Tigers Kick Off Spring With a Win, 5-4

by Ian Casselberry on Feb 25, 2009 8:00 PM EST in Detroit Tigers News

The Detroit Tigers began Grapefruit League play with a win over the Atlanta Braves, 5-4. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Spring Game Thread to check in on the game, and a huge thanks (Roar!) goes to densogirl for effectively providing play-by-play to those wanting updates.

Fu-Te Ni is leaving to join the Chinese Taipei national team on a high note, picking up the win with a hitless eighth inning. (I love the back of his jersey; it looks like some letters fell off.) Justin Verlander also didn't allow a run, while giving up one run and two walks in his two innings. Zach Miner also pitched two scoreless innings.

Judging from the boxscore, Brandon Lyon didn't have a great day, giving up three runs on two hits in one inning of work. But as densogirl pointed out in her comments, the scoring began with an error on Brandon Inge, so all of those runs were unearned.

Who looked good with the bats? Miguel Cabrera, Ramon Santiago, Casper Wells, and Adam Everett drove in the Tigers' runs. And Gerald Laird, Inge, and Santiago each got two hits.

It always feels better to begin with a win, doesn't it? (Especially after a dreadful start last season.)

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I was able to listen to most of the game and it sounds like Lyon let the early error get to his head and didn’t engage himself into a “heightened awareness” situation. I think the box score is evident in that he struggled after it.

Laird was probably who I was most impressed with today. He had two big time hits (triple—albeit it was on a errant dive, and a double). I’ve followed this guy some in fantasy baseball and I think he is going to get some big numbers hitting behind the beginning of that lineup. He had stints in Texas where he was a highly recommended fantasy pick up, if only he started every day. He’s obviously going to get that chance this year.

Although it was a small sample size, two walks in two innings is absolutely unacceptable from your ace. I’m sure Knapp was very disappointed with that, too; especially since he’s a “pound the zone first” type-coach.

Apparently this Iorg kid is legit at SS. There was talk that he could have been a more than serviceable SS for the Tigers big club this year, despite a bat that probably would struggle. To me, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see this kid up in the majors at some point IF Everett gets hurt at all this year and Iorg continues to play well in AA.

Great work Ian, as always.

Bob Biscigliano from Detroit4lyfe.com

by Detroit4lyfe on Feb 25, 2009 9:08 PM EST reply actions

Great start

I understand what Bob is saying about Verlander and the walks, but I’ll chalk it up as the first start of a very long season. Should the walks continue in subsequent spring starts, then I might be a little more concerned.

Having said that, Verlander has the kind of stuff that makes you shake your head and wonder why he DOESN’T throw more strikes. But I’ll take two innings with only an infield single allowed (along with the walks). It’s not like he was being roughed up.

Most impressed with Bobby Seay who struck out the side in the 6th inning. And how big could Fu-Te-Ni be in the bullpen if he makes the ballclub?

I think Gerald Laird could be the biggest surprise in that Tigers lineup. Glad to see him get off to a good start.

No radio today for the Washington game in Viera or tomorrow’s game in Dunedin against Toronto. Next radio game is Saturday afternoon against the Mets in Lakeland at 1:05. Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh in Bradenton will also be on the radio.

by Todd1005fm on Feb 26, 2009 6:39 AM EST reply actions