Series Preview Part 2: Tigers at Rays

I didn’t like the game 2 matchup (I don’t think anyone did), but we got a shocking win anyways. That being said, I like the matchup for game 3 and 4, just depends on Leyland’s lineups. We have absolutely no reason not to win this division now, it would be too devastating to blow this lead with a relatively easy schedule remaining.

Mariners beat Indians.

I’ve criticized him many times on this site, even going as far as saying he should be replaced. But he has consistantly made moves in the past month and a half that have worked out…and it’s gotta be more than coincidence and luck.

Let’s look at the past week for example. He was roundly criticized here and other places for not inserting JV in the rotation against the Indians on his normal rest. We wound up sweeping the series, and then got off to winning start on this road trip because he was starting game one. NOBODY gave us a prayer to in the game yesterday, especially with Benoit and Papa not available. He deserves some credit for his pitching changes and sticking with Coke. Who knows, that one out Perry got might be a big turnaround for a young pitchers confidence.

There were other factors like Cabrera’s spring escapade, the Penny-VMart confrontation, Inge getting sent own, etc. that could derail a team too, but he has kept the team together, concentrated yetloose, and playing good baseball. We can whine about his lineups and his resistance to change, but we’re sitting up on top by 6 1/2 game. I cannot fathom that it is in spite of his skills, and feel he deserves a great deal of credit.

I love being wrong when it benefits the Tigers!

This time, it’s Carlos Santana who hobbled off the field after being hit on the mask by a foul ball. Probably not a big deal, because they were getting killed and there was no reason to leave him out there.

Cleveland is now 6.5 games behind the Tigers and sinking to their own level.

If Santos gets the call, it’s so Avila can rest. So, our lineup will be without Avila and Cabrera. In their place, we probably get Santos at C and Maggs at DH. Scherzer will need to have a good outing.