Game 60: Indians (27-33) at Tigers (24-35)
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 6:55 PM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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PrintCleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers, Jun 6, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Paul Byrd (2-5, 4.66) vs. 
Justin Verlander (2-8, 5.16)
Here's hoping that winning feeling is still hovering over downtown Detroit after the Red Wings celebrated their Stanley Cup championship with a parade for the fans this afternoon. Any chance the Tigers were inspired by watching Mike Ilitch's other team bask in its glory? And maybe that trophy was hoisted around the Detroit clubhouse today, so the players could see what winning looks like. Maybe we'll also catch a glimpse of that magnificent chalice in the ballpark tonight.
If the Tigers have any intentions of making a push in the AL Central race and getting their season turned around, this weekend's series would be an excellent place to begin the revival. I don't know if you can call it a "showdown" when both teams are under .500 and playing far below pre-season expectations, but these four games are certainly important. Maybe it's too much to hope for at this point, but Detroit could flip places with the Tribe in the AL Central standings if they win this series.
Paul Byrd seems to have fallen back down to Earth after his improbably excellent 2007 season. As usual, Byrd is giving up a bunch of hits but not walking anyone. This year, however, it looks like those baserunners are being driven in. He's given up 14 runs over his last three starts (16 innings), and has generously allowed 14 home runs on the season. I know chicks dig the long ball, but I don't know how they feel about serving them up.
Justin Verlander didn't pitch so well in his last outing, after posting three straight quality starts. But there's no way his record would be as bad as it looks right now if he received respectable run support from his lineup. According to MLB.com, Verlander is getting the fourth-worst support among starting pitchers in the American League with 3.12 runs per nine innings. Putting some numbers on the board for the young man would greatly help him increase that win total.
If you didn't see this afternoon's news, the Tigers called three players up from Toledo to cover for injuries and personal matters. Neither of the position players - Brent Clevlen or Michael Hollimon - is in the lineup tonight, which is kind of a shame. Hollimon probably wasn't going to play much anyway as a utility infielder, but Jim Leyland says Clevlen will be playing the next three games in this series.
Finally, if you're interested in seeing Detroit's first-round draft pick in action, Ryan Perry should pitch for the Arizona Wildcats this evening against the Miami Hurricanes in NCAA Super Regionals action. The game is on ESPN at 7 p.m., if you'd like to flip between that match-up and the Tigers game.
Let's Go Tribe has your SB Nation opposing view for this four-game series.
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Starting Lineups
CLEVELAND
1. Grady Sizemore, CF
2. Ben Francisco, LF
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Ryan Garko, 1B
5. Jhonny Peralta, SS
6. David Dellucci, DH
7. Casey Blake, 3B
8. Franklin Gutierrez, RF
9. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
DETROIT
1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, LF
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Jeff Larish, DH
7. Edgar Renteria, SS
8. Pudge Rodriguez, C
9. Brandon Inge, 3B
Re: ESPN College telecast
Is that Robin Ventura doing the color commentary? I didn’t recognize him without Nolan Ryan’s fist in his face.
SpongeBob would kick Robin Ventura’s ass, too.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Verlander looked great in the first inning.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
Speaking of Verlander...
I meant to put this in the main post, but if you haven’t checked out C-Gon’s FanPost about Verlander, I recommend it. He’s pretty optimistic about Verlander turning himself around this season.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Larish
How much longer is Leyland going to run him out there w/out getting any production out of him?
At least one more game?
I think the Indians throw three lefties the next three games, so Larish will probably be taking a seat.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Big Alton Brown fan here. Is he showing SpongeBob a nice shellfish recipe?
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Well since everyone is over here in the game thread...
I guess this is where I should ask for everyone’s thoughts on the draft.
It looks like they loaded up on a bunch of power arms, but I’m kind of surprised so many relievers were drafted. Maybe that was dictated by who was available; I don’t know.
I also wish they’d have picked up some more catchers, but I realize you can’t draft for need as much in baseball.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems like a reloading draft to me...
Lots of power arms with mechanical issues and some decent projection. I didn’t care much for their choices at first look, but this was a pretty weak draft class & there really weren’t any Porcellos available this time around.
I would have liked to have seen some more position players, but as you point out, it’s tough to draft for need.
I hate getting shut down by paul byrd. it’s about the worst thing to watch.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
I know
This guy should be batting practice. Of course, the Tigers are making plenty of pitchers look good these days.
by Ian Casselberry on Jun 6, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Jeff Larish. He has not looked good.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
Perry throwing smoke
just K’d two players with runners on. Hit 98 on the gun.
Boy wouldn't it be nice....
to see Larish get hot for the next couple weeks?
Yeah...
pretty rough, but there is still some hope I think. If it goes to the All-Star break and the Tigers are around 8 or less out, there is a slight chance. Out further than that and this goes up there as one of the biggest flops of all-time.
by dettigionswings'stons on Jun 7, 2008 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
amd if any team is going to make Joe Blow look good
it’s the Tigers
http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/
This is the end...
My only friend, the end.
10 games out. Another 2 hit performance. Bonderman possibly heading to the DL.
Can we just cancel the rest of the season? I am not kidding.
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