Game 76: Cardinals (44-33) at Tigers (36-39)
by Ian Casselberry
on Jun 24, 2008 3:00 PM EDT
in News
St. Louis @ Detroit
Braden Looper (8-5, 4.10) vs. 
Kenny Rogers (5-4, 4.36)
UPDATE: As expected, Gary Sheffield has indeed been activated from the disabled list. He'll be in the lineup tonight for Detroit, batting seventh as the designated hitter. Jeff Larish was sent down to Triple-A Toledo to open a spot on the 25-man roster.
One of the best teams in the National League rolls into Comerica Park tonight to challenge the Tigers' dominance in Interleague Play. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the great surprises of the 2008 season, and currently hold the second-best record in the NL, 4 1/2 games behind the Cubs in the NL Central. They also took two of three from the Red Sox at Fenway Park over the weekend.
Braden Looper has been fantastic in his last three starts, allowing only three earned runs over 22 innings. He also hasn't walked a single batter in those three appearances, nor has he given up a home run. However, when Looper faced the Tigers last May at Comerica Park, he was shelled for seven runs and nine hits (two of them home runs) in just four innings.
While watching ESPN yesterday, the MLB league leaders over the past 30 days crawled across the bottom of the screen. Guess who leads the majors in ERA during that span? None other than Kenny Rogers, who posted a 1.00 ERA - almost a full run better than the runner-up. Rogers has pitched at least seven innings in his last five starts, which not only indicates how well he's been pitching but it's also helped the bullpen find its feet.
With the Cardinals in town, the Tigers will honor the 1968 World Series championship team that defeated St. Louis in seven games. Get there early, as the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a 40th anniversary Tigers replica road jersey and 18 members of the 1968 team will be on hand to sign autographs throughout the Comerica Park concourse from 5-6 p.m. Billfer has more details at The Detroit Tigers Weblog.
Our friends at Viva La Birdos provide the SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series.
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I consider St. Louis Detroit’s great rival. We beat them in ‘68, they had us in ‘06. Bob Gibson, Denny McLain. Magglio Ordonez, Albert Pujos. A lot of good teams in Motown and St. Louis.
Go Tigers!
baseballbrew.blogspot.com
by Tony K on Jun 24, 2008 3:48 PM EDT 0 recs
Sheff's back
And Larish is gone.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/SPORTS0104/806240434/1129
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 24, 2008 4:02 PM EDT 0 recs
This is a big big series, if we can keep playing well against good pitching and a good team..could go far to keeping this thing going..
by PBURGTIGER on Jun 24, 2008 4:19 PM EDT 0 recs
Even just winning one or two would be nice here, just a little bit closer to first place, just a little bit closer to .500. You guys don’t really think Chicago or Minnesota can stay good do you?
Go Tigers!
baseballbrew.blogspot.com
by Tony K on Jun 24, 2008 5:22 PM EDT 0 recs
Line ups!
Cardinals
LF Barton, Brian
2B Miles, Aaron
RF Ludwick, Ryan
3B Glaus, Troy
CF Ankiel, Rick
C Molina, Yadier
DH Stavinoha, Nick
1B Kennedy, Adam
Tigers
CF Granderson, Curtis
2B Polanco, Placido
3B Guillen, Carlos
RF Ordonez, Magglio
1B Cabrera, Miguel
LF Thames, Marcus
DH Sheffield, Gary
SS Renteria, Edgar
C Rodriguez, Ivan
SS Ryan, Brendan
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 24, 2008 5:28 PM EDT 0 recs
Ok, so I got the SS for the Cards in the wrong place
Cardinals
LF Barton, Brian
2B Miles, Aaron
RF Ludwick, Ryan
3B Glaus, Troy
CF Ankiel, Rick
C Molina, Yadier
DH Stavinoha, Nick
1B Kennedy, Adam
SS Ryan, Brendan
Tigers
CF Granderson, Curtis
2B Polanco, Placido
3B Guillen, Carlos
RF Ordonez, Magglio
1B Cabrera, Miguel
LF Thames, Marcus
DH Sheffield, Gary
SS Renteria, Edgar
C Rodriguez, Ivan
That’s what I get for doing this while my wife is wanting me to do something else.
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 24, 2008 6:40 PM EDT 0 recs
I don't know about you
But that Tigers lineup for tonight looks TOUGH.
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 24, 2008 7:00 PM EDT 0 recs
all depends on Sheff
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:02 PM EDT
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I do like it however
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:03 PM EDT
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I'd not want to pitch against it
But I know what you mean about Sheff. If he’s on, that would really do a lot. But what’s interesting is that with the threat of Sheff, they are going to have to pitch to Thames. Now THAT ought to be a lot of fun.
by pfuhrmeister on
Jun 24, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
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great point
Lately I have be thinking that they should bat Thames in front of Mags at the 3 spot for that reason and for the fact that Poly is in front of him so he has a better change of hitting a two run dinger.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:07 PM EDT
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Actually
I still like the idea of Sheff as leadoff. He walks a LOT.
