BYOBYB: Off-Day Open Thread
by Ian Casselberry on May 11, 2009 1:00 PM EDT
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44 comments
Well, hello there. Enjoying your off-day? It's a bit more relaxing when the Tigers are in first place, right?
Today, we get to bask in a little bit of afterglow, with the Tigers sweeping the Indians over the weekend and perhaps a shift taking place within the AL Central. (I suppose we can't get too cocky with a visit to the Metrodome this week, however.)
So standing aside, how are you feeling about the team right now? Do you like how things are coming together? Or do you still have some concerns? Do you feel like Jim Leyland still hasn't quite figured out the bullpen, other than Fernando Rodney closing out the ninth inning? And what do the Tigers do with Carlos Guillen when he's ready to return? Anything else on your mind?
Of course, you're free to veer off-topic, too. Have you seen Star Trek or "Wolverine" yet? (I saw "Wolverine" last weekend and hated it.) Which TV shows are really doing it for you these days? What did you get your mother for Mother's Day? (Or, for the moms in the neighborhood, how did your children treat you?) Does she need the Mom Translator? Etc., etc.
The rest of the afternoon belongs to you, BYB Bunch.
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I think the biggest question is
what will they do with Guillen? I think after the past 1+ seasons, we cannot continue to assume he’s going to be a productive middle of the order hitter can we? I realize he’s got a big contract, so he’s going to play, probably in LF, but I’d like so see him drop in the order to 7th or 8th. Of course when you move a guy down, you have to move someone else up, and no one at the bottom of the lineup has done enough to warrant that kind of move.
alwaysatiger.blogspot.com
by BigJP on May 11, 2009 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i'd rather see him DH more often than not
The Tigers need that defense too much to risk both him and maggs in the outfield. Or either Maggs or Guillen in the outfield, frankly, but that’s an impossibility. So Guillen to DH and if he comes back still hitting .200, a tough decision, you can’t play a guy like that when you are a legitimate playoff team
by MackAveKurt on May 11, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would only hope
that Leyland would have the stones to sit him if that becomes the case. His recent history with veterens would suggest otherwise though.
alwaysatiger.blogspot.com
by BigJP on May 11, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
his lack of contract for 2010
would suggest the veterans be damned, he’s got his own ass to look after this season! So I’m an optimist.
by MackAveKurt on May 11, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's true too
And, don’t misunderstand, the way the kids are playing right now, I wouldn’t mind a lengthy stay on the DL for Guillen at all. The more AB’s that Thomas and Anderson get, the better I think the Tigers will perform. If Guillen can get back to being a threat at the plate, play him, otherwise, stick with the kids
alwaysatiger.blogspot.com
by BigJP on May 11, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Healthy and raking Guillen
gives the Tigers the best shot at winning. So hopefully that’s what shows up. Just not in left field.
by MackAveKurt on May 11, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grandy...
Has too much ground to cover with both Guillen and Maggs in the outfield. I would say base on Guillen’s injuries, both at present and at the end of last season, he is better off in a DH role. He kinda looks lost in left field (no pun intended). But my concern is how long will he stay healthy once he’s back this latest stint on the DL? Next time I go to Comerica, I may feel inclined to take a role of duct tape with me, because with Carlos, you never know when he might need it.. Maggs has always been an outfielder; not the most fantastic, but he doesn’t totally suck either. I would rate him above average maybe 7.5. I guess my point is he and Grandy , for the most part work well together in the outfield. I say hone one of these rookies for left and DH Carlos.
Patty J >> the Detroitchik
by Detroitchik on May 12, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the blog...
It has been great to find these resources and positive fans here! BYB is a nice relief from other sports blogs and the people who just rant and bash each other…
Keep Guillen as a DH. What about Thames when he is better? I am going to keep my fingers crossed when the Tigers play the Twins. It is always difficult at the “Dome”, and for comparison hopefully the Tigers do better on the turf then they did against Toronto.
