘in a funk’, but at least his team is 14-5
I do wish Mike Pelfrey gets in a “funk”.
Wow, tell me that as a team the Tigers don’t have their collective heads up their rear ends. Even Miggy, he knows there is no time out unless the umpire gives it.
8 RH (6 who had been All Stars) DET hitters against LHP Hill tonight, and all DET could manage through 7 IN is 4 singles…and 8 K’s – 0 runs… and the proverbial ‘tip of the cap’ to (former UM pitcher) Hill
the last 2 1/2 weeks DET journey seems to be on the ‘one step forward, two steps back-path’…
Upton makes the $11,000,000 catch. Thats all the the Tigers have gotten for their money so far! Nice gig”!!!!
Those of you that wrote that check for playoff tickets yesterday, might want to hold off putting that envelope in the mail!
Surprised to see so many people already questioning Ausmus’s leadership this season after essentially giving him a pass the last two seasons. Could the end be near already?
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/detroit-tigers-many-problems-go-much-deeper-than-brad-ausmus-042616
https://motorcitybengals.com/2016/04/26/detroit-tigers-manager-brad-ausmus-no-control/
good articles/assessments
…as Rosenthal indicated, the $200M payroll + pre-season FA signings + roster w/stars (current or former?) = elevated expectations. If DET was 12-7 or better; the players, roster and management would not be under so much scrutiny, but they’re 9-10 and ‘underperforming’, so they’ll remain under the microscope until (if?) they can turn it around. We’re still only in April, and they are 1 game under .500, so it could be a LOT worse… here’s to hoping that it doesn’t get (a lot worse). I want to see Ausmus and DET succeed… winning solves everything, losing doesn’t.
My prediction of last place by May1 is getting more interesting every day!…
Anyone can manage a team when things are going good. The true test of ones coaching abilities come out when things are not going very well. My opinion is Brad has not demonstrated much of an ability to lead when in that situation. As much of a character that Jim Leyland was he is still a .500 manager. At times, though, he could rise to the occassion as the leader. I don’t see that from Brad. He has a $200 million lineup..6 All Sars and he will remain a .500 manager in Detroit….(.in my opinion)
It is still the players that perform or not although I agree that Brad has not covered himself with distinction so far in his managerial career. But, the way things are going right now, in a month or so we may be wishing he is a 500 manager.