Game 78: Cardinals (45-34) at Tigers (37-40)
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 12:42 PM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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PrintSt. Louis Cardinals at Detroit Tigers, Jun 26, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
Todd Wellemeyer (7-2, 3.67) vs. 
Nate Robertson (6-6, 5.60)
After trotting off the field around 1 a.m. this morning, the Tigers and Cardinals are back on the field for a matinee series finale. And hey, if the players can turn around quickly following a late night, so can the bloggers. (Once the game resumed in the seventh inning last night, Mike McClary - who's now in Cleveland for the SABR convention - and I joked that today's game would be one of the worst ever played, with skeleton lineups. Obviously, I hope that's not the case.)
As I watched the St. Louis batting order progress through the game last night, it occurred to me that maybe I just don't follow baseball (i.e., other teams) as closely as I used to, because I hadn't heard of virtually anyone in the Cardinals' lineup. And that's the case yet again today, as the Cards start a pitcher who's having much more success than anyone had any reason to expect.
The workload might be catching up with Todd Wellemeyer, however, as he came down with elbow soreness in his last outing, which resulted in his first loss in eight starts. Against the Phillies, Wellemeyer lasted only 3 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs on eight hits, three walks, and three home runs. There's still a possibility that the Cards could start Mitchell Boggs today instead, if Wellemeyer can't go.
Nate Robertson reverted back to his five-run form last time out, but still got the win, which was his third in a row. He's pitched at least six innings in his last four appearances, which is the kind of innings-eating production generally expected from him. With Monday's off-day, the Tigers moved Robertson up so he could go on his normal five-day rest. He beat the Cardinals last May, holding them to two runs in five innings, despite issuing four walks.
One big lineup note on the St. Louis side: Albert Pujols has been activated from the disabled list (coming back a week sooner than expected) and will be the Cards' designated hitter today.
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Starting Lineups
ST. LOUIS
1. Brian Barton, LF
2. Aaron Miles, 3B
3. Albert Pujols, DH
4. Troy Glaus, 1B
5. Ryan Ludwick, RF
6. Rick Ankiel, CF
7. Jason LaRue, C
8. Adam Kennedy, 2B
9. Brendan Ryan, SS
DETROIT
1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, 3B
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Clete Thomas, LF
7. Gary Sheffield, DH
8. Michael Hollimon, SS
9. Dane Sardinha, C
As PBURGTIGER commented in the last post, a couple of reserves are in the lineup today. And that was probably to be expected, even if both teams hadn’t played into the early morning.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 12:48 PM EDT reply actions
Game time
I needed a day game today to help me get thru this day, completely exhausted..not from watching the game late..which I did because I was up..but the tornado sirens were going off in Columbus..Lets Go TIgers! win today would really keep things rolling..could we really be 4 games back after today? amazing.
Day game!
Beer, DOUBLE PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK back to what I was saying, beer, a vacation day and a pool. Let me hope this ends with a Victory!
nice
So nate got another double play ball I assume? would be nice to see him get out the next inning without a jam of some kind
Okay, so I'm still foggy...
You guys will have to explain how Nate hasn’t given up any runs despite apparently allowing a hit to everyone he’s faced.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
Creamsicles!
Look at those orange shirts on Rod and Mario! Wow.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 1:44 PM EDT reply actions
Ian
Did you read any of the thread from last night? I may have questioned if you actually stayed at the game OR were already in bed at the end of the game….
When you can stay for those games, there is nothing like the payoff of seeing a great win, huh?
I saw that, Zaps...
I was certainly thinking of leaving. And my party left after the 7th inning. But it was my first game of the season, so I figured I’d tough it out. The win made it all worth the wait, definitely.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
all these hits
are bad news…you can only give a team so many chance to score runs before they will get some..
I also saw...
That someone (tplants?) had to watch that show with the couple that has eight kids? I caught some of that the other day, and couldn’t even take two minutes. All those kids! Dude, you gotta get another TV.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions
way to be a real fan
I understand that people have to work the next day, or whatever but whenever the tigers have a rain delay they get a walkoff
THE HAMMER
Wilson
I think this has been lost some over the last year, but Vance Wilson was a great back up catcher for us in 2006. How nice would it be to have him with the team…..
Back-up catcher is a major concern, especially going into next year. Hitting-wise, Sardinha makes Rabelo looks like an All-Star.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
what
didnt look good? watching the game on the internet here, some help?
A couple runs
Nate would probably love a couple runs to go along with his nice performance thus far..maybe he could settle down and actually get a 1-2-3 inning.
Poly leadoff double
if they do not get him home I will be pissed
Now on third
Yeah, they have to drive him in.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
I was playing with the 7 year old nephew visiting from Arizona. What didn’t look good was Miggy ranging to his right falling down on the ball, throwing it to Nate at first and he fell at the bag. It was weird.
I liked Rabelo, and I am an Inge fan, but just having Wilson on that team, you felt good about Pudge getting a day off.
Nice play by Ryan
But yeah, I agree – see if the catcher can hold onto that throw.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Hate to see that
If the Tigers lose by one run, we’ll be circling this inning.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions
just this inning?
didnt we have a lead off double int he first that was stranded?
Not that I'm complaining...
Especially after the way Marcus got hosed last night, but that pitch to Glaus was low.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions
St, Louis can hit, though
I’ve been really impressed by them in these three games.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions
It was a blooper
But a hit nonetheless. Glad to see him break the seal.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:35 PM EDT reply actions
0-0 TOP OF THE 6TH
could have seen this coming last night but not today
Polly
Doesn’t normally act in this manner. The ump had to have said something to him. Throwing a bat? During League play?
I wonder if the ump set Polanco off, too.
