Tiger Geist

Two losses in two nights.  One with Molson Canadian, one without.  It has been a rather unfortunate two nights to start Tiger baseball.

• Justin Verlander is a big time pitcher.  One who has trouble controlling his emotions.  Its obvious Leyland wanted someone else to pitch the home opener;  I wonder what the results would have been if Jackson started game one and Verlander game two.  I mean, in terms of the starting pitching.
• I’m not too worried about the bullpen.  Yet.  Leyland’s grand bullpen scheme included Joel Zumaya and Zach Miner, neither of which are available at the moment.  Zumaya is getting better, and Zach will start game three.
• I think Jeremy Bonderman’s progress will help Verlander.  If Edwin Jackson continues his hot start (which continued his hot spring) and Bonderman returns to form, maybe Verlander will relax.  Otherwise, maybe some Xanax.  Justin does not seem to handle pressure starts well.
• The defense hasn’t been awesome, but I’m encouraged with Miguel at first.  Everything else will even out.
• The #5 hitter will be the most important hitter this year.  Teams CANNOT pitch around Cabrera for Detroit to be successful.
• MLB.tv sucks to this point.  I still have faith.  I’m also excited I am paying month to month in case they offer some sort of rebate for the dogshit they’ve served up thus far.
• Leyland is digging the hit and run;  this is a good thing.  I think.  Surprising how often he called for it tonight without Anderson in the lineup — maybe he’s sick of all of the 2008 double plays.
• Inge is digging the long ball.  Not a bad thing.
• How does Leyland respond to the bullpen fallout will be interesting to watch.  Rodney hasn’t pitched yet;  I doubt Lyon is closing tomorrow night.  Does Lyon become the 7th inning man, with Perry stepping up to setup?

Everyone knows the story where Lyon gave up 4 straight home runs in spring training this year.  Well I was there… for half of it.  My dad was there in our seats, I went for some beer.  After the second shot (we were sitting in foul ground, near the left field wall) I returned to our seats, which were surrounded by Sox fans in the Red Sox park (City of Palms Park).  The Sox fans make jokes at our expense, always a good time.  Then, dinger #3 was hit.  That was fun.  Then… #4.  The jeers became sypathetic jokes.  My dad & I started laughing.  How could this happen?  It was nearly impossible.  The Sox fans accepted us as their own (if, over the course of time, a group of people know misery, its the fans of the Boston Red Sox).  So I thank Brandon Lyon for that hot sweaty Monday in Florida.  But now he’s the gift that keeps on giving.  Like herpes.  Give it up Mr Lyon.