Game 69: Dodgers (31-37) at Tigers (31-37)
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 11:00 AM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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PrintLos Angeles Dodgers at Detroit Tigers, Jun 15, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
Clayton Kershaw (0-1, 4.50) vs. 
Nate Robertson (4-6, 5.88)
As The Daily Fungo pointed out in its recap of yesterday's win, today's game could show us how far the Tigers have come over the past 10 days. Not only would finishing off a second straight series sweep (alliteration!) be impressive, but staying focused on a getaway day (before a big west coast trip) would also indicate renewed mental toughness.
Detroit has been helped a bit during their five-game winning streak by finally getting to face some left-handed pitching. But Clayton Kershaw is no soft-tossing lefty. The Dodgers' top prospect throws in the mid-90s, with a curveball that could be a public menace. Though he hasn't given up many runs (allowing more than two only once in four starts) and strikes out a batter per inning, Kershaw's big bugaboo has been his control. In 20 innings, he's issued 13 walks. As a result of his wildness, Kershaw racks up high pitch counts and hasn't gone deep into games.
Nate Robertson allowed fewer than four runs against the White Sox in his last outing, which made it one of his best performances of the season. This five-game winning streak began with that win, by the way. Could Nate be on a roll? Winning three of his last four starts says he just might be.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Hopefully, a day at the ballpark with your son is part of the celebration for at least some of you. You know what would go great with your gift on this hot summer day? An ice-cold, effervescent Vernor's ginger ale. We're not messing with a winning streak.
(Though if this keeps going, Schweppes might want to note all the free publicity they've been getting. We're pretty happy with the winning, however.)
Short Hops:
- Billfer peeked at Joel Zumaya's rehab outing for Toledo last night. Zumaya threw one scoreless inning with one strikeout on 11 pitches. The next (and perhaps last) test is to see if he can pitch on consecutive nights. If so, Zumaya should join the Tigers in San Diego next weekend.
- As if yesterday's results didn't make it clear, something actually is wrong with Brad Penny. Specifically, his shoulder. (via Dodger Thoughts)
- If the Tigers only have one All-Star this year, Jon Paul Morosi (who seems to be quiet this season) thinks Magglio Ordonez should be Detroit's representative.
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i know he hasn't been as lights out lately...
...but I nominate Armando Galarraga as the Tigers’ all star rep. 6-2 with a 3.31 ERA for a call-up pitcher?
If he’d been up for opening day, he might have been pushing 10 wins before the all star game….heck 3 or 4 more starts before mid-july, he might get there anyway….
just looked up the stats
He has been lights out recently again….not so hot in May, but the last couple games have been great….so, yeah, if it’s legal to do so, I second my own nomination….
Second second
I totally agree. Maybe he doesn’t have the name value, but Galarraga would be a suitable All-Star rep.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Starting Lineups
LA DODGERS
1. Juan Pierre, LF
2. Luis Maza, 2B
3. Blake DeWitt, 3B
4. Russell Martin, DH
5. James Loney, 1B
6. Matt Kemp, CF
7. Andre Ethier, RF
8. Angel Berroa, SS
9. Danny Ardoin, C
DETROIT
1. Edgar Renteria, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, 3B
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Marcus Thames, DH
7. Brandon Inge, C
8. Ryan Raburn, LF
9. Brent Clevlen, CF
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 12:49 PM EDT reply actions
Today promises to be a good sports day
Tigers/Dodgers, then Tiger Woods trying to win the US Open, the Celtics/Lakers. I’ve got a case of Imperial to keep me company through it all.
Minor goof by the guy preparing the defensive alignment graphic on FSN Detroit
I’m guessing Jeff Kent isn’t manning centerfield, and that they meant to say Kemp
Infield defense
has settled down and doesn’t look like an unmitigated disaster anymore. Guillen and Cabrera both seem to be getting comfortable at their new positions.
It has to help that Guillen knows he’s going to be at 3rd base every day, instead of maybe being in left field, first base, or DH.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s pretty much been his M.O. so far this season.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Thunderstorms?
