Detroit @ Chicago GameThread, Aug 5, 2008 8:11 PM EDT

Game 112: Tigers (55-56) at White Sox (65-44)

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 6:00 PM EDT in News

Detroit @ Chicago

Nate Robertson (6-8, 6.06) vs. Gavin Floyd (11-6, 3.43)

Though it seems as if the Tigers are effectively out of the AL Central and playoff race after getting swept in Tampa, this three-game series with the White Sox could either put a more definitive note on that sentiment or keep this team in the limbo it's been swimming in for the past couple of months. Perhaps it's delusional thinking, but what if Detroit wins two out of three games? Are they squarely in the division race or is it just another hope-tantalizing tease? Of course, if the Sox win or sweep, the bus toward 2009 can probably start moving. (It's already warmed up.)

Nate Robertson might find himself in a similar limbo after tonight. Given his abominable performance recently (7.77 ERA in his last four outings), this could very well be his last start for the Tigers. But what if Nate goes out and throws one of those games that shows just how good he can be when it all comes together? Or what if it's just good enough, as it was the last time he faced the White Sox?

Honestly, what would be more frustrating: For Robertson to blow up yet again tonight or to pitch well? A terrible game would mean a loss, yet perhaps push the Tigers into making a decision. A good game might help, but really wouldn't really answer anything. (Though it could possibly boost any trade value he might have.)

For the White Sox, Gavin Floyd is 3-0 with a 3.77 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit. At first glance, this looks like a brutal series-opening match-up.

Those waiting for big changes in tonight's lineup will likely be disappointed. Ryan Raburn gets the start in left field, but that's probably because he's 5-for-12 against Floyd. No word on the bullpen, however. Also, Ozzie Guillen has been suspended for two games for his role in Sunday's brawl with Kansas City.

South Side Sox has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series.

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Comments

Nate Robinson

I like Nate I just dont like his abilities..he seems like a good clubshouse guy, and mild mannered guy…early on his career he always seemed to never get any run support…now he just doesnt seem reliable..this match-up has me feeling the same way I did before his last match up against Cliff Lee..very low..(hopefully it works out like that game did)

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I don't feel as strongly as I did five days ago

But I feel like I can’t even look at Nate right now.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

LINE-UPS

Tigers

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

White Sox’s

O Cabrera SS
A Pierzynski C
C Quentin LF
J Dye RF
J Thome DH
P Konerko 1B
K Griffey Jr. CF
A Ramirez 2B
J Uribe 3B

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I thought that Leyland was pissed...

I was promised changes. Why is Renteria still playing? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

by Grant E. on Aug 5, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'd love to read into Thames not playing

But Raburn in LF must be a match-up thing. Otherwise, why not Joyce?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Interesting Matchup

If you go over to the South Side Sox, they’ve got the stat line for both Gavin Floyd and Nate. Nate’s K rate is about the same, and his walk rate is better. The HR rate is about the same as well.

Looking at BABIP (Batting Avg for Balls In Play), hitters are apparently crushing the ball vs. Nate, to the tune of .346. (We knew this, of course…sigh) His career average is .308-worse than league average-but still, maybe some bad luck there. Or crappier defense. A little of Column A, a little of Column B.

Floyd, on the other hand, is carrying a .236 BABIP, compared to his .282 career mark. Good luck? Sox better hope it’s not defense, if they plan to play Griffey in CF for the rest of the year.

by cherub_daemon on Aug 5, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Renteria, changes?

I just dont think its much of an upgrade putting Santiago at short…now as far as Sheffield goes I really dont see how he is ever in the line up over Matt Joyce, righty or lefty I dont care Joyce has been rock solid this year..not to mention Marcus Thames??? why would Rayburn be in the line-up over Joyce or Thames? WTF

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Don't know if you guys caught this

But Leyland says Zumaya will pitch the ninth tonight, if the Tigers have a lead.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I thought Zoom was out a few days?

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Well, he had three days off, right?

Saturday through Monday.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

fair enough...

that time is a blur to me.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

I like what I'm seeing from Floyd so far...

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

And I'm all for the aggressive baserunning

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Although...

