Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers GameThread, Aug 18, 2008 8:05 PM EDT

Game 125: Tigers (60-64) at Rangers (62-63)

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 6:00 PM EDT in News Comment 98 comments

Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers

Kenny Rogers (8-10, 4.95) vs. Scott Feldman (4-5, 5.18)

When the Tigers and Rangers faced each other at Comerica Park back in April, Texas appeared to be one of the worst teams in baseball, while Detroit looked as if it might rebound from a surprisingly poor start. The Tigers outscored the Rangers 37-10 in that three-game series. Four months later, perceptions have changed a bit. Neither of these teams is going to make the playoffs, but the Rangers have exceeded projections, while the Tigers have been crushed by expectations.

The thought of Kenny Rogers pitching at Rangers Ballpark is kind of terrifying, especially considering that Rogers has lost his last four starts and allowed four runs or more in each of those games. Against Texas earlier this season, he gave up six runs, nine hits, and three walks in just 3 1/3 innings. In Arlington, where Rogers pitched the majority of his career, his record is 53-27 with a 3.99 ERA.

Scott Feldman is also winless in his previous four starts, and his last outing was particularly terrible. That actually might not be a strong enough word to describe allowing 12 runs (six earned) and 10 hits in just 2 2/3 innings at Boston. Yet Feldman took a no-decision out of that game, which tells you how powerful the Rangers' lineup is. The Texas bullpen did go on to allow seven more runs, however. Final score that night? Red Sox 19, Rangers 17.

Lone Star Ball has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series. I have a feeling their community's going to have a lot of fun over the next three nights.

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Galarraga's night might be OK

but scrap the rest!

Mack Avenue Tigers

by MackAveKurt on Aug 18, 2008 6:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

stuck at work so could use some help

cant flip around to a bunch of web pages with the boss roaming around my desk, whats the line up look like tonight?

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 18, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DAMN it

games in Texas doesnt start till 8, well that sucks I was looking forward to something helping me get thru the next 2 hours…

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 18, 2008 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lineups

Tigers

C Granderson, CF
P Polanco, 2B
M Ordonez, RF
M Cabrera, 1B
C Guillen, 3B
G Sheffield, DH
M Joyce, LF
E Renteria, SS
B Inge, C

Rangers

B Boggs, LF
M Young, SS
J Hamilton, CF
M Bradley, DH
M Byrd, RF
G Laird, C
C Davis, 1B
T Metcalf, 3B
R Vazquez, 2B

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What if?

what if we just went 32-5 over the last 37 games? where would be in the division? lol

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 18, 2008 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

how sad is it

that if they did that they’d “only” have 92 wins?

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding

probably still wouldnt be enough..twins and the white sox are going to battle it out and push each other and probably be close to 98-100 wins territory..screw it lets just win the last 37!!!! starts tonight tho…

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 18, 2008 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Apparently no one is here?

I guess that’s what happens when the team sucks. Too bad.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Aug 18, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am here but usually just quiet

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice arm

by dettigionswings'stons on Aug 18, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Discuss amongst yourselves...

Matt Walbeck, current Rangers 3B coach:

Next Tigers manager after Leyland?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've heard good things about him

Would definitely prefer him to some of the failed managers on the Tigers coaching staff (Lamont, McClendon).

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

lots of passionate discussion about this one.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, I just have no knowledge of him or anyone that might take over

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, he's not a known commodity

But the Tigers seem to think highly of him. Leaving Erie for the Rangers was kind of a surprise, but probably the right move for his career, as third base coach seems to be a springboard job to a manager’s position.

And here’s a blanket statement that I can’t really prove: Catchers make good managers.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Catchers make good managers.

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Some do

some don’t, (obviously). If nothing else, there sure seems like a lot of them end up becoming managers, and most of today’s great managers WERE former catchers.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

top of my head

Francona
Torre
Leyland
Scioscia
Girardi
Fredi Gonzalez
Eric Wedge

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the rest

Bob Geren
John Gibbons
Bob Melvin
Ned Yost
John Russell
Bruce Bochy

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it'd be hard to give this team to Walbeck

Since Leyland can’t even figure these guys out.

But in 2010, after Walbeck has two years of major league coaching experience under his belt, with a bunch of minor league managing on his resume, the timing might work out just right.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

Like I said, I don’t want to see one of the retreads the Tigers currently have (Lamont and McClendon were both catchers too!)

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Curtis in CF

A rare bad play from him. Needed to take a bit more leadership, telling Ordonez he couldn’t see the ball. Maybe Maggs catches it if he doesn’t back off, thinking Curtis has it.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone watched Big Ten Network yet?

I see they’re at Michigan practice right now on ‘Big Ten Tonight.’

