Relax, don’t worry. That’s the message Jim Leyland has for the Tigers and Tiger faithful after the A’s shut out Detroit 2-0 on Tuesday night to stay alive in the ALDS.
Anibal Sanchez and the Tiger bullpen were up to the task, but the Tigers are still waiting for their offense to be unleashed, a common refrain that’s bound to bring a sigh from those of us who have been paying attention all season.
But what would postgame comments be without a bit of “that’s baseball:” “We’re going to have to hit better. But it’s baseball, and you never know how it’s going to play out.” There, that’s better.
Probably a tip of the cap is in order too, because the missing Tiger offense was due in large part to some fielding gems by the A’s outfielders (both on balls hit by the snakebit Fielder), and by some great pitching by Brett Anderson, making his first appearance in almost a month.
Oakland seemed to draw on the energy of its vocal fans, who are likely to be even more inspired now that the A’s have one in the win column.
Still, no reason to worry.
Actually, maybe you should.
In which camp are you?
The Tigers will turn to Max Scherzer tonight, who will attempt to show that he has recovered from shoulder and ankle injuries, and exploit the Oakland penchant for striking out.
The A’s will counter with another rookie (naturally), A.J Griffin, whose last playoff experience was in last season’s Class-A California League playoffs. He faced the Tigers on Sept 18 and gave up 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings, including a home run to Prince Fielder, who is certainly due.
Stat of the Day: The Tigers offense has struggled frequently this season, but not to the point of being shutout often–the Tigers were shut out only twice in the regular season, the fewest of any team in the Majors.
Today’s Player of the Pre-game: Max Scherzer. Mad Max needs to dial up the K’s.
Today’s Rookie-Beating Lineup:
- Austin Jackson CF
- Quintin Berry LF
- Miguel Cabrera 3B
- Prince Fielder 1B
- Delmon Young DH
- Andy Dirks RF
- Jhonny Peralta SS
- Alex Avila C
- Omar Infante 2B
Comments
60 responses to “Game 2012 Playoffs.4: Tigers at A’s”
That’s funny that Jim L. would say that because I was going to post this last night: DO NOT PANIC! REMAIN CALM! It is simple math; we have to win 1 they (still) have to win 2
The 18SEP12 game referenced above (Game 147) that A.J. Griffin pitched, the Tigers won 12-2 with Cabrera hitting two homeruns and 6 RBIs. See:http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET201209180.shtml as it will make you smile. Let’s hope for some early happy bats tonight!
Prediction: the Tigers will prevail over Oakland and will advance.
And now here is a toss-up question for the enlightened DTW brain trust: Which team would you rather face in the next series, Baltimore or New York? My vote is for the Yankees. They are the more vulnerable. Good pitching always stops good hitting. You could look it up!
Good question Tom. Watching tonight’s game Id rather go with the Yankees too as their fans are very quiet and reserved compared to the Orioles fans. Last night I had problems sleeping after seeing the Oakland fans in action. Never had that problem before!
To Sleepless in Mississippi. Mon Dieu! Try taking two aspirin, and a glass of warm milk – while listening to a George Kell re-run. Sure to work.
Thank God for MLD audio as I don’t have to listen to the TNT/TBS announcers. I do like Buck Martinez, however D&J have ’em beat!
PS, I plan to drink champaign tonight!!!
The biggest difference with Oakland is the stadium is usually 2/3 empty..now that they are winning they are attracting some of those Raider people..and filling the place
I vote Yankees…history is on that side
I’ll go with NY as well, but I do worry about Long Ball Benoit and Valverde pitching the 8th and 9th innings in Yankee Stadium.
Max is on so far tonight. Change-up has unbelievable movement on it right now.
Who’s Your Tiger!!!! PRINCE!!!!
Catch that one Coco.
Dirks on a roll tonight!
Hey Peralta way to throw your bat at ball four to make sure you hit into that DP
MAD Max….just keep it up…good to see you ON!
