Detroit Tigers News: Let’s talk about Justin Verlander’s first start as an Astro

I had to watch. Predictably, it was real weird. The only thing that made the trade even more surreal was finally seeing Justin Verlander climb on the mound without the Olde English D on his cap. But there he was, pitching for the Houston Astros.

Verlander wasn’t able to go deep in the game. A 10-pitch Robinson Cano at-bat in the first inning derailed any hope of that. But it was a vintage Verlander start nonetheless, as he went six strong innings and got the win.

Even before he took the mound, Verlander was making an impression on his teammates. It’s always an interesting dynamic when you add a big personality to the roster, but the Astros are taking it in stride. At the end of the day, they all want the same thing. And that’s something that all of the Tigers fans will be rooting for too: an Astros World Series win and a ring for Justin Verlander.

Might as well try it

I mean, what do they have to lose at this point? Let’s play Miguel Cabrera at second and pitch Ian Kinsler while we are at it. Could be fun.

A fun encounter in two parts

Trevor Bauer instructs Avisail Garcia to re-enter the box.

Trevor Bauer instructs Avisail Garcia to re-enter the dugout.

I’m not much of a Trevor Bauer fan. He’s an internet troll, believes "the professional game, in a lot of ways, sucks," and almost removed his finger playing with a drone in the middle of an historic playoff run. But that sequence was undeniably funny.

Cheaters, you’re all cheaters!

Patriots, Red Sox, doesn’t seem to matter. There are a whole bunch of cheaters up there in the Northeast. Taping practice isn’t especially helpful in baseball, but stealing signs with an Apple Watch sure is.

The Yankees, who had long been suspicious of the Red Sox’s stealing catchers’ signs in Fenway Park, contended the video showed a member of the Red Sox training staff looking at his Apple Watch in the dugout and then relaying a message to players, who may have then been able to use the information to know the type of pitch that was going to be thrown, according to the people familiar with the case.

That’s some high-brow stuff you are working over there, Mr. Dombrowski. The investigation is ongoing but it appears that MLB has corroborated the evidence. The Red Sox went on to file a claim against the Yankees for a similar practice, but appear to be grasping at air with that one. I look forward to the penalties.

For your free time

A breakdown of the Verlander trade from Baseball Prospectus. The Tigers will host First Responders Day on Wednesday. At least they are having good promotions while they play bad baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers brought Quintin Berry back to the majors. The White Sox released Derek Holland, and if the White Sox are releasing you, you know it’s bad. Eephus pitches are the best.

Baseball is awesome