Game 91: Twins (50-41) at Tigers (46-44)
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 11:00 AM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
Email
PrintMinnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers, Jul 10, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
Kevin Slowey (6-6, 3.78) vs. 
Kenny Rogers (6-6, 4.60)
How will last night's thrilling comeback by the Tigers carry into today's series opener? Will the Twins be dragging the hangover of yesterday's 18-5 loss at Boston? These are but a couple of questions to ponder going into this afternoon's game. But the question that might be the most mysterious, one that I just haven't been able to find an answer to, is why today's game is being played at 1:05 p.m. EST?
Is today a holiday that I'm not aware of? Is there something big going on in Detroit tonight that figures to tie up all the traffic downtown? Do the Tigers and Twins both have to leave town before coming back to play again tomorrow night? Did someone in the MLB scheduling office accidentally put a "1" instead of a "7" on the start time?
It's not that I have a huge problem with this. I love afternoon baseball played during the week. I just can't stand not knowing why this game is being played when it is.
Onto the game itself. With the exception of one bad, five-run inning in his last start, Kevin Slowey has been pitching a lot of scoreless baseball lately. Like 21 innings' worth. Slowey's last start against the Tigers isn't included in those 21 innings, but he didn't allow any runs in that game, either. Detroit only managed four hits against him in six innings.
Last Friday in Seattle, Kenny Rogers pitched seven terrific innings and was maybe one batter away from making it through eight. Unfortunately, Jose Lopez hit a two-run double and broke the game open for the Mariners. Rogers may have found a long-term benefit for himself, however, by "inventing" a pitch for himself during the game. He began throwing a cutter that runs inside on right-handed hitters. We'll see if Rogers uses that pitch more frequently today.
A series win would send the Tigers into the All-Star break on a high note. A sweep would give them second place in the AL Central. But Detroit are 4-7 versus the Twins this season, so they'll obviously have to start playing better against this incredibly pesky, vexing division rival.
Twinkie Town has your SB Nation opposing view for this four-game weekend series.
206 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Afternoon Game
The only reason I can see is that today is Christmas in July at the ball park. Maybe Santa Paws has to get back to the North Pole tonight or he has another engagement.
Very creative reason.....
I bet the Tigers spin it that way. We shall see. I don’t think this promotion was on the schedule at the beginning of the season, was it? Maybe with the afternoon start, they created it afterwards?
Okay, I buy that
It makes more sense than anything else I could think of.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
starting line ups
Twins starting line-up Good guy’s
C Gomez CF C Granderson CF
A Casilla 2B P Polanco 2B
M Redmond C C Guillen 3B
J Morneau 1B M Cabrera DH
C Monroe DH M Joyce RF
D Young LF M Thames LF
B Harris 3B J Larish 1B
N Punto SS I Rodriguez C
D Span RF R Santiago SS
now I feel like I have contributed…..........Go Tigers!
Ah, you beat me to it
No worries on how it looks. We can figure it out.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Larish
I like him being in the lineup right away and playing in the field.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Kenny Rogers got a nice Christmas gift
Mauer out of the lineup. Him and his .356 BA against Lefties.
As of last night...
Renteria was day-to-day. You never know with hamstrings, though.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s a network device that lets you watch your home TV over the internet. I travel for work a lot so it comes in handy for watching local sports!
by explosivo2k2 on Jul 10, 2008 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, you do. Also, if you have a Windows Mobile or Palm OS phone, they have a client for them too. I’m watching the game on my Treo 755p..
by explosivo2k2 on Jul 10, 2008 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
The Santa hats
The Tigers should’ve worn those on the field today. It can’t look any worse than those camoflage uniforms the Padres wear.
Of course, Van Slyke and Lamont would need plastic Santa helmets to protect themselves. But I’m sure those are available somewhere.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
and here i was, just checking what time the game was tonight, and BOOM!
non-violent entertainment for when I feel like smacking my head on the desk when I think about how much work I have to get done in the next week….
I love watching the Gambler field his position
There’s no one better.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
Why does playing the Twins
always feel like I’m tied down while someone is yanking out my fingernails?
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions
Come on now, it’s not as bad at CoPa compared to Homerdome.
by explosivo2k2 on Jul 10, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree...
man i dislike these guys….
Jeff
I vote for Santa Paws
doing post-game interviews instead of Ryan Field.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 1:44 PM EDT reply actions
Okay
Now I feel a little bit better. Getting on the board is always nice. Just like last night, it has to start somewhere.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 1:51 PM EDT reply actions
Ho-lee...