I won’t feel comfortable with Nate on the mound unless the Tigers are up 14 or more.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

sweet.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Wow...

it looked like Placido muscled that one out.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Magnificent

When Polanco hits it out, it could be a good night.

Of course, as Blake just noted, Nate hasn’t taken the mound yet.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Ryan Rayburn IN 60 games, 105 at-bats, 25 hits, 8 doubles, 4 home-runs, 13 Rbi’s,and A .238 BATTING AVERAGE

Marcus Thames IN 75 games, 224 at-bats, 55 hits, 10 doubles, 20 home runs, 44 Rbi’s, and a .236 average..

Matt Joyce IN 46 games, 140 at -bats, 39 hits, 10 doubles, 10 Homerun’s and 25 Rbi’s..and is batting .279

kinda of interesting comparison to me..if you double Rayburn’s at bats and his other numbers they would be close to Thames in most catergory’s except homers and Rbi’s..
so they lose power with Rayburn in Left instead of Thames BUT AND A MAJOR BUT..YOU DOUBLE JOYCE’S numbers and he hits for power and probably plays left as good or better then Thames…I dont see with the roster we have why joyce is not starting every day??

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

better question is why is sheff allowed to touch a bat at all?? Joyce should be in his lineup spot.

by HavocRox on Aug 5, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Good start anyway

by Wingz on Aug 5, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

so...

tonight’s game, first one to ten wins?

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Aug 5, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Oh, man

I don’t know if I have it in me.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

im dreading the bottom also Ian

by HavocRox on Aug 5, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

yeah I feel like every out is a chore with not so nasty nate on the mound

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

The wind must’ve been blowing in on that O. Cabrera drive to right field.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Here we Go

by Wingz on Aug 5, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Batting practice has begun

Everyone’s stroking it to right field.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

wow he has rodney disease tonight

by HavocRox on Aug 5, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Let me be the first to say:

Free Chris Lambert!

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 5, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

nasty old uncle charlie

by ThaWalrus9 on Aug 5, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

And THAT is something Raburn offers over the other outfielders

Nice bunt

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

fair enough, LOL

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Stupid Inge...

and all of his swinging and missing. Fly ball does the job there.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

My condolences...

To anyone stuck watching Extra Innings with Hawk. I missed Polonco’s HR, so I just checked it out on MLB Gameday. Hawk sounded like he’d been munching on Ambien all day. God, the Sox broadcasts are boring.

by Grant E. on Aug 5, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

well, poo

Stranding Raburn on 3rd is hopefully not an omen for the rest of the game.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

How about one inning where a guy does not reach second, be nice to see that..it seems like a week since A Tiger pitcher went 1-2-3…

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Well, there you go!

by densogirl on Aug 5, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

nice inning there for nate

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

For sure..

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 5, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I'm a mess

I think a great game from Nate could piss me off almost as much as a bad one tonight.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 5, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

man, you are a mess...

if it happens, take as a sign of things changing. you’d take a bad 110 games out of him if it meant a good next two seasons right? positive ian, positive.

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

by spotstarters on Aug 5, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

maybe even more

by HavocRox on Aug 5, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Love seeing Raburn playing

Personally, I think Joyce has cooled off a little bit. Raburn is better when he plays more often, but the skipper isn’t going for that. At least he can lay down a decent bunt and has some speed, plus he’s got a pretty good glove. My God, Carlos is cold as ice lately.

by densogirl on Aug 5, 2008 8:56 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

I have an ingrown toenail

but it doesn’t annoy me as much as Gavin Floyd

by Boney on Aug 5, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Raburn is a rich man's

Brandon Inge

by Boney on Aug 5, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

Think so?

Never thought about him that way but I can see where some would. He hustles a little more than Brandon.

by densogirl on Aug 5, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

well

if you really look at it

they both are “super subs” right? Raburn put up a solid batting average in limited duty last season while Inge has always struggled with batting average. Raburn and Inge have shown flases of power and they’re both average to above average defenders in the field.

I think they both bring the same thing to the table, but I think Raburn is a little more clutch.

by Boney on Aug 5, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs