Bless You Boys - Game 148: Royals at TigersA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2013-09-14T23:14:53-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/44949392013-09-14T23:14:53-04:002013-09-14T23:14:53-04:00Leyland should have pinch run for Fielder
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<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
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<p>Fielder is such a poor base runner his manager had no choice but to pinch run in the ninth inning Saturday.</p> <p>It's easy to second guess after the fact. Whatever didn't turn out right must have been the wrong choice. Hindsight is 20/20. You know that.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730722/royals-1-tigers-0-ervin-santana-win-holland-save-prince-fielder-thrown-out-home-mlb">Royals 1, Tigers 0: the recap</a>
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<p>However, foresight ruled in the ninth inning of the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>' game against the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> on Saturday. Prince Fielder reached base on a walk to lead off the ninth, and immediately even the television broadcast crew brought the question up for debate: Do you pinch run for Fielder here?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>Tigers manager Jim Leyland didn't, and this happened following a two-out double to left off the bat of <span>Omar Infante</span>.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3224035/pfielderout.gif"></p>
<p>Exciting ending, but a 1-0 decision in favor of the Royals.</p>
<p>Here are the pros and cons of pinch running:</p>
<p><b>Pro:</b></p>
<p>- Because Prince Fielder is a slow runner who has proven again and again that he is bad at sliding and quite susceptible to being thrown out when he takes an extra base, you replace him with a better, faster runner who, presumably, knows how to slide, increasing your chances of scoring.</p>
<p><b>Con:</b></p>
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<p>- If you tie the game but don't take the lead, you've taken <span>Prince Fielder's</span> bat out of the game, to be replaced by someone, well, worse. You have to shift people around a bit to find a fielder for first base, since <span>Don Kelly</span> is already out of the game. That means you could move <span>Victor Martinez</span> there and lose the DH, or move <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> across the field to a position he has not played more than a handful of innings at since 2011. This could increase injury risks. No matter what, you have a worse bat hitting fourth in the order if the Tigers don't win in walk-off fashion before that spot comes up in the order again.</p>
<p>Here's the real issue with that line of thought:</p>
<p>If the pro doesn't work out, you don't have to worry about the con. That is, if the Tigers' pinch runner doesn't score, you've lost. Though you presumably "play to win the game," as a football coach famously said, you've got to tie it first. Fielder running decreased the odds of doing that. To fall back on football, go for the win one the road and tie at home. Leyland should have gone for the tie at home.</p>
<p>(In case you're wondering, yes you pinch run for Cabrera true. Especially now, with Cabrera hobbled and struggling at the plate in September anyway. It's an automatic move to pinch run for Cabrera. But that's off topic.)</p>
<p>And if you do tie the game and head to the 10th, at the worst you use <span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> at first. Yes, he's slumping hard, but at least he's got some experience at the position this year.</p>
<p>I certainly am sympathetic to the argument that losing a big bat from the middle of your lineup in extra innings makes winning more difficult. But you weigh that against how much more difficult scoring the tying run is with Fielder on the bases.</p>
<p>In this case, Fielder is awful. At 5 runs worse than average (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2013&month=0&season1=2013&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=20,a">per FanGraphs</a>), Fielder is the sixth-worst base runner in the game. Fans everywhere were saying to the TV, "If you don't pinch run for Fielder, this is going to end with Fielder tagged out at the plate."</p>
<p>Leyland didn't pinch run for Fielder. He <i>doesn't </i>pinch run for Fielder, <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/status/379060461016059905">as he says</a>. So Fielder got thrown out at home. Again.</p>
<p>Third base coach Tom Brookens made the right decision to send Fielder. And maybe Fielder scores to tie the game and remains in the lineup if the Royals don't perform so well on the relay and throw home and catcher Salvador Perez doesn't make such a good catch and tag.</p>
<p>But knowing what we know, and knowing when we knew it, the right move in the situation was to use a pinch runner. Of that, I am convinced.</p>
<p>Leyland made the wrong decision.</p>
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https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4731818/jim-leyland-prince-fielder-pinch-runKurt Mensching2013-09-14T22:58:30-04:002013-09-14T22:58:30-04:00Royals 1, Tigers 0: For the want of a pinch runner
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ervin Santana and the Royals' bullpen out dueled Doug Fistrer, shutting out the Tigers on eight hits. But it took throwing out Prince Fielder trying to score from first on Omar Infante's two out, ninth inning double to give the Royals the win. </p> <p>Saturday night was Star Wars night at Comerica Park. It turned out to be Pitcher's Duel night as well. <span>Ervin Santana</span> out-pitched <span>Doug Fister</span>, giving the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> a 1-0 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>. Shutout for the tenth time in 2013, the loss drops the Tigers' lead in the Central to five games, their Magic Number holding steady at ten.</p>
<p>The game ended on a play at the plate. Prince Fielder was thrown out at home trying to score all the way from first on <span>Omar Infante's</span> double.</p>
<p>Santana was brilliant for the Royals, giving up just five hits, shutting out the Tigers over 6 2/3 innings. As usual, the Royals' bullpen was dominant. <span>Will Smith</span>, <span>Luke Hochevar</span> and <span>Greg Holland</span> kept the Tigers off the scoreboard over the final 2 1/3 innings. Holland did collect his 43rd save, though he needed to be bailed out by his defense.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"I don't run for Prince Fielder." <span>-Jim Leyland's defense for not pinch running for Prince Fielder</span>
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<p>Fister pitched more than well enough to win most games, holding the Royals to one run and eight hits over 7 2/3 innings. <span>Jose Alvarez</span> and <span>Al Alburquerque</span> shut the door on the Royals, retiring the final four batters they faced. But it wasn't enough to earn the win, thanks to that pesky thing called run support.</p>
<p>The game's lone run crossed the plate on <span>Eric Hosmer's</span> first inning RBI triple, the Royals' pitching making the one score hold up. There was little Tigers' offense to speak of. Just seven hits total, two off the bat of <span>Victor Martinez</span>.</p>
<p>As for not pinch running Fielder, I find it silly keeping him in the game because of what "might happen." There was no "night happen", because Fielder wasn't lifted for a pinch runner. But Jim Leyland will remain steadfast, he won't remove Prince Fielder for a pinch runner. If that's the case, then you don't send Fielder either.</p>
<p>In the end, I shouldn't be surprised the game ended how it did. Both in painful fashion and as a one run game. It's the Royals, who have had the Tigers' number.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More Detroit Tigers news and views</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4728822/2013-game-148-preview-kansas-city-royals-at-detroit-tigers" target="new">Game 148 Preview: Royals at Tigers</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730190/bless-you-boys-podcast-86-detroiut-tigers-singing-hot-dog-man-jhonny-peralta-mlb" target="new">BYB Podcast 86: Singing for the Singing Hot Dog Man</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4729634/keeping-score-static-ned-yost-aids-tigers-decisive-rally" target="new">Keeping Score: Static Yost aids Tigers rally</a>
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<p>Top of one, the Royals took an early 1-0 lead, but the inning could have been far, far worse. Why? The Tigers caught three breaks.</p>
<p>Facing Doug Fister, <span>Alex Gordon</span> led off with a single to right. Break number one was <span>Emilio Bonifacio</span> losing what should have been a two base hit off the tip of <span>Prince Fielder's</span> glove (which replays confirmed), umpires ruling it foul. Instead, with Fielder smiling like the cat who ate the canary, Bonifacio would strike out. <br><br>Eric Hosmer followed up with an absolute bomb to deep right center, tripling high off the scoreboard, Gordon scoring to make 1-zip Royals. But you could say that was also the second break of the inning. If Hosmer pulls the ball by a few feet, or hits the ball somewhere other than Death Valley, it's a home run instead of a triple. Let alone the fact Bonifacio should had been on base as well.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Eric Hosmer still trying to figure out how he could hit a change-up 430 feet and not have it be a HR. It's called deep RC at Comerica Park.</p>
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lynn_Henning/statuses/379035367480901632">September 15, 2013</a>
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<p>The Tigers caught their third break of the first when the Royals had the "leave on contact " play called for Hosmer. Verlander Killer <span>Billy Butler</span> grounded to <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, meaning Hosmer was dead to rights at the plate when he fired to Alex Avila. Salvador Perez flied out to center, ending a one run inning which could have been three or four.</p>
<p>Bottom of two, the Tigers had their first base hit. Victor Martinez led off with a single up the middle. Trying to stay out of the double play, the Tigers sent Martinez. It worked, sorta. <span>Andy Dirks</span> hit a line drive off Ervin Santana, who was able to gather himself and throw out Dirks. The Tigers would strand Martinez in scoring position, Omar Infante flying out, Avila lining to <span>Jarrod Dyson</span> to end the threat.</p>
