Tiger Geist

Yes, he won’t pitch again for the Tigers.  But why not?

Not in a meaningful way.  But Jones has had a very positive impact on the team, via two different stints (with two very different teams).  I doubt he’ll pitch again in the majors.  But why not have him throw out the first pitch?

No, not the ceremonial first pitch… the FIRST PITCH.

Last game of the season is at home, against the Rays, on a Sunday.  I know Leyland’s worried about fielding the best teams against playoff contenders.. but for the last game, let’s try this.  Have the starting pitcher do their warm up tosses in the bullpen.  Have Todd strut out, throw the first pitch of the game (most likely a pitch out), and have Leyland yank him.  Crowd goes wild, Detroit shows their appreciation for Jones, and he walks out one last time.  Have the real starting pitcher run out from the bullpen to pitch to the batter (maybe let him throw a warm up or two).

How can this be bad?  They’d have to put Jones back on the active roster (which i don’t think is an issue after Sept 1)… they can talk to the other team and umpires about how they want to do it as a gesture and how it won’t disrupt the flow of the game, just maybe delay the start by a few minutes.  Seriously, how much of an asshole would the Rays manager have to be to be against this?

Way to squander a great start by Nate Robertson.  Oh well, season is lost anyway.

• Not sure if this is a sign of things to come for 2009 or not RE: Robertson.  He’s always had the ability.  Maybe his demotion will lead to some maturity on his part — its obvious that he understands now that he has to concentrate better and work harder.  Or at least thats what i’m hoping he gets out of this.
• Dusty Ryan is my Tiger.  Until he proves he hits like Inge.
• Andres Galarraga had a rough afternoon today;  Miner had one a couple of nights ago.  I wonder if it might have been smart to go to a 6 or 7 man rotation for a week or two, with the influx of pitching from Toledo.  No reason to kill these guys (or the bullpen) with nothing on the line — might as well keep them healthy going into the winter / spring.
• I disagree with starting Willis again, but if you’re going to do it, I think Leyland is doing it the right way in terms of scheduling.
• I don’t care what Detroit thinks they can do better, but they’re not going to be much over .500 in 2009 if their DH and another player (be it starting catcher or third baseman) are hitting .225 and .225 with little power.  Gary Sheffield has said he’s as healthy as he’s been in years right now, but he’s hitting a scorching .211 in August, and .250 (through 8 games) in September.
• The way Leyland is attacking his pitchers, it appears there may be a lot of open competition going into the spring.