Tiger Geist

Yesterday’s loss was quite hard to take.  I turned off the almighty iphone when I went to see the Dark Knight, right after Granderson tied the game.  After leaving the theater with mixed feelings on the movie, my mood went south after reading the play by play of extra innings in yesterday’s Tiger loss.

I talked with my sister who watched the game, and apparently Rodney was close to killing the guys with his lack of control.  This is after Leyland blew up at the media about possible changes (we’ve heard this before).

I took the day off from writing anything until I could calm down.  This morning, i’m much more subdued.  But I’m still angered by this team.  I think they have to make some changes now.. even though I doubt the minor leaguers are ready for full time action.  Thoughts on changes:

• Demote Rodney.  I like his potential; maybe he’s hurt.  Maybe he just sucks.  But if he’s going to kill a batter, might as well kill someone in AAA.
• Put Zumaya on the DL.  If he can’t pitch every few days, shelve him for two weeks.  His control problems appear to be mechanical (i hope) and his mechanics are related to his health.  I’d almost consider shelving him for the season in better hopes of next year.
• Move Robertson to the ‘pen.  I’m sure he’s on high alert that his next start better be good anyway, but why wait?  He’s had a bad year, and really only had one good year in his seven year career.  Make a statement.
• Offer Gary Sheffield to the Rays for a bag of baseballs and a lobster dinner.  He likes playing in Tampa, they could probably use his leadership, and even if he warms up for Detroit its too late.  Bring up someone who can play in the field.  Or has some hope of hitting.  Maybe they just option Sheffield to the Olympic team.
• Rotate catchers for a week.  Inge is having some problems receiving the ball (or maybe the pitchers are all mental at this point).  Give him some time to solely study catching, and not worry about playing third.  Let him focus on finishing the season strong behind the plate.

Other interesting items:

• Cabrera is nearly hitting .300 (.298).  Solid.
• Thames has come back down to earth.
• Guillen’s average is at a five year low (hitting .269 over the last month), and his power numbers are way down.

You keep looking at this team, and it seems they have the ability to make a run for the playoffs.  Then you realize that the starting shorstop, DH and catcher are hitting .258 / .230 / .221 with a combined 23 home runs.  Looking back, it sure seems like Mike Hessman could have had a role on this team.