Game 4: White Sox (1-2) at Tigers (0-3)
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 12:58 PM EDT
in News
81 comments
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers, Apr 4, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
Jose Contreras (0-0, 0.00) vs. 
Nate Robertson (0-0, 0.00)
Rob Neyer beat me to my idea of how I was going to lead off today's Game Thread when he called 2008 "The Year of the Catch Phrase." Less than one week into the season (for everyone else besides the A's and Red Sox), it's hard to believe that anyone will coin something better than "And that happened." The Tigers should learn these words, learn to love them, and live by them as they move past the first three games of this season.
(A close second for the year's best catch phrase, by the year, and one that could contend for the title was coined by our dear friend/arch enemy, Samela: "Lamesauce.")
So maybe as you've slowly begun to accept that the Royals just might match up really well with the Tigers and "have their number" this year, here comes the team that has bullied Detroit around for the past couple of seasons. Last year, the White Sox went 11-7 against the Tigers, and had a winning record at Comerica Park.
Jose Contreras, however, didn't contribute to that dominance, going 0-2 and giving up 19 runs and 26 hits in 18 innings. In his last start of 2007, he lasted just one inning against the Tigers, who bombed him for seven runs and seven hits.
How did Nate Robertson do against the White Sox? Not bad, allowing seven runs in 13 innings for a 1-0 record and 3.46 ERA.
Gary Sheffield is indeed out of the lineup, due to his injured finger. However, according to Danny Knobler, he is available to pinch-hit, if needed, and isn't expected to go on the disabled list. Miguel Cabrera is back in, and will take Sheffield's DH spot in the batting order. That means Brandon Inge will fill in once again at third base, and Clete Thomas will get the start in center field.
South Side Sox has your SB Nation opposing view for this weekend's series.
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Starting Lineups
CHI WHITE SOX
CF N. Swisher
SS O. Cabrera
DH J. Thome
1B P. Konerko
RF J. Dye
C A. Pierzynski
LF C. Quentin
3B J. Crede
2B J. Uribe
DETROIT
CF C. Thomas
2B P. Polanco
1B C. Guillen
RF M. Ordonez
DH M. Cabrera
SS E. Renteria
C I. Rodriguez
LF J. Jones
3B B. Inge
Not crazy about Clete leading off again today. Unless Leyland thinks one of his guys swinging a decent bat should be in a RBI spot, I don't know why he doesn't stick with Renteria.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good first inning
Two strikeouts for Nate, keeping the bases clear when Thome came up.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Clete doesn't mess around
Each game he's played, he's gotten a hit the first time up.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
clete
Yeah, I'm a bit skeptical of Clete too, but as long as he keeps hitting, might as well leave him there.
by Krazzid on Apr 4, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here to complain about Cabs batting 5th again
One more time...Leyland has his best hitter 5th in the lineup. Sheffield out of the lineup makes the decision that much easier. But I guess Guillen/Sheff hit 3rd last year and they'll hit 3rd again.
by silverstadium on Apr 4, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A left-right-left thing?
It might also be that Guillen is swinging the best bat right now.
Though I agree with you; I'd like to see Cabrera in the #3 spot.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
huh
no blue mouthguard for Polly today
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I heart Contreras
the perfect cure to an anemic line-up
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly what they need
Though even scoring a run there, it was on a weak swing by Maggs.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice pick by Guillen
Though he still plays first base like a shortstop.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
C'mon, man
Feel free to keep the ball in the park, fellas. Quentin's first home run of the year.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
another K
Have all of Robertson's strikeouts come after falling behind 3-0?
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's see if they can score a runner from second w/no outs
Not much of that so far this year
by Grant E. on Apr 4, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh dear
Jacque "the new Craig Monroe" Jones
by Krazzid on Apr 4, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Clete Cannot Be Stopped
He might have to stay in the lineup.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Clete for MVP!
Jock has been somewhat less than impressive thus far.
by Grant E. on Apr 4, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
woohoo
Clete is no slack-jawed yokel
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Five-tool player!
Well... once he hits a home run.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The wheels on the bus...
... are falling off. 5-2, White Sox.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What've I missed
Been in class for the past hour, just gettin update on my phone, 5-2 Sox, how are we playing?
by rossjohnson87 on Apr 4, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nate's been rough
Hey Rojo --
Didn't look good in that third inning.
But The Clete Thomas Experience is still going strong.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it ain't one thing, it's another.
At what point do we start to worry?
by bradm on Apr 4, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice nice, I gotta find a hi-res photo of his jersey for the facebook thing, our rookie rank is still Maybin haha.
We gotta win, this is killing me, you guys have no idea all the razzing I've been getting here at school. I'm quite a vocal Tigers fan, and well, its been biting me in the ass lately haha
by rossjohnson87 on Apr 4, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
at least
Contreras isn't throwing that well, either. We'll get more runs.
by Krazzid on Apr 4, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What is up with Maggs?