Rodney is “my” closer for now. He is 7 for 7 now I believe, and even with (I think) he lost 6 last year (13 for 19?)to bad form. It seems that he has regained his control. Willis’ start is going to be a nail-biter. Hopefully Bonderman is making nice strides to start in mid-June maybe/hopefully?
by Dan Gurney on May 11, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
good thought about Thames
it would seem that IF everyone else stays healthy, there would be precious few AB’s for him. I would have to wonder if trading Thames might be in the Tigers best interest. If all can get/stay healthy, it looks like the Tigers are going to have plenty of depth in both the outfield and the starting rotation. Of course, the latter depends upon Willis.
alwaysatiger.blogspot.com
by BigJP on May 11, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bullpen worries
The starting pitching has been solid and Bonderman is still not back so that very well could be a boost. Although Dontrelle is starting in the next series and that should worry all Tiger fans.
The offense has been ok. Guys like Inge and Thomas, Everett and Santiago have stepped it up at times to make up for the slow starts from Guillen and Ordonez.
What really worries me is the bullpen. Zumaya is off to a good start, but can will he be back to his rookie season form? Bobby Seay and Perry are also off to good starts…Perry is so young and Seay can’t make that much of an impact in the situational left hander role.
Rodney and Lyon are in a race to see who is most like Todd Jones.
The starting rotation is hot right now, but when they cool down, who is going to carry this team form a pitching standpoint?
by VancouverTi on May 11, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Tigers don't have a situational lefty
Not a true one anyway. Sometimes Seay fills the role. But Leyland uses him against both right and left handers. Dont understimate the late-innings bullpen. it is definitely solid with Seay, Perry, Zumaya and, yes, Rodney, who is perfect in save situations. Middle relief, that could be a bit better. Lyon, Robertson and Rincon seem without any defined role to me.
by MackAveKurt on May 11, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seay
I think Leyland uses him against right handers so regularly because he has no where else to go right now. Zumaya has been good but I think either Leyland doesn’t have the confidence in him yet or he is afraid to over use him because he seems to be made of glass. Lyon has be below average and Perry is just too young to be trusted in big situations. Then again Perry has been solid so far.
by VancouverTi on May 12, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perry walks a lot
I think Zoom is gaining trust but his 2 Ks in 6 IP kind of worries me. Especially when he still is wild when he first comes out of the pen…
the bullpen doesnt look bad… far better than I imagined it being
by Boney on May 12, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willis
I’m horrified by the thought of Willis re-entering the rotation—and especially against the Twins. Why not bring him up against the Tribe this past weekend? They’re struggling at the plate (as we all saw) and it could have been a great confidence boost for him. But to go in the Dome and face the Twins—a team that always gives the Tigers fits—is a curious decision.
Any thoughts?
by NOLADan on May 11, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
That was my thoughts exactly but I looked into it a little more and we pitched mid last week so he wouldn’t have been ready for this weekend series. I would have rather had him pitch Friday against Oakland but I guess we have to be in the, well lets see how it goes mode for that start.
by qbdoyle1 on May 11, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Star Trek and Wolverine
I really liked Star Trek and I had not seen the series or other movies but I felt I could still get into it, and I think that is the sign of a really good film. If you like good action films, go see it, you won’t look like a nerd.
Wolverine – I’m mixed. It wasn’t good, but I am not overly critical of it. It was an escape for 2 hours and Liev Schreiber did an excellent job as Sabertooth. It doesn’t follow the arc of the comics and they ruined Deadpool, but I thought it wasn’t as terrible as everyone kept telling me.
by ReichardZ on May 11, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the reviews that say all the non-fans are getting into it, because it’s a good action movie, that’s the reason I’m hesitant to go check it out. I’m not a hardcore fan, but I’m definitely someone who’s watched a bunch of Star Trek shows before….and I’m wondering whether this flick will live up to my expectations….only one way to find out, I guess….
by ahtrap on May 11, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wolverine is Alex Rodriguez
wolverine is puerile garbage. if i were 13 again, i would have enjoyed it as an action movie or a female attracted by pectoral muscles, but it was cliched, hackneyed, and soulless. there wasn’t a gram of original thought in any way, shape or form.
