Game 29: Tigers (13-15) at Yankees (14-15)
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 6:30 PM EDT
in News
108 comments
Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees, May 1, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Nate Robertson (0-3, 6.91) vs. 
Ian Kennedy (0-2, 8.53)
I shouldn't use the word I really want to use, because it usually invokes The Jinx, but tonight, the Tigers have a chance to do something that a broom does to dirt, and any time that can be accomplished at Yankee Stadium, it's noteworthy. But everything seems to be coming together for this team, and it would certainly be encouraging to see that trend continue upward this evening.
Both Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman righted themselves over the last two nights, and gave the Tigers the kind of starting pitching they've been craving over the past month. So is it now Nate Robertson's turn to figure it out? He has given up at least four runs in each of his five starts this season. Though it should be mentioned that Robertson also currently leads the Detroit staff in strikeouts (with 24), which is something you probably wouldn't have predicted. And he did go seven innings in his last start, which is a good sign.
Robertson has never won a game at Yankee Stadium, going 0-3 in four regular season starts with a 6.97 ERA.
Ian Kennedy has been a little better than Robertson in his five starts, but doesn't have a win to show for the effort. Apparently, the Yankees are encourage that he really only had one bad inning last time out, against the Indians. Peter Abraham of the LoHud Yankees Blog implies that Kennedy might suddenly come down with the same mysterious "strained oblique" that took out Phil Hughes if he doesn't have a good start tonight. Here in Detroit, we like to call that particular malady "tired arm."
Brandon Inge is catching tonight, as both Pudge Rodriguez and Edgar Renteria get the night off. Ramon Santiago is in at shortstop. Will we see international man of mystery Francisco Cruceta tonight? Yankee Stadium seems like an excellent place to make a debut.
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Starting Lineups
DETROIT
1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Gary Sheffield, DH
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Carlos Guillen, 3B
7. Jacque Jones, LF
8. Brandon Inge, C
9. Ramon Santiago, SS
NY YANKEES
1. Johnny Damon, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Shelley Duncan, 1B
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Melky Cabrera, CF
7. Morgan Ensberg, 3B
8. Robinson Cano, 2B
9. Chad Moeller, C
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At first
I wasn’t too hot about the Tigers facing the Yankees twice right at the beginning of the year. But getting to face them when they are without ARod and Posada is a big plus.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a hot start
for Nate. He put that right there for Abreu.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Abreu's 3-run homer
That just sounded like a home run. I was actually looking away from the TV, and could tell that was a big blow. This isn’t going to go well.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, God.
Let’s hope that never happens again. Miguel could’ve been killed.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guillen's throws
For all the crap we gave Cabrera for putting Guillen in bad position with his throws, Carlos is making Miggy dig for a lot of throws. Maybe he’s trying to inflict revenge.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bump
This isn’t a complete instant reaction to that home run, but I want Nate to be taken out of the rotation when Dontrelle comes back. Anyone agree, or I am i completly insane and just trying to find someone to pick on now that Grilli is gone.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Someone has to go
And Rogers looked pretty good in his last start…
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Offense
Ok hopefully my mention of a rotation bump gave Nate some kind of reverse-jinx and allowed him to settle down, now the offense needs to pick him up.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not when it's Derek Jeter
at Yankee Stadium
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The two guys with the signs
Whether or not they waved at the screen better not be the most suspense we get all night.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice, Johnny.
Really stellar defense by Damon. I’ll take it.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know if that ball sunk faster than he thought, but he butchered that thing.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Polanco is locked in
He is hitting it everywhere in this series.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy
He doesn’t seem to be throwing any harder then the high 80’s. Is that normal for him? I understand he is supposed to have good control, but I was expecting a little more velocity from a 23 year old supposedly good prospect, especially a righty.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You beat the announcers to the punch.
Mario just wondered the same thing.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-5 the other night
2 HR’s last night and a double tonight. I think it’s safe to say that Placido is back.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Boy, the corner outfielders
for the Yanks haven’t exactly looked sharp tonight.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2 outs
I love 2 out hits, especially triples by Cabrera.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ian Kennedy
13 pitches in the first, 12 in the second. Really made him work with 31 pitches in the third.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Captain Obvious statement
But this series has shown just how awesome this lineup can be.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I stepped outside ...
to take some trash down to the curb and missed the 4 run outburst.
Perhaps I should leave the computer more often.
by LosTigres on May 1, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
busy remote fingers tonight
Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings, Office, 30 Rock, Lost…everything’s on tonight
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 1, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll definitely be torn...
come 9 pm when The Office is on. Hopefully we’ve built a big lead by then.
by LosTigres on May 1, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big TV Night
I have to say, I was disappointed when I saw this wasn’t a matinee.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just like to point out
the tigers have scored 3 runs since I got home.
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pistons finally off to a good start
14-2 run to begin the game
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 1, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking exactly the same thing.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Finish this inning!
That rain looks like it’s coming down harder.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Random Question
If they called the game early, would that count as a complete game for Nate?
