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Game 21: Rangers (7-13) at Tigers (7-13)

Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers, Apr 22, 2008 7:05 PM EDT


Vicente Padilla (2-1, 3.12) vs. Justin Verlander (0-3, 7.03)

What we have here tonight is a battle to create some separation.  Both the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers find themselves with identical won-loss records, at the bottom of their respective divisions, and five games out of the AL Wild Card spot.  So who's going to shake loose and who might sink just a bit more? 

Vicente Padilla is coming off an excellent performance against Toronto, in which he gave up only one run in seven innings.  He also has never lost in each of the four times he's faced the Tigers.  Padilla has a 3-0 record and 2.08 ERA, with 15 strikeouts in 26 innings.  20 of those innings have been thrown at Comerica Park, during which he's given up only three runs.

Justin Verlander has lost his last three games, and spent his time between starts working on his arm angle, thinking that dropping it too low has flattened out some of his pitches.  (The Detroit Tigers Weblog tried to take a closer look at that through pitch f/x.)  We'll see if that makes any difference in his breaking pitches tonight.  Verlander has also been very successful in this match-up, winning three of his four starts against the Rangers and giving up just seven runs in 25 1/3 innings. 

Both Placido Polanco and Gary Sheffield are sitting out again, though both hitters could return to the lineup soon.  No structural damage was found in an exam of Sheffield's shoulder, and he received a cortisone shot (in both shoulders, actually) to alleviate some of the discomfort he's been feeling.  Curtis Granderson is also expected to rejoin the Tigers tomorrow after one more rehab start with the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Lone Star Ball has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series.

0 recs  |  Comment 79 comments

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Starting Lineups

TEXAS

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Milton Bradley, DH
5. Hank Blalock, 3B
6. Frank Catalanotto, LF
7. David Murphy, RF
8. Gerald Laird, C
9. Ben Broussard, 1B

DETROIT

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

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 6:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Raburn over Santiago?

Leyland’s reasoning might be that Santiago has a .429 average (3-for-7) against Padilla.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

how about Raburn over Jones

what does Jacque bring to the field other than slugging and batting aves of .178 and an OBP of .224

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Apr 22, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

some observations

1) Grimson has really good hair for a guy coming off the ice between periods of a hockey game.

2) i’m glad they finally stopped explaining what a hold is whenever they do that promotion during the pregame.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Verlander

I still can’t believe we are this far into the season and Verlander’s era is 7.

by jgrubbs on Apr 22, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Off-topic

I know it’s been rumored for a while, but it’s pretty cool to see that Jake Long is going to be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Long

He is one large man. It was funny seeing him in the huddle standing next to Mike Hart, quite the size difference.

by jgrubbs on Apr 22, 2008 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not a Michigan fan, but...

he sure as hell deserves it. He is as big as a house but has fantastic technique.

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There’s a whole bunch of WR’s that are disappointed, though.

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey Ian

What is the latest on Francisco Cruceta? I know the Free Press said that he was going to Toledo but didn’t say how he looked so far.

by miggy4mvp on Apr 22, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

well

too many pitches but he did get up to 96

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kinda sad

I am really excited to hear the Tigers are getting Granderson back tomorrow, but this could be the last time we see Clete for awhile.

by jgrubbs on Apr 22, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully Not

Hopefully Leyland plays Clete in Left a little bit more and gives Jaque some bench time

by spartyboy40 on Apr 22, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would be good

But someone has to get sent down to the minors, and I think it would be between Clete and Raburn

by jgrubbs on Apr 22, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just once

I’d like to see a leadoff double come around to score in the inning.

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 7:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

some stats

long as i’m playing around at baseball prospectus

17 of 34 bequethed runners have scored.

when looking only at how many of the starters’ bequethed runners have scored, it’s 17 of 23.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

stupid fan

I don’t agree with Mario, I think the runners ended up where they would have, but I really wish fans would learn to keep their hands to themselves.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

123

Needed that.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

back to back!

poor Mr. Padilla’s ERA is catching up to Verlander all of a sudden

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Make it three, Jonesy.

Go Tigers

by Tony K on Apr 22, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Of course!

This game is being played at night, of course the Tigers’ bats are waking up. Great to see!

by ThaWalrus9 on Apr 22, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

crud i was in the kitchen making dinner

missed all the fireworks…stupid stomach needing food

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Apr 22, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Renterria has been STEADY

Solid, what more can be said?

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ramon?

The stars are alligned this evening…

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good Call, Ian

Not a bad call on why Santiago is starting tonight, Ian.

Great inning.

by spartyboy40 on Apr 22, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alright, it's official.