Is that where everyone is? You cheeky little monkeys.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

not me

I’m passively following the Tigers game, plus watching some news stuff. By the way Ian, I posted this yesterday but you’d already ducked out. There’s a NEW Watchmen trailer.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oooh...

Hey now.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dammit

You got me good, Matt.

At least it wasn’t the one that moves the window all over your screen when you try to close it.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

figured I’d add some levity to the moribund exercise that is following the Tigers.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well played, sir

Hooked me right in my soft spot.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maddux to the Dodgers

Can’t the Tigers convince L.A. that they need Renteria at shortstop, too?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

it's theoretically possible

we all know Nomar’s not going to last long at short. Of course, the Dodgers would be smart to play Hu at short, but they seem unwilling to do so for whatever reason (I’d love for the Tigers to get him from the Dodgers, but even Colletti wouldn’t be stupid enough to trade Hu for Renteria).

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way

WTF is up with having no runs and only 2 hits against Scott Feldman?!?!?

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Twins or Sox?

Who are you rooting for to win the Central?

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Twins

Only because I like to cheer for the underdogs. LOL

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather see the Twins

Because a team with no payroll that plays the game “the right way” just twists the knife a little deeper.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

personally, I'm rooting for the Twins

The reason being that, if the White Sox make the playoffs, I could see them winning the World Series. I see the Twins have virtually no chance of winning the World Series, so I would rather they make it. If the Tigers can’t win the World Series, I sure as heck don’t want to see one of their divisional foes win it.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've actually been saying

That I’d want to see a Cubs/White Sox World Series. I think seeing two teams from the same city going at it (and that city not being NY) would be cool, especially with the Cubs’ 100 year jinx. Then, I’d want the Cubs to sweep the series winning each game 15-0. I really dislike the White Sox.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gary Glover!

Warming up now.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

jack

by dettigionswings'stons on Aug 18, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What are you up to, Gary Sheffield?

I wish I knew.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

watch out

This guy throws a rarely seen pitch. It’s called a “chair.”

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you may recall

this, from a few years back. I’m sure he regrets it, but it’s still kinda funny to reminisce about.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so gangster

by dettigionswings'stons on Aug 18, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Inge

clutch, for the little guy…

by Zappatista on Aug 18, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Break up the Rays

Their run reminds me of the Tigers’ 2006 run. They’re the team I’ll be most pulling for this fall.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pena

how can a Tiger fan root against Carlos? It is too bad about CC, that is going to hurt them.

by Zappatista on Aug 18, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They better go out and win this thing

The 2006 Tigers showed how fast that window can close.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

although I think this is the first year of a long run for the Rays. They have SO much young talent.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Francisco

He needs a picture with a gas can in the photo…

by Zappatista on Aug 18, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So nice to see another reliever reek of gasoline

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I suppose I shouldn't get too chesty

The Tigers relievers haven’t entered the game yet.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 10:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gas Cans

Farns is warming up. Please, let this be a good night for him so we can go on a 15 game-winning run.

by densogirl on Aug 18, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glover

Nice inning for him

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shef

Needs to hit another homerun. Then the Rays might truly want him.

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 10:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he'd have hit a HR there

if he’d started in left field tonight.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is so right!

Forgot he has to play in the field to be a leader. LOL

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apropos of nothing

The Brewers are absolutely riding Sabathia like he’s a rented mule. He’s out there pitching the 9th with a 9-2 lead even though he’d thrown 111 pitches through 8…

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He is going to be too tired

to pitch in the post season if they are not careful

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

blah

130 pitch complete game.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grandyland!

Second triple of the night! And it clears the bases.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 18, 2008 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

this has been a bizarre inning so far

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Extremely bizarre

2 balls of infielders hands?

by explosivo2k2 on Aug 18, 2008 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

but that one’s still reserved for Jonesy

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’re not the “Tough Luck” Tigers for nothing…

gumtime.blogspot.com

by Tony K on Aug 18, 2008 11:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How about

The Tank Job Tigers

by Juskimo on Aug 18, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can’t really blame Farnsy for this inning though… Even though he is no longer my Tiger.

gumtime.blogspot.com

by Tony K on Aug 18, 2008 11:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree to some extent

2 infield hits and a bloop double.

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 18, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rodney's Turn !!!!

by ashmark on Aug 18, 2008 11:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm listening to this on the radio

Dickerson and Price are not amused by Farnsworth’s antics this inning. I’m almost glad comcast is to inept to allow me to have internet and cable at the same time so I don’t have to watch tonight’s meltdown. Although I don’t know how I’m supposed to leer at Nastia Liukin

by beefshower on Aug 18, 2008 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs