Game 33: Red Sox (20-13) at Tigers (14-18)
Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers, May 5, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Daisuke Matsuzaka (4-0, 2.52) vs.
Jeremy Bonderman (2-2, 3.86)
Usually I try to make these GameThreads all about the pitching match-up, but the big story coming into tonight's opener with the Red Sox is about the new batting order Jim Leyland promised we'd see. "Drastic," remember? Here is the starting lineup for your Detroit Tigers this evening:
1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, 3B
4. Magglio Ordonez, DH
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Gary Sheffield, LF
7. Matt Joyce, RF
8. Edgar Renteria, SS
9. Pudge Rodriguez, C
"Drastic"? Well, maybe not so much. Though I suppose that depends on what you expected. Releasing Jacque Jones and calling up Matt Joyce weren't entirely insignificant moves. And playing left field might feel like more of a drastic move to Gary Sheffield (though Mike McClary tells me, via ESPN, that Sheff requested this move) than hitting sixth. Maybe he can tear more of that scar tissue in his right shoulder playing long toss or throwing the ball to the cut-off man. (And unlike Jones, maybe Sheff's throws will actually reach the cut-off man.)
The question becomes whether or not Joyce will stay in the lineup. I'd guess yes, since the Tigers went to the trouble of calling him up to Detroit. But playing right field regularly is doubtful. So if he stays, he'll probably move to left tomorrow, with Sheffield going back to DH (or rotating among two or three guys), and Ordonez taking his usual place in right.
Is this going to be enough to score some runs against Dice-K? Boston has won Matsuzaka's last eight starts, and Daisuke has given up three runs or more in only two of his six appearances this season. In his last start, he shut out the Blue Jays (who have been struggling to score runs) over seven innings.
But if Jeremy Bonderman pitches as well tonight as he did last week at Yankee Stadium, things might work out just fine.
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75 comments
Comments
WHOOO HOOOO, oh wait...
Now I don’t have anybody to torment! In all seriousness, Jacque Strap stunk. I am a little perplexed by the Joyce move though, I really wanted to see Clete get some love. Also, too bad that we really need a lefty as Clevlen is hitting pretty well too. Maybe with Sheff playing the field will help him stay in the game mentally and in turn effect his bat.
Game on!
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Clete
Take a look at his recent performance. Joyce deserves it more.
by pfuhrmeister on May 5, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clete, RE:
Ya his numbers are bad, but he showed he can hit big boi pitching while he was up, plus his speed is desirable. I have no problem with Joyce getting a shot. It will be fun to watch, hopefully!
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
'Twill be interesting tonight
for sure.
by pfuhrmeister on May 5, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would this not open up Carlos to DH (He is BAD at 3rd) and Inge to 3rd. Carlos’s Error cost us the game agianst Minny. Would like to see Inge get a starting shot again.
by BobbyHigginson on May 5, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Unless you believe Carlos hates DH-ing
My guess is that it’ll rotate among Sheff, Maggs, Guillen, and Cabrera.
And yes, I think a lot of people were hoping Inge would be back at 3rd.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One would have to think
that allowing Sheff to play the field is an experiment to see Carlos can move into the DH spot for Inge to play the field…wouldn’t one?
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sheff asked to play LF
I’m almost expecting Leyland to use the DH position as just a way to give guys a “day off”
by pfuhrmeister on May 5, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re: Sheff
The reports say that he asked. I would think, as a team player, Sheff probably said this after/during the release of “The Strap” as he would want to help the team in any way. It could also be a jumpstart and he is grasping at straws to figure it out…
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Red Sox starting lineup
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Manny Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tom Gage seems to imply...
... that cutting Jones wasn’t Leyland’s idea.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rod and Mario or the ESPN telecast?
I thought tonight would be blacked out on ESPN, but maybe not, since it’s a home game?
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oooh, ESPN?
I’ll have to find a sports bar (after I get out of work – it’s 4:10 here)
by pfuhrmeister on May 5, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are safe with the four letter,
NO JOE MORGAN!
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Back to back walks
So does Cabrera swing at the first pitch?
by pfuhrmeister on May 5, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding?
This drive me nucking futs…more than anything this team does.
by bradm on May 5, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So much for the pitcher's duel.
Sigh.
by Matt in Toledo on May 5, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But hey...
I bet those Red Sox hitters are intimidated by what Bondo did to that ESPN camera lens.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with all of these balls being thrown,
what’s the chance Pudge takes one?
