Open Thread - Game 74: Tigers (44-29) at Braves (38-37)

Andrew Miller (2-1, 3.63) vs. Chuck James (6-6, 4.11), 8:05 p.m. EST

Tonight is the first of two straight Sunday Night Baseball games on ESPN for the Tigers. Unfortunately, Jon Miller and Joe Morgan in the building hasn't worked too well for Detroit so far this season, as the team has lost in both of their appearances.  But with a win, the Tigers would not only sweep the Braves, but cap off one hell of a road trip and cement their status as the AL beasts of the NL East.  

Chuck James (or as the guys on the Fantasy 411 call him, "Chuck JAAAAMES!") has pitched very well in four of his last five starts, but he is left-handed, which allows me to repeat a favorite mantra: The Tigers pound left-handed pitching.

How does a .312 team batting average sound?  What if I told you Detroit had a .520 slugging average?  Is that something that might interest you?  (Sorry, we had a mini-Entourage marathon last night.)  Against lefties, Magglio Ordonez is .417/.500/.700.  Carlos Guillen is .360/.439/.740. Oh, I could go on and on...

It might also be interesting to see how Andrew Miller pitches, now that he doesn't have to worry about staying in the starting rotation (and on the major league roster).  Will his new job status give him more confidence?  Will he coast?  Maybe it won't make a difference, but it could be something to consider as you watch him tonight.  

No matter what happens, however, let's just hope the Braves can get along after this is all done. Shake hands and be friends, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones.  No one likes to see people bicker through the media.  (Okay - yes, we do.)  But it seems worth noting that any veiled shots that might have been perceived got Chipper onto the field yesterday.