Tiger Geist

Back from a bachelor party in Memphis… I may never eat ribs again.  At least not until i’m done with detox.  Personal opinion:  Neely’s BBQ (from “down home with the neely’s” on the food network) wins.  Highly recommended.  However, I feel slightly out of it in terms of Tiger Baseball.

Two weeks ago, the Tigers ended the week with a 4-3 record.  Last week, they went 5-2.  Improvements?  Absolutely.  But they really had a chance to turn it on with a series victory over the Angels;  losing the series 2-1 wasn’t exactly a step backwards, but it really could have been a step forward going into an important (psychologically) series with the Yankees.  They have lost the chance to be .500 at the end of April, but they are only one game out of a tie for second place in the division.  I think expectations are of a better team, but you could easily say that about Cleveland, currently at 12-14 on the season.

Current thoughts:

• Does Sheffield currently give them the best chance to win?  Leyland says he does.  Maybe its crazy, but sometimes the Neifi Perez situation makes me think maybe Leyland isn’t always correct.  I still think a left handed Jeff Larish gives you more flexibility as you give Sheff a stint on the DL.  He continues to hit in AAA, as does the right handed Mike Hessman.
• Justin Verlander was solid last night.  I agree with the ESPN announcers though:  his stuff was way too good to give up six runs.  Maybe he’s still putting it together, maybe Pudge isn’t calling the best game.  My biggest issue was his last inning;  he gave up two game-changing hits on an 0-2 pitch.  Great pitchers don’t make that mistake.
• Jacque Jones had some good games last week.  He’s still under .200 (currently .197)
• Polanco is under .180.  At least he’s playing better defense.
• Sheffield:  .159
• For historical reference, the mendoza line is considered .200.
• Best part of Granderson’s return:  5:3 walk / strikeout ratio (up from 1:3 walk / strikeout ratio in 2007).  Even with the injury he seems to be improving every aspect of his game.
• Speaking of Granderson’s return, I haven’t read anything about his throwing arm (its game readiness seemed a concern).  Sunday’s game, however, didn’t look good to me (not very strong throws on two plays he tried to make).  No one has written about it so I have little reference to go on.
• Trying to catch up on other blogs — I really can’t stand the Detroit News Tiger blogs.  I’m cool with Lynn Henning and Tom Gage (not as good at blogging as Chris McClosky or my fav Mike O’Hara), but Dana Wakiji has to go.  Maybe they can split her blog out to a different area.  But when you’re trying to get some news or opinion on the Tigers, I could really do without her.  Ditto on her in-game Piston blogs.