Although, in fairness, that ball was more of a strike than what Glaus was called on earlier.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
something's gotta be going on
when polly gets that pissed
Can I just tell all of you how much I enjoy actually watching the game on a TV, instead of MLB.com? I have got to move to Michigan.
Gameday
I’ve been stuck watching gameday since it first came out and I’m damn happy to have that. Otherwise i’d have had nothing.
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 26, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
gameday works for me at work
I know my girlfriend wants to move back to the Grand Rapids area as all of her family lives around here and I could definetly be game. Lakes, woods, Fox Sports Detroit; Now if the Pistons would just draft DJ tonight it could be sealed!
(THAT WAS A STRIKE TO MAGS, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!)
Wellemeyer
Anyone know why he got the hook after 75 pitches?
He’s been having elbow problems. Maybe he was on a pitch count?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re not craving chicken parm or braised beef? :-)
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
About time
We see a walk w/ the bases loaded w/ the good guys at-bat and not on the mound.
Shef and Mags both
kill me. They are first pitch swinging so often. And so often they pop the damn thing up.
agree completely...
i thought that a lot last night too
One run..
is not enough.. our bullpen has been shaky at best lately.
Jeff
Nate'll give us one more
We just need someone to pitch the 8th. Jones has been lights out since that shot off the kneecap.
Nate
had better go 1-2-3. Leyland better not leave him in against Pujols if there is a runner on.
I was an English major
You mean finding out how often Maggs and Sheff swing at the first pitch?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Raburn took the relay throw from Maggs and thought Ryan was trying to score, when he actually stopped at third. But Raburn aired the throw into the Tigers’ dugout and Ryan trotted home.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Hate to rag on Raburn
But that was a dumb play.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions
POLLY
Ok, I will take back the line about likeing to see some emotion, cuz ain’t no damn way Polanco would have made that error
More first pitch swinging
Except this time, it helps the Tigers. Glaus pops up to short.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions
Check that
Popped up to Guillen at 3B.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Judgment call?
Maybe the official scorer thought Ryan would’ve scored? I don’t know how you can make that judgment, though.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Me either,
as he stopped running. STOPPED. Wasn’t even going to attempt to make it…..so someone please tell me how they earned it?
Cleaning Rodney up
Did the home plate ump really tell Rodney to tuck in his shirt and straighten his hat?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions
See, I was thinking the opposite
I could see the ump arguing the untucked shirt would mess with hitters picking up the ball.
What does the hat do?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Last night’s game was a lot like that, too. Both teams got bushels of hits, and weren’t scoring the runs you’d think.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Raburn
make it up to the team for that bonehead play.
Jeff
Jonesy
getting warm in the pen. Two would have to get on to see Pujols in the 9th, but that would be par for the course with Jonesy…
Jonesy would thrive in extra innings college softball where they start the inning w/ a runner on 2nd.
You know,
I play softball and just three weeks ago we had an extra inning game. I am going out to first base to play the field and one of there guys goes trotting past me. I was like, “hey man, where you going”....”to second” he says. I had no clue, and I have been playing for about 6 years.
BUT, you are absolutely right….that is is zone!
It took 9 weeks
to start playing better and winning some games. How much longer until they start winning some low scoring games. 2 wins thru 6/25 when scoring 4 or less is unbelievable.
I LOVE THAT MAN!!!
Sheffield has been amazing this series!
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions
Got home from the post office just in time.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions
Win or Lose
It looks like we got May 07 Sheff back instead of May 08 Sheff. HUUUUGGGE upgrade.
How does he do that?
Hitters just don’t pull pitches like that. Sheffield reached down and out for that pitch.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
That's a buzzkill
He’s just trying too hard to make an impression.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions
I don't know
It was close, he was hustle’n…maybe not the smartest play, but hey the effort was there..
Today's Ump
Has been terrible… I mean, both ways, his strikezone has shrunk and expanded for both teams…. terrible
i don't know...
i think pudge has been hitting better as he’s gotten more rest…so i’m ok with leaving him out…even though he would have done better than sardinha
C'MON!
I get no credit for last night?
That’s what I like to Seay! And hopefully I can use it again here in a minute or so…
Handy Grandy, Mario?
Let’s hope that doesn’t catch on.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
That was WAY better than the bunt Polanco botched last night.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, exactly
But to bunt it right back at the pitcher, so he can get the out at 2nd? Terrible.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Polanco
Killing us….I would love to see Polanco up right now, nothing against Raburn, but Polly is a stud.
I'm here (home) and ready to watch the Tigers win
Been listening on the radio at work all day. Can’t wait to DVR Sheff’s homer!
It must be a National League thing
Surprised how often the Padres and Cardinals have called for the pitchout against the Tigers.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions
Awwwwww
Was hoping for the bunt like in Major League with Willy Mays Curtis Granderson Hayes scoring from second
C'mon Maggs
Give Jonesy something else to imitate.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 4:32 PM EDT reply actions
damn
men at the corners 2 outs…. and cabrera is up… Now its time to see if he’ll do something today or not.
tough series win...
but win nonetheless…so good times there
Karma
That is why you don’t intentionally put the winning run on 3rd. I love it when the ‘genius’ LaRussa outhinks himself.
Grandy was already on third. :)
They walked Miggy with runners on the corners.
by pfuhrmeister on Jun 26, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It'd be nice
if they were a few games over .500 when I see them in Seattle on 7/6.
Man
this is really cool. Second Walk Off Victory against the Cards (a Walk Off Walk :D ). Another Series win , 2 under 0.500. Great (only thing was TJ in a non Save situation is a no-go)
btw: Sorry for not participating the last days, but here in Germany is “state of emergency” (is this the right term, I dunno) after we reached the Euro Soccer Finals again
Greetings from Germany. Dirk
Ended just in time, too
Thunderstorms look like they’re blowing through Detroit about now.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 26, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions
