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Game 29: Tigers (13-15) at Yankees (14-15)

Watchmen_button_tiny by Ian Casselberry on in News

Detroit @ New York


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

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 6:34 PM EDT   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 to parent up   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   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.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:23 PM EDT   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   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.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up   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   0 recs

Someone has to go

And Rogers looked pretty good in his last start…

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up   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   0 recs

I thought a tie goes to the runner

by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:31 PM EDT   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.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:40 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice, Johnny.

Really stellar defense by Damon. I’ll take it.

by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 7:48 PM EDT   0 recs

I don’t know if that ball sunk faster than he thought, but he butchered that thing.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Polanco is locked in

He is hitting it everywhere in this series.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 7:51 PM EDT   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   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 to parent up   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   0 recs

2 outs

I love 2 out hits, especially triples by Cabrera.

by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 7:57 PM EDT   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   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   0 recs

Captain Obvious statement

But this series has shown just how awesome this lineup can be.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:00 PM EDT   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   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   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 to parent up   0 recs

Big TV Night

I have to say, I was disappointed when I saw this wasn’t a matinee.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

just like to point out

the tigers have scored 3 runs since I got home.

Mack Avenue Tigers

by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 8:10 PM EDT   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   0 recs

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Finish this inning!

That rain looks like it’s coming down harder.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:30 PM EDT   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

That’s right.

by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 8:35 PM EDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:43 PM EDT   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   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.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 8:57 PM EDT   0 recs

That was really, really, really weak

by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 8:59 PM EDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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.

Mack Avenue Tigers

by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

GREAT PLAY by Santiago!

And a nice nab by Polanco to catch his flip.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 9:00 PM EDT   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

350?

Sorry, that was unfair.

by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Forget the squeeze.

A three-bagger will suffice!

by Grant E. on May 1, 2008 9:08 PM EDT   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 to parent up   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   0 recs

Either

Jacque Jones or Gary Sheffield

by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Seriously

It’s Ramon at the moment.

by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM EDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 :)

Mack Avenue Tigers

by MackAveKurt on May 1, 2008 9:18 PM EDT to parent up   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   0 recs

Nice

Nice defensive play by Nate there

by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:21 PM EDT   0 recs

Ramon!

They should be out of this inning.

Maybe he gets a pass because of the two-run triple, but still.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM EDT   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 to parent up   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   0 recs

Damon...

...SUCKS!

Go Tigers

by Tony K on May 1, 2008 9:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Miner?

Um…why?

by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 9:29 PM EDT   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   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   0 recs

whew

Abreu made the mistake of hitting it out of the infield.

by ThaWalrus9 on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM EDT to parent up   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   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   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   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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   0 recs

Pull Power

Haha, how far is that scoreboard in left at Comerica?

by jgrubbs on May 1, 2008 9:45 PM EDT to parent up