Take a frickin' pitch. Or more than one.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love Ozzie Guillen
I know most people hate him, but he constantly makes me chuckle. Love him going to the mound and chewing out Contreras.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea I hate him, but he is entertaining
Sucks I'm here at the University of Indianapolis and we don't get FSN Detroit, we get FSN St. Louis...
by rossjohnson87 on Apr 4, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There we go!
Finally, a big hit! Two RBIs for Pudge.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he was due
J-JO!!!!!
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you, Jacque
Thanks for coming to play today.
They needed to pounce on Contreras. I think Ozzie's got him on a short leash.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
Contreras just looks like he would rather be sitting in the clubhouse today, Bring on Octavio Dotel!
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice
always fun to match your season's offensive output in just three innings....granted, it's a heck of a lot easier to do in the first week than later, but they way the Tigers started out in KC....
by ahtrap on Apr 4, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Clete is cloutin'!
They cannot stop him.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im sure his family is proud
His wife Brandine and the children: Tiffany, Heather, Cody, Dylan, Dermot, Jordan, Taylor, Brittany, Wesley, Rumer, Scout, Cassidy, Zoe, Chloe, Max, Hunter, Kendall, Caitlin, Noah, Sasha, Morgan, Kyra, Ian, Lauren, Q-bert, and Phil
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
polanco
has put a hex on that ball. I see they scored that one as a hit, at least.
by Krazzid on Apr 4, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
First pitch swinging AGAIN
C'mon, Maggs. Make Contreras work!
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Scoring some runs here would be nice
The Tigers need to get a lead on Contreras before Ozzie takes him out.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You gotta be kidding
Pudge thrown out, trying to get back to second? The Tigers can't capitalize on an opportunity.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
there you go Zach
K on JI
JIM THOME
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was slick
Was that a slider from Miner? Totally froze Thome.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ozzie wants no part of Clete
Jose Contreras is out, after giving up a lead-off single to Inge.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why the sacrifice?
Clete is swinging a hot bat! Why take it out of his hands?
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta say these games are exciting at least, better then the 4/0 and 4/1 beatings the last two games. Go Tigers
Water covers 70% of the earth, Curtis Granderson covers the rest!!
by BigReg on Apr 4, 2008 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All Redneck Team
Boone Logan & Clete Thomas. We have the start of a very good thing!
Water covers 70% of the earth, Curtis Granderson covers the rest!!
by BigReg on Apr 4, 2008 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And THAT...
... is probably why Kenny Williams traded for Orlando Cabrera. Nice stab up the middle.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On a warmer day...
That might have been a home run by Konerko. Just a double, instead.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3 pitches...
Grilli being Grilli
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GRILLI
I don't even understand why Leyland brought him in. And then he serves up a fat change-up to Pierzynski. 8-5 White Sox.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Grilli is Italian for "Gas Can"
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it
He should be strictly a mop-up man. Either with a huge lead or huge deficit. Why bring him into a tied ballgame in late innings?
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is batting practice
Grilli's not fooling anyone.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just commenting
to a friend that Grilli's HR pitch looked like a batting practice toss. Ug-er-ly.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Say hello to Toledo Jason
Is Aaron Fultz ready yet?
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And then Grilli throws it away
If the White Sox want to give up an out, why not take it? Instead, Grilli misses with a wild pitch.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thank you Carlos Quentin
this inning should have been a lot worse
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
That was an awful performance by Grilli. Thank goodness the White Sox are incompetent on the base paths.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Bad baserunning let him off the hook. Nice glove work by Inge, too.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Inge could
play himself into a really valuable role for the Tigers this year.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dotel was brutal his first time out
Hopefully, the Tigers can knock him around like the Tribe did.
by Ian Casselberry on Apr 4, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd take it
Any knocking around of White Sox is always welcome to me :)
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Weak
Well that was relatively flaccid. Darn.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I still think
this team is going to be brilliant this season. I just hope that a sense of urgency kicks in relatively soon.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
5-4-3!!!!
nice work
"WOO HOO HOOOOO...HOO" - Rod Allen
by rock n rye on Apr 4, 2008 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Weird
That Jones hasn't had much work so far this season. Stinks.
by ViolaHalo on Apr 4, 2008 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I honestly don't see it getting better soon. Two more against the White Sox (who always play us tough), then three in Boston. an 0-9 start is not unthinkable.
by bradm on Apr 4, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Amazing
Never thought we'd see a 4 game slump to start the season.
Hitting-based teams can take a while to get going, though. Still not time to panic. Aside from Grilli, pitching's been decent enough and they're finally getting some hits.
Look at those LOB numbers though. Yikes! Can't move a guy home.
by Twas Brillig on Apr 4, 2008 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Decent enough
Though not great, I should clarify.
by Twas Brillig on Apr 4, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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