Game 20: Tigers (6-13) at Blue Jays (10-9)
Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays, Apr 21, 2008 12:37 PM EDT
Armando Galarraga (1-0, 2.70) vs.
Shaun Marcum (2-0, 2.61)
Does Armando Galarraga have another one in him? One of the shining lights of last week's three-game winning streak was Galarraga's impressive debut in Cleveland. When the Tigers needed a suitable performance from a starting pitcher, Galarraga came up from Toledo and gave them something outstanding. Over 6 2/3 innings, he allowed just one hit and two runs, while striking out six batters. Extremely generous run support from the Tigers' lineup didn't hurt matters, but Galarraga didn't need much help against a tough Indians' batting order.
Runs might not be so easy to come by against Shaun Marcum today. He's been one of Toronto's best starting pitchers, allowing three runs or less and striking out a batter per inning in each of his three starts this season. This will be the first time Marcum has faced the Tigers as a starter, but he hasn't pitched much against Detroit in general, appearing in only 3 2/3 innings of relief (with a 7.36 ERA) last year.
Once again, the Tigers are seven games under .500, which is the point at which Jim Leyland finally blew up at his team. Of course, that eruption wasn't prompted only by Detroit's won-loss record, and the Tigers have generally been playing better since that clubhouse scolding. But leaving Toronto with a series split would be a nice way to begin the week. I took a lot of crap about the Tigers this weekend at my sister's wedding, between those who already knew about my fandom from my now brother-in-law and those who found out about this blog in conversation. So I'm certainly ready to talk about something else besides disappointment and losing.
One last solemn note: He wasn't affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, but I was sad to read about John Marzano's death over the weekend, under what can only be described as tragically unexpected circumstances. I'd come to enjoy his candid, enthusiastic commentary on MLB.com, and looked forward to what else he'd have to offer as he grew more comfortable with his role. Any time a wife and two kids are left to cope with the loss of a husband and father (especially far before his time), it's tremendously sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to Marzano's family.
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12 comments
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Starting Lineups
DETROIT
1. Clete Thomas, CF
2. Ivan Rodriguez, C
3. Carlos Guillen, DH
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Jacque Jones, LF
7. Edgar Renteria, SS
8. Ryan Raburn, 2B
9. Brandon Inge, 3B
TORONTO
1. David Eckstein, SS
2. Shannon Stewart, LF
3. Aaron Hill, 2B
4. Alex Rios, CF
5. Matt Stairs, DH
6. Lyle Overbay, 1B
7. Marco Scutaro, 3B
8. Gregg Zaun, C
9. Joe Inglett, RF
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 21, 2008 11:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lineup?
Why is Pudge again batting 2nd was his 3 K’s and a DP yesterday not enough to show that he shouldnt be batting 2nd?
Why is Edgar batting 7th, lower then both Pudge and Jacque in the lineup, wouldnt he make a good number 2 hitter?
by jgrubbs on Apr 21, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YES
I am sick of Pudge No. 2. Though to be fair he had his fair share of hits Friday and Saturday.
by MackAveKurt on Apr 21, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm sick of afternoon games
or is it the results in afternoon games?
by MackAveKurt on Apr 21, 2008 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A 4 run inning?
Base hits with RISP? Who are these guys?
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Apr 21, 2008 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Galarraga just getting tired?
Or was it the fact that a couple of lefties were coming up that prompted Leyland to go to the pen after 5.1 innings?
by mparks on Apr 21, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Quick Hook
I think Jim pulled him early, he had only thrown 85 pitches, and his control wasnt that bad.
by jgrubbs on Apr 21, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else...
See a Thomas/Thames platoon in left once Grandy comes back? I don’t see what Jones brings to the table… unless you’re the opposing pitcher.
by russkiejedi on Apr 21, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thames
I don’t really see what Thames brings to the table, I would probably be happy with a Thomas/Raburn platoon. But I think Jacque is making the most money, which means he is going to play, and he did hit. 280 hitter last year, so he’s gotta start hitting at some point.
by jgrubbs on Apr 21, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
Maybe Thomas/Inge, even. Jacque is making the most money, for sure, but I’ve always thought that’s a bad reason to give someone playing time. Sunk costs and all, you know.
Oh, well. I’m just excited to get Granderson back.
by russkiejedi on Apr 21, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pudge
Glad to see him prove me wrong for doubting him hitting in the two hole, 4 for 5 is a productive day. Hopefully he can prove me wrong like that every game.
by jgrubbs on Apr 21, 2008 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A platoon in left would be nice, because Jones is our big aquisition, but Clete is getting it done, so it’ll be cool to see them both play.
Go Tigers
by Tony K on Apr 21, 2008 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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