<p>Top of three, Tigers' pitching picked off their second base runner of the series. Bonifacio worked a two out walk, and was itching to run. Just as <span>Justin Verlander</span> on Firday night. Fister kept throwing to first until he picked Bonifacio off. A pissed off Bonifacio thought he beat the pick off attempt and spiked his helmet in protest. First base umpire James Hoye didn't take kindly to being shown up, instantaneously ejecting the Royals' second baseman.</p>
<p>No arguments from the Royals. Throw your helmet, you're going to get tossed.</p>
<p>There was also no argument Santana was on his game. His breaking ball diving away from Tigers' bat, Santana had held the Tigers to a pair of singles through four innings. Fister had settled in after his scary first inning, having allowed just the one run on three hits.</p>
<p>The pitcher's duel was on. As was another tight, close game between the Royals and Tigers.</p>
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<p>Two outs in the fifth, Fister had been cruising. Three Royals later, he was in a bases loaded jam. Dyson beat out a bunt, Alcides Escobar's sinking liner falliing in front of a lunging <span>Torii Hunter</span>. Fister added to his troubles by walking Gordon on four pitches.</p>
<p>A visit from your local friendly pitching coach (Jeff Jones) and <span>Chris Getz</span> (who replaced the boneheaded Bonifacio) ended the threat. Getz sent a can of corn to center, stranding three Royals.</p>
<p>There was no hint of a threat on the Tigers' side of things. Santana was rolling, and even better for the Royals, efficient. After a 1-2-3 sixth, Santana's pitch count was a stellar 61. Factor in the Royals' excellent bullpen, it was beginning to look as if one run was all they would need.</p>
<p>For a second consecutive inning, Fister found himself in trouble. Top of seven and two down, Perez lined a single to center. Infante was unable to hold on to <span>Mike Moustakas</span>' flair in shallow right. Fister pitched out of the jam when <span>Lorenzo Cain</span> took a huge two strike swing, whiffing while swinging for the fences.</p>
<p>Santana gave up only his third hit of the night when <span>Jose Iglesias</span> bunted for a base hit to lead off the bottom of the seventh. A fielder's choice and line out later, Jackson was on first with two out when Cabrera made a bid. But his fly ball to deep left died on the warning track, where Gordon hauled it in, ending the inning.</p>
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<p>The crowd at Comerica, and the media in the press box, were all duped by Miggy's monster shot that died at the warning track. Ahh! Oh.</p>
— James Schmehl (@jamesschmehl) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamesschmehl/statuses/379043509610639360">September 15, 2013</a>
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<p>That ... had a loud sound, but was about four feet shy of a go-ahead HR for Miguel Cabrera. If he hits them that deep, they usually go out</p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/statuses/379043399501742080">September 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Even though Santana's pitch count was a mere 68 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Royals' lock down bullpen started stirring. They began warming up in earnest when Martinez and Dirks reached on back-to-back one out singles. Both runners were able to advance into scoring position on Infante's chopper to short.</p>
<p>Avila due to the plate and the lead run on second, Royals' skipper Ned Yost pulled Santana, calling on lefty Will Smith. Jim Leyland countered by calling Avila back to the bench, and pinch hitting with rookie <span>Nick Castellanos</span>.</p>
<p>Give the strategy battle to Yost. Castellanos flew out to shallow center, stranding two runners in scoring position. Considering Avila has an .873 OPS in the second half and 1.051 in September, and was replaced a very raw rookie, I'm not surprised by the outcome.</p>
<p>Top of eight, the Royals were bound and determined to add an insurance run. Fister helped them along by walking the lead off man, Getz. Wanting to move the runner, Hosmer laid down a perfect bunt. So perfect, he beat it out for a single.</p>
<p>Two on and no one out, Butler hit a sinking liner to right. Hunter charged, made the catch and came up throwing as Getz tagged up.</p>
<p>It wasn't even close.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3223979/hunter_throw.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunter_throw_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3223979/hunter_throw_medium.png"></a> <br id="1379207766458"></p>
<p>Hunter had pulled off the oh-so-common 9-5 double play.</p>
<p>But Fister was having command issues, extending the inning by walking Perez on four pitches. Having dodged one bullet and not wanting to see the inning spin out of control, Jim Leyland pulled his starter after 7 2/3 innings and 106 pitches.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"I was a terrific play to end the game. On everyone's part." <span>-Leyland on the game ending play at the plate</span>
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<p>Instead of <span>Drew Smyly</span> or <span>Phil Coke</span> taking on the left-handed Moustakas, Leyland went with rookie Jose Alvarez. While the fan base freaked out, Alvarez ended the inning on a fly ball to center.</p>
<p>Set up man Luke Hochevar pitched the eighth for the Royals, finding himself in a bit of two out trouble. Hunter bounced a double to left, giving Cabrera a shot at tying the game. First pitch swinging, he bounced meekly to second, ending the threat.</p>
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<p>In September he has been Capoot</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/statuses/379054018955182080">September 15, 2013</a>
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<p>Al Alburquerque took over in the top of the ninth, very effective in a 1-2-3 inning.</p>
<p>Down to their final three outs, the Tigers would face closer Greg Holland. Holland had been lights out, but did recently blow his first save since May on September 5. So ... hope?</p>
<p>Holland gave the Tigers a little when he walked Fielder on five pitches. In a surprise move, there was no pinch runner for Fielder. Martinez took a huge cut, but popped up to short right for the first out. Holland made Dirks look foolish, striking him out on three pitches.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"I'm not taking Fielder out of the game. I'm not going to do it." <span>-Leyland's defense of not using pinch runners</span>
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<p>It was up to Infante. He came through with a liner which rolled to the left field fence, but the unfathomable decision to not pinch run for Fielder bit Leyland right in the ass.</p>
<p>Tom Brookens sent Fielder, which I have no issue with. That he wasn't sending <span>Hernan Perez</span> or <span>Danny Worth</span> is the issue. The Royals pulled off the relay, Gordon to Escobar to Perez. Escobars' throw wasn't very good, on the short hop and off line, but Perez was still able to slap on the tag.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3224059/out.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Out_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3224059/out_medium.png"></a> <br id="1379211594323"></p>
<p>Game over. Your final score is Royals 1, Tigers 0.</p>
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<p>MAY ALL YOUR PITCHING PROSPECTS BE TRADED AWAY FOR JEFF FRANCOUER ROYALS</p>
— Tokarz (@tokarzontigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tokarzontigers/statuses/379059383600025601">September 15, 2013</a>
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<p>As well as the Tigers had pitched, the Royals had been just a little better. That was the difference in the game. Santana was better than Fister, end of story.</p>
<p>As for not pinch running Fielder? I'll answer that question with a question. You have an extended bench in September, why not use it? I'm still not going along with the not pinch running in case the game goes into extra innings. Not pinch running for the lumbering Fielder ensured the game didn't go into extras.</p>
<p>I like how Jim Leyland runs the team, and that the biggest part of the job. But his on-field decision making is often baffling. Such as saying you will pinch run for Martinez, but not Fielder.</p>
<p>The Tigers fall to 85-63 (.574), their lead now at five games over the 80-68 (.541) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> with 14 games left to play. In regard to the fight for first round home field (The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> are pulling away from the Tigers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> for the best record), the Athletics are two games up on the Tigers. In fact, at five games the Tigers now have the smallest lead of any team in the AL. The Red Sox lead the East by nine, the A's are up 5 1/2 in the West. It really doesn't mean much other than the remaining teams are in the fight for their Wild Card lives. That's a battle which will go to the final game of the season, to MLB's delight.</p>
<p>The season series finale with the Royals comes to an end with right-hander <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> (14-10, 4.11 ERA) hoping to stop <span>Max Scherzer</span> from reaching the 20 win plateau (19-3, 3.01 ERA).</p>
<p>Expect Guthrie to relatively deep into the game. In his 30 starts, he's pitched less than six innings just three times. This season Guthrie has made three starts against the Tigers, winning two. But he's allowed 11 runs in 19 innings, a 5.12 ERA.</p>
<p>Since reaching 19-1, Scherzer has pitched 16 innings in his last three starts, losing two, allowing 11 earned runs for a 6.19 ERA. Scherzer is coming off his shortest start of 2013, pulled after four innings and five runs, four earned, in a loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>. In three starts against the Royals this season, Scherzer is 3-0, but with a 4.05 ERA.</p>
<p>Sunday's first pitch is set for 1:08 PM. At approximately 4 PM or so, the Tigers will be done with the Royals until 2014. Finally.</p>
<p><b>WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-09-14&team=Tigers&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span>Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-09-14&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>What the human element takes away, it can also sometimes give you. Top of one, Emilio Bonifacio hit a line drive which was ruled foul in spite of Price Fielder tipping the ball with his glove. Replays confirmed Fielder tipped the liner. The Royals mildly protested, but to no avail. When replay goes into effect next year, Bonifacio has a double and the Royals are off to a big inning. In 2013, the call saves the Tigers a run.</p>