It’s funny, if you are the opposing pitcher, you look at this lineup and think that Sheff might be the spot where you can let down? :)
by pfuhrmeister on
Jun 24, 2008 7:09 PM EDT
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Grandy should have had that one
took a bad line
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on Jun 24, 2008 7:09 PM EDT 0 recs
See, all I get is ESPN's Gameday
I get to watch about 3 or 4 games a year.
by pfuhrmeister on
Jun 24, 2008 7:11 PM EDT
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I love the Cards wasting an out!
The 2nd batter of the game bunts? Those crazy national leaguers…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jun 24, 2008 7:11 PM EDT 0 recs
wow
5-3 dp
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on Jun 24, 2008 7:12 PM EDT 0 recs
never see that
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:12 PM EDT
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I can't remember if I've ever seen a DP turned in that sort of fashion,,,
Very nice play by Guillen!
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on
Jun 24, 2008 7:13 PM EDT
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It may be more rare than a triple play
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:14 PM EDT
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I agree partially
I would think a 5-3 LIKE THAT would be pretty rare. One where the third baseman tags the runner on third. But I would imagine a 5-3 double play where the out at third is a force play (runners on first and second) are somewhat common (although maybe not, as the third baseman might go to second instead)...
by ThaWalrus9 on
Jun 24, 2008 7:21 PM EDT
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Karma
That is what they get for sac bunting in the 1st inning.
by tbliggins on Jun 24, 2008 7:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Kenny!
pickoff #93
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 7:24 PM EDT 0 recs
The Cards are having a tough time on the basepaths...
To say the very least.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jun 24, 2008 7:25 PM EDT 0 recs
No shame in getting picked off by Kenny – he’s the best.
by tbliggins on
Jun 24, 2008 7:28 PM EDT
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no, hit to slow
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:46 PM EDT
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Sheff has the goatee again
hopefully it is the key to his strength
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on Jun 24, 2008 7:47 PM EDT 0 recs
nevermind
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on
Jun 24, 2008 7:48 PM EDT
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Thames
Hopefully Sheff’s presence does zap all of Thames’ strength.
by tbliggins on
Jun 24, 2008 7:48 PM EDT
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surprising
Sheff doesn’t get caught looking very often
by ThaWalrus9 on Jun 24, 2008 7:48 PM EDT 0 recs
So...?
If I live in NY(Yankee/Mets/Blue Jays) territory, what channel would I have to watch in Detroit(or STL) to see the game. I sometimes find TV sites and I don’t know which local channel to watch for the Tiger’s game(s). Any help is appreciated.
PS- Perhaps if Ian reads this he can put whatever channel it is on in the GameThread??
by syratiger on Jun 24, 2008 7:49 PM EDT 0 recs
Pudge Hearts NL Pitching!
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 7:51 PM EDT 0 recs
Somebody say something about Pudge
and his lack of homers?
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 24, 2008 7:52 PM EDT 0 recs
That Dog is Dancing!!!
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
by miggy4mvp on Jun 24, 2008 7:53 PM EDT 0 recs
What cap does Pudge wear in the Hall of Fame?
Rangers seems the most likely, but there’s a chance it could be Tigers…
by ThaWalrus9 on Jun 24, 2008 7:54 PM EDT 0 recs
MARLINS baby...
jk..although that is where his one and (hopefully not) only ring are from
by dettigionswings'stons on
Jun 24, 2008 7:56 PM EDT
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Rangers...
as he dominated the position in the AL (and all of MLB) for his term there.
by rook34 on
Jun 24, 2008 7:57 PM EDT
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what if the Tigers win the WS this year?
Still Rangers?
by ThaWalrus9 on
Jun 24, 2008 7:59 PM EDT
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I would think so, though I certainly hope not!
For all the beatings we*ve given him the last couple of years, it was Pudge coming here that started a lot of this.
by rook34 on
Jun 24, 2008 8:00 PM EDT
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The Tigers would have to win the WS this year w/ Pudge playing like it was 04 for there to be a discussion, imo.
by tbliggins on
Jun 24, 2008 8:00 PM EDT
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He played in Texas 12 years
Honestly, I didn’t recall it being that many years, I would’ve guessed 8 or 9. Guess it’s probably a Rangers cap…
by ThaWalrus9 on
Jun 24, 2008 8:04 PM EDT
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by the way
Pudge’s 1999: .332 avg, 35 HR, 113 RBI, a gold glove and an MVP. Man he was a great player in his prime.
by ThaWalrus9 on
Jun 24, 2008 8:06 PM EDT
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He came up when he was 19. He has been about my least favorite Tiger the last couple of years, but what he has done in his career has been pretty amazing.
by tbliggins on
Jun 24, 2008 8:06 PM EDT
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Going to be a pleasure
Watching Miggy for the next 8 years.
by ThaWalrus9 on Jun 24, 2008 8:12 PM EDT 0 recs
Anywhere in the outfield is a potential landing spot for a Miggy blast
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on
Jun 24, 2008 8:15 PM EDT
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There we go
It about time Braden Looper started pitching like Braden Looper
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 8:12 PM EDT 0 recs
What just happened? Me and JimDale just got kicked out of the living room.