They showed the clouds looming toward Comerica Park on TV. Here in Ann Arbor (40-ish miles away), we’re under a severe thunderstorm watch until 2:30 p.m. EST.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions
looking pretty ominous here too
...but I’m in Mobile, AL so that probably has no relevance to the game. I just looked at the Detroit radar and I’d say there’s a good chance we’re going to be seeing a rain delay
Looks like
one nasty little cell coming straight into downtown. Maybe a quick break and then back at it..
the heaviest stuff might pass just north of Comerica
if it does, they may be able to play through it. But yeah, there’s likely going to be a 30-45 minute delay.
Good call
Enjoy Ryan Raburn “In My Own Words,” next on FSN Detroit.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Good Ole' MLB TV
takes you to a wonderfully blurry pic of a nondiscript ground crew (still shot).....fun stuff.
Meanwhile...
The Red Sox are taking batting practice on Homer Bailey in Cincinnati.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 2:10 PM EDT reply actions
Normally
I’d fire up Meet the Press on my Tivo. Sadly, today’s episode is devoted to the passing of Tim Russert. Still, going to give it a view, going to miss spending some of my Sunday with him every week.
The empty table on the ‘Meet the Press’ set, in tribute to Russert, is just a heartbreaking image.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
whats the prognosis....
its 95 and 80% humidity in Houston today
by dettigionswings'stons on Jun 15, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions
Back in action
I am mildly surprised to see Robertson back out there. Looks like Chan Ho Park might come in for the Dodgers…
For Sure
loved the kid since we drafted him, had a friend of a friend that went to high school with him and just spoke of what a good guy he was (personality wise)
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for stopping in
Glad to have you join us, and we hope you have fun here.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Smoker?
Oh, baby. You are speaking my language…
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Rodney Ready
news says they are activating Rodney after this game, and rumor has them sending dolsi back down (especially with leyland’s comment’s), is that the right choice?
we chatted about this last night a bit
right choice? maybe maybe not, but Dolsi’s got minor league options, which a lot of the guys in the pen don’t.
last night
oh, sorry, like I said, new guy..what was the consensus?
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
no prob
Most felt he deserved to stay. Realistically though, seeing as he has minor league options left, he’s likely to go. Even if he avoids being sent down today (say the send down Fossum instead), he’ll probably get sent down when they call up Zumaya.
Matt got it right
Most of us raised eyebrows when he said Dolsi (“What? He’s their best reliever right now!”) was the likely guy to go down, but if it’s a question of options, Dolsi has them so the Tigers can afford to send him down.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if thats smart...
sending Dolsi down before Rodney proves he’s the pitcher of old sounds like a mistake.
Jeff
The Hammer!
You know, I think Marcus Thames has to stay in the lineup.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:25 PM EDT reply actions
Well, I looked like kind of a fool after complaining that Clevlen wasn’t playing left…
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Miner
Why doesnt marcus start every day? why i ask? WHat about miner,he has options and though is pitching good of late stil makes me nervous when he is up there
Miner
Miner can go 3 or 4 innings, so he’s almost more of a long reliever, plus, after a rough April he’s been very good in May and June.
And this is total speculation, but I think Leyland trusts Miner more, by virtue of managing him longer. But yes, his versatility also makes him valuable.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
he only went three once this year, a month ago…i just think dolsi is proving better
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I love back-to-back homers
And Inge hit one while catching, which hopefully means he’s okay with his hitting while he’s catching now.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply actions
as if he was greate when he was at third
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
i thought that was it, but i was lost on the actual date, the commercial always makes me smile (who can go back to back? magglio and cabrera)
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Cheated...
This stretch is making me feel cheated for the first 8 weeks of baseball we had to endure!
Wonder if Chan Ho Park just blew his chance to take Brad Penny’s spot in the Dodgers’ rotation, too.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Geez - good question
It shouldn’t affect Marcus. They’ll just send down Larish, and put Sheff at DH again. But Leyland is so accommodating to Sheffield, who knows what will happen?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
i never understand why monroe got so much time over thames..