<p>Another reason why everyone loves Miguel Cabrera. He can't run a lick due to his injuries, but threatening to steal anyway. All Eric Hosmer could do was laugh.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3223443/miggy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Miggy_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3223443/miggy_medium.png"></a> <br id="1379201379791"></p>
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<p>Miggy acting like he's going to steal. He is my favorite.</p>
— Melissa Heyboer (@MelissaHeyboer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaHeyboer/statuses/379022958809063424">September 14, 2013</a>
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<p>The Indians are playing the White Sox on "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day" in Chicago. A promotion which resulted in these bright green atrocities. :</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3223459/atrocities.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Atrocities_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3223459/atrocities_medium.png"></a> <br id="1379202635165"></p>
<p>Not to be outdone, it was Star Wars night at Comerica. Was Darth Vader looking for Luke ... Putkonen?</p>
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<p>Never a dull moment in the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Tigers&src=hash">#Tigers</a> press box. <a href="http://t.co/enbk5ESAk8">pic.twitter.com/enbk5ESAk8</a></p>
— Dana Wakiji (@FSDwakiji) <a href="https://twitter.com/FSDwakiji/statuses/379021294957654016">September 14, 2013</a>
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<p>Bald spot captured. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/FSDwakiji">@FSDwakiji</a>: Royalty in the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Tigers&src=hash">#Tigers</a> press box. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23StarWarsNight&src=hash">#StarWarsNight</a> <a href="http://t.co/P3JRL2JSBl">pic.twitter.com/P3JRL2JSBl</a></p>
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewbmowery/statuses/379023801880571904">September 14, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The reaction to Jose Alvarez entering the game in a high leverage situation in the eighth raised the hackles of many.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Why Alvarez with 2 men on, down 1- 0 in the 8th?</p>
— Patrick OKennedy (@Tigerdog_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tigerdog_1/statuses/379050615092940800">September 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>He got the out, but Alvarez?</p>
— MattinToledo (@MattinToledo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattinToledo/statuses/379051271430606848">September 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>ALVAREZ?</p>
— Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Sakowski_PG/statuses/379050476030799872">September 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Honestly, "WTF?" was my reaction to Alvarez as well. But it worked.</p>
<p>If there was a game which showed the need for Jhonny Peralta's bat coming off the bench, this was it. The Tigers have absolutely no offense coming off the bench. When you're pinch hitting with <span>Don Kelly</span>, any argument over not keeping Peralta on the roster in October is over.</p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b>Doug Fister: </b>The old bromide fits - he deserved better.</p>
<p><b>Victor Martinez:</b> The only Tiger with two hits.</p>
<p><b>Torii Hunter: </b>Singled, but gets a roar for his marvelous throw to cut down Chris Getz in the eighth. Every once in a while, we see glimpses of the former Gold Glover in right.</p>
<p><b>THREE HISSES:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Jim Leyland: </b>For the want of a pinch runner...</p>
<p><b>The Tigers' offense:</b> Shutout for a tenth time.</p>
<p><b>The Royals:</b> I hate them.</p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info </th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>586</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AlohaTigersFan">AlohaTigersFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BadCompany22">BadCompany22</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Beejeez">Beejeez</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cabbylander">Cabbylander</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dale%20S">Dale S</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Dale%20Sams">Dale Sams</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitSports">DetroitSports</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JerseyTigerFan">JerseyTigerFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jim%20Bunn">Jim Bunn</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RationalSportsFan">RationalSportsFan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanBoiler">SpartanBoiler</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Starsailor">Starsailor</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigers%2C%20Lions%2C%20and%20Wings...Oh%20my%21">Tigers, Lions, and Wings...Oh my!</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Verlanderful">Verlanderful</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dishnet34">dishnet34</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnmoz">johnmoz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/josejose50">josejose50</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/knucklescarbone">knucklescarbone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swish330">swish330</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/texastigerfan">texastigerfan</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m">http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>TOP TEN COMMENTERS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th>#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments </th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JWurm">JWurm</a></td>