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
refresh me on the rules...
we just have to get this game out of the 5th inning for it to be official, correct?
by LosTigres on May 1, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sort of
Technically, if the Yankees were leading, they could call it after 4 and a half.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back of the batter's box
I see what Rod is saying about batters cheating, with the lines blurred out and covered by that “diamond dust.” But don’t you think a veteran umpire like Rick Reed knows if a batter is standing too far back?
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
That swing by Damon was the hitting equivalent of that sliding catch attempt he made earlier.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jacque Jones' arm
Like he was going to throw Jeter out at home.
He might have the worst outfield arm I’ve ever seen.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great show...
Actually, I’m recording all the NBC comedies tonight., and Lost to boot…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I’m going to miss it so much when it’s gone! It’s one of the few TV shows I watch.
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GREAT PLAY by Santiago!
And a nice nab by Polanco to catch his flip.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Michael Kay just made the good point (his first of the series, I think) that if Renteria was in there, that probably goes through for a hit.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice play indeed!
I only Santiago could hit more than the weight Cabrera wishes he weighs..
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But funny!
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't need to hit .350
Long as he hits it like that!
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forget the squeeze.
A three-bagger will suffice!
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What has gotten into Ramon?
He hit a HR earlier this year. And now a triple with authority!
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trivia question.
Who currently has the highest batting average on the Tigers?
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Either
Jacque Jones or Gary Sheffield
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
It’s Ramon at the moment.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guillen leads the Tigers in most every offensive category.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramon is hitting .391 this year!
Not the best sample size (23 AB) but still.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Guillen
Amongst guys who’ve played regularly all year (which excludes Ramon and Grandy)
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I know.
Ramon technically doesn’t count, but it’s still quite a surprise how well he’s swinging the bat.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knew you knew
Just mentioned that for the folks who guessed Carlos. Seriously, Ramon has been hitting much better this year. 2006 and 2007 combined, he had 8 extra base hits. He already has 4 extra base hits this year.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's top 10 in the AL
I’ve had to bold his name on the agate page all week, I should know that answer :)
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give Nate an 8.9
but he didn’t quite nail the dive…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice
Nice defensive play by Nate there
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ramon!
They should be out of this inning.
Maybe he gets a pass because of the two-run triple, but still.
by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that sucks, but if he dives and knocks it down, then there still is no play.
Go Tigers
by Tony K on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitching Change
I don’t like it when they pull a lefty for another lefty. Why couldn’t Nate just stay in there to face Damon, he certainly made him look bad last time up.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is how it starts. Two errors. Jeter up.
Go Tigers
by Tony K on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't call either an error
I think Miner gets Jeter to ground out…
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't say I understand the pitching decisions.
Why bring in Seay? What exactly are the defined roles for Bobby & Clay? Are they both lefty specialists? And why Miner? Ever?
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You have GOT to be kidding me!
Another swinging bunt for a hit?
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
whew
Abreu made the mistake of hitting it out of the infield.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whew!
It figures the hardest hit ball goes for an out.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mags
I really thought there was no way he could hit as well as he did last year, but at the rate he is going…maybe he can.
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dagger!
Big Mig with a 2 run shot
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 1, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
How can he hit opposite field HRs so effortlessly? Miggy is amazing.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah, he's ridonkulous
I still think the Tigers signed him at a discount
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 1, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we're so lucky we get to see him play for the next 8 years
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Even if he ends up as just a DH, it’ll still be a pleasure to watch that boy hit
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa.
God, he really crushed that. Makes you wonder what will happen if he gets one to pull. How far can he hit one?
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pull Power
Haha, how far is that scoreboard in left at Comerica?
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FSN+ at 10?
Are we switching to FSN+ at 10 because of the Wings game or was that a one-time thing?
by spartyboy40 on May 1, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All Red Wings games are national TV from here on out
Actually, I’m kind of bummed that i won’t hear Mickey Redmond say “bingo bango” or “BC 2-hander” till November…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on the other hand
I’m sick of hearing “The word is out and the wings are in.”
What does that even mean? It made sense for the first round, like the wings are in the playoffs. but otherwise? Was it supposed to mean the Wings are cool?
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost as bad as "April in the D"
Thank God it’s May…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"People are playing sports. Watch them. Or don't. Whatever."
by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Fox Sports Detroit: You don't have any other choice!"
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spoonman is back
Thank God this is the last game of the series.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pistons up by at least 25 at the end of the third.
I think Billups hit a three towards the end to make it 28. I stepped out of the room for a second.
by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel so much safer...that I'm not in NYC...
after seeing the close up of that cop!
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 1, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Close Out Night
Pistons up big, Tigers on their way to a victory, lets hope the Wings can make it 3 for 3 tonight
by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yay!
Just got a chance to see the score…I’m glad this series is over!
Ian- love the blog! I check out BlessYouBoys first thing after looking up the box score. Go tigers! :)
by CinciGirl on May 1, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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