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
the way leyland worships sheff..you betcha
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Sheff IS a Hall of Famer
he has earned a pretty long leash. If Leyland isn’t afraid to play Marcus in left, he might not lose any playing time, he’s just logged quite a few games at DH recently…
Big BOIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Just caught that he jacked another one! great stuff from Marcus, man has got some heart out there. Hopefully they keep him out in left more often despite Clevlen’s talented outfielding abilities.
Leyland will let sheff play in LF again if Shef wants. Sheff gets what Sheff wants. But a healthy Sheff could not be a bad thing right?
by BobbyHigginson on Jun 15, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
No
Sheff was actually heating up when he got hurt, he was over .300 with three multihit games and a HR in the week prior to getting hurt. If he’s healthy, he’ll be a big help.
World Baseball Classic
aside, can anyone remember when Park was actually decent? HE must really not wanna go back east
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
When did he sign that ridiculous contract with the Rangers? 2001? Before that, he was a solid innings-eater that won 15 games a season.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
5 years, 65 million
yeah, dumb contract. I’ve always said, it’s not paying ARod 25 mill a year that kills you, it’s paying Chan Ho Park 12 mill a year…
fun fact about Chan Ho Park
from Wikipedia: “Park’s sister, Seong Kim, is a model for a Korean plus-size clothing line.”
Rangers
I think its a result of getting paid good money to pitch for the rangers, you will forever play worse
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I know I said this yesterday
But watching these Dodgers is like watching the Tigers earlier this season.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 3:35 PM EDT reply actions
Im holding my breath with you
The all star break might not be a good thing by the time it comes (if it happens)
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Nasty Nate
66 Pitches. 4 hits. As up and down as he can be, his last two outings have been lights out. I love to see him doing well. If he can just minimize those awful outings every 3-4, he will be very deserviing of the $ he’s getting.
I've been critical of him before
but allow me to say it now: Nice job Chuck Hernandez. Tigers starters (except Willis) have across the board improved in the past month.
What i've heard
he has been tinkering with their wind-ups all year, think this is them finally getting it?
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
all I know is
Robertson, Rogers, and Bonderman (before the injury) have all pitched very, very well their last 4 or 5 outings.
Vernors!
Everyday I see that Vernors banner is a good day in my book!
not if these 2 teams keep going in the direction they are going. Both want to win now, but if the Tigers keep resurging, and the Dodgers keep struggling, not going to happen.
agreed
it seems like kemp is hurt alot, or is that just me. and Im not sure why LA would give away a 25 year old still learning what he can do
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of money to eat
But the Dodgers should’ve gotten rid of Pierre in Spring Training and gone with “the kids.”
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
but you don’t bring “broadway” joe torre and have him coach the kids…
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
if sweeney ph for the catcher ardoin, then who catches? i thought you couldnt move the dh onto the field? or is it like a double switch?
Good question
I’m not sure. Martin, I assume, goes behind the plate, unless the Dodgers have a third catcher. But then, yes – doesn’t that negate the DH for L.A.?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
i guess they just ph broxton if he gets up, wierd, never seen that before…
by nerdrock1985 on Jun 15, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Man, Broxton is a load
And nasty! 97 m.p.h. to punch out Carlos Guillen.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:23 PM EDT reply actions
There goes the shutout
Maybe Jonesy asked Seay to create a save situation for him.
What a player Russell Martin is.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions
That picture will always be funny!
I can’t stop laughing.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay, Jones made me stop laughing. Two guys on, tying run coming to the plate.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
ARGH
So close for Maggs’ catch. But to his credit, he stopped that ball from going to the wall.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions
The Clevlen Cannon
Kemp didn’t even try to tag up on him. Nice weapon to have out there in left.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:42 PM EDT reply actions
Whoa!
What a pick by Inge! Definitely saved a run there. Jones bounced it in front of the plate, and Inge backhanded it.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:43 PM EDT reply actions
Crap
I spoke too soon. Another wild pitch gets by Inge. 5-4, kids.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Exhale!
Though my face looks much like the kid in Matt’s picture.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 15, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply actions
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