Go Tigers!
baseballbrew.blogspot.com
by Tony K on Jun 24, 2008 8:15 PM EDT 0 recs
Thank god no replay
THE HAMMER
by Ramon Santiago (little man big heart) on Jun 24, 2008 8:17 PM EDT 0 recs
The Gambler is pitching great
can’t say I thought I’d ever see this again.
by ThaWalrus9 on Jun 24, 2008 8:28 PM EDT 0 recs
shouldn't have said that
I apologize everyone, that home run is on me.
by ThaWalrus9 on
Jun 24, 2008 8:28 PM EDT
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whew...
that was close
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 8:41 PM EDT 0 recs
Has anyone noticed
clete always looks conserned even after both homeruns ?
THE HAMMER
by (TIGS) JIMDALE on Jun 24, 2008 8:48 PM EDT 0 recs
poop
that’s not good
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 9:00 PM EDT 0 recs
Ian at the bar = Tigers down by 3
So let’s see how it is, now that I’m home.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 24, 2008 9:17 PM EDT 0 recs
That would appear to be no. Tigers now down by 4.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jun 24, 2008 9:25 PM EDT
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Sheff's Back!
Two-run blast to left! Tigers still down by 4, but Sheff crushed that ball.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 24, 2008 9:38 PM EDT 0 recs
just got out of the shower in time for a Sheff HR
nice timing
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 9:38 PM EDT 0 recs
Let's hope that's the Sheff we'll see the rest of the year...
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jun 24, 2008 9:38 PM EDT 0 recs
if it is look out AL
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on
Jun 24, 2008 9:41 PM EDT
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American League, not you personally
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on
Jun 24, 2008 9:41 PM EDT
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Al might want to look out, anyway. Just cuz.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jun 24, 2008 9:43 PM EDT
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Sheff!
Sorry, I haven’t been watching. Turn it on and Sheff bombs. I’ll keep it on the rest of the way.
by tplants on Jun 24, 2008 9:43 PM EDT 0 recs
Just getting home.
Out golfing tonight. I saw Fossum give up runs 7 and 8. Who are the rest charged to? All Kenny’s? Also, Fossum sucks. Nobody in the front office can seriously believe that he is more of an asset then Bautista, can they? Unless Bautista can bring us a better reliever (unlikely) or C.C. (ha!) I’d rather see him with Detroit and Fossum anywhere else.
by Grant E. on Jun 24, 2008 9:54 PM EDT 0 recs
GOGOGOGOGOGOGO
If the Tigers Rally, I will go Fishing in celebration.
by Juskimo on Jun 24, 2008 9:54 PM EDT 0 recs
bottom of the eight
if we are going to get back into this polanco guillen maggs, and miggy are the guys to do it as long as fossum keeps it a 4 run game here
by PBURGTIGER on Jun 24, 2008 9:55 PM EDT 0 recs
Rodney!
I suppose if you’re going to pitch him, a four-run game is the place to do it.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 24, 2008 9:56 PM EDT 0 recs
What happens if the Tigers score 2 or 3 this inning? Does Rodney still come in? Sweet Jesus, I hope not.
by Grant E. on
Jun 24, 2008 9:57 PM EDT
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St Louis's bullpen is not very good
the heart of the order coming up
RALLY CAP TIME!!!!
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on Jun 24, 2008 9:58 PM EDT 0 recs
where would we be without Google?
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on
Jun 24, 2008 10:02 PM EDT
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The ERA graphic only allows two digits in front of the decimal?
by Ian Casselberry on
Jun 24, 2008 10:06 PM EDT
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down under 100!
67.5 baby!
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
by rock n rye on
Jun 24, 2008 10:08 PM EDT
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I was thinking about that when Fossum came in. His 24.00 ERA took up all of the available space.
by Grant E. on
Jun 24, 2008 10:08 PM EDT
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Those have to be the first two outs he’s gotten.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jun 24, 2008 10:11 PM EDT
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Lazy
Not like it’d be hard to check for Rodney.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jun 24, 2008 10:11 PM EDT
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Well.
Still not all the way there with his control, but it goes without saying that this was waaaaay better than anything else he’s done this year and is a big step for ‘Nando
by Grant E. on Jun 24, 2008 10:13 PM EDT 0 recs