Tiger Geist

In the bay area, I’m able to follow two teams (and their media coverage) without trying too hard.  I don’t seem to recall this issue with either the Giants or A’s, but you can pretty much tell if Detroit pitchers are hurt by the way they’re throwing.

Don’t get me wrong, the bay area teams have their own medical problems.  Based on injuries to Chavez (when healthy, one of the best third basemen in the game), Hardin (very very elite pitcher.. when healthy) and Bobby Crosby (above average SS, made of straw), its possible Oakland has a team of monkeys as their training staff.  Crosby was mis-diagnosed a few different times one year alone.  The Giants?  Tough to say since one of their trainers has been in prison for two years (cheap shot, I know).

Yesterday, Jordan Tata broke his hand punching a door , but now realizes he’s probably got a bum shoulder.  Last year?  After a 9-1 start, Bonderman struggles, finally realizes he’s got a hurt elbow.  Rodney?  Struggled to start last year, was very solid when he returned healthy.  Robertson?  Similar;  bad outings lead to a dead-arm diagnosis, turned things around after rest.

Maybe this is what happens with winning teams;  pitchers do all they can to be ready.  Maybe its their teammates;  maybe its Jim Leyland, but this pitching staff won’t take a day off for fear of letting down the team.  Its refreshing in a way that I’m not used to seeing during the lousy years known as the 90’s.  Not sure how beneficial it is, but I admire the spirit.  Then again, if Verlander gets shelled maybe they should put him on the 15 day DL just to be safe.