"Tigers Need More Ballplayers."
Drew Sharp wrote an article in the Freep today. I boiled it down to that one sentence for you. If you want to click on the link, that's fine, but I did you the favor of summarizing. So you're all set. And so is Drew, he's right on the money again. So insightful.
If only the Tigers had a full roster last year, it might have ended differently.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Anyone Else Get The Feeling That Michael Rosenberg Doesn't Like Rich Rodriguez?
Mikey went all Drew Sharp on Rich Rod again today. It's for good reason, no doubt. The Michigan offense is an inept embarrassment.
Thankfully, I didn't see the game this past weekend but I find it hard to fathom that Michigan could lose to Toledo under any circumstances. They should be able to run one play all game and still beat Toledo to death. Run right. Run left. Run center. Etc. Right?
Anyway, Mikey submarined his whole life with the following:
Rodriguez was left with better talent than this. He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
Honestly? He wrote that? Really?
REALLY?
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
I know the guy was highly recruited. 2nd best QB in the nation behind Jimmy Clausen. (I guess football recruiting isn't an exact science.) Mallett completed 43% of his passes last year. 43%. Those are Steve Threet numbers. Do not tell me Ryan Mallett would be succeeding in this offense. He'd be a stumbling, bumbling, fumbling, machine. Imagine John Navarre (or Steven Threet) running the spread option and that's what Rosenberg thinks Rich Rod should have pushed for.
I'm not going to get into the fact that Mallett chose to leave, probably realizing he would die in the spread option. Rosenberg makes it seem as if RR removed him from the program. That's ludricous. Steve Threet would be gone too if he hadn't just transfered from Georgia Tech. Nick Sheridan would have transferred as well but they don't allow you to transfer back to high school. David Cone is on the Andy Mignery plan.
Then Rosenberg doubled-down on the craziness with this:
Mallett’s departure created a domino effect. Receiver Adrian Arrington, who was probably coming back, left for the NFL. He could have been the best receiver in the Big Ten.
When did Adrian Arrington attribute his leaving for the NFL to Ryan Mallett transfering? And really, do you think Michigan would be any good with Ryan Mallett and Adrian Arrington? Neither are right for the system. Mallett is too, uh, bad and Arrington is pokey. He WOULD NOT have been the best receiver in the Big Ten under ANY circumstances this year. That's nuts.
Michigan has no experience. Their offensive line is the worst I've ever seen at U of M. Their quarterbacks are inexperienced and mediocre in any offense AND they don't fit the system. The skill players either don't fit the system or are freshmen. The defense is fine but on the field the whole game and certainly not dominant. This is not a recipe for success.
Even (one of) the most gifted passers in school history might have trouble righting the ship.
Thankfully, I didn't see the game this past weekend but I find it hard to fathom that Michigan could lose to Toledo under any circumstances. They should be able to run one play all game and still beat Toledo to death. Run right. Run left. Run center. Etc. Right?
Anyway, Mikey submarined his whole life with the following:
Rodriguez was left with better talent than this. He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
Honestly? He wrote that? Really?
REALLY?
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
He could have had Ryan Mallett, one of the most gifted passers in school history.
I know the guy was highly recruited. 2nd best QB in the nation behind Jimmy Clausen. (I guess football recruiting isn't an exact science.) Mallett completed 43% of his passes last year. 43%. Those are Steve Threet numbers. Do not tell me Ryan Mallett would be succeeding in this offense. He'd be a stumbling, bumbling, fumbling, machine. Imagine John Navarre (or Steven Threet) running the spread option and that's what Rosenberg thinks Rich Rod should have pushed for.
I'm not going to get into the fact that Mallett chose to leave, probably realizing he would die in the spread option. Rosenberg makes it seem as if RR removed him from the program. That's ludricous. Steve Threet would be gone too if he hadn't just transfered from Georgia Tech. Nick Sheridan would have transferred as well but they don't allow you to transfer back to high school. David Cone is on the Andy Mignery plan.
Then Rosenberg doubled-down on the craziness with this:
Mallett’s departure created a domino effect. Receiver Adrian Arrington, who was probably coming back, left for the NFL. He could have been the best receiver in the Big Ten.
When did Adrian Arrington attribute his leaving for the NFL to Ryan Mallett transfering? And really, do you think Michigan would be any good with Ryan Mallett and Adrian Arrington? Neither are right for the system. Mallett is too, uh, bad and Arrington is pokey. He WOULD NOT have been the best receiver in the Big Ten under ANY circumstances this year. That's nuts.
Michigan has no experience. Their offensive line is the worst I've ever seen at U of M. Their quarterbacks are inexperienced and mediocre in any offense AND they don't fit the system. The skill players either don't fit the system or are freshmen. The defense is fine but on the field the whole game and certainly not dominant. This is not a recipe for success.
Even (one of) the most gifted passers in school history might have trouble righting the ship.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Biz-E
There have been plenty of articles worth posting in the past week or so but the real world has kept me busy of late.
As long as Lynn is plugging away on his antique typewriter, I'll be there.
Just a phone call away.
Call me if you need me. (The other moderator of this blog is going to be upset if I throw up the Barack™ but I just can't help myself. Sorry Ecky!)
As long as Lynn is plugging away on his antique typewriter, I'll be there.
Just a phone call away.
Call me if you need me. (The other moderator of this blog is going to be upset if I throw up the Barack™ but I just can't help myself. Sorry Ecky!)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Numbers
Lynn had a long piece in the News yesterday before all this Matt Clay Ford Millen stuff broke today.
In typical Lynn fashion, it's incredibly strange and difficult to read:
Numbers show where Tigers failed
Defense didn't help pitchers who couldn't control the strike zone.
That's the headline and sub-heading. I'm not particularly sure how the defense can help pitchers that "couldn't control the strike zone" since they presumably are issuing too many walks.
There's a ton of weird stuff in there and at some point I may get around to examining the whole thing. What's particularly interesting is Lynn going to Roland Hemond (Dave Dombrowski's mentor) for quotes examining the Tigers' failure this year. Oddly enough, Hemond seems to absolve the coaches (and presumably the GM) from any wrongdoing.
Since the whole article was about "numbers," Lynn does demonstrate his mastery of numbers and statistics with comments such as:
Nate Robertson, the one-time staff "bulldog" who was a good bet in most seasons to pitch 200 innings, has been in and out of the rotation due to an ERA that today sits at 6.15.
I thought this sounded a bit, shall we say, odd when I read it since Robertson goes through a dead arm phase basically every year forcing him to be shutdown.
