Game 42: Tigers (16-25) at D-Backs (26-15)
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 8:26 PM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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PrintDetroit Tigers at Arizona Diamondbacks, May 16, 2008 9:40 PM EDT
Jeremy Bonderman (2-4, 4.80) vs. 
Dan Haren (4-2, 3.04)
Oh, this looked like it would be such a great series when the 2008 schedule was first released. And maybe it still will be. But the Tigers weren't supposed to be shuffling into Arizona with hunched shoulders, avoiding everyone's gaze. Their record wasn't supposed to be a virtual mirror opposite of the Diamondbacks'. And Bonderman vs. Haren was supposed to be a clash of pitching titans.
By the way, are you already sick of hearing "Well, at least Detroit doesn't have to face Brandon Webb in this series"? I sure am. Is that how far it's already fallen for the Tigers, when we're happy to avoid an ace pitcher? Remember when we wanted to see how elite pitchers might fare against this lineup?
Besides, it's not like the Tigers catch a break in facing Dan Haren. On several other teams, he'd be the staff ace. And that's pretty much how he's been pitching so far this season. Haren has allowed more than three runs in just three of his eight starts. In his last two appearances, he's given up four total runs over 13 innings. Amazingly, Haren didn't win either of those games. He also hasn't pitched that well against the Tigers in six career starts, posting a 1-4 record and 5.12 ERA.
Someone else who hasn't been pitching well, in a much broader sense, is Jeremy Bonderman. He lasted just four innings against the Yankees last Saturday, giving up five runs, six hits, and four walks. Some blame Bondo's ineptness on an ill-fated attempt to grow a mustache. I still think he should see how far he can take the 'stache, but if he stinks tonight, there probably needs to be a clubhouse intervention with a shaving kit.
While watching tonight's game, I'll be lamenting not joining The Daily Fungo summit in Arizona this weekend, an unfortunate casualty of my travel plans to Malaysia. Hopefully, Mike and the rest of Team Fungo share some of their experiences from Chase Field here at BYB. Given how well Detroit has performed in Interleague Play over the past couple of seasons, maybe they'll be witness to a Tigers resurgence.
AZ Snakepit has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game interleague series.
Short Hops:
- Joe Sheehan examines whether or not the DH really gives AL teams an advantage at Baseball Prospectus.
- Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan has some suggestions to spruce up Interleague Play, and some of them are pretty creative.
- We know at least two Tigers will be in uniform at the All-Star Game. Jim Leyland has been named as one of Terry Francona's coaches.
- Buster Olney ($$) wonders if the Tigers might have to enter the C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes.
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buster olney
If only I could get this man to have some baloney, sorry I listen to mike and mike, I just can’t help myself… No CC, no Bonds, No reanimated ted williams head on a cyborg body, please, just bring some of the young guys up from AAA if the season doesn’t turn around…
Starting Lineups
DETROIT
1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Gary Shefield, LF
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Carlos Guillen, 3B
7. Edgar Renteria, SS
8. Pudge Rodriguez, C
9. Jeremy Bonderman, P
ARIZONA
1. Chris Young, CF
2. Stephen Drew, SS
3. Orlando Hudson, 2B
4. Conor Jackson, 1B
5. Justin Upton, RF
6. Chris Snyder, C
7. Eric Byrnes, LF
8. Augie Ojeda, 3B
9. Dan Haren, P
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions
fantasy team
I picked up Mark Reynolds early this year, at least I don’t have to be conflicted tonight… Ian on a serious note, thanks for what you do, I found this blog a week or so ago, I really enjoy it…
Thanks!
I appreciate the kind words. Despite the Tigers’ play this season, writing here has been a lot of fun with all of the participation we’ve had from regular readers thus far. So thank you for chiming in, and I hope you stick around.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
DON'T
praise him too much…..(his ego is already HUUUUGE)
Joking, I concur, it takes a lot of work to do what Ian does, even when it hurts…and I for one, appreciate it.
It IS pretty large
Might have to check it in for my flight tomorrow.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Where the hell is Joyce?
Must have need a break, got winded from rounding those bases.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
or batting 3rd
... or maybe not.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
whatever
I’m so disheartened I almost don’t care. Hit Ramon Santiago cleanup, I don’t care, just get a win.
Hey it with a try
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
Sheffield vs. Haren
.200/.250/.467, one home run, three RBIs, two strikeouts in 16 plate appearances.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a dilemma.
SO PLEASE HELP!!!
Newcastle, Pete’s Wicked, or Orberon?
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
Newcastle it is!!!
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
I am 110% ready
to blame the mustache if it’s still present and Bondo struggles tonight.
by Roar of the Tigers on May 16, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions
I could mixed them I guess
depends on how the game goes
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
Doesn't seem like you could go wrong
Although I LOVE Oberon when it’s hot. Since the Tigers are playing in 90-degree weather, that’s the way to go?
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe round 2
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
with Haren on the mound
on the Tigers O struggling against the Royals, I think we’ll all need plenty of alcohol to get through this one
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Like I stated earlier
I am going to send DD my alcohol bill, the Tigers are costing me to much
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
That a hesitation
isn’t good for Miggy, it gives him time to stop and make a sandwhich
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
not unless
you were expecting the Tigers to NOT be retired in order in the first, but I think most of us were expecting that.
expecting, fearing it's just semantics at this part
My subject line took up all my thoughts for the next 10 minutes, must refuel… Dominoes, where are you?
The saddest part of each new series
is hearing the announcers for the other team introduce the players the Tigers have. The D’backs announcers just mentioned the 41 All Star teams, and Polanco’s .341 average last year. Makes their struggles all the more painful to be reminded of how good an offense this should be.