<td>80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SanDiegoMick">SanDiegoMick</a></td>
<td>73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Baker">Alex Baker</a></td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Singledigit">Singledigit</a></td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/swish330">swish330</a></td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JerseyTigerFan">JerseyTigerFan</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tigerdog1">Tigerdog1</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DJ%20Screw">DJ Screw</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>TOP RECS:</b></p>
<table>
<thead><tr>
<th># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link </th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#184461387">[no title]</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpartanHT">SpartanHT</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#184493695">You know, I'm too happy about MSU showing that offense can exist</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/stevenyc">stevenyc</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#184479107">A lot of players would be in the dugout, having failed to hit as well as Victor</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rob%20Rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-m#184455673">These are not the jokes you are looking for</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/13/4728506/tigers-6-royals-3-prince-fielder-100-rbi-justin-verlander-win-magic-number-10-mlb-cy-chen">GAME 147 PLAYER OF THE GAME</a>:</b></p>
<p>The Tigers topped the Royals 6-3, with several players making significant contributions to the victory. Prince Fielder stood out with a home run and single, driving in three to pushed him over the 100 RBI mark for the sixth time. Fielder was rewarded for his efforts with a win in the PotG poll, taking 66% of the vote.</p>
<h4>More Roars</h4>
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https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730722/royals-1-tigers-0-ervin-santana-win-holland-save-prince-fielder-thrown-out-home-mlbAl Beaton2013-09-14T18:30:03-04:002013-09-14T18:30:03-04:00Game 148: Royals at Tigers, 7:08 p.m.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ut0pwXdebBAFntJNYJWAeqztb4Y=/4x0:3997x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19535099/20130908_lbm_sa7_134.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4728822/2013-game-148-preview-kansas-city-royals-at-detroit-tigers">Game 148 preview</a></p> <p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Tigers lead the series 1-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 09/13</td> <td> WP: <span>Justin Verlander</span> (13 - 11) <br> SV: <span>Joaquin Benoit</span> <br> LP: <span>Bruce Chen</span> (7 - 3) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_event/show/120421?league=mlb">6 - 3 win</a></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> <span class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/"><img alt="Royalsreview_m" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/434/royalsreview_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a></span></span></span> <br><span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> <span class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img alt="Blessyouboys_m" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/community_logos/47589/blessyouboys_m.png"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_event/show/120423?league=mlb">Saturday, Sep 14, 2013, 7:08 PM EDT</a><br> Comerica Park</p> <p class="pitchers"><span>Ervin Santana</span> vs <span>Doug Fister</span></p> <p class="weather"> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60.</p> <div class="coverage"><div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4728822/2013-game-148-preview-kansas-city-royals-at-detroit-tigers">Game 148 Preview: Royals at Tigers</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/authors/rob-rogacki">Rob Rogacki</a></span> <span class="time">about 6 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">5 comments | 0 recs</p> </div></div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_event/show/120423?league=mlb">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 09/15</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/sbn_pte_event/show/120425?league=mlb">1:08 PM EDT</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>Tigers lineup: Jackson 8, Hunter 9, Cabrera 5, Fielder 3, Martinez DH, Dirks 7, Infante 4, Avila 2, Iglesias 6</p>
