Tiger Geist

Rob Parker has a nice piece on the Tigers and Barry Bonds today. I agree with what he says, though I disagree that Gary Sheffield and Bonds can kiss and make up. I think Bonds can (he’s notorious for not getting along with anyone his entire life), but not sure if Sheffield can do it.

Another issue — Sheffield is having a slow start, partially (according to him) for not getting enough swings in during spring training. Bonds hasn’t had any swings, and its almost the middle of May. Sheffield is having a hard time adjusting to DHing full time. Bonds has never DH’d in his life, outside of inter-league play. Cabrera is having a hard time adjusting to american league pitching. Bonds might have the same issues, though, truth be told, there probably is not a better hitter at reading pitchers and adjusting to them since Ted Williams (granted, thats an opinion not a fact. Because i can’t prove it. I also can’t prove that Barry Bonds reads pitchers better than Brandon Inge does. But i bet thats true as well).

Parker is right on what Bonds SHOULD do — reach out to detroit and offer to play for the minimum. No idea how they could use attendance records as an incentive, since the Tigers are a hot ticket anyway. But, from all reports, this is something Bonds simply will not do. He sees the need to be paid appropriately for his status, and that status is the best baseball player in the modern era. He has never shown any reason why he might play for less; if so, he might be in Oakland right now, close to fans that have ignored his other issues.

I do have a slight issue with Rob’s assessment that Bonds “hasn’t been convicted of anything”. That is true. It was helped by the fact that Bonds reportedly lied to a Grand Jury, and his best friend (if Bonds is capable of having friends) sits in prison, refusing to testify. With everything reported, ex-girlfriend testimony, BALCO reports, etc etc… how can you even write this? Al Capone was only guilty of tax evasion. Should we ignore all other reports on his wrong-doings? Thats a little hard to swallow.  I do agree, if baseball wants to ban him, they can ban him.  If they don’t want to ban him, then he’s fair game to sign.

Huge 10-9 win last night, with Polanco getting the game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.  Great game, great hitting… not so great pitching.  We’ll let that slide for now.  Galarraga had a decent-not-great start (a Nate Robertson type of start, if you will) and Cruceta proved he is not super-human.  Sheffield may have turned the corner, and there is a lot to like about Matt Joyce so far.

I think the win could be really big, but only if they have a good performance tonight.  If not, they lost a four game series at home against a playoff team;  just not a good sign.  Leyland said he doesn’t believe in momentum, but hopefully Sheffield and Polanco have turned the corner (and it would be nice if Cabrera started to tear it up).

I do like Matt Joyce’s approach at the plate.  He doesn’t seem over-whelmed at all, even in his first game Tuesday (no-hits) or Wednesday (two hits, one against Papelbon in a pressure situation).  I also liked Clete Thomas, but for some reason he looks so goofy its hard to get a read on him.

The team needs an inspiring start tonight, and there is no time like the present for Justin Verlander to step up.  I think I’ve said that before… ugh.  Go Tigers.