Open Thread - Game 127: Indians (69-56) at Tigers (68-58)

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 23, 2007 11:37 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Jake Westbrook (4-7, 4.75) vs. Nate Robertson (7-10, 5.13), 1:05 p.m. EST

Okay, how about winning this series? That should make us all feel a little bit better about the Tigers, right? Right? Or am I out of touch after being on vacation for the past week (during which Detroit went 2-4)?

(By the way, I'm still on the road until early next week, so won't be able to participate in the game thread. And there probably won't be a recap either, as I'll only be able to "watch" the game through Yahoo! GameTracker. I apologize for that, and will get back in the swing of things in the next couple of days. Bear with me.)

What can we expect out of Nate Robertson today? Well, let's hope the lineup scores some runs for him. He's won only once in his last six starts, giving up almost five runs a game in that span. In his career against Cleveland, Robertson has a 2-4 record with a 5.25 ERA in 13 starts.

Jake Westbrook is trending differently, winning three of his past four starts. He held the Devil Rays to one run and two hits over seven innings his last time out. In 15 career starts against the Tigers, Westbrook has a 4-8 record with a 6.59 ERA.

According to Danny Knobler, Ramon Santiago will start at shortstop this afternoon, while Carlos Guillen plays at first base. Sean Casey will fill in at DH for Gary Sheffield, who could be out for a while.

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Starting Lineups

CLEVELAND

1. Grady Sizemore CF
2. Casey Blake 3B
3. Victor Martinez C
4. Travis Hafner DH
5. Ryan Garko 1B
6. Jhonny Peralta SS
7. Franklin Gutierrez RF
8. Jason Michaels LF
9. Chris Gomez 2B

DETROIT

1. Curtis Granderson CF
2. Placido Polanco 2B
3. Sean Casey DH
4. Magglio Ordonez RF
5. Carlos Guillen 1B
6. Marcus Thames LF
7. Mike Rabelo C
8. Brandon Inge 3B
9. Ramon Santiago SS

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 23, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Casey DH?

Why is Casey the DH and not Carlos? If they want to rest his "sore knees" it would be better for him not to play 1st.

Santiago at SS, Inge with his slump, Rabelo (ok, he is at the moment an improvement for Pudge "I don't take walks" Rodriguez ;) ), that's not the most powerful lineup.

But maybe the prove me wrong and they take the example of the German Soccer Team that won yesterday against his old archrival at the holy Wembley ground before 90.000 with a better reserve team ;)

by Germantiger on Aug 23, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Good question

Maybe they want to get Guillen used to playing first base going into September?

And if Sheffield is out for a while, I wonder if Casey will become the close-to-full-time DH?

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 23, 2007 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

GIDP

Nate looks really good so far. And just another DP.
44 Pitches in 4 Innings

If only we could score some (insurance) runs for him. These 0-0 standings makes me nervous the more innings are played ;)

by Germantiger on Aug 23, 2007 1:59 PM EDT reply actions

C-Mon

Monroe is going to the Cubs (with some cash) and the Tigers are getting a player to be named later. FYI.

by EricV on Aug 23, 2007 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

Frustrating

Oh , what a frustrating loss. Some decisions from the Skipper are not logical for me. Eric Wedge used PH and PR en masse (and with Kenny Lofton he has done it right) but the Tigers don't do anything. Santiago can't bat in the 9th, when you have the opportunity to win.

And again, Pudge can't deliver when it is needed. That is one of the most frustrating losses of the season for me. What a great game from Nate and he got nothing from our offense

Casey at #3. Silly decision

by Germantiger on Aug 23, 2007 4:29 PM EDT reply actions