Using my mastery of computers, I found this page that seems to contain "numbers" for Bulldog Nate Robertson.
Robertson has been with the Tigers for 5 full seasons. He's eclipsed 200 innings pitched (208.2) exactly 1 time.
Once.
1 out of 5 = good bet (Lynn™)
In typical Lynn fashion, it's incredibly strange and difficult to read:
Numbers show where Tigers failed
Defense didn't help pitchers who couldn't control the strike zone.
That's the headline and sub-heading. I'm not particularly sure how the defense can help pitchers that "couldn't control the strike zone" since they presumably are issuing too many walks.
There's a ton of weird stuff in there and at some point I may get around to examining the whole thing. What's particularly interesting is Lynn going to Roland Hemond (Dave Dombrowski's mentor) for quotes examining the Tigers' failure this year. Oddly enough, Hemond seems to absolve the coaches (and presumably the GM) from any wrongdoing.
Since the whole article was about "numbers," Lynn does demonstrate his mastery of numbers and statistics with comments such as:
Nate Robertson, the one-time staff "bulldog" who was a good bet in most seasons to pitch 200 innings, has been in and out of the rotation due to an ERA that today sits at 6.15.
I thought this sounded a bit, shall we say, odd when I read it since Robertson goes through a dead arm phase basically every year forcing him to be shutdown.
Using my mastery of computers, I found this page that seems to contain "numbers" for Bulldog Nate Robertson.
Robertson has been with the Tigers for 5 full seasons. He's eclipsed 200 innings pitched (208.2) exactly 1 time.
Once.
1 out of 5 = good bet (Lynn™)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Adam Pettyjohn, former Tiger = Mason Storm
OK, he wasn't in a 7 year coma but still.
Dusty Baker makes an appearance in the article and once again shows off his great baseball acumen:
This year he went 15-6 at the Reds’ Triple-A Louisville affiliate, and after striking out 10 in one of his last starts, Baker noticed. He had seen Pettyjohn in spring training and didn’t think he was ready, but to Baker, winning is winning regardless of what the radar gun says.
“Fifteen wins are 15 wins,” Baker said. “Sixteen wins are 16. I see him and I think Tommy John and Jamie Moyer. That’s pitching.”
Wins (especially at AAA) are a great measure of pitching performance.
Base clogging is bad.
Etc.
I love you Dusty.
Dusty Baker makes an appearance in the article and once again shows off his great baseball acumen:
This year he went 15-6 at the Reds’ Triple-A Louisville affiliate, and after striking out 10 in one of his last starts, Baker noticed. He had seen Pettyjohn in spring training and didn’t think he was ready, but to Baker, winning is winning regardless of what the radar gun says.
“Fifteen wins are 15 wins,” Baker said. “Sixteen wins are 16. I see him and I think Tommy John and Jamie Moyer. That’s pitching.”
Wins (especially at AAA) are a great measure of pitching performance.
Base clogging is bad.
Etc.
I love you Dusty.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
One Man's Dream
Today was quite enjoyable.
I missed the first 3 quarters of the Lions game. Got a few score updates and had a good laugh when I saw they were down 21-0.
I caught a few minutes of Slappy Dan Miller and Crazy Jim Brandstatter on my way home including a nice Ernie Sims verbal BJ.
Much to my chagrin, once I tuned into FOX and the Armenian teen heartthrob, Matt Vasgersian, the Lions began their spirited comeback.
Then the wheels came off.
The tires blew.
And the gas tank exploded.
It was like watching a team go from 6-2 to 7-9 in 5 minutes flat. Truly outstanding stuff.
The dream of a defeated season lives on...
I missed the first 3 quarters of the Lions game. Got a few score updates and had a good laugh when I saw they were down 21-0.
I caught a few minutes of Slappy Dan Miller and Crazy Jim Brandstatter on my way home including a nice Ernie Sims verbal BJ.
Much to my chagrin, once I tuned into FOX and the Armenian teen heartthrob, Matt Vasgersian, the Lions began their spirited comeback.
Then the wheels came off.
The tires blew.
And the gas tank exploded.
It was like watching a team go from 6-2 to 7-9 in 5 minutes flat. Truly outstanding stuff.
The dream of a defeated season lives on...
Friday, September 12, 2008
"Good" "Proven"
Have vastly different meanings in the world of Joe Marinelli. Joe Barry. Joe Son-In-Law. Whatever.
"We're a good team. We've proven that; we've shown that. We're a good defense," Barry said. "You don't all of a sudden just forget how to tackle in five days. Now, we had a poor outing, we did a poor job of it. Hopefully that's behind us and we're ready to move on."
I assume he's referring to the Detroit defense that ranked 32nd in the league last year. Out of 32 teams. Dead last = good & proven. Dead last = The Lions Standard
15 more losses to go defeated...
"We're a good team. We've proven that; we've shown that. We're a good defense," Barry said. "You don't all of a sudden just forget how to tackle in five days. Now, we had a poor outing, we did a poor job of it. Hopefully that's behind us and we're ready to move on."
I assume he's referring to the Detroit defense that ranked 32nd in the league last year. Out of 32 teams. Dead last = good & proven. Dead last = The Lions Standard
15 more losses to go defeated...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Chris Matthews Syndrome
Chad Gaudin seems to be having a tingling problem.
"He said he gets a tingling down in his buttocks when he throws the ball," Piniella said.
MSNBC recently saved Matthews from any more leg tingles by removing him from his anchor seat, perhaps Gaudin just needs to watch fewer Obama speeches and he'll be ready to get back on the mound.
"He said he gets a tingling down in his buttocks when he throws the ball," Piniella said.
MSNBC recently saved Matthews from any more leg tingles by removing him from his anchor seat, perhaps Gaudin just needs to watch fewer Obama speeches and he'll be ready to get back on the mound.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Rough Year?
Dude is not looking good. Is he borrowing liver spots from his Special Assistant, HOF '80? Admittedly, the photo is from the Free Press and all their pics look like they are transmitted via telegraph but it's still horrifying.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Baseball Gnome Brings Freakish Enlarged Heart To Phoenix
David Eckstein traded from Toronto to Arizona
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press
David Eckstein quickly called his wife, then finished a fast interview and bounced around the clubhouse exchanging hugs with ex-teammates.
Bounced? Anyone else picture the translucent scrapper on one of those big inflatable rubber balls that Christina Applegate and the Clown Dog guy bonded on?
The scrappy infielder always hustles, but this was a little different.
That's the SECOND line of the article.