Matt Joyce frickin’ crushed that ball, man. That thing almost landed by the names in right field.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions
Wow!
Joyce hit that A TON! He launched that pitch into the nether regions of Comerica.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
Anybody else...
That is ready to come up from Toledo? Everbody else seems to be doing a bang-up job.
Mud Hens give you wins
Once again, it’s the junior Tigers getting it done. Larish drives in the go-ahead run.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions
love seeing the kiddy kitties coming through
Big difference from a few years ago, when September was a barren time, as you realized the next generation of Tigers weren’t much better than the guyys who wore the uniform all year to a losing record.
More credit to Dombrowski for developing the minor league system, really getting a pipeline going….
Santiago
is hitting like he wants that ss position permantly
Big innings
Once they get going they really get going…
Here's a question
Is Santiago playing this well because Leyland is using him exactly right?
Or could he keep this up full-time?
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions
It's an interesting question.
Obviously, Ramon is not going to hit .350 with regular AB’s, but I think that he could be a solid hitter at the bottom of the lineup. Meanwhile, Edgar isn’t hitting at all, and Ramon is so much better defensively that I really don’t think that you can justify playing Renteria every day based solely on his career production. Remember, his one year in the AL with Boston was awful.
What I guess I'm trying to say is...
That I would be in favor of a platoon situation at short while the team tries to get Edgar healthy. Make it known that neither player has the position locked down. If the players understand that the position is up for grabs, they’ll both play with a sense of urgency.
That's the big question, isn't it?
But even if Santiago only hit as well as Renteria is currently (.250 something), he would be the better option at SS thanks to his much better range and fielding ability at short.
Ramon may end up forcing the Tigers’ hand in regard to SS… Though I doubt it wouldn’t be till after the season, when the Tigers need to decide if they should pick up Renteria’s expensive contract option. At this point, I don’t think they will, which opens up SS for Santiago.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
Renteria's option.
It would be $11 million for 2009, but would cost the Tigers a $3 million buyout to decline the option.
D-Span
I suppose it was too much to hope for another ball to bounce off his glove over the fence, like it did with Pudge earlier this year?
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions
6-2..
You know whats weird is I was trying to check the box on ESPN.COM to see the RBI’S because I missed everything because I got pulled into a stupid meeting at work..and ESPN.COM has grandy, polonco, joyce with one and Santiago, and Larish with 2 rbi’s each last time I checked that total was seven and the score is 6-2
I love seeing guys gunned down at home
Second game in a row they’ve made a play like that.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:29 PM EDT reply actions
That's how you block the plate!
Nice play by both Larish and Pudge.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
Wow
You do not see the Twins make baserunning mistakes like that very often. D-Span gunned down at third.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions
Joyce appears to be seeing the ball very well right now.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply actions
Thames trying to steal 3rd
Don’t get that one at all. I know there’s a decent lead, but there was one out.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
Hey Tigers fans
What a beautiful for baseball and what a beautiful score!!!
(At least that’s what my office window and radio are telling me)
I just noticed...
Looking at the standings on ESPN’s site, the fact that the Tigers have a POSITIVE run differential, for what I think is the first time this season….
Somebody's happy to be called back up
Larish is hitting the ball all over the field today.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
Good thing...
The Tigers are finished with Seattle this year. The Mariners just released Richie Sexson, so opposing teams no longer get the luxury of facing a rally-killer in the middle of the lineup. It won’t be the same facing Seattle without Richie getting a K or GIDP in a big spot.
But the question that might be the most mysterious, one that I just haven’t been able to find an answer to, is why today’s game is being played at 1:05 p.m. EST?
That’s simple: For all the Tigers Fans in Germany that they can see a Game live via mlb.tv once again where they should not be in the bed and sleep ;)
TJ don’t waste this one. 6-4, come on get a save (you have wins enough ;D). I can’t see this Morneau anymore
Greetings from Germany. Dirk
you know how they say a t goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey?
A two run lead with Todd Jones on the mound is worse….
and this time, it wasn’t even his fault (yet)
Error
Hey what did joyce do? watching the gamecast
by Warning Track Power on Jul 10, 2008 4:02 PM EDT reply actions
Great good to hear, hes not much of a fielder
by Warning Track Power on Jul 10, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions
I'm at work with the gamecast....