The Tigers are 1-10 so far in day games this season, and are on their way to being 7-3 in night games. Ramon Santiago just hit a home run. It’s official: the majority of the players on the Tigers roster are vampires.

by ThaWalrus9 on Apr 22, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

or

have a drinking problem. I don’t function that well during the day either….

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh...

Great minds run in the same channel

by Brian8603 on Apr 22, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

or Alcoholic vampires

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Apr 22, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah....

Dated a couple of those.

by Brian8603 on Apr 22, 2008 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here we go

This has the feel of a 15-3 ballgame. Getting into the bullpens of mediocre teams early will (hopefully) be their trademark this year…

by ThaWalrus9 on Apr 22, 2008 8:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Granderson 0-2 so far in West MI

Just missed a homer in his second AB, according to the radio.

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bring on the bench

I really think Inge should don the catchers gear for the rest of the night. Pudge hasn’t gotten much rest, and even a few innings rest will help.

by ThaWalrus9 on Apr 22, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Damn blogging about the Lions...

is keeping me away from the game thread! Fun game to watch, though. Who knew Jacque Jones would try to knock over the CF wall twice?

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 22, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hate to say this but,

How much is there to blog about?

(of course, I am joking..WFE is top notch)

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

man I wish Ernie did fewer commercials

He just sounds like he’s rambling all the time and then they edit it so he seems to change subjects for no apparent reason without taking a breath so he comes across as a crazy old man, rather than Ernie Harwell.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

366

That is his BAA….ouch

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That's a tough one

As much as it pains me to say it, I’ll go Grilli very slightly over Miner. Grilli has better pure stuff than Miner. Both are pretty combustible in the ‘pen though…

by ThaWalrus9 on Apr 22, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miner < Cornejo

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Apr 22, 2008 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

dude

I loved Conejo, how about a ‘where are they now’?

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

At least Grilli is relatively effective on the road.

Right now, Miner can’t get anyone out anywhere.

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 22, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miner < Grilli

like, way <

He’ll be the next to go.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

According to the comment you left earlier, Kurt

that was the first inherited runner from a reliever to score

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So I missed all the fun?

Not that I can watch on TV, as I’m still down south. But I’m enjoying catching up on the game through comments. I don’t suppose anyone wants a Pennsylvania primary update? :-)

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I just received an NYT breaking news email alert...

saying Clinton won, but they don’t have a margin of victory yet.. Whoo boy, it’s going to get messy for the Dems…

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 22, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well at least,

us Hoosiers actually matter this time….kind of….i guess….maybe?

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

at least you pay less for gas

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

do we?

I will be traveling to the GR with the special lady friend this weekend. I just filled up for 3.44 regular…worse than that?

by Zappatista on Apr 22, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was $3.43 a week ago in Allendale (15 mi. west of GR) but it is $3.57 today

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Down here in Charleston...

It’s $3.49. And this is a port town, where gas has often been cheaper, in my experience.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

no fourth place tonight

indians are whuppin up on the royals

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The standings don't bother me much...

I’m more concerned about the Tigers playing well. If they do, the standings will take care of itself. Hell, I just want them to get back to .500!

waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com

by BigAl on Apr 22, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he wanted no part of Miguel

Or he has no control.

The two may be related.

by MackAveKurt on Apr 22, 2008 10:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Site downtime

Just to let everyone know – and there will be something on the front page – and most of us probably won’t be up at this time, BYB and the other new SBN sites will be down for about two hours beginning at 2 a.m. EST.

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

Grilli pitching at Comerica and nothing happened except for 3 outs

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Apr 22, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Switching the corners!

Guillen to 3rd base, and Cabrera to 1st? I just got an IM about this from Mike McClary. Did you guys see anything about this on FSN?

by Ian Casselberry on Apr 22, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey, Ian

The News just reported this. Wow.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/SPORTS0104/804220454

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't get that link to work.

Apparantly, Leyland dropped the bomb in his postgame news conference and then just took off without answering any questions about it.

Tigers Cabrera, Guillen switch positions—for good

Tom Gage / The Detroit News
DETROIT—In a surprising shakeup for the Tigers defensively, manager Jim Leyland has made Miguel Cabrera the team’s new fulltime first baseman and Carlos Guillen the starter at third base.

“It makes us a better team,” Leyland said after the Tigers beat the Rangers, 10-2, in a game Guillen started at first and Cabrera started at designated hitter.

Cabrera, who this year has been playing first base for the first time, has looked very comfortable there.

Guillen, who moved from shortstop to first after the offseason trade for Edgar Renteria, has struggled with his foot work there, often ending up in the runner’s way.

The move is believed to be permanent.

by Grant E. on Apr 22, 2008 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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