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
J. Jones
Hey Ian,
I rest my Case.
Fats
by Fats Fothergill on May 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Steve Phillips or Joe Morgan
right now I’d choose pointy stick in ear
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
must be the uniform
must be the Red Sox uniform that causes Renteria to make errors.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They are actually discussing Ol'e
Tigers stadium. A nice discussion, of course there were a few jack ass comments. Phillips claims he was in the house for the all star game when Reggie had the light tower power!
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This at bat is a war
12 pitches and counting
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Somebody listened
When Leyland said they had to stop giving away at-bats.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sheff in left
He’s certainly getting the opportunity to run up to the fence with the long balls Bondo is giving up.
Crap.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 8:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Letting him off the hook
You can’t let Dice-K get away with walking that many batters and not drive in a run.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it cold in hell?
Pudge….walk…..Inconceivable!
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No, really,
you can’t. It doesn’t seem possible.
by Matt in Toledo on May 5, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FINALLY
And THAT, ladies and gentleman, is why it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to move Granderson down the order a bit. His hits can drive in runs.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yes, yes
But, no one else has his speed and smarts on the base paths or his average at this point. Sheff is not good at running the bases. Polanco, yah, but don’t you feel comfortable with him second. Pudge, uh NO. Renterria, I don’t ike that either. INGE! I digress…..hmmm, who do you want up there?
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leyland says Curtis is leading off - period
So I suppose it was a moot point to even bring up. I’d disagree with you about Sheff running the bases, though.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I concur
Sheff can get around the diamond
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you on both points, Ian
Granderson is a middle of the order, 100+ RBI hitter waiting to happen. Sheffield is the smartest baserunner on the Tigers. He has highest baseball IQ on the team.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot to add...
Unfortunately, Granderson is the one of the few Tigers who could be a legit lead off man. Which is I really liked Billfer’s idea of batting Sheff lead off.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to come off like Lynn Henning, but...
Sometimes, Comerica Park pisses me off. In how many other ballparks is that drive to left center by Magglio a home run?
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There's a difference between being a pitcher's park...
and being unfair to your own batters. CoPa’s insane power alleys are unfair. Henning’s problem is harping on it seemingly once a week.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tough break
Like you said, Joyce smoked that ball. Had a chance to be a hero. Hit it right at Drew, though.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Potent offense.
Eight f** walks and they score once. That’s pathetic.
This team’s in a bad spot right now. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.
by bradm on May 5, 2008 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really think it's the uniforms
Red Sox uniforms are kryptonite for Edgar Renteria.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 9:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bad throw by Renteria
But another example of bad footwork by Cabrera. If his left foot is on the bag, maybe he has a chance to stop that ball, even if he can’t make the out. By using the right foot, he has to cross over and stretch for the ball.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
You could give Cabrera the error there too. That throw wasn’t that wide.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can they
capitalize on a base hit and some good luck?
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We'd like to welcome
all those viewers/readers who just watched the Detroit Pistons defeat the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, Magglio Ordonez just grounded into a double play, so you’re not missing much.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
switching...
from ESPN to MLB.tv for good luck
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I switched, too
Over to FSN Detroit.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
do the Sox walk Sheff to face the rookie?
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
jeez...no pressure rook
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and enter...
Inge or Thames…maybe Rayburn?
bringing in a lefty…
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thames
all or nothing
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That move sure worked. Nice job, Marcus!
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need to see more of Marcus
Now that Jacque is gone, Thames has to get more playing time.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree!
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manny bare handed Thames single...
I’d pay big $ to watch Manny play 81 games in a spacious park like Comerica. The hilarity would never end…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
cue the Benny Hill yakety-sax
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My earlier complaint about the CoPa
is hereby withdrawn. Saved a home run by Drew there.
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't know if it's possible
for me to love Grandy more than I do
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was going to express my love, too
But I’m glad you did first, Matt. :-)
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GRANDYLAND
Great catch to save a run!
by Ian Casselberry on May 5, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ok you saved a run with that catch
now it’s time to create them Mr. Granderson
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on May 5, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tater time...
better to get those out of the way when we are already down, and not up by one….HAM
by Zappatista on May 5, 2008 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Papelbon is darn near unhittable
...but if any part of the lineup can, it’s the next 3 guys.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 5, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So much for the "drastic" changes...
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on May 5, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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