Game 150: Tigers (70-79) at Rangers (74-77)

by Ian Casselberry on Sep 16, 2008 6:00 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers, Sep 16, 2008 8:05 PM EDT

Zach Miner (8-4, 4.29) vs. Kevin Millwood (9-9, 5.15)

The Tigers have given up 11 runs in two consecutive games. If they can keep Kyle Farnsworth in the bullpen tonight, they might just be able to end that ignominious streak. But Detroit will also need Zach Miner to pitch better than he has in his previous two starts.

Until those last two outings, it looked as if the Tigers would have to come up with some creative reasons to keep Miner out of next year's starting rotation. But after eight straight starts, perhaps he's hit something of a wall. In his last two appearances, Miner has allowed a combined 13 runs and 19 hits in 10 1/3 innings. Thanks to the rainouts in Chicago, however, Miner got a couple extra days of rest. So maybe he'll be a bit refreshed tonight.

Kevin Millwood hasn't pitched very well in his last two starts, either. Against the Mariners and Red Sox, respectively, he allowed 14 total runs (11 earned) and 20 hits in 11 innings. But when he faced the Tigers last month in Arlington, Millwood threw a complete game, holding Detroit to just one run and six hits.

Oh, and Happy Force Unleashed Day, apparently. At least that's what the imposing Sith Lord on the MLB.com schedule is telling me today is. So, um, may the Force be with you, I guess. Also, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

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I have an idea

Perhaps we could have Yoda or Darth Vader for a manger from here on out… seriously who tells Lord Vader he’s wrong on a call….

by His Royal Daveness on Sep 16, 2008 6:11 PM EDT reply actions

Which Ranger resembles a Star Wars character?

Pictures to follow if I manage to make it home before the game is over. I have a meeting at 5:30, so this may have to wait until tomorrow.

by Juskimo on Sep 16, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions

Miner experiment

Can we finally put it to rest? Probably not.

by densogirl on Sep 16, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Experimental?

What is so experimental about it? He will need to be in the rotation. Who else would you like to see?……….

by Zappatista on Sep 16, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Good question!

Someone who is consistently good. I couldn’t stand him in ’06, but have to admit, he has pitched fairly well this year cept for the last couple.

by densogirl on Sep 16, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

This is sickening!

Another good game pitched by our starters and then the bullpen gives up the lead

by ashmark on Sep 16, 2008 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

Too awful for words. I must be depressed….flush ’em down a toilet.

by densogirl on Sep 16, 2008 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

I feel the same way

and usually I enjoy just watching the game whether they win or not but it is just getting so tough to watch them lose games in the late innings.

by ashmark on Sep 16, 2008 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

No matter who the pitcher is...in a closing situation....

Leadoff Walk=Loss.

This season cannot end soon enough.

Is Chuck the designated fall guy? Someone has to be.

by rook34 on Sep 16, 2008 10:45 PM EDT reply actions

I just noticed

We’ve got an awful good shot at finishing in 5th in the division. What a year.

by Trysdor on Sep 16, 2008 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

The force may be weak with this team…but the fail is strong.

by His Royal Daveness on Sep 16, 2008 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

saw it was 4-2 in the ninth, thought it was good…..silly me….

I’ve been hanging over at brew crew ball (brewers sbn site) lately….I think I’ve infected them with the Tigers malaise, because they’ve been sucking eggs since I started looking in over there….

by ahtrap on Sep 16, 2008 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Jim Leyland is Frustrating

After the game he pretty much all but blamed the loss on the Umpire. While I agree it was a bad call, the ump did not cost the team the game, the poor bullpen performance (i’m looking at you Rodney) is what cost us the game. Simply inexcusable for a manager to be using 1 blown call as your excuse for a loss.

by Tigsfan on Sep 17, 2008 12:50 AM EDT reply actions

12 games left

Why not cut the refuge now. C-YA Rodney! Bye-bye Farnsworth! Let the KIDS come up and have a shot. It is crystal clear that they can not count on many currently in the ’pen to be there next year….and actually do their freaking job.

by Zappatista on Sep 17, 2008 7:44 AM EDT reply actions