He immediately called his wife, actress Ashley Drane, who was at the airport waiting to board a flight for Toronto.
And so it turns out my time reading this article wasn't wasted at all:
One important note. Eckstein will be playing second base in Arizona. Presumably he won't be using his entire body to catapult the ball across the infield anymore.
Bummer.
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press
David Eckstein quickly called his wife, then finished a fast interview and bounced around the clubhouse exchanging hugs with ex-teammates.
Bounced? Anyone else picture the translucent scrapper on one of those big inflatable rubber balls that Christina Applegate and the Clown Dog guy bonded on?
The scrappy infielder always hustles, but this was a little different.
That's the SECOND line of the article.
He immediately called his wife, actress Ashley Drane, who was at the airport waiting to board a flight for Toronto.
And so it turns out my time reading this article wasn't wasted at all:
One important note. Eckstein will be playing second base in Arizona. Presumably he won't be using his entire body to catapult the ball across the infield anymore.
Bummer.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Eric Munson, Where art thou?
Our boy Lynn has a Jeff Larish fetish.
Ah, what to do with Jeff Larish. It's one of those subjects that has been chewed on at length by the Tigers as they plot their future and how a powerful left-handed-hitting first baseman might help them.
Well, they could start by playing him. But the Skipper still thinks they have to give at-bats to Worthless Piece of Shit Sheffield and it took Miguel Cabrera all of 2 seconds after we dealt for him to slide all the way down the defensive spectrum.
One answer always seems to emerge: third base.
It's why Larish will be headed to the Arizona Fall League this autumn with express instructions to be used at third base, primarily, and at first base as a second consideration.
Of course, it isn't that Larish has botched anything at first base that has spurred the Tigers to switch positions.
Let's say Larish had botched something at first...would it be a good strategy to move someone that can't play first to a tougher position? That seems like a strange plan, no?
Rather, it has to do with Miguel Cabrera having a seven-year contract at first base, where it's expected he will continue to roll up Hall of Fame-brand numbers.
Right, I forgot the Tigers gave Cabrera a first base contract. He can't be moved or else the contract is voided. Yep. Gotcha Lynn.
The Tigers believe they can divide and conquer.
Huh?
They are in need of another powerful left-handed bat in their lineup.
I thought the great Matt Joyce solidified our left handed hitting.
With Carlos Guillen and his age (32) prompting thoughts of the future, and with Brandon Inge presently set at catcher for 2009, the Tigers need to consider Larish's ability to bust up games and to provide competent defense at third.
Maybe they should move Larish to catcher!
Larish has been with the Tigers on a couple of call-up assignments this year and has shown why manager Jim Leyland has said, "I like Larish -- I like him a lot."
Leyland liking a guy is a fucking death knell. Other players Jimmy likes:
Neifi Perez, Gary Sheffield, Ramon Santiago, Brandon Inge, Todd Jones, Alexis Gomez
He has impressive power and a good eye, most of which has been visible this season at Triple-A Toledo (21 home runs, a .342 on-base average in 380 at-bats).
Larish's numbers are not that great at AAA this year. Not bad, but certainly not good enough that the Tigers should be overly concerned with finding a spot for him in their lineup, at least not yet. .250/.342/.479 with 21 bombs and 50 walks against 109 strikeouts makes him anything but a sure thing.
For all the emphasis the Tigers will place on rehabilitating their pitching staff and sharpening their defense for next year, there will be a desperate need, as well, for hitters who can change games with one big hit.
The Tigers need Clutchy "Big Hit" McClutcherson. If only they had taken my advice and gotten everyone's favorite baseball gnome, David Eckstein, last offseason.
It is why Larish will be anchored to third base when the Arizona league, which features the best young talent in baseball, convenes in October.
"I pushed hard with the Arizona people because that's what we wanted to do," said Glenn Ezell, the Tigers director of player development, speaking about the plan to play Larish at third. "One thing about him is that when he did play some third base at Toledo, he didn't screw up."
EZ sure has a way with words.
Ah, what to do with Jeff Larish. It's one of those subjects that has been chewed on at length by the Tigers as they plot their future and how a powerful left-handed-hitting first baseman might help them.
Well, they could start by playing him. But the Skipper still thinks they have to give at-bats to Worthless Piece of Shit Sheffield and it took Miguel Cabrera all of 2 seconds after we dealt for him to slide all the way down the defensive spectrum.
One answer always seems to emerge: third base.
It's why Larish will be headed to the Arizona Fall League this autumn with express instructions to be used at third base, primarily, and at first base as a second consideration.
Of course, it isn't that Larish has botched anything at first base that has spurred the Tigers to switch positions.
Let's say Larish had botched something at first...would it be a good strategy to move someone that can't play first to a tougher position? That seems like a strange plan, no?
Rather, it has to do with Miguel Cabrera having a seven-year contract at first base, where it's expected he will continue to roll up Hall of Fame-brand numbers.
Right, I forgot the Tigers gave Cabrera a first base contract. He can't be moved or else the contract is voided. Yep. Gotcha Lynn.
The Tigers believe they can divide and conquer.
Huh?
They are in need of another powerful left-handed bat in their lineup.
I thought the great Matt Joyce solidified our left handed hitting.
With Carlos Guillen and his age (32) prompting thoughts of the future, and with Brandon Inge presently set at catcher for 2009, the Tigers need to consider Larish's ability to bust up games and to provide competent defense at third.
Maybe they should move Larish to catcher!
Larish has been with the Tigers on a couple of call-up assignments this year and has shown why manager Jim Leyland has said, "I like Larish -- I like him a lot."
Leyland liking a guy is a fucking death knell. Other players Jimmy likes:
Neifi Perez, Gary Sheffield, Ramon Santiago, Brandon Inge, Todd Jones, Alexis Gomez
He has impressive power and a good eye, most of which has been visible this season at Triple-A Toledo (21 home runs, a .342 on-base average in 380 at-bats).
Larish's numbers are not that great at AAA this year. Not bad, but certainly not good enough that the Tigers should be overly concerned with finding a spot for him in their lineup, at least not yet. .250/.342/.479 with 21 bombs and 50 walks against 109 strikeouts makes him anything but a sure thing.
For all the emphasis the Tigers will place on rehabilitating their pitching staff and sharpening their defense for next year, there will be a desperate need, as well, for hitters who can change games with one big hit.
The Tigers need Clutchy "Big Hit" McClutcherson. If only they had taken my advice and gotten everyone's favorite baseball gnome, David Eckstein, last offseason.
