Game 80: Rockies (32-48) at Tigers (39-40)
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 4:00 PM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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PrintColorado Rockies at Detroit Tigers, Jun 28, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Jeff Francis (3-7, 5.65) vs. 
Justin Verlander (4-9, 4.49)
At the risk of invoking any sort of disfavor from the baseball gods (particularly the one named Jinx), I won't explicitly mention what the Detroit Tigers will accomplish with a win tonight. But you know what I'm talking about. It's something that hasn't been in reach since the first week of April, something that we took for granted before this season began.
Jeff Francis was knocked around by the Royals in his last start, giving up seven runs, seven hits, and three walks in just 4 1/3 innings. The first inning has been particularly problematic, with opposing lineups batting .413/.471/.600 against him. Francis has given up more hits, runs, and walks during the first than in any other inning, so the Tigers should have a chance to jump on him early tonight.
Meanwhile, Justin Verlander looks to be throwing as well as he has all season. Against the Padres, Verlander notched 10 strikeouts while allowing only two runs in 5 1/3 innings. He also walked five batters, so his control wasn't great. But the velocity was most certainly there.
Marcus Thames is back in the lineup after a two-game layoff. His absence raised enough questions for Jim Leyland to address before last night's game. Thames wasn't being benched, Leyland said, but he had "been out of character a little bit." Apparently, that home run streak made The Hammer a bit impulsive at the plate and perhaps threw his swing out of whack. Clete Thomas filled in quite well, but he obviously can't bring the thunder of The Mighty Thames.
Short Hops:
▪▪ Ramon Santiago says his shoulder is feeling better, and hopes to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week.
▪▪ Placido Polanco was voted the most underrated player in baseball in a Sports Illustrated poll of major league players. This means he's no longer underrated, right?
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tough break
Too bad for Polanco. He’s now the Tayshaun Prince of MLB.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
Who was the pitcher who bucked tradition
by telling everyone in the dugout that he was pitching a perfect game in progress? I think we should channel him today.
And
Taveras – CF
Helton – 1b
Holliday – LF
Hawpe – RF
Atkins – 3b
Spilborghs – DH
Baker – 2b
Iannetta – C
Tulowitzki – SS
Renteria – SS
Polanco – 2b
Guillen – 3b
Ordonez – RF
Cabrera – 1b
Sheffield – DH
Pudge – c
Grandy – CF
I recommend that
Maggs not allow his children in the bed, or in the alternative, sleep in the guest room.
The Alaskan League plays across the street from me
I can see the outfield and second and third base from my balcony.
Maggs?
Any word on what happened to him?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply actions
lat/oblique spasm
radio guys seem to think a few days rest will cure it
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
i'm with Juskimo
Maggs is not allow to move any pillows for the next few days
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Miner
Did the Tigers really trade Bautista when they could’ve sent down Miner? Just checking.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 9:16 PM EDT reply actions
Escape!
Got Helton on a check swing!
I’d love to see a replay of that, but Helton doesn’t appear to be putting up much of a fight on the call.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions
How did JV look
Was it the walks or what…that pitch count is high for 5 innings
by dettigionswings'stons on Jun 28, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions
Brad Hawpe
That young man has not had a good series.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions
He got out of it
Props to Grilli there.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
anytime i see Jonesy nearing the 25 pitch mark
i throw up in my mouth a little bit
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Okay
1) Booing Jonesy like that seems a bit harsh.
2) Cheering when Leyland comes to take him out? Also harsh.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions
Though that WAS brutal
Four runs and five hits? Awful effort by Jonesy.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
The Rain
Should only last about 20 minutes or so. Now isn’t this something? My God, I don’t want to lose this.
The sky is crying
Crying at this ninth inning.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions
Keep on bringing it
We might have to underwrite your gum budget if that’s the result we get.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
WHOOOO
.500…never thought I would be this happy about that….
by dettigionswings'stons on Jun 28, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions
.500 and 5 games back
the second half is shaping up to be a fun ride
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
Next two weeks are KEY
Got to get that away record up. Going straight against Minny and can get second place.
by dettigionswings'stons on Jun 28, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
Yep
Have to start getting some of these wins against AL teams.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Jones blew the lead...
And the Tigers got it right back. Polanco single, Raburn walk, Cabrera double. Two runs score. Walk-off win!
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
long time reader
hey guys finally made an account. i have been following the blog for sometime now. great job… i believe the names matt? either way. this was a huge win and as one poster said earlier… the walk off wins definently do not get old. makes the 200 dollar extra innings i paid for so worth it lol. either way just wanted to say hello to everyone and go tigs. talk to you all soon.
by DtownsMurdersRow on Jun 28, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
Welcome!
Don’t be a stranger. This is getting fun.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 28, 2008 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
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