<p>Royals lineup: Gordon LF Bonifacio 2B Hosmer 1B Gordon DH Perez C Moustakas 3B Cain RF Dyson CF Escobar SS</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4730910/game-148-royals-at-tigers-7-08-p-mallikazoo2013-09-14T10:42:33-04:002013-09-14T10:42:33-04:00Game 148 Preview: Royals at Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v6j5fZsuIbBP8Nl0Prs2-1q01c4=/0x490:2667x2268/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19499185/20130909_kdl_ar7_105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers' magic number is down to 10. Doug Fister will try to cut it to single digits tonight against Ervin Santana and the Kansas City Royals.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> (77-70) at <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> (85-62)</h4>
<p><b>Time/Place:</b> 7:08 p.m., Comerica Park</p>
<p><b>SB Nation blog:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com">Royals Review</a></p>
<p><b>Media:</b> Fox Sports Detroit, MLB Network, <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=mlb&affiliateId=mlbMENU#date=9/14/2013">MLB.TV</a> (Free Game of the Day), <a target="_blank" href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/schedule/radioaffiliates.jsp">Tigers Radio Network</a></p>
<p><b>Pitching Matchup:</b> RHP <span>Ervin Santana</span> (8-9, 3.35 ERA) vs. RHP <span>Doug Fister</span> (12-8, 3.77 ERA)</p>
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pitcher</td>
<td>GS</td>
<td>IP</td>
<td>K/9</td>
<td>BB/9</td>
<td>HR/9</td>
<td>WHIP</td>
<td>FIP</td>
<td>SIERA</td>
<td>fWAR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Santana</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>191.0</td>
<td>7.07</td>
<td>2.12</td>
<td>1.18</td>
<td>1.15</td>
<td>3.98</td>
<td>3.76</td>
<td>2.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fister</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>186.0</td>
<td>6.53</td>
<td>1.84</td>
<td>0.58</td>
<td>1.30</td>
<td>3.31</td>
<td>3.56</td>
<td>4.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>This is only Santana's second start against the Tigers this season, and the other one went pretty well. Santana allowed just three baserunners in 7 1/3 innings on July 19th in a 1-0 Royals win. This is nothing new for him, though. In 12 career starts, Santana is 7-3 with a 3.26 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 3.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio against the Tigers. He hasn't been as effective at Comerica Park, allowing a 5.02 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and .808 OPS in seven starts.</p>
<p>Overall, 2013 has been a resurgent year for Santana, who slogged through an abysmal 2012. Last season, he allowed a 5.16 ERA, 5.63 FIP, and a league-high 39 home runs for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a>. Royals GM Dayton Moore was mocked for many of his offseason moves, but the trade for Santana is one of few that has actually panned out during his tenure.</p>
<p>The biggest reason for Santana's success -- aside from a dramatic drop in home run rate -- is a huge cut in his walk rate. Last season, he walked 3.08 batters per nine innings. This year, he has lowered that by nearly a full batter per nine innings. His 2.12 walks per nine innings this year is his lowest rate since 2008, his lone All-Star season. He is also stranding 76.4% of baserunners, up from 69.8% last season.</p>
<p>Fister has struggled at times against the Royals this year. In four starts, he has allowed eight hits or more on three separate occasions for a 1.39 WHIP. He has 18 strikeouts to just four walks, but the Royals have seemed to square him up better than most teams. This was most apparent in his last start, when he allowed five runs in 6 1/3 innings last Sunday. Three of those came on one swing from <span>Eric Hosmer</span>, who has hit .316/.409/.474 in 22 plate appearances against Fister.</p>
<p><b>This is the part where I get to say "I told you so"</b></p>
<p>No, I'm not talking about Justin Verlander. We've seen starts like this before -- and despite three runs allowed last night, I think we saw vintage Verlander -- and I'm not ready to say he's "back" yet.</p>
<p>I'm talking about <span>Prince Fielder</span>. It has been a month since <span>Torii Hunter</span> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/8/13/4619088/torii-hunter-on-prince-fielder-people-dont-know-whats-going-on-in-his" target="_blank">aired Prince's personal issues</a> to the local media, and it seems to have taken a weight off of Prince's shoulders. In 29 games over the last calendar month, Prince is hitting .345/.402/.573 with seven home runs and 21 RBI. His eye still hasn't returned -- he has only walked nine times to 17 strikeouts -- but the power has. So much for a career downslope.</p>
<p><b>Outlook</b></p>
<p>Fister has been trending the wrong way against the Royals in his last couple starts, allowing 18 hits and eight runs in 12 2/3 innings. He has been able to limit the damage against them at times though, holding them to three runs or fewer in three starts despite all the baserunners. Meanwhile, the emergence of Prince Fielder has taken some pressure off of Miguel Cabrera. In their last 10 home games, the Tigers have scored 56 runs. I don't see them falling far off that pace tonight.</p>
<p><b>Prediction</b></p>
<p>The Tigers shock the world and score a late run against the Royals' bullpen to pick up their fourth consecutive win.</p>
<h4>More Roars</h4>
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https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/14/4728822/2013-game-148-preview-kansas-city-royals-at-detroit-tigersRob Rogacki