Tiger Geist

Its an exciting feeling at the tigergeist household. Detroit makes its first trip to San Francisco… ever. (I think). Sure they visit Oakland every year.. but thats different. Oakland is way over there… across that bridge thingie. Sure the stadiums are only about..15 miles apart. But this morning has a different feel to it. The wife & I have been listening to a steady diet of White Stripes and the MC5 this morning; tomorrow we’ll pull out a little Iggy & the Stooges (Sorry Ted Nugent… you’re the motor city madman but a giant douche so you get no love). To top it off, my father is coming out to the city for work, and we’re sneaking him out to tuesday and wednesday’s game.

Its a good time for a road trip.. Detroit is hot and the NL West is not. However, they run into some stiff pitching competition… tonight is Tim Lincecum. He’s 9-1, strikes out a lot, has a funky delivery… and he’s the MAN around here. With SF’s weak team, they don’t advertise Giants games. They advertise TIM LINCECUM games. Check out craigslist in the bay area, and thats how all the tickets are listed. Its almost a Mark Fidrych, without the sesame street references. So if Justin Verlander wants to be an elite pitcher, tonight’s his night to outshine the NL’s best young pitcher.

For the series, I see a hard-fought, low scoring one. SF doesn’t score a lot of runs, but they have some excellent pitching, both starters and relievers***. I also LOVE national league games.. the strategy behind the double switches, run generators (bunts, hit and run, etc) makes the game more interesting. Something that helps detroit is they’ve started their winning streak by playing a lot of different players, so i imagine nearly the entire roster will get significant innings this week. Jeff Larish might see a start at first against a right hander even… the horror!!

For the team, its exciting to see how well they’re playing. Everyone seems to be making contributions — Thames apparently enjoys making me look bad and continues to crush the ball; Clevelen is hitting mediocre but making up for it with excellent defense; Guillen is settling in at third; Cabrera is settling in while in the batter’s box; Inge is settling in behind the plate; the pitchers are learning how to throw strikes again.

In the long run, a split of this road trip would keep them at 5 games under .500, and keep them in excellent position to get to .500 by the all star break. If that happens, it’ll be an exciting August.

*** Wednesday Detroit goes up against Barry Zito. They might score 15 runs against him.

Another note: I wasn’t going to tonight’s game at first, but I realized I couldn’t miss Verlander and Lincecum, both capable of tossing a no-no. Its almost the anniversary of Justin’s no-hitter game… a game where a little part of me dies inside every time I think about it. Read about it here.

In case you missed it, apparently the Dontrelle Willis contract-extension was a bad idea.  Why?  Because after an awful spring training, a few bad outings, some awful re-hab outings, a failed bullpen stint, and one of the worst starts in MLB history… and one of the biggest demotions in recent memory… Rob Parker said that the Willis deal makes no sense.  I knew something was fishy about the Willis trade, but it wasn’t until right now, after everything has happened, Mr Parker decided an article should be written letting the public know that the extension was a bad idea.

In other articles, Rob is quick to point out that consuming too much alcohol can make you drunk.  Not sure if Rob had input in this article, but apparently wearing flip-flops can cause skin cancer on your feet.  You know.. because you’re not wearing any socks.

Sorry for the sarcasm… but i read the headline on detnews.com and i said “i bet Rob Parker wrote that”.. and i was right.  Similar to any headline on the freep.com that says “X superstar is an uplifting person and a tribute to society” was probably written by Mitch Albom (my former hero who has dropped to the dredges of fluff writing).

Broom.  Against the division leader, bringing detroit oh so close… wait… ok… 8 games from the division lead.  Still, great game.  Excellent pitching (Rogers is getting better and better this year), and one timely hit.  Probably a good sign for Cabrera to hit that one, at home, in front of the sold out crowd.  Who knows, maybe he doesn’t care.

While at work I was only able to watch the MLB gameday highlights, so I didn’t know how close Magglio came to winning the game in the second to last at-bat.  But it does give you a thrill, even watching play by play updates… as it spits out “Ball in play… run(s)”… and you know that no one else is on.

Let’s pray this ‘momentum’ thing carries over to the weekend series.. and, more importantly, into San Francisco next week.

NOTE:  Pudge, 1-2 with a walk (2 BB’s more then all of last year).  So far, with a small data set… I’m liking the catching rotation.

Here’s the big question going into today’s day game against the white sox:  Can the Tigers take care of business?  Kenny Rogers has been solid in recent weeks, and the hitting enjoys left handed pitchers a little more.  This would be a good start to turning the season around.  Or, just another step to pissing everyone off.

Kudos to Marcus Thames, who continues to do well in games after I state how worthless I think he is.  Magglio is scheduled to DH today.  Most likely that gives us a Thames / Granderson / Clevelen outfield, unless Curtis gets a day off (shifting Clevelen to center and Raburn in right).  With closer games and an emphasis on defense, these matchups become a little more interesting.  Also, with the next off-day a week away, and a cross-country trip sunday evening, Hollimon should be seeing his first start soon.

Other thoughts:

• Verlander’s best game of the year;  didn’t walk anyone.
• Brandon Inge’s best catching job of the year.
• Catching rotation, in its short stint, seems to have produced solid offensive numbers
• Cabrera might be coming around.  What a great at-bat (14 pitch walk).

Here’s 10 bold predictions that I’ll make for no other reason then I’m procrastinating at work:

1 ) Clap Rapada and Freddy Dolsi will be sent to the minors upon the return of Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney.

– This makes sense since they both have options. This protects against further bullpen injuries, including possible arm issues with Zumaya and Rodney. Not that I have tons of confidence in Aquilino Lopez or Casey Fossum, but i think it makes sense because:

2 ) Detroit will trade Bobby Seay and Todd Jones by the deadline

– I like both guys, but they are both expendable on a team struggling to get to .500, let alone the playoffs. Both would go to contenders and hopefully bring a prospect in return. Jones is the most likely, though he is strictly a closer at this point in his career, and i’m not sure what teams need one. If I had my choice, I’d trade Fossum and keep Seay, but i can’t see how Fossum has any value. Rapada and Dolsi would be the logical choice to return to the team.

3 ) Brent Clevelen and Jeff Larish will remain with the club for a while

– Clevelen’s too good defensively, and he can hit. I think he’ll hit well for a few weeks, prompting either Clete Thomas or Ryan Raburn to return to Toledo (upon Thomas’ return from the DL). I think Leyland will prefer a left handed power hitter (Larish) over an excellent left handed outfielder (Thomas). Larish could probably use more at-bats, but Leyland is about matchups.

4 ) The team will attempt to move Ivan Rodriguez, Marcus Thames, and Edgar Renteria

– None have a place on the team for next year. Renteria is the least likely, but he might have the most value… his contract option will not be picked up following this season. Vance Wilson’s status has little to do with Pudge.. I think they’d be happy to deal Pudge no matter what their other options are. With an abundance of up and coming outfielders who can play almost every position, have speed, and some pop in their bat.. keeping Thames doesn’t make Detroit a better team.

5 ) Brandon Inge behind the plate has more to do with creating value for a trade then for finding him a spot on next year’s team

– This either involves keeping Pudge healthy and productive for a potential suitor, or a way to offload Inge’s contract to a team that likes his versatility. I don’t see how Inge has any more value behind the plate as a solid defender who can’t hit then every other catcher prospect in the league. Inge’s value to Detroit is as a third baseman.

6 ) Nate Robertson will not be moved this year

– With the injury to Bonderman and the issues with Willis, Detroit does not have the luxury of moving Robertson… UNLESS some top rated prospects are included. That won’t happen. Detroit was rumored to be shopping Robertson earlier this year.

7 ) Kenny Rogers is available, though not actively being shopped

– He’s pitching well, we don’t have a lot of depth, but he won’t be on the team next year.

8 ) No firesale will happen to shed salary; Detroit will look for Dan Haren-type deals to restock the farm system.

– Young arms that could pitch next year would be involved. Of course, Detroit doesn’t have any Dan Haren type talent to trade, so they’d have to find a team with an incompetent GM. Detroit has the money and the ticket sales for this year to deal with their current payroll. They need more pitching talent to contend for next year, and have to be smarter then buying up free-agent pitchers next winter.

9 ) One of the following will not be on the team next year: Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen

– Mags can still play everyday and hit… Guillen is becoming a solid DH type player who can field when necessary… Sheffield is a monster when healthy (which hasn’t happened in close to a year).

10 ) Detroit trades for Rich Harden

– Ok, through that one in there to get to 10. No reason to think it actually would happen.

From Buster Olney:

Some scouts who have seen Willis believe that part of his problem is that he simply has gotten too big to maintain his complicated delivery, and unless he drops some weight, he will not be able to repeat his mechanics with any consistency.

He also hints at further conditioning required for Miguel Cabrera to turn the corner may be in order.

The Tigers probably wanted to do this a long time ago, but they needed a complete melt-down to pull it off successfully.  This afternoon they optioned Dontrelle Willis to Lakeland;  Donetrelle agreed (or declined his right of refusal).  This is a win for both sides.

For Detroit:

• They have a chance at winning every fifth start, which couldn’t happen with Willis on the mound
• They won’t kill their bullpen arms, especially with the fragile Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya returning soon
• They won’t piss off their fan base — who would pay to see Willis pitch right now?
• They won’t piss off the team.  Nothing says “we don’t care about winning” by trying to hide a player who everyone knows can’t play.  If the return of Zumaya can help ‘spark’ a team, having Dontrelle sit near them can’t be good.  In a league full of superstitious players.. Dontrelle is not a guy to have around

Why its good for Dontrelle:

• He’s out of the spotlight.  He’s had issues over the last year or two; now he can get them worked out on his own time.  He’ll be rich either way.
• Detroit has $29million reasons to help him out and support him.  No other team would care.  They would sign him, give him a chance, and spit him out when it didn’t work.  Detroit has world class facilities in Lakeland, and every reason to let him work there every day for the next three years.

Its sad, but it had to happen.  If Dontrelle was the only problem with Detroit this year, we’d be in good shape.  Now we just have to tackle the other roster issues (zoom in on Gary Sheffield…)

The writing is on the wall:  Inge to catch every other game (until Leyland changes him mind);  Pudge to try to stay healthy so they can trade him.  Isn’t this the most logical explanation?  Dombrowski to rest of league:  36 year old catcher with no contract for next year available for a playoff run.

Inge continues to prove that 2006 was a fluke with his current hitting;  maybe they’re auditioning him at catcher for next year.  But is Inge THAT good of a defensive catcher that they’ll pay him $6mil / year to hit .220, when they have at least 3 others just like him in the minors, making $100k max?  Maybe they’re auditioning Inge at the same time.  Dombrowski to the rest of the league:  Multi-talented fielder owed $15+ million over the next 2.5 years available;  national league teams — notice his flexibility!!

If Inge is such an amazing third baseman, why would the Tigers look to move him to catcher?  Not really the hot bat you’re looking to move into the lineup.

Is detroit positioning themselves for a big trade?  It seems they have to clear a way to move Guillen into more of a full time DH role to be successful in the long run.. but maybe they’re more willing to eat Pudge’s contract before they eat Sheffield’s.  I can’t see Renteria going anywhere this year, unless they plan on playing a healthy Ramon Santiago full time at short.  That seems like a reach.

Interesting note:  Leyland is totally against putting Granderson down in the order (he seems like an ideal #3 hitter), but has no issue batting him ninth against left handed pitchers.

Lots of call ups.. more DL stints… and a serious injury to Jeremy Bonderman.  What does this mean?  Who knows.  What I do know is this team has NO shot at the playoffs with Dontrelle Willis in the rotation.  None.  I can’t see how he can win a game this year, unless he were to pitch in relief — he can’t possibly last five innings of any game.

Tonight’s game was particularly frustrating, a series win on the line against a division opponent.  And Dontrelle tied history:

Willis became just the third Major League pitcher since 1956 to allow eight runs with as few as three hits.

Not sure what their options are, but he can’t stay in the rotation, and he can’t pitch out of the bullpen.  Not really much else to say.

Overall, I do like their recent call-ups.  If they can get the bullpen healthy, maybe they can shorten the game enough and play some defense.  As frustrating as Cabrera has been to watch… Granderson is really stinking up the joint (currently sitting at .236 batting average).

Interesting off day for Detroit.  They have another 24 hours to make a couple of moves;  they have another week or two to make some more.  Here’s some of their issues:

• Need to find a spot for Denny Bautista, returning from the DL
• Need to find a replacement for Ramon Santiago, destined for the DL
• Need to make a decision and a spot for Fernando Rodney
• Need to make a decision and a spot for Joel Zumaya
• Need to make a decision and a spot for Gary Sheffield
• Need to make a decision on their left fielder (Guillen, Thames, Thomas)
• Need to make a decision on Galarraga

The pitching situation isn’t really that interesting — seriously, Rodney and Zumaya are better then the rest of the bullpen;  does anyone really care who gets demoted?  Dolsi is showing promise, but could easily use more work in the minors.  Otherwise.. who cares.  Galarraga should stay in the rotation, but who would get bumped?  Robertson to the pen might make sense, but lately he hasn’t been ‘awful’.  I bet most of the players wouldn’t let Dontrelle Willis pitch to their kids at the annual father-son baseball game.

The position players are more interesting — at what point does detroit make a move?  Do they start thinking about next year and move some salary around?  Do they make some moves to get more speed and talent up from Toledo?  Does it really matter, since Leyland seems to screw everything up anyway (DH’ing young guys, playing old players with bad shoulders / hemorrhoids in the field, etc).  I don’t know if the results would have been any different, but does any of his recent moves make any real sense?

I foresee some changes coming up.  And why not?  What is so exciting about today’s team?  Raburn has gotten moved around so much that he’s now batting at a career low — he probably should be moved down to get some at-bats.  Thames wasn’t good enough to be our starting left fielder for the past three years, his current numbers are right in line with his career averages… if he deserves to be the starting left fielder, then we don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.  I know many people think he’d hit 35 – 40 home runs if he had 500 at bats… I just wish those same people were major league GMs.

Blah.  Go Wings.  So hard to enjoy this team right now.. every glimmer of hope is quickly put out by mis-management or players not seeming to care.  Maybe we all need an off day.  When does the Lion’s training camp begin?