Game 11: Tigers (2-8) at White Sox (5-4)

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 12, 2008 11:00 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox, Apr 12, 2008 1:05 PM EDT

Justin Verlander (0-1, 6.17) vs. Gavin Floyd (1-0, 4.50)

Considering the almost inexplicably bad baseball we've seen from the Tigers this season, maybe I shouldn't say that Justin Verlander couldn't possibly pitch worse than he did last Sunday night. He coughed up a career-high nine runs - one of them on his second pitch of the game - and had trouble locating the ball in his 5 2/3 innings. During his short major league career, Verlander hasn't thrown two poor games in a row very often. (Though he hasn't looked that sharp in his first two starts of 2008.)

Oh, by the way, the Tigers are going to need him to pitch deep into the game today, as at least a couple of relievers won't be available with the bullpen having to cover nine innings last night.

Last Saturday in Detroit, Gavin Floyd pitched quite well against every Tiger except Brandon Inge, who hit a double and two-run homer off him. But the home ballpark hasn't been too kind to him. In five starts (and eight overall appearances) at U.S. Cellular Field, Floyd has an 0-3 record and 6.55 ERA. Opposing batters have hit .305 against him and he's given up 10 home runs in 34 1/3 innings.

Short Hops:

Macay McBride's season is over. The pain in his left elbow that took him out of his first start after one inning was caused by a torn ligament. That means Tommy John surgery is in the young man's future.
Get those hopes up at your own risk, but Fernando Rodney finished a bullpen session of fastballs and change-ups without feeling any pain.
The Detroit Tigers Weblog lists three candidates who could replace Dontrelle Willis if he needs to go on the disabled list.

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Man, I hate these gray spring days.

I was going to do some needed maintenance on my car, but I guess I'll just sit here and watch some baseball instead.

by Brian8603 on Apr 12, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

At least its better here then it looks in Chicago

by jgrubbs on Apr 12, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Well guys, this'll make you feel better

I had to shovel a solid 6 or so inches of snow with foot+ drifts this morning.

Spring, what spring?!

by Kurt Mensching on Apr 12, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

It broke 70 in the Philly area today. :)

by Krazzid on Apr 12, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

oh no, my mlb.tv is down. Am I blacked out here today in Germany :D

Greetings from Germany. Dirk

by Germantiger on Apr 12, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

might have to do with Fox Saturday Baseball.

by Kurt Mensching on Apr 12, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Sheff

It always amazes me how often Sheff seems to draw a walk after falling behind 0-2

by jgrubbs on Apr 12, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

DP

It also amazes me how often the Tigers ground into a double play ending what looks like a promising inning

by jgrubbs on Apr 12, 2008 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

gosh

I sure hope I don't jinx Mr. Floyd's NO HITTER.

by Krazzid on Apr 12, 2008 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

gotta gie him props

throwing a no hitter in that rainy weather has to be twice as hard.

by Kurt Mensching on Apr 12, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

kid did good

but I didn't want to be on the wrong end of a no hitter by the White Sox.

by Kurt Mensching on Apr 12, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

WHY WHY WHY...

...did Leyland leave Verlander in to face the LH Pierszinski? Seay was available! It's obvious Verlander was gassed, he was pushing 110 pitches.

Now Belrtran is in, and getting SHELLED. Is there any reliever on this team that can keep inherited runners from scoring? A excellent Verlander outing is now marred by Leyland's mishandling him and Belran's suckitude.

Not that any of this would makes a difference with the Tigers putrid offense today.

Just an ugly day, both weather-wise, and the Tigers (Literally and figuratively) offensive performance.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 12, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

wondered the same

I kept saying to myself "when do we see seay?" -- actually for the past two games -- and he just isn't used as a situational lefty.

I mean, there could be more going on than we know. Maybe Seay's not feeling good or something, you never know all the details.

But unless there were circumstances, I just don't get the use of the bullpen. Verlander never should have been left out there that long in the 8th when he clearly didn't have it.

by Kurt Mensching on Apr 12, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

too cold

This is why we should play 154 games! Opening Day in Detroit in March. That`s just not right! How Verlander didn`t kill that guy today, is a perfect example. I`ve never seen a pro game played on such a crappy infield!
Look what happened last year with all the snow in Cleveland.
Can I blame it on Selig? I`m going too! After the Tie in the All-Star Game, I blame everything on Him!!!!!

by Fats Fothergill on Apr 12, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions