AL Central Thread

[riffjim4069]

I agree that there are reasons to be critical. They have definitely underperformed, no question about that... But what are these people who are saying the season is over, they are done watching, and the Tigers are out of the playoff race going to do if they are in first place on Thursday? Are they really going to stop watching? Are they still out of the race? Of course they aren't so why bother making ridiculous statements like that?

I agree...those who make statements like, "The Season is over" and "We're done" are overreacting. This ballclub still has the time and talent to win the division, but they will have to play smart and aggressive ball. However, fans should rightfully be "concerned" based on their lackadaisical play this season. One week they're on a winning streak and look unbeatable, and the next they resemble a punchdrunk tomato can hanging on the ropes. :

Based on how the season has progressed, I can see the Tigers winning the next two games against the White Sox...only to lose 4 out of the next 6 games to Cleveland and Oakland. The bottom line is we're running out of time and need to win games against the teams we're expected to beat, and win the close games against our tougher opponents. Plus, many of us fans are a just a little peeved this team isn't 85-56 and resting some of their starters for the postseason.

 

[Sparkman]

Thank goodness I'm living in VA and TX. The Tigers have the personnel to be 20-30 games above .500. Yet they have been under-performing all season long. I feel the criticisms are fair and justified at this stage of the playoff race. Others, such as the ESPN article I referenced earlier, are all very critical...the Tigers have a championship-level team and should be in 1st place IMO.

I see similarities between this years Tigers team and last years White Sox team. Big Free Agent arrives, big hype, high expectations, only to not play up to expectations. One difference, Fielder has played well, Dunn had a horrible year. But, players you expected a big year from didn't come thru, same as the Sox last year.

This year, we have had players rebound from bad years and injuries, but the biggest difference is defense. Defense improved and the record improved. And I think the same is to be said for the Tigers. Improve the defense and the may become a championship level team.

 

[king3pj]

Game 3... Let's go Max!

 

[riffjim4069]

We blew a good opportunity in the 1st. All tied-up after two innings. Go Tigers!

 

[king3pj]

So far it we have a pretty good pitchers duel going tonight. If it holds like this it should be a pretty exciting finish tonight.

 

[Sparkman]

Damn, did not want it to come down to a 1 game lead going into Thursdays game. Should be a good matchup, but I'll only be watching during Bears/Packers commercials.

 

[king3pj]

Damn, did not want it to come down to a 1 game lead going into Thursdays game. Should be a good matchup, