Spring Game Thread: Tigers at Braves
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 19, 2009 6:00 PM EDT
in Detroit Tigers News
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Kenshin Kawakami vs. 
Jeremy Bonderman, 7:05 p.m. EST
So who was the brainiac at FOX Sports Detroit that decided to schedule a Tigers Spring Training telecast on the opening night of the NCAA Tournament? Even Ryan Field wouldn't have made that call. (He's a Sparty - he knows better.)
Of course, FSD had no idea Michigan's first-round game vs. Clemson would be playing at the same time. And not everyone in the viewing audience is a Michigan fan or a college basketball fan. (Nor might you have such a conflict outside of the region.) Plenty of people will surely be happy to see the Tigers (Detroit, not Clemson) on TV tonight. But still... you're killin' a lot of us here, FSD.
Sure, tonight's game is a preseason affair, but it's kind of important too (perhaps really important, if you ask Blake), with Jeremy Bonderman making his first start of the spring. The Braves should provide a good first test, as they've been outstanding in Grapefruit League play (14-3, vs. Detroit's 7-9). What could be interesting, as Jason Beck pointed out on Twitter, is that there's no DH tonight. Bondo could be batting, ladies and gentleman.
But if he throws well tonight, doesn't have any discomfort afterwards, and stays on track, Bondo could still be ready for Opening Day. That would be a huge plus for a pitching staff that will take all good news it can get.
Also on tap to pitch for Detroit is Dontrelle Willis, whom I'm assuming will go six innings after Bondo's three. (Unless he's just terrible, and even then...) Atlanta will counter with Kenshin Kawakami, Rafael Soriano, Buddy Carlyle, and Manny Acosta.
So you can root for the Tigers on one channel, and against them on another. You gotta love that. Have fun tonight!
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Oops
Sorry about that Atlanta starting pitcher. The report I read earlier today said Kawakami, and Vazquez would start tomorrow.
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 19, 2009 7:17 PM EDT reply actions
LOL
I didn’t even notice the difference. Just posted the lineup because I like to follow along.
Not that anyone was giving it this much thought
But Kawakami was scratched because of a sore shoulder.
Inge sure looked happy to see Vazquez.
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 19, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
INGE!
That tears it, I’m getting an Inge jersey this year.
Especially as I’m becoming increasingly aware that my Polanco jersey will create a “huh?” response sometime in the next few years.
Battle Creek
Dam. Laird is out! The Tigers sure look good so far. Maybe they’ve been eatin their Corn Flakes. I’m a Battle Creek, girl, myself.
Laird. wat.
That’s fine for Spring Training, but if I ever see him hauling around a bag like that again I’ll get really enraged.
Oh well, at least we know now that he’s not a fantastic base runner.
Laird's faster than the majority of catchers.
Just expect a lot of first-pitch swinging outs from him…
That’s what is painfully missing from the team this year. I was watching the Tigs/Cards game on Tuesday and noticed a couple of small knocks toward the mound that Kenny would have snagged and buffed his nails at.
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Between the other kids etc. on the team (Clevlen, Larish, Larish and Perez) I expect to see Thomas start the season in Toledo. With McBride heading off today, Thomas can’t be too far from being sent. I’m unsure of how his minor league options look though… can anyone enlighten here?
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Two more
I believe Clete has two options left. Tigers used up two last year.
by Ian Casselberry on Mar 19, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d expect to see him get send to minor league camp sometime within the next round or two of roster cuts.
Ian, what do you think?
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
WBC
Leyland just reminded me, and with the Youklis injury today for Team USA… how long until I see Granderson on that list?
The WBC really needs better scheduling.
Clete
I think his arm is OK now, but he hasn’t played much this spring. I love the guy and sure hopes he makes it.
Oh, God, poor Dontrelle.
Dontrelle Willis
It is just crystal clear that this guy has no idea what the **** he’s doing. It is painful watching him pitch. He will never be the pitcher he was before.
My favorite Willisism? His rapid headnodding to an infielder trying to tell him to stop screwing up.
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
The fielding is clearly lacking some effort, but we’ve seen balls just take OFF to the deep field all night long.
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
watch out for those hands!
don’t be hurting Polly!!!! I’m gonna go break some of the pitcher’s fingers.
Willis
Thought he looked like a stud compared to last year and even earlier this spring. That’s not saying much, but he has shown alot of improvement. I’d give him a few more starts and see how it goes.
I’d like to get a semi-decent season out of him, then dump off that giant contract.
by john.kmiecik on Mar 19, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Did Hot Rod just say......
“Boy, does he have a nice body on him,” in regards to Wilkin Ramirez. Then there was a long pause…………….
Willis Was....
….. Near the plate a lot tonight…..I think the coaaching staff is looking at that more then his results…..he did seem to be pitcing with confidence tonight and that a very good sign……GO MICHISGAN STATE TONIGH!!!!!
by BennieBladesFan on Mar 20, 2009 9:49 AM EDT reply actions
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