i am not a big star trek fan, but am excited to go see the new one. i’ve heard good enough things about it. i’d recommend Sin Nombre. though depressing, it has very nice cinematography, pacing, and sheds light and on immigration.
by maggotronix on May 11, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a really stupid question
Now, you have to understand that down in NC all I got (before I ponied up for MLB.TV) was the Fox game of the week and that was usually Atlanta, so I didn’t watch a lot of baseball last year. But could somebody please tell me what those rope necklaces are that the players are wearing. At first I thought they were sunglass holders but they wear them every night, too. And yesterday a lot of them were wearing pink ones (to go with the bats and the wristbands) . Do they have a name and/or function?
by NCDee on May 11, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a stupid question
They are Phitens. They are titanium filled necklaces (which they make in bracelets and other stuff now) and are supposed to send energy through an athlete’s body and heal old wounds. It’s what you make of it and I think they started in Japan, but people have bought into them, especially MLB’ers. I bought one when my arm was hurt in college and coincidentally it helped do some healing for a little while which was fun to attribute to a silly $28 necklace. Either way, they are definitely a trend for baseball players. I’ve seen kids in little leagues wearing them now. I must admit, I still wear mine.
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by Packey on May 11, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I never heard of Phitens but if they’re supposed to send energy through your body and heal old wounds I many just get a gross of them and wrap them around my body. In the words of Leonard Cohen, “I’m aching in places where I used to play.”
by NCDee on May 11, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guillen
Any chance Guillen could comeback as a super-sub and pinch hitter? Leyland could use Guillen as the switch-hitting pinch hitter in late innings. He could fill in at 3rd, LF, or even SS in a pinch in the late innings.
by jkagey on May 11, 2009 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Enjoying the off day?
honestly, I’d be enjoying it more if I was at work…somebody must have breathed on me wrong last night at the disturbed concert, cuz I woke up with a bad headache and a sore throat, in addition to being all sore for fighting my way through the crowd up to the second row for Killswitch Engage, and then again when Disturbed was on.
I might be getting too old for mixing it up with the kiddies….turn 34 next week….not that I’ll ever admit it :)
but being sick and sore is no way to enjoy an off day…
by ahtrap on May 11, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thames may be the odd man out
Assuming they continue to perform well, I can’t see the Tigers sending, Thomas, Larish, or Anderson to Toledo when Guillen and Thames are both ready to come back.
Against RHPs Larish should be the DH. Against LHPs Guillen and Ordonez could trade off as DH.
I like the idea of replacing Guillen and Ordonez with Anderson and Thomas in the 7th inning or later when the Tigers have a lead. The bull pen should be able to hold the lead 80 to 90 percent of the time especially with A, G, and T patrolling the outfield.
I would prefer the above vs having Thames as a DH without the option to replacing both Guillen and Ordonez late in a tight game.
All of the above assumes Guillen and Ordonez are still able to hit .270 or better with some power.
by 63 Tiger on May 11, 2009 5:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bonderman?
I can’t stop thinking about who will be the odd man out when Bonderman comes back. Obviously if Willis fails then they will give up on him, but if he shows some of his old form I’m sure they will leave him in to get some sort of return on their investment. I guess that means it has to be Porcello getting sent down to get more seasoning. I don’t really like that considering how well he has adjusted to the Majors and Leyland always says he will keep the most talented guys. Maybe we can get something for Galaragga while his stock is high. I’m not a big fan of how he is pitching away from contact recently, we have had too much of that in recent years.
by dtowntigers4life on May 11, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bondo to the bullpen
I have not heard many say this but I think Bondo’s only chance of having a long and productive career is in the pen. He could easily be groomed as a closer and would atleast give us extra depth. After seeing them shut him down the last 2 years with arm problems I can’t see how anyone expects him to continue as a starter. I don’t think it’s likely to happen of course, but that is just my thoughts on Bondo.
by tigerfaninChicago on May 11, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bondo in the pen?
are you kidding?