It is why Larish will be anchored to third base when the Arizona league, which features the best young talent in baseball, convenes in October.
"I pushed hard with the Arizona people because that's what we wanted to do," said Glenn Ezell, the Tigers director of player development, speaking about the plan to play Larish at third. "One thing about him is that when he did play some third base at Toledo, he didn't screw up."
EZ sure has a way with words.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland will no doubt be thinking of Larish when camp convenes in six months. Whether he thinks of him as a possible answer at third base depends, in great part, on how things go this autumn in Arizona.
No doubt Lynn, no doubt.
No doubt Lynn, no doubt.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
John Lowe...Come On Down
You're the next contestant on Splendid Lynn Henning.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This is where Fernando Rodney got his first big-time save.
It came in the final week of the 2003 season.
Ah, yes, the magical Tigers/Royals pennant race of 2003. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The Tigers ultimately came up short, finishing a mere 40 games behind the Royals (who finished 7 games behind the Twins and 3 back of the Sox.)
At that point, the Tigers needed to win four of their final five games to avoid tying the Mets' all-time record of 120 defeats.
"The big time" for the Tigers prior to 2006; narrowly avoiding the worst record of the modern era.
Rodney entered with none out in the eighth and a one-run lead, retired all six Royals he faced, and saved the Tigers' 4-3 victory. They avoided matching the Mets by one loss.
Anyone who saw that save in Kansas City could think, "Rodney could be a full-time closer someday."
Here's the box for the game Lowe is referring to.
Ah, the halcyon days for Shane Loux.
Holy shit, did the Tigers really win a game with an outfield of Ben Petrick, Alex Sanchez, and Andres Torres? Next thing you're going to tell me is that the Tigers could win a playoff game with Alexis Gomez at DH and Neifi Perez batting 2nd and playing short.
FUCK.
He has had a long wait for the role. It finally arrived four weeks ago when he succeeded Jones.
Rodney's first week on the job, he was a bigger and faster version of the fabled Jones roller coaster. He turned a non-save situation against Chicago into a turbulent event before he got the final out. Then within days, he blew his first two save chances as Jones' successor -- one on a homer, another on the three walks and hit batter in Tampa Bay.
Fernando Rodney sucks, we get it Lowe.
But maybe we all should have remembered that, when Rodney got the call last month to replace Jones, he already had 21 career saves for the Tigers and another for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in '06.
Rodney's first week as Jones' successor was not so much a failed audition as an aberration.
Fernando Rodney doesn't suck?
In the 2 1/2 weeks since Rodney's walk-filled loss in Tampa Bay, the Tigers have disappeared from the playoff race.
Damn you Rodney! We were on the verge of greatness until you took over!
If there has been one good thing for the Tigers in 2 1/2 weeks, it's that Rodney has righted himself and has verified that he can be the full-time closer next season.
Heckuva job Rodney. ATTABOY!
Meanwhile, Rodney's line from last night against those vaunted Royals:
1 inning, 2 earned runs, 3 hits, 1 walk, and another near disaster.
And closer remains the most important and hardest-to-fill job in baseball. (Ask all those NL contenders who don't have full-time closers right now.)
I'm going to say no on that one. It's one of the easiest positions to fill if you're creative and smart. Most baseball GM's and managers are the polar opposite. That's why people like Todd Jones exist.
And what NL teams are being referenced here? Billy Wagner is hurt for the Mets, but Aaron Heilman is filling in and he's pretty good. Lidge is killing it for the Phillies. Kerry Wood has been solid for the Cubs, Salomon Torres! is doing well enough for the Brewers. Brandon Lyon hasn't been so great for the Diamondbacks but they have a very deep bullpen and plenty of guys that could step in if need be. Saito is on the DL like the rest of the Dodgers pitching staff but Broxton is a beast and will be fine.
Will Rodney be an effective closer over a full season? We can't know that until we see him do it over a full season.
Great Joe Morgan-style analysis. Way to go out on a limb with "we can't know."
But has Rodney shown enough that the Tigers can give him the job going into next season? Has he shown enough that they won't have to get into the bidding for free agent Francisco Rodriguez, who is heading for more than 50 saves with the Angels this season?
Meanwhile, getting into a bidding war for Frankie Rodriguez would be retarded. It's basically a lock that it will happen with Mr. I, DD, and the Skipper running the show but we just went through a list of the closers for the top 6 teams in the NL and NOT ONE was a high-priced free agent pickup. Notice a trend?
That answer would also seem to be yes, barring a big collapse by Rodney the rest of this season. The Tigers can use their money in the off-season on other needs such as left-handed hitting and speed. (Not stolen-base speed necessarily -- just some basic first-to-third speed.)
2008 Tigers runs scored: 648, 6th in the AL (currently 12 runs behind the White Sox and 4 behind the Twins)
2008 Tigers runs allowed: 637, 10th in the AL (89 worse than the Sox and 57 behind the Twins)
So, let's just spend our money on left-handed hitting and first-to-third speed. Sounds like a great plan.
Whenever Rodney first gets on the mound in this weekend's three-game series in Kansas City, he will try to add to a scoreless streak.
Streak over.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This is where Fernando Rodney got his first big-time save.
It came in the final week of the 2003 season.
Ah, yes, the magical Tigers/Royals pennant race of 2003. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The Tigers ultimately came up short, finishing a mere 40 games behind the Royals (who finished 7 games behind the Twins and 3 back of the Sox.)
At that point, the Tigers needed to win four of their final five games to avoid tying the Mets' all-time record of 120 defeats.
"The big time" for the Tigers prior to 2006; narrowly avoiding the worst record of the modern era.
Rodney entered with none out in the eighth and a one-run lead, retired all six Royals he faced, and saved the Tigers' 4-3 victory. They avoided matching the Mets by one loss.
Anyone who saw that save in Kansas City could think, "Rodney could be a full-time closer someday."
Here's the box for the game Lowe is referring to.
Ah, the halcyon days for Shane Loux.
Holy shit, did the Tigers really win a game with an outfield of Ben Petrick, Alex Sanchez, and Andres Torres? Next thing you're going to tell me is that the Tigers could win a playoff game with Alexis Gomez at DH and Neifi Perez batting 2nd and playing short.
FUCK.
He has had a long wait for the role. It finally arrived four weeks ago when he succeeded Jones.
Rodney's first week on the job, he was a bigger and faster version of the fabled Jones roller coaster. He turned a non-save situation against Chicago into a turbulent event before he got the final out. Then within days, he blew his first two save chances as Jones' successor -- one on a homer, another on the three walks and hit batter in Tampa Bay.
Fernando Rodney sucks, we get it Lowe.
But maybe we all should have remembered that, when Rodney got the call last month to replace Jones, he already had 21 career saves for the Tigers and another for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in '06.
Rodney's first week as Jones' successor was not so much a failed audition as an aberration.
Fernando Rodney doesn't suck?
In the 2 1/2 weeks since Rodney's walk-filled loss in Tampa Bay, the Tigers have disappeared from the playoff race.
Damn you Rodney! We were on the verge of greatness until you took over!
If there has been one good thing for the Tigers in 2 1/2 weeks, it's that Rodney has righted himself and has verified that he can be the full-time closer next season.
Heckuva job Rodney. ATTABOY!
Meanwhile, Rodney's line from last night against those vaunted Royals:
1 inning, 2 earned runs, 3 hits, 1 walk, and another near disaster.
And closer remains the most important and hardest-to-fill job in baseball. (Ask all those NL contenders who don't have full-time closers right now.)
I'm going to say no on that one. It's one of the easiest positions to fill if you're creative and smart. Most baseball GM's and managers are the polar opposite. That's why people like Todd Jones exist.
And what NL teams are being referenced here? Billy Wagner is hurt for the Mets, but Aaron Heilman is filling in and he's pretty good. Lidge is killing it for the Phillies. Kerry Wood has been solid for the Cubs, Salomon Torres! is doing well enough for the Brewers. Brandon Lyon hasn't been so great for the Diamondbacks but they have a very deep bullpen and plenty of guys that could step in if need be. Saito is on the DL like the rest of the Dodgers pitching staff but Broxton is a beast and will be fine.
Will Rodney be an effective closer over a full season? We can't know that until we see him do it over a full season.
Great Joe Morgan-style analysis. Way to go out on a limb with "we can't know."
But has Rodney shown enough that the Tigers can give him the job going into next season? Has he shown enough that they won't have to get into the bidding for free agent Francisco Rodriguez, who is heading for more than 50 saves with the Angels this season?
Meanwhile, getting into a bidding war for Frankie Rodriguez would be retarded. It's basically a lock that it will happen with Mr. I, DD, and the Skipper running the show but we just went through a list of the closers for the top 6 teams in the NL and NOT ONE was a high-priced free agent pickup. Notice a trend?
That answer would also seem to be yes, barring a big collapse by Rodney the rest of this season. The Tigers can use their money in the off-season on other needs such as left-handed hitting and speed. (Not stolen-base speed necessarily -- just some basic first-to-third speed.)
2008 Tigers runs scored: 648, 6th in the AL (currently 12 runs behind the White Sox and 4 behind the Twins)
2008 Tigers runs allowed: 637, 10th in the AL (89 worse than the Sox and 57 behind the Twins)
So, let's just spend our money on left-handed hitting and first-to-third speed. Sounds like a great plan.
Whenever Rodney first gets on the mound in this weekend's three-game series in Kansas City, he will try to add to a scoreless streak.
Streak over.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Mark Twain is to Samuel Clemens as Mike O'Hara is to Matt Millen
There really is no other explanation for this, is there?
It's bad enough that O'Hara guaranteed at least 9 wins for the Lions this year. If he had just posted a one line article stating his prediction, that 9 wins is "the standard," we could have pointed/laughed and just assumed he got a nice reach-around from Rod or Matt.
But then he had to elaborate, expound, and double-down on the craziness:
When the 2008 schedule was released, I wrote the Lions could win nine games. It wasn't a prediction, just a somewhat humorous way of showing how a 9-7 season was possible. From what I've seen so far, I was wrong.
Hey, the Lions only have 7 wins to go. They're 2-0 with wins over the Super Bowl champs and the high-powered Bengals. Cross Kitna is working on a perfect season. All is right with the world. I see where O'Hara is coming from.
Huh? What's that you say?
It's the preseason?
Oh.
Well they're still 2-0 and that counts for something right?
Wait, they were 2-0 in the preseason last year too?
OK, nevermind.
The Lions will win nine games, maybe more. They're super fast on defense, they will build a running game, protect the quarterback and have talent at wide receiver. I say 9-7 is the standard. Whether that earns a playoff spot remains to be seen, but this team will not fall apart, unless shredded by injuries.
I love the injury caveat. This is the Lions we're talking about. Of course they'll be decimated by injuries. It always seems that way because they never have any depth. They don't have much front line talent either, but with the Lions it's the difference between a marginal NFL player and signing guys off the street 24 hours before a game that they end up starting (Doug Evans/Otis Smith™).
Calvin Johnson is currently one of the 10 best players in the NFL.
Look, I like Calvin Johnson. (How's that for a caveat?)
However, this is just insanity.
CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.
I've checked the article several times during the day to see if some intern was messing around and the News finally got around to fixing the error. No such luck.
Calvin Johnson has to have a pretty damn good sophomore season just to be considered one of the 10 best receivers in the NFL. This is Peter King level stupidity here folks.
Forget about how the Lions should have drafted Joe Thomas (Browns offensive lineman) or Adrian Peterson (Vikings running back) last year.
2 preseason games are more important than the entire 2007 regular season. That is the overarching lesson to be learned from Mike O'Crazy. It's not even worth getting into a strategic discussion of whether you'd rather have a star left tackle, running back, or wide receiver is it? After all, Calvin Johnson is now one of the 10 best players in the league.
Herman Moore set the standard for all Lions receivers, and Johnson is meeting it.
What does this mean? Scott Mitchell set the standard for all Lions quarterbacks back in 1995 and he was a fat pussy. (Lela Star™)
Tatum Bell is playing -- or not playing -- his way into being the odd man out at tailback. He plays and acts like he isn't interested in playing football. He doesn't seem to be engaged with the team in any manner. His performance has been dreadfully lackluster, and it looks like he has lost his desire to play. Kevin Smith , Aveion Cason , Artose Pinner and Brian Calhoun all are ahead of him.
So it turns out that a guy that couldn't even crack the active roster last year isn't that good? Huh? I'm shocked. Meanwhile, is anyone confident the Lions will "build a running game" if they go into the season with Kevin Smith, Cason, Pinner, and Calhoun as their backs? Besides Colletto, Millen, Rod, Killer, and O'Hara?
Didn't think so.