Yes Sir!!! A 5 pitch inning!!!
I noticed yesterday when Oakland was getting the pitch out of the strikezone called a strike they didn’t whine about it like they did in Detroit
Atta boy MAX!……make those pitches…
Ohhhh Max, you Magnificant Pitcher…3Ks in the 5th 8Ks tonite!
Silliest Leyland quip of the year: Too Many Strikeouts. Let’s have a few more!!
There’s that clown show defense we have seen soooo often
And thank you for a clown show base run!!!
Hey, YOU try running with big floppy shoes!!
And why is Scherzer out..one good hit ball,and error by Fielder?????
7 batted balls into the field and only 3 hits and Max is out of there. Our Fielder is not a fielder.
We need this one! Go Tigers!
Problem here is Coke pitching the 7th
GARCIA…,,,you magnificant ROOKIE!!!!
Wow….Garcia
I like our chances. How long is Benoit’s leash?
What leash? He’s the 8th inning guy – end of story.
Long Ball Benoit…I need a Stroh’s.
Two outings in a row by Benoit? I don’t/hope think so.
Different line up too! Hold on to your Stroh’s!
Benoit…Verde..2 run lead..what are the chances?
BENOIT……BENOIT…BENOIT!!
Ohhh Benoit…you magnficant 8th inning holder!!!
Alright. I can breathe again.
Verde..2 run lead..what are the chances?
Whew! I wasn’t too keen on that matchup: home run pitcher vs. home run hitter with 2 on.
Now get some insurance runs, please.
Let the real game begin
Blowpen. Valverde has to go.
Un believable!!!!!!!!!!
Very believable.
We’re screwed! Valverde couldn’t close a garage door with an automatic door opener!
And of course he has to stay in because he is the 9th Inning Guy.
JOSE………..THANKS
The “scrappy” A’s will get credit for pulling this one out. Tiger’s fans will certainly have a different perspective having seen this all too frequently.
A tip of the cap to the A’s…see you tomorrow!
Absolutely stunning!
Efin Valverde- please Dombrowski, don’t bring back that overrated showboating POS next year.
Three total runs in two days on the road….business as usual…..3 runs was the problem again today..
More runs wouldn’t have mattered. Valverde would still be pitching and the A’s would still be running around the bases. The guy is an accident waiting to happen, and has been for the entire season. But, as proclaimed by The Master Strategist, he is The 9th Inning Guy. That’s baseball.
Our only hope was Big Al but Leyland had to go to the 2 misfits on this team. Valverde gave up 4 hits which equaled their hit total through 8.
Possibly Valverde’s last blown save as a Tiger? I hope JV can right the ship tomorrow…
Well, I’m glad we determined that the A’s home field doesn’t matter. Now Tigers have to earn it. Verlander on the road. As it should be.
A’s fan here…we are NOT Raiders fans…the city may be the same but do not pretend to know that these teams have the same fans. We just love supporting our team and have a lot of fun at the same time – just like our A’s have been doing since the All-Star break! I mean, come on, you guys were up 2-0 and here we are at #5…
I would like to comment that perhaps Prince’s multiple “Shut the Eff up!” exclamations directly to our fans after his homer is not the type of role model I’d like my kid cheering on…besides, it backfired. He may be a Tiger…but sadly, no prince…
See you tomorrow…may the best ‘character’ win!
Thanks for stopping by Liz. I wish Prince wouldn’t say those things, and that all of these athletes could be better role models.
But many of them aren’t, and it’s up to us to explain to our kids the difference between an athlete (or personality on TV) and a role model.
Talent will always win out over character. That very may well be the A’s tonight, we’ll see. Best of luck.
Fully agree. Parents are responsible for educations. Of course, they rather have others to do that for them.
Hey Liz, let’s not forget in Detroit Reddick taught our kids its ok to throw your bat and helmet after striking out. Just sayin….