how often has Bonderman been hurt? He had a freak injury and now he’s not even good enough to be in our starting rotation? please… the kid was what, 16-8 a couple years ago? opening day starter in 2006? he hasn’t fallen that far.
by Boney on May 11, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not kidding
Bondo’s best year was ‘06 when he went 14-8 with 4.08 era. I love Bondo, I still hate Terry Francona for leaving Bondo off the ’05 all star team when he was something like 10-2 at the break and instead they added Matt Clement. His ’07 season was cut short by injury and he still isn’t all the way back from the injury he had last year that cost him 2/3 of the season. I would love to see him be the top line starter we all think he can be but I think it’s more realistic to see him in the bullpen. Plus, I see Verlander, Jackson and Galarraga as being cemented in the rotation, I like having Porcello in there as well. If (when) D-Willis blows up give Bondo a shot but otherwise I just think he gives us the best chance to win as a closer.
by tigerfaninChicago on May 11, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm
You see 3 of the pitchers in the starting 5 as cemented? So what of the other 2 spots? I’m all for Porcello taking a spot, but he hasn’t been 100% consistent, and when you get towards the end of the season his inning count will be where Leyland has already said he wouldn’t want it to be.
Who’s the 5th starter? Willis? Miner?
Bonderman should not be a closer. He is consistently near tops in the AL in K/IP, and sure he he won’t pop you a nice ERA, he also has tenure with the team and has been 100% healthy up until the end of 2007 (he only missed 6 starts compared to his 06, not a big deal).
Last year’s injury was almost the same as Rogers’, do you honestly think the guy is injury prone because of a shoulder condition? He should be a starter, in our rotation, and he should bump Galarraga down to #4 which will match him up against comparable #4 pitchers. Bonderman can be a good #2 and #3 just like he has been in the past.
by Boney on May 11, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
I believe the guy is injury prone because of a shoulder condition. I hope I am wrong though. I have been a big Bondo fan since ’03 and if he can be quality #2 or #3 that we all think he can be then that would be great. My honest concern is that when he is ready to come back the team will leave Willis in the rotation and pull Porcello. I am also concerned that Leyland still sees Rodney as our best ninth inning option. If D-Willis can be decent I would rather go with a rotation of Verlander, Jackson, Galarraga, Porcello and Willis with Bondo as a closer. After all, it would be nice to have a closer with a good K/IP ratio.
Of course, we can agree to disagree since we both agree that a healthy Bondo cemented as #2 or #3 starter for the next ten years would be best. Also, I hope everyone is enjoying seeing the Indians beat down the White Soxes tonight. I dislike both teams but the White Soxes losing is esspecially enjoyable to me since I work with White Soxes fans.
by tigerfaninChicago on May 11, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
considering Bonderman's injury history
was entirely related to his rib and blood clot, both of which have been dealt with, I am not going to dismiss him as being injury prone going forward. He’s entirely within the recovery window.
The idea of Bonderman as closer is interesting, but the Tigers are better off with him in the rotation. Further, he hasn’t even started his rehab assignments yet. It’s too early to speculate what will happen a month from now. Maybe Willis pitches great. Maybe not. Maybe someone else is injured. (hopefully not.) Maybe Porcello stumbles. Who knows. As of right now, it’s just too early to speculate, I feel.
by MackAveKurt on May 11, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll agree to disagree but I'll point out one last thing
Bonderman isn’t the greatest pitcher in his first inning of work. Closers usually only pitch 1 inning…
Plus, we’re not looking at a Papelbon situation here where Bonderman throws mid-90s with a devastating out pitch (splitter, slider, etc)… all his pitches are average to slightly above average except his changeup which is just FAIL
if anything, I think Dontrelle could make the switch before of his jerky delivery and he could easily go all out for 1 inning and sit until the next game…
by Boney on May 12, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually....
I didn’t think Wolverine was that bad. I’m a long time X Men dork, too. They botched some (most) of his origin, and the explanation of his memory loss was ludicrous even by comic book standards, but I found myself entertained by the movie. Not Dark Knight, Iron Man, or Watchmen (Ian, what was your opinion on Watchmen?) but a good time nonetheless. Gambit had no real reason to be in the movie, but I thought he was kinda cool. Criminal what they did to Deadpool.
by rook34 on May 11, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Re: Watchmen
I really liked Watchmen, and thought it was an extremely faithful adaptation of the comics. I’m really looking forward to the DVD.
But I wonder if the movie really holds up on its own. Like if you didn’t read the comics, would you like the movie? Most people I’ve talked to said no.
by Ian Casselberry on May 11, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willis and Guillen
I love the young guys we have in the OF right now. I dread Wed. night. Please, God, let me be pleasantly surprised.
"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone". A. Bartlett Giamatti
by densogirl on May 11, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Confused...
2009 American League Ranks
AVG R OBP SLG OPS SB
.260 150 .335 .408 .743 16
10th 8th 10th 10th 11th 12th
ERA BAA OPS SV WHIP QS
3.84 .251 .718 6 1.35 12
2nd 3rd 2nd 10th 3rd 11th
We have one of the best pitching staffs in the AL, and one of the worst offensive teams in the AL. What gives?
Seriously, are we overachieveing on defense, and underachieving on offense? Is this what we have to look forward to all season? Does Comerica factor into this since Yankees Stadium is clearly easier to play offense at? Is it the division we play in that is inferior to the AL East?
by actioncuse on May 11, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Part of it
might be that only Oakland (29) has played fewer games than the Tigers (30). That might affect some of the categories a bit (runs, steals, saves, quality starts).
In general, I wouldn’t be too concerned about those rankings just yet. 30 games is a small enough sample size to be affected by a few random oddities. The Tigers have been involved in several pitchers’ duels recently, and had a few blowout losses which could skew things.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 12, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure what point you are making
If Oakland has played less games, that gives them a chance to get more offensive stats than the Tigers and move us lower than 10th. That’s not good at all.
by actioncuse on May 12, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd hardly say ranking in 12th (at worst) falls in one of the worst offensive teams in AL, that's still top 50%
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on May 12, 2009 3:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damnit
I need to stop posting comments so late, or start doing a better job reviewing what I write…sorry. I’ve had one too many beers I think.
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on May 12, 2009 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you caught it
But there’s 14 teams in the AL.
by actioncuse on May 12, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I was thinking MLB yet still said in the AL… caught it immediately upon clicking post…so stupid
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on May 12, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like where this Tigers team is at
After last year, they needed to go out and at least tread water for the first month. 17-13 I would’ve taken in a second coming into this season. Especially with Cleveland (who I view as the biggest competitor) in the cellar.
The offense has room to improve. Polanco, Ordonez, Guillen, Laird all have room to improve, and Thames will add some sock off the bench. Granted, Inge has been over his head, but the only other guys who you can say started off really hot are Miggy Smalls and Grandy, and I think they can sustain their level of play, given how talented they are. I like the bench the Tigers have, Anderson gives them a nice dimension they haven’t had.
The defense has been much improved. Everett has had some botched plays, but he’s obviously an improvement at short. Inge has been the revelation at third we knew he would be. Again, Anderson (one terrible misplay notwithstanding) has been a nice addition as a late inning replacement.
The pitching can also get a little better I think. Verlander did get rocked his first few times out, but he sure seems like he’s figured things out, and may settle in to mowing people down. Edwin Jackson looks like he’s taken the next step forward and can be a legit #2. Galarraga isn’t overpowering, but he’s a decent #3 and has proved last year was no fluke. Porcello has had some up and down outings but he’s fared pretty well so far, and is not doubt getting more and more comfortable. Willis scares me, but Bonderman may be back soon to take the D-Train’s spot, if needed. The important bullpen guys, Rodney, Zumaya, Seay, have performed well. Perry and Lyon are the next couple guys and I think they can both pitch better going forward. Rincon, Robertson, Miner aren’t going to be appearing in too many wins, so I am not too worried about them.
All in all, I think this team is for real. I think 87 wins is about their ceiling, but I think that may be enough.
by ThaWalrus9 on May 12, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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