The Lions have more good, young players on the roster than at any time since Jerry Ball , Bennie Blades , Chris Spielman , Barry Sanders and Moore were coming into their prime. Just to name a few, and in no particular order, Ernie Sims , Johnson, Roy Williams , Gosder Cherilus , Jerome Felton , Smith, Andre Fluellen , Daniel Bullocks , Gerald Alexander , Ikaika Alama-Francis (watch him develop this year), Jordon Dizon , Orlovsky and Stanton will form the nucleus of the team.
Again, if the Lions are the standard than there is no standard at all.
That being said, Ernie Sims is chronically overrated. Cherilus has yet to play an NFL down and is currently behind Jeff Backup and George Foster on the depth chart. You don't build your team around a right tackle unless your QB is a lefty. Jerome Felton? LOL. He's getting more run than Mike Barwis these days because he's got a great family story. I'll reserve judgment on the guy until he actually plays an NFL game. Kevin Smith? Fluellen? Yet to play a real down. Bullocks is coming off a severe injury and was just recently cleared to practice. Alama-Francis is going to develop this year? Great. Let's hope he can actually make the active roster for more than 6 games and go from there. Jordon Dizon? Wake me up when he supplants the postal worker at linebacker. ORLOVSKY! Come on Mike. Stanton? He's the rich man's Mike McMahon and poor man's Josh McCown until proven otherwise.
In two games, Kitna hasn't been touched. Amazing.
Kitna has made 10 pass attempts so far. 10. That he hasn't been touched isn't amazing me. And I'm pretty sure he was touched by an angel anyway.
A home playoff game for the Lions? Don't count it out. But they're getting better faster than anyone thought -- especially me.
I haven't seen any retractions or corrections from the News yet about this being a guest editorial from Bill Ford Jr. with a mistaken byline.
I'll keep looking.
It's bad enough that O'Hara guaranteed at least 9 wins for the Lions this year. If he had just posted a one line article stating his prediction, that 9 wins is "the standard," we could have pointed/laughed and just assumed he got a nice reach-around from Rod or Matt.
But then he had to elaborate, expound, and double-down on the craziness:
When the 2008 schedule was released, I wrote the Lions could win nine games. It wasn't a prediction, just a somewhat humorous way of showing how a 9-7 season was possible. From what I've seen so far, I was wrong.
Hey, the Lions only have 7 wins to go. They're 2-0 with wins over the Super Bowl champs and the high-powered Bengals. Cross Kitna is working on a perfect season. All is right with the world. I see where O'Hara is coming from.
Huh? What's that you say?
It's the preseason?
Oh.
Well they're still 2-0 and that counts for something right?
Wait, they were 2-0 in the preseason last year too?
OK, nevermind.
The Lions will win nine games, maybe more. They're super fast on defense, they will build a running game, protect the quarterback and have talent at wide receiver. I say 9-7 is the standard. Whether that earns a playoff spot remains to be seen, but this team will not fall apart, unless shredded by injuries.
I love the injury caveat. This is the Lions we're talking about. Of course they'll be decimated by injuries. It always seems that way because they never have any depth. They don't have much front line talent either, but with the Lions it's the difference between a marginal NFL player and signing guys off the street 24 hours before a game that they end up starting (Doug Evans/Otis Smith™).
Calvin Johnson is currently one of the 10 best players in the NFL.
Look, I like Calvin Johnson. (How's that for a caveat?)
However, this is just insanity.
CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.CURRENTLY ONE OF THE 10 BEST PLAYERS IN THE NFL.
I've checked the article several times during the day to see if some intern was messing around and the News finally got around to fixing the error. No such luck.
Calvin Johnson has to have a pretty damn good sophomore season just to be considered one of the 10 best receivers in the NFL. This is Peter King level stupidity here folks.
Forget about how the Lions should have drafted Joe Thomas (Browns offensive lineman) or Adrian Peterson (Vikings running back) last year.
2 preseason games are more important than the entire 2007 regular season. That is the overarching lesson to be learned from Mike O'Crazy. It's not even worth getting into a strategic discussion of whether you'd rather have a star left tackle, running back, or wide receiver is it? After all, Calvin Johnson is now one of the 10 best players in the league.
Herman Moore set the standard for all Lions receivers, and Johnson is meeting it.
What does this mean? Scott Mitchell set the standard for all Lions quarterbacks back in 1995 and he was a fat pussy. (Lela Star™)
Tatum Bell is playing -- or not playing -- his way into being the odd man out at tailback. He plays and acts like he isn't interested in playing football. He doesn't seem to be engaged with the team in any manner. His performance has been dreadfully lackluster, and it looks like he has lost his desire to play. Kevin Smith , Aveion Cason , Artose Pinner and Brian Calhoun all are ahead of him.
So it turns out that a guy that couldn't even crack the active roster last year isn't that good? Huh? I'm shocked. Meanwhile, is anyone confident the Lions will "build a running game" if they go into the season with Kevin Smith, Cason, Pinner, and Calhoun as their backs? Besides Colletto, Millen, Rod, Killer, and O'Hara?
Didn't think so.
The Lions have more good, young players on the roster than at any time since Jerry Ball , Bennie Blades , Chris Spielman , Barry Sanders and Moore were coming into their prime. Just to name a few, and in no particular order, Ernie Sims , Johnson, Roy Williams , Gosder Cherilus , Jerome Felton , Smith, Andre Fluellen , Daniel Bullocks , Gerald Alexander , Ikaika Alama-Francis (watch him develop this year), Jordon Dizon , Orlovsky and Stanton will form the nucleus of the team.
Again, if the Lions are the standard than there is no standard at all.
That being said, Ernie Sims is chronically overrated. Cherilus has yet to play an NFL down and is currently behind Jeff Backup and George Foster on the depth chart. You don't build your team around a right tackle unless your QB is a lefty. Jerome Felton? LOL. He's getting more run than Mike Barwis these days because he's got a great family story. I'll reserve judgment on the guy until he actually plays an NFL game. Kevin Smith? Fluellen? Yet to play a real down. Bullocks is coming off a severe injury and was just recently cleared to practice. Alama-Francis is going to develop this year? Great. Let's hope he can actually make the active roster for more than 6 games and go from there. Jordon Dizon? Wake me up when he supplants the postal worker at linebacker. ORLOVSKY! Come on Mike. Stanton? He's the rich man's Mike McMahon and poor man's Josh McCown until proven otherwise.
In two games, Kitna hasn't been touched. Amazing.
Kitna has made 10 pass attempts so far. 10. That he hasn't been touched isn't amazing me. And I'm pretty sure he was touched by an angel anyway.
A home playoff game for the Lions? Don't count it out. But they're getting better faster than anyone thought -- especially me.
