Tiger Geist

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.