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Game 13: Twins (6-6) at Tigers (2-10)

Minnesota @ Detroit


Nick Blackburn (0-1, 2.25) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (1-1, 3.97)

We'll find out soon enough whether Jim Leyland's clubhouse rampage (I'm sure he would love seeing it described that way) kick-started some urgency into these Detroit Tigers.  They're only back home for a quickie two-game series, but taking two from the Minnesota Twins here would make up some ground in the AL Central.

And what better way to begin a series than by putting your winningest starting pitcher on the mound?  Never mind that Jeremy Bonderman is the only Detroit starter with a win.  Then there's the whole problem with the Tigers having just two wins for the season.  Semantics! 

Nick Blackburn has only allowed three runs over the 12 innings he's pitched so far.  He's given up 12 hits in those two starts, but has also struck out 11 batters.  When Blackburn faced the Tigers in Detroit last September, however, they smacked him around for six runs and seven hits in just two innings.

So much for Carlos Guillen sitting out a few games for that strained hamstring.  He's back in the lineup tonight at first base.  Placido Polanco will also return to his usual spot after getting yesterday off because of a sore back.  And Brandon Inge gets a break after having to catch.  Starting lineups will be posted in the comments.

Twinkie Town provides your SB Nation opposing view for this two-game series.

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Starting Lineups

MINNESOTA

1.  Carlos Gomez, CF
2.  Denard Span, RF
3.  Joe Mauer, C
4.  Justin Morneau, 1B
5.  Delmon Young, LF
6.  Jason Kubel, DH
7.  Brendan Harris, 2B
8.  Mike Lamb, 3B
9.  Adam Everett, SS

DETROIT

1.  Clete Thomas, CF
2.  Placido Polanco, 2B
3.  Gary Sheffield, DH
4.  Magglio Ordonez, RF
5.  Miguel Cabrera, 3B
6.  Carlos Guillen, 1B
7.  Edgar Renteria, SS
8.  Ivan Rodriguez, C
9.  Jacque Jones, LF

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 6:52 PM EDT   0 recs

FSN Plus

Just in case you need that list of channels again, here you go.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Scoreless first inning for Bondo!

That might never get old.

And it's nice to see the other team hit into a double play for once.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:12 PM EDT   0 recs

yeah

it would also be nice to see Polanco and Sheffield hit a ball to something other than a Twin glove

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 7:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know if this is old news

But the Dan Dickerson just said Fernando Rodney has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews of Tommy John surgery fame

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 7:23 PM EDT   0 recs

Not old news here

Any time the name "Dr. James Andrews" is in a sentence or paragraph about a player, it ain't good.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Rod Allen = The New Yogi Berra?

Did you catch what he said during Jason Kubel's at-bat?

"A lot of times, you'll see hitters that want to use a little bit of a heavier bat, but they want to take some of the weight out of it. Therefore, the end of the bat's cupped."

Wha... ?

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Huge Insult

Yogi was a great ball player which made him funny, and there is a video of Rod Allen on youtube chasing a pitcher through the outfield in a japannese baseball league, which makes him an idiot.

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 7:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Another error comes back to bite

If Pudge catches that foul behind the plate, they're out of this inning without giving up a run.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:33 PM EDT   0 recs

Getting sick of this

Wait, i've been sick of this.

Nvm

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:34 PM EDT   0 recs

Off to Starbucks again, then?

Have you tried that new Pike Place Roast? :-)

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

hahaha

Yesterday actually. Tasted like all the other roasts to me. They had a nice chocolate-desert roast back in like October-November I liked and they quit making it.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Did you see that?

Minnesota's shortstop gloved a ball that was hit deep in the hole. No, Everett didn't get to make a throw, but...

Have we seen Renteria do that this year? Can he anymore?

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:39 PM EDT   0 recs

At this rate...

...I'll be paying more attention to the Red Wings tonight.

Will anything EVER go right for the Tigers? One dropped foul pop, and it' suddenly 2-0 Twinkies?

After Pudge's kick ass spring, I thought he might have a resurgence, but he's been...Well, awful at and behind the plate. Not quite how you want to start your campaign for a new contract.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 7:41 PM EDT   0 recs

Mario: "something brewing"

He's following our starbucks conversation and sending secret messages that he feels our pain, I KNOW it!

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:41 PM EDT   0 recs

on the bright side

It's April in The D, right?

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:47 PM EDT   0 recs

Is it?

What would be great was if there was some sort of commercial that let us know about that...

It'd be even better if a Kid Rock soundalike sang along.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

how did you know I sang along?

or sound like kid rock? *creeped*

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

damn that song

spent one week in MI and that song is firmly stuck in my head. It's sharing residence with "the Braves Play Here" song (sung by a guy I thought was Shawn Mullins, but wasn't) on local TV down here

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 7:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Pudge

He had an excellent opportunity to make up for the error there. Blurgh.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Whats the teams scoreless streak at now?

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 7:49 PM EDT   0 recs

21 2/3

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:50 PM EDT   0 recs

Thats ok

Im sure they are just conserving those runs for the dog days of summer

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 7:51 PM EDT   0 recs

These 2 weeks

is just like 2006 when Shelton hit 9 HRs. Only the exact opposite in every conceivable way.

by tbliggins on Apr 14, 2008 7:55 PM EDT   0 recs

Haha

I miss Chris Shelton, anyone know where he is these days, is he still in the minors?

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 7:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks

There must be something about these two weeks that just allows Shelton to rake

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 8:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He will always remail a mystery to me. The way he hit in the summer of 05 & April 06 I thought he would have a long, long career in Detroit. And then he completely lost it. Too bad, I liked watching him hit back then.

by tbliggins on Apr 14, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Fire in the dugout

Hopefully, that was some sort of voodoo ritual to warm up the bats.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 7:57 PM EDT   0 recs

that'a'boy, Grandy

If you cant' light a fire under your teammate figuratively, literally will do fine, too.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 7:58 PM EDT   0 recs

1-0 Red Wings

Glad to see one Detroit team handling the pressure of living up to high expectations...

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 8:03 PM EDT   0 recs

Thanks for the update, Big Al

My DVR is all booked up, between the Tigers game and 'The Big Bang Theory.'

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 8:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Good show

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 8:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

...

My provider doesn't even carry versus.

by LosTigres on Apr 14, 2008 8:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll have to make a choice shortly too...

As I'll be recording How I Met Your Mother. I think the Wings are going to take precedence over the kitty cats. Then again, who knows what will happen as my suddenly FUBAR'ed Charter cable box thinks it's currently 6:46 PM?!

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

go Bondo

Nice 6 pitch inning

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 8:05 PM EDT   0 recs

at least Bondo is cruising

Too bad about that error.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 8:06 PM EDT   0 recs

...

a TWO out hit, too bad nobody can do that when someone is actually on base!

by Zappatista on Apr 14, 2008 8:13 PM EDT   0 recs

there, back to normal

ah, back in the comfort zone

by Zappatista on Apr 14, 2008 8:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Granderson

Anyone heard a date that he might be back w/ the club?

by tbliggins on Apr 14, 2008 8:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Cabrera

C'mon, man - that was a routine throw to third base, and he sailed it. It has to be the way he's gripping the ball or something.

And I'm sure everyone was thrilled to see Guillen jumping in the air for that throw with a gimpy hamstring.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 8:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Oops

Throw to first base, I meant.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He looks good so far...

But I'm not convinced yet. He may be another Brent Clevlen.

Red Wings 1, Nashville 0 after one period.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 8:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

At least he isn't another Nook

by tbliggins on Apr 14, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

clete..

I am digging some Clete, he's fast but didn't look to good at the plate yesterday...

by Zappatista on Apr 14, 2008 8:23 PM EDT   0 recs

I am in class tonight

It looks like the same old song and dance tonight, at leat we are still in striking distance

by miggy4mvp on Apr 14, 2008 8:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Renteria

You know, I don't understand the venom some people have had (other than like, Mlive syndrome) toward him. He's one of the few bright points this season and singlehandedly kept the Tigers out of two no-hitters.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 8:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Expectations?