I haven't seen any retractions or corrections from the News yet about this being a guest editorial from Bill Ford Jr. with a mistaken byline.
I'll keep looking.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Henning The Magnificient
Carnac, move over
Tigers a smart bet to be quiet at deadline
Wait, what's this???
Tigers Trade Pudge to Yankees for Farnsworth
Fuck.
I was hoping for JEFF Farnsworth.
Tigers a smart bet to be quiet at deadline
Wait, what's this???
Tigers Trade Pudge to Yankees for Farnsworth
Fuck.
I was hoping for JEFF Farnsworth.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Splendid Lynn's Bio
Just stumbled upon this splendid little bio over at detroitnews.com:
Lynn Henning joined The Detroit News sports staff in 1979 after 3½ years as a sports writer and columnist for the Lansing State Journal. A lifelong Michigan native (St. Johns) and a 1974 journalism graduate from Michigan State, Henning has specialized through the years in covering baseball, as well as Michigan and Michigan State, Lions and Red Wings, and in writing about the outdoors. Henning spent seven years during the 1990s as editor of PGA Magazine and as a writer for the national weekly, Golfweek.
Lynn can be reached at lhenning@detnews.com.
Lynn Henning's favorites:
Favorite movie: Fargo
Favorite restaurant: Streetside Seafood, Birmingham
American hero: Thomas Jefferson
Favorite music: Jazz
Favorite shows and places away from sports and ESPN: Hardball with Chris Matthews; anything about World War II; HBO programs; History Channel; Sundance Channel.
No commentary, just for the record.
Lynn Henning joined The Detroit News sports staff in 1979 after 3½ years as a sports writer and columnist for the Lansing State Journal. A lifelong Michigan native (St. Johns) and a 1974 journalism graduate from Michigan State, Henning has specialized through the years in covering baseball, as well as Michigan and Michigan State, Lions and Red Wings, and in writing about the outdoors. Henning spent seven years during the 1990s as editor of PGA Magazine and as a writer for the national weekly, Golfweek.
Lynn can be reached at lhenning@detnews.com.
Lynn Henning's favorites:
Favorite movie: Fargo
Favorite restaurant: Streetside Seafood, Birmingham
American hero: Thomas Jefferson
Favorite music: Jazz
Favorite shows and places away from sports and ESPN: Hardball with Chris Matthews; anything about World War II; HBO programs; History Channel; Sundance Channel.
No commentary, just for the record.
Friday, July 25, 2008
My favorite homophobic baseball pitcher
Yes, I love Todd Jones. I love him because it's fabulous when old-school baseball writers bring up his save percentage and attempt to pretend he's good at being a baseball pitcher. It's OK, they don't know any better. The save stat is useless, eclipsed in uselessness only by pitcher won/loss record.
I also LOVE it when he gives up bombs to Jermaine Dye.
Look, this Tigers team is poorly constructed. They have 1 good starting pitcher. Rogers blows, Robertson blows, Galarraga is a timebomb, and Miner doesn't count. The Tigers' bandwagon is full of douchebags that didn't even know Detroit had a baseball team until 2006. These fuckers stroke themselves off to Brandon Inge at night. Todd Jones upsets these people when he falters and I can't help but get a tingle up my leg (Chris Matthews™) when that happens.
Leyland has a new rule for Jones' use every month. First they had to watch his use on back to back days. Then they needed to use him ONLY in save situations. I guess the guy just can't get juiced up to throw his 89 mph cutter right down the middle unless he's protecting a lead. OK, fine.
Now, they just have to make sure they don't "overuse" him. Just encase this bigoted fuck in glass already and slap a "Use Only When Down By 10 Runs" sign on there. Or just encase him in glass and forget the sign.
Joneseycakes has 15 walks against 13 strikeouts in 2008. He's given up 46 hits in 39.2 innings. Every out he gets is a matter of luck.
This is not about the "closer" role. This is about a roster spot. Todd Jones is not a good use of one.
I also LOVE it when he gives up bombs to Jermaine Dye.
Look, this Tigers team is poorly constructed. They have 1 good starting pitcher. Rogers blows, Robertson blows, Galarraga is a timebomb, and Miner doesn't count. The Tigers' bandwagon is full of douchebags that didn't even know Detroit had a baseball team until 2006. These fuckers stroke themselves off to Brandon Inge at night. Todd Jones upsets these people when he falters and I can't help but get a tingle up my leg (Chris Matthews™) when that happens.
Leyland has a new rule for Jones' use every month. First they had to watch his use on back to back days. Then they needed to use him ONLY in save situations. I guess the guy just can't get juiced up to throw his 89 mph cutter right down the middle unless he's protecting a lead. OK, fine.
Now, they just have to make sure they don't "overuse" him. Just encase this bigoted fuck in glass already and slap a "Use Only When Down By 10 Runs" sign on there. Or just encase him in glass and forget the sign.
Joneseycakes has 15 walks against 13 strikeouts in 2008. He's given up 46 hits in 39.2 innings. Every out he gets is a matter of luck.
This is not about the "closer" role. This is about a roster spot. Todd Jones is not a good use of one.
Lynn's Back At It
Mr. Henning has a long article today rehashing some of his favorite topics: Armando Galarraga's savior status, the Tiger's offseason failures, Edgar Renteria being anti-splendid, etc.
He also veers into "Baseball 101" territory with some talk of Tigers' scouts and their input into player acquisitions.
There is an interesting quote from Captain Blue Shirt, President Dombrowski, where he basically admits this core isn't going to win a World Series. "We may not win with these players, because we're getting older," he said, with a touch of resignation. He's right, but it's interesting to hear it from the guy that doubled down on these guys a few months ago.
Anyway, I'm not going to parse this thing line by line but the opening salvo was vintage Lynn and it's all downhill after that:
When the Tigers invested heavily, even dangerously, in three National League stars during the offseason, any anxiety was overwhelmed by a baseball team's bliss.
I had a hard time comprehending things after that. I've got a brain that I'm trying to keep from melting here people.
Anxiety & baseball team bliss.
Tilt.
He also veers into "Baseball 101" territory with some talk of Tigers' scouts and their input into player acquisitions.
There is an interesting quote from Captain Blue Shirt, President Dombrowski, where he basically admits this core isn't going to win a World Series. "We may not win with these players, because we're getting older," he said, with a touch of resignation. He's right, but it's interesting to hear it from the guy that doubled down on these guys a few months ago.