The D'backs voice just said,
“With Pudge’s buttery hands….”
I don’t even know what came after that….still not sure where he could have went with that.
Daron Sutton and Mark Grace?
Is that who you guys get?
Ugh. They were one reason I didn’t sign on for MLB Extra Innings.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions
To this day, I think the Tigers called up Maybin last year because of Justin Upton. They saw one 20-year-old outfielder tearing it up, and wondered if theirs could do the same thing.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Dang!
Justin Upton guns down Maggs at 2nd. Love the aggressive baserunning, but Upton took Maggs to the gun show.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 9:58 PM EDT reply actions
wow, that throw was on the money
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
at least everyone is making contact
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
the crowd there
obviously doesn’t know Grandy that well. The were a’cheering that hit like it was hitting the ground!
ARGH
What was Miggy doing on that foul ball? Did he misjudge where the fence was? He absolutely should’ve had that.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions
Bondo wanted the K anyway
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
Stood there like a house on the side of the road.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
This is the best Bondo has pitched
since 2006, in my opinion
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
I am calling it
Bondo is going big fly
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
all 9 hitter made contact
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
about frock time
that dog is dancing
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
and a fist full of cash
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
sorry, my jinx
I got off work and went “whoa, a no hitter” and then the Dbags got a hit, and I said well, hey, maybe a shutout still? and they got a really far hit.
my bad.
by Kurt Mensching on May 16, 2008 11:05 PM EDT reply actions
Rejoining the GameThread already in progress
Had to take a phone call, but kept up on the action. Wasn’t exactly an attentive listener when Cabrera’s home run went out.
Then whatever it was that Byrnesie did after hitting his home run… blurgh.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
that rattlesnake noise is annoying
and seems pointlessly timed
by Kurt Mensching on May 16, 2008 11:28 PM EDT reply actions
Sort of like the toilet flush the Lions call a roar.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Byrnes
Does he get plunked this inning for raising his arm when he hit his home run?
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:30 PM EDT reply actions
Mark Grace is kind of an idiot
Just said that Bondo “has been a Cy Young candidate, many times.” What times were those?
Pizza
Is it too much to ask that the lead be intact while the pizza is being picked up?
And I may be late to the party, but I vote oberon. Always oberon.
WTF?
What is with the foul balls tonight? Three guys are there, and no one catches the ball?!?
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:39 PM EDT reply actions
little league
wait, I just insulted 12 year olds by comparing them to Tigers.
by Kurt Mensching on May 16, 2008 11:41 PM EDT reply actions
I still can’t believe that play. You would think one of those guys would’ve caught the damn ball accidentally.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
you know
I could tell zach miner was pitching without once seeing who was on the mound
by Kurt Mensching on May 16, 2008 11:44 PM EDT reply actions
super
i want to shave his stupid head and hit him with a sack of doorknobs
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Ojeda
Helped the Tigers out there with a crap bunt.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions
Son of a...
I’m just… flabbergasted.
Miner was actually looking pretty good, until he served up that base hit.
by Ian Casselberry on May 16, 2008 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
Got to love Zach Miner "League"
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
ok
so do you pronounce that “Yoosk-imo” or what?
by Kurt Mensching on May 16, 2008 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
its
Jooooooo-skimo (people keep bugging me to spell it jewskimo for the sake of technical correctness)
too much time in the U.P.
I Finn-ified it.
by Kurt Mensching on May 17, 2008 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I am beyond beer.
Time to unlock the liquor cabinet and where the hell is my dog.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
At least you guys are drinking
I’m looking around the room for things to smash.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:03 AM EDT reply actions
Ian, can I go with you on your trip?
I need the two week break.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
You might have to be checked in
But sure. No TV, no internet… You can detox with me.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Guillen/Cabrera
So, luckily for me, I have only had to watch the horrible national tv games being out in Portland. Is Guillen really a defensive upgrade over Cabrera at 3rd?
no
but I think maybe Cabrera is still an upgrade over Guillen at first …
It’s a disaster.
by Kurt Mensching on May 17, 2008 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes
Thames looked gold glove in comparison to those guys.
by Kurt Mensching on May 17, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought Thames looked good in his time at 1B last season. Not that I’m saying he should be over there now…
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
2003
at least in 2003 i expected to lose almostevery game because we were over matched. now it seems we are overpaid and under coached. where do i sign up for the Fire Jim newsletter? im just sick of it
Three strikeouts
Not to take anything away from Cruz, because he had good stuff there, but the Tigers seem mentally weak so often. As soon as they fall behind, it’s like they check out.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:10 AM EDT reply actions
Mr. Illitch
Please clean house before all is lost. keeping in line with “dumbrowski” should we go after jack mckeown heck he used to be a marlin also. marlins have performed so well so far this season for us.
Heart of the order up in the 9th
Joyce, Maggs, and Cabrera.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:18 AM EDT reply actions
Tony Pena?
Surprised it’s not Brandon Lyon to close it out for Arizona.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:20 AM EDT reply actions
yeah it's weird
apparently when your team has a lead your closer pitches more than once a week
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Too close a game
Plus, there were already two runners on base, with no outs.
He might get one in his first at-bat tomorrow, though.
by Ian Casselberry on May 17, 2008 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
they were mesmerized by his care-free attitude and surfer hair cut
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
man I wish I liked hockey more
you can watch the wings. I’ll report back to you guys how the tigers find to lose tomorrow’s game.
by Kurt Mensching on May 17, 2008 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
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