And I’m trying to be a good employee (I work for a bank….yes, it isn’t fun to work at right now).......but what the hell happened?
Is Jonesy going with his, “I’m just going to throw it down the middle and hope for the best” approach?
Please, someone help. I’m no longer functioning at work and glued to gamecast.
Jones would have been in a jam...
But this one falls on the defense. Joyce had a routine single hit right to him and really botched it.
Wow i thought it was intentional on the gamecast, hehe
by Warning Track Power on Jul 10, 2008 4:06 PM EDT reply actions
Hey...
You guys remember last night when the Tigers had that huge comeback? It’s not so much fun from the other perspective.
ugh
Just caught up was at work ... why was Rodney pitching? I can handle Jones’/Joyce’s mistakes… but why was Rodney put in this game?
K-Rod
He’s a potential free agent this year. The Angels, for reasons beyond my comprehension, have not resigned him.
I'm behind on gamecast....
but yeah, Polly, great play
After the all-star break
Does any one think Leyland starts to give Dolsi or Zumaya more save chances?
God I hope so
Or at least use Zumaya as the late setup man…. Rodney should not be in there yet. He should be coming in 6+ run lead games
But he has in the last couple games.....I believe three chances ago and today
I love roller-coasters, but I value my life.
Oh Man
I can’t take it anymore. Shoutld be in bed to get healthy, but I can’t. Come on, 2 on 0 out. Please
Greetings from Germany. Dirk
just getting here...
I despise Todd Jones. But hey, a win would be a win. Gotta move him out of the closer role though.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
i second that.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
by spotstarters on Jul 10, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it was Pudge chasing a damn high fastball@#
by explosivo2k2 on Jul 10, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, crap
I thought I’d be coming home to write about a win. We’re still playing baseball?
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions
Just to reiterate Big Al's comment from earlier...
I hate the Twins.
1 out with bases loaded
And we have two consecutive strike outs?
What is so wrong with shortening up on the lumber, getting a pitch up in the zone, and putting it in the outfield?
Please tell me Larish (outside of a great day) took a big hack on that 0-1 count.
To be fair, it is not like they struck out against Todd Jones. Nathan is an all-star every year for a reason.
I hear what you're saying...
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m trying to watch the gamecast of yahoo….so I’m really out of the loop.
But it didn’t appear that Nathan had his best stuff today, no?
Not for 3 out of the first 4 batters
But the last 2 he found his stuff..
by explosivo2k2 on Jul 10, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I need take the day off during day games.....
Watching a game via gamecast is like a long, slow, drawn out heat attack.
I’m in my mid 20s but I feel like I’m 90.
Dirty Curty's up next
followed by our newest fellow American….i’m feeling good about this
This is unbelievable. More than $100 Millon dollars for this ball club, and they can’t score a run with one out on bases loaded against a pitcher who is obviously having a bad day. I don’t get it. I admire Leyland for staying collected, because I sure couldn’t.
Go Tigers!
I guarantee
Leyland is already through 3 packs of smokes at this point
Morneau
is 4-4 when he comes to the plate.
Did Dolsi hang one?
Why did he even give him a pitch to hit?
it was right down the middle.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
by spotstarters on Jul 10, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Where would they be without Matt Joyce?
Keeping it alive with a double to left-center!
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
This is what we get for never giving up hope - heartbreak.
I went into a meeting with the score 6-2 in the seventh, and I returned to numerous IMs from a colleague containing numerous expletives.
This is the type of loss that ruins seasons.
How much longer can we rely on Jones? He’s been really bad lately, including last night when I lucked into a win.
I’m about to throw in the towel. No sense getting excited when we’re seven games out and the White Sox don’t lose.
I hate the fucking Twins and White Sox.
Dang
Now I am really sick. Bad Medicine these pesky Twins. Go to bed very frustrated
@all: Good N8 from Germany
Greetings from Germany. Dirk
Glad you could stop by, Dirk
Sorry you have to go to sleep after swallowing that one.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- The Cardinals Hall of Fame can now be found at Bill Clinton’s library in Arkansas (Huh?)
- Will Bryce Harper start the season with the Nationals?
- Mitch Mustain puts football behind him, signs reported rookie deal with White Sox
- Robinson Cano and Denzel Washington face off in Jay Leno’s Yankees trivia contest
- Shane Victorino lands role on ‘Hawaii Five-0′
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