Anyway, I'm not going to parse this thing line by line but the opening salvo was vintage Lynn and it's all downhill after that:
When the Tigers invested heavily, even dangerously, in three National League stars during the offseason, any anxiety was overwhelmed by a baseball team's bliss.
I had a hard time comprehending things after that. I've got a brain that I'm trying to keep from melting here people.
Anxiety & baseball team bliss.
Tilt.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
First Post: The venerable Lynn Henning gets nice and crazy for us today!
Lynn has a 3-pronged crazy attack for us in today's Detroit News. His latest opus focuses on Three names, events, etc., that top one person's list of Tigers talking points 10 weeks before the 2008 playoffs begin:
Hooray! Let's dig in:
1. Renteria's Troubles at shortstop
Uh oh, Lynn has been picking on Edgar lately, mainly concerned about his lack of any extra-base hits and lackluster range in the field.
It is, to me, an astonishing case of loyalty. Renteria has had an abysmal season that is stretching into its fourth month.
You wonder how many baseball people would be surprised if he were released. It's difficult to believe the Tigers would fare as badly if Ramon Santiago and a trade-deadline utility infielder replaced Renteria.
I understand past performances and the need to believe in players, but this in one personnel issue that's thoroughly baffling.
Wow, Lynn seems to be implying that the Tigers would should just outright release a guy they traded Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez for just a few months back. And his plan to replace him? 1/2 of the Flying Infantiago brothers (career batting line of .239/.307/.320 in 913 at-bats) and a "trade-deadline utility infielder." Gosh, I hope Dombrowski is better at obtaining trade deadline utility guys than off-season starting shortstops.
Strange though, I remember Lynn telling me different things about Mr. Renteria in the past. For instance, from March 22, 2008:
Edgar Renteria, shortstop: He is not flashy. His days as an All-Star are probably in the past. But
he gets the job done at shortstop. He nails down the most important position on the field. The Tigers
paid a hefty price to land him, but no team is going anywhere without a quality shortstop. And
Renteria is all of that.
My big question is, if they release Renteria, aren't they forfeiting all of those clutch hits he will rack up with his clutchy goodness in the postseason?
2. Miner's big start
He is back doing what he does best, starting, which was clear Monday night. He is more relaxed as a starter and is better able to let off the throttle on his fastball, which gets him into control trouble when he overthrows it.
Miner's career as a starter: 91 innings, 4.74 ERA
Miner's career as a reliever: 106.1, 3.47 ERA
Now, it's very possible that a 4.75 ERA as a starter has more value to the Tigers than a 3.47 ERA as a reliever, but I don't think Lynn was getting at that. Actually, I'm certain that has nothing to do with what Lynn is saying.
3. The making of an ace
Lynn is really excited that Justin Verlander might end up with 15 wins despite starting out 2-9. Of course, this is incredibly unimportant, but it launches Lynn into the following:
Prove that he could end up doing it all before he's finished: 300 victories, Hall of Fame -- you can't rule out anything when a pitcher has the superior talent Verlander owns.
Verlander is 25 years old. He currently owns 43 MLB wins. Lynn is talking about him getting to 300. Let's just assume he gets to 15 wins this year. That would give him 50 career victories. If he averaged 16 wins for the next 15 years, he'd have 290. He'd need 10 wins in his age-41 season to get to 300.
I'm taking the under.
Hooray! Let's dig in:
1. Renteria's Troubles at shortstop
Uh oh, Lynn has been picking on Edgar lately, mainly concerned about his lack of any extra-base hits and lackluster range in the field.
It is, to me, an astonishing case of loyalty. Renteria has had an abysmal season that is stretching into its fourth month.
You wonder how many baseball people would be surprised if he were released. It's difficult to believe the Tigers would fare as badly if Ramon Santiago and a trade-deadline utility infielder replaced Renteria.
I understand past performances and the need to believe in players, but this in one personnel issue that's thoroughly baffling.
Wow, Lynn seems to be implying that the Tigers would should just outright release a guy they traded Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez for just a few months back. And his plan to replace him? 1/2 of the Flying Infantiago brothers (career batting line of .239/.307/.320 in 913 at-bats) and a "trade-deadline utility infielder." Gosh, I hope Dombrowski is better at obtaining trade deadline utility guys than off-season starting shortstops.
Strange though, I remember Lynn telling me different things about Mr. Renteria in the past. For instance, from March 22, 2008:
Edgar Renteria, shortstop: He is not flashy. His days as an All-Star are probably in the past. But
he gets the job done at shortstop. He nails down the most important position on the field. The Tigers
paid a hefty price to land him, but no team is going anywhere without a quality shortstop. And
Renteria is all of that.
My big question is, if they release Renteria, aren't they forfeiting all of those clutch hits he will rack up with his clutchy goodness in the postseason?
2. Miner's big start
Lynn seems to think that Miner is going to propel the Tigers down the stretch. Currently, Zach Miner has 28 walks and 24 K's this season. But hey, that was mostly as a reliever, and he's a starter now!
He is back doing what he does best, starting, which was clear Monday night. He is more relaxed as a starter and is better able to let off the throttle on his fastball, which gets him into control trouble when he overthrows it.
Miner's career as a starter: 91 innings, 4.74 ERA
Miner's career as a reliever: 106.1, 3.47 ERA
Now, it's very possible that a 4.75 ERA as a starter has more value to the Tigers than a 3.47 ERA as a reliever, but I don't think Lynn was getting at that. Actually, I'm certain that has nothing to do with what Lynn is saying.
3. The making of an ace
Lynn is really excited that Justin Verlander might end up with 15 wins despite starting out 2-9. Of course, this is incredibly unimportant, but it launches Lynn into the following:
Prove that he could end up doing it all before he's finished: 300 victories, Hall of Fame -- you can't rule out anything when a pitcher has the superior talent Verlander owns.
Verlander is 25 years old. He currently owns 43 MLB wins. Lynn is talking about him getting to 300. Let's just assume he gets to 15 wins this year. That would give him 50 career victories. If he averaged 16 wins for the next 15 years, he'd have 290. He'd need 10 wins in his age-41 season to get to 300.
I'm taking the under.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Welcome to Splendid Lynn Henning
This blog will chronicle the adventures of Detroit sportswriters, and media personalities. Folks such as Lynn Henning, Pope Jon Paul Morosi, Tom Gage, the whole MLive crew, Drew Sharp, Rob Parker, etc. At least that's the idea. The blog is named for Lynn Henning who badly overuses his thesaurus and famously (OK, not so famously) referred to Jacque Jones as a "splendid" hitter a few years back. He really loves throwing splendid out there. You'll see.
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