Game 91: Twins (50-41) at Tigers (46-44)
by Ian Casselberry
on Jul 10, 2008 11:00 AM EDT
in News
Minnesota @ Detroit
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.
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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.
by ashmark on Jul 10, 2008 11:37 AM EDT 0 recs
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?
by MSU4LIF on
Jul 10, 2008 12:14 PM EDT
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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
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this is real crappy for the Twins they have to play a night game in Boston then play a day game in Detroit…better for us anyways..
by PBURGTIGER on Jul 10, 2008 12:30 PM EDT 0 recs
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!
by PBURGTIGER on Jul 10, 2008 12:47 PM EDT 0 recs
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
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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
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You know normally you would look at that line up and say weak..but lately these “kids” have been hitting..dont get me wrong I miss the hell out of maggs in the 4-5 combo spot..but when he comes back I like moving Joyce to left and Clete to a bench player..I think Joyce is the real deal..
by PBURGTIGER on Jul 10, 2008 12:54 PM EDT 0 recs
Their playing a day game, because every Thursday is a day game at CoPa.
Go Tigers!
by Tony K on Jul 10, 2008 12:57 PM EDT 0 recs
Kenny Rogers got a nice Christmas gift
Mauer out of the lineup. Him and his .356 BA against Lefties.
by tricks318 on Jul 10, 2008 12:57 PM EDT 0 recs
What was the word...
On Renteria? Day-to-day or out longer?
by Grant E. on Jul 10, 2008 12:58 PM EDT 0 recs
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
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take your time, Edgar….oh, and go look for the swing you’ve misplaced while you’re resting…
by ahtrap on
Jul 10, 2008 1:18 PM EDT
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hopefully longer..I being reminded of Jair Jurrgens (8-3 last i seen) everytime he bats..
by PBURGTIGER on Jul 10, 2008 12:59 PM EDT 0 recs
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
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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
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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 0 recs
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….
by ahtrap on Jul 10, 2008 1:20 PM EDT 0 recs
I love watching the Gambler field his position
There’s no one better.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jul 10, 2008 1:25 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
Come on now, it’s not as bad at CoPa compared to Homerdome.
by explosivo2k2 on
Jul 10, 2008 1:39 PM EDT
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I'm feeling the exact same way
I despise the Twinkies.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on
Jul 10, 2008 1:40 PM EDT
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I vote for Santa Paws
doing post-game interviews instead of Ryan Field.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 1:44 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
I really like our chances… only a run down. come on Kenny! Let’s keep it that way!
Jeff
by cannonad03 on
Jul 10, 2008 1:55 PM EDT
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Lead off doubles usually spell trouble. Nice job getting out of it.
Jeff
by cannonad03 on Jul 10, 2008 2:02 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
Wow!
Joyce hit that A TON! He launched that pitch into the nether regions of Comerica.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jul 10, 2008 2:07 PM EDT 0 recs
Anything that travels that far should have a stewardess on board.
by tricks318 on Jul 10, 2008 2:07 PM EDT 0 recs
Anybody else...
That is ready to come up from Toledo? Everbody else seems to be doing a bang-up job.
by Grant E. on Jul 10, 2008 2:11 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
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….
by ahtrap on Jul 10, 2008 2:13 PM EDT 0 recs
Santiago
is hitting like he wants that ss position permantly
by ashmark on Jul 10, 2008 2:14 PM EDT 0 recs
I'm beginning to think that may not be such a bad thing...
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on
Jul 10, 2008 2:15 PM EDT
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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 0 recs
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.
by Grant E. on
Jul 10, 2008 2:21 PM EDT
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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.
by Grant E. on
Jul 10, 2008 2:25 PM EDT
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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
by BigAl on
Jul 10, 2008 2:27 PM EDT
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Renteria's option.
It would be $11 million for 2009, but would cost the Tigers a $3 million buyout to decline the option.
by Grant E. on
Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM EDT
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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 0 recs
when was the last time we through up a 5 spot on the twins starter? seems like forever..
Jeff
by cannonad03 on Jul 10, 2008 2:25 PM EDT 0 recs
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
by PBURGTIGER on Jul 10, 2008 2:29 PM EDT 0 recs
I think ESPN accidentally entered the Larish hit twice.
by joffle on
Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM EDT
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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 0 recs
That's how you block the plate!
Nice play by both Larish and Pudge.
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
what would we do without Pudge? I think we have to ink him for another year.
Jeff
by cannonad03 on Jul 10, 2008 2:35 PM EDT 0 recs
Joyce appears to be seeing the ball very well right now.
by Ian Casselberry on Jul 10, 2008 2:38 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
Sorry....my bad
I told him to go….I need a SB for my fantasy stats. :-P
by MSU4LIF on
Jul 10, 2008 3:06 PM EDT
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yeah.. could have been a bases loaded, 1 out situation..
Jeff
by cannonad03 on Jul 10, 2008 2:47 PM EDT 0 recs
Kenny is like a goalie out there… nothing gets past that guy.
Jeff
by cannonad03 on Jul 10, 2008 3:03 PM EDT 0 recs
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)
by MSU4LIF on Jul 10, 2008 3:05 PM EDT 0 recs
need to hold the line here, not give the twinkies any reason to heop for a comeback
by ahtrap on Jul 10, 2008 3:19 PM EDT 0 recs
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….
by ahtrap on Jul 10, 2008 3:22 PM EDT 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by Grant E. on Jul 10, 2008 3:38 PM EDT 0 recs
man, Sexon really has gone down hill over the years.. i remember him being pretty good with Cleveland… then the wheels just fell off.
Jeff
by cannonad03 on
Jul 10, 2008 3:44 PM EDT
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Time to get the Coaster Going....
Jones is greasing the wheels…
by JASON_V_N on Jul 10, 2008 3:46 PM EDT 0 recs
Finish it off. Man, a win against Minnesota would be so nice.
Go Tigers!
by Tony K on Jul 10, 2008 3:51 PM EDT 0 recs
ThaWalrus isn't around this afternoon
Let’s go for a ride!
by Grant E. on Jul 10, 2008 3:52 PM EDT 0 recs
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
by Germantiger on Jul 10, 2008 3:54 PM EDT 0 recs
Good God damn Lord
Here we go again…
waynefontes.com sidelionreport.com
by BigAl on Jul 10, 2008 3:55 PM EDT 0 recs