Maybe fans expected him to be a superstar, between what was traded to get him and moving Guillen over to 1B.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 8:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

seriously

will a Tigers hit ever get by a RF or SS again?

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 8:31 PM EDT   0 recs

Jacque Jones

DP or K at this at-bat?

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 8:32 PM EDT   0 recs

DP

Jacque Jones eats poo

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 8:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

seconded

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 8:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I've been trying to not watch the Tigers game to save myself the frustration, but I just can't stop watching

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 8:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I'M DONE. I'M FUCKING DONE. THIS IS THE LAST TIGER GAME I WILL EVER WATCH.

Go Tigers

by Tony K on Apr 14, 2008 8:47 PM EDT   0 recs

my new plan to save the tigers

Relegate the entire fricken team to AAA and call up Toledo to the A.L. Central. They can't possibly do worse.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 8:48 PM EDT   0 recs

This is depressing...

I write about and watch sports to have FUN! This is not fun. Not fun at all.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 8:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Everyday

I tell myself its still early, the Tigers just need to win today and start themselves a little winning streak. Then everyday I find myself in the same place, complaining about their crappy play. I think its an addiction.

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 8:49 PM EDT   0 recs

Rally time

Ok, this is the moment when the season gets turned around, here we go!

by pfuhrmeister on Apr 14, 2008 8:50 PM EDT   0 recs

Gotta love those power play goals

by jgrubbs on Apr 14, 2008 8:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

OUCH

did not like the way Guillen was hobbling one bit.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 9:03 PM EDT   0 recs

Ow, ow, ow!

Guillen is laboring on that hamstring, man. I thought he was going to be thrown out at home. But he made it. 5-4 ballgame!

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 9:03 PM EDT   0 recs

Holy crap,,,

Guillen looked gimpy as all get out rounding 3rd. I can understand why Renteria sacrificed himself on the basepaths. Should he even be playing?

2-1 Wings late in the 2nd.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 9:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Tough call

Guillen DID drive in two runs in that inning...

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 9:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Bring in Inge

Carlos needs the rest more than Brandon

"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen

by rock n rye on Apr 14, 2008 9:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Guillen

Is probably our best hitter right now. That being said - we wouldn't want to lose him for any extended time, so I'd hate to see him make it worse.

by ViolaHalo on Apr 14, 2008 9:13 PM EDT   0 recs

omg

who knew seay was still on the team?

by MackAveKurt on Apr 14, 2008 9:15 PM EDT   0 recs

And

more garbage from the bullpen.

by ViolaHalo on Apr 14, 2008 9:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

R & R

Cabrera and Guillen need an extended period of rest. Might as well do it while we're losing. Otherwise, they're going to play at 80 percent all season.

by bradm on Apr 14, 2008 9:17 PM EDT   0 recs

Crusher

Seay was their best reliever thus far. And he couldn't get out of that jam. Rally officially squelched.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 9:22 PM EDT   0 recs

Rally.

And for the tenth game in a row, the Tigers give up runs the very next inning after scoring runs.

This team cannot do anything right. And I mean anything.

by bradm on Apr 14, 2008 9:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Seconded.

I have reverted to incessant cussing.

by ViolaHalo on Apr 14, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And the boos rain down...

Has the pen allowed EVERY inherited runner to score?

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 14, 2008 9:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Glad we got out of that one

only having given up 4 runs.

<>

by ViolaHalo on Apr 14, 2008 9:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Paws

Even he's leaving.

"Get outta my face, kid!"

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 14, 2008 9:31 PM EDT   0 recs

The way I see it

The Tigers put together their best two out rally of the season so far. I don't expect the bullpen to work miracles, but if those bats can finally wake up, there is still hope.

by pfuhrmeister on Apr 14, 2008 9:31 PM EDT   0 recs

As shown in figure thus.

by pfuhrmeister on Apr 14, 2008 9:33 PM EDT to parent up