Tiger Geist

Its amazing that they can play a day game in Toronto and be finished before I go to lunch.  A big win today, which means a split for the Toronto series.  Over the last week + 1 game, they are 5 - 3 (kudos to the detroit tiger podcast crew for picking 4-3 last week).  More importantly, they won one series and split two others — baby steps.  And with an injured team.

The Good:

• Finally got some big hits today;  Raburn singles with the bases loaded, followed by a Brandon “Dexter’s favorite Tiger” Inge sacrificing in another run.  Hits with runners in scoring position has been their death Saturday / Sunday.
• Pitching, as a whole, hasn’t been too bad over the last few days.  Bonderman was wild, yet only gives up three runs.  Robertson is another story, but still only gives up five runs.  Bullpen has been very solid.
• Todd Jones gives up a lead-off home run.  This is good, since Jones is at his best when he’s completely unpredictable.  Too many 1-2-3 innings makes you worry.
• Zach Miner — 2 innings of one hit ball on Sunday.  Not to look too much into one outing, but what’s most impressive is how he did it — 6 ground outs.  Zach is a ground ball pitcher, yet was getting a lot of strikeouts to begin the year.  I’m hoping returning to the groundout / sinkerball mentality will help over the long run.  Its nice to be able to induce double-plays when you inevitably have to relieve Robertson in the fifth with two men on.
• Ryan Raburn getting some playing time.  Sucks that it has to come at the expense of Polanco’s back, but he continues to prove he’s a player.
• Minus 4 walks today, there is a lot to like about Galarraga.  Mostly I like the whole “not allowing the other team to cross the plate” part of his game.  I also like the way ‘Galarraga’ rolls off the tongue.

The Bad:

• Along with other reports earlier (including watching him struggle on Saturday), Sheffield is having shoulder problems.
• Polanco’s back is affecting his play, probably both offensively and defensively.
• These two injuries, plus Guillen having leg problems (which you’d like to rest at some point), are becoming a lineup issue.  None of the injuries are bad enough for a DL stint, but they have no roster flexibility at the moment.
• Its unclear to me Jacque Jones’ current role with this team.  Clete Thomas might have a spot after all — at least his stats show he deserves to play over Jones (and he’s a better fielder).

The Ugly:

• The Tiger’s best pitcher is a no-name acquired from a minor-league trade last winter.  I’m not sure, at this point in the season, its even close.
• Anyone else scared that Dontrelle Willis will inevitably have to be put back into the rotation?
• Nate Robertson — you can’t let a David Eckstein homer cost your team the game.