Tiger Geist

Ok, thats a joke. But should it be? Would that be any dumber then Spector worrying about spygate? We’re in the middle of an election year, people are worried about jobs / war / homes / mayor of Detroit.. and all Arlen Spector is worried about is whether or not the NFL correctly handled its investigation into the New England Patriots? If this is all he has on his plate, here’s an open letter of my other concerns:

Dear Senator Spector:

I understand that the current problems of the Detroit Tigers may not bother you directly, since most tiger fans can’t directly elect you. However, since you seem so interested into how professional sports teams outside of your area are doing, I’d like to request you investigate the following and provide a detailed report. The answers I am receiving to the following questions have not been answered to my satisfaction and, as a tax paying american, it just doesn’t feel right. Granted, I have not paid taxes in the state of Pennsylvania since 2004 (and that was mostly liquor tax), and i probably have an outstanding speeding ticket in Wyoming, but that shouldn’t bother you.

1. Why can’t Jeremy Bonderman throw an off-speed pitch? There are 12 year olds who can do this, but Bonderman can’t. Something is fishy here.
2. Is Justin Verlander injured? He says he isn’t. We both know that this is not an acceptable answer.
3. What was Joel Zumaya really doing when he injured his shoulder? Surely a superb athlete such as Zumaya cannot really be injured by moving boxes or playing guitar hero.
4. Who is tougher: Tiger coach Andy Van Slyke or a real tiger?
5. How old is Albert Pujols? Ok, not a question about the Detroit Tigers, but seriously, shouldn’t this be a matter of national importance?

Senator Spector, I know you’re busy, and obviously you have great concerns about the ability of this nation to function if we do not have the full answers behind Bill Belicheck and his questionable ethics. I hope you understand that we, as Detroit Tiger fans, cannot function until we get to the bottom of these five questions. Godspeed Senator Spector.

If Detroit’s main concern is starting pitching, maybe last night’s 3-2 loss was a glimmer of hope.  Nate Robertson pitched seven strong innings, allowing only two runs.  Easily his best game of the year, which really is scary when your best game means you allowed 10 hits.  The bullpen faltered, not without help from questionable defense.

Two things Detroit must correct:  starting pitching and hitting.  If they can get the pitching to come around, hopefully the hitting will come with it.

Interesting to note that Matt Joyce hasn’t had too many issues getting his swing to work in the big leagues while DHing, but we have to send out a sub-par defender (who admittingly couldn’t throw anyone out if he had to play on Sunday) former all-star who can’t get out of his funk.  Sheffield’s $13million contract for next year concerns me — unless he tears it up the rest of the year, someone’s going to have to eat that.

With the pitching woes, this comment by Sheffield is supposed to get us fired up?

“I could have played,” he said. “I just don’t know that I could have thrown anybody out. I’ve had a setback with throwing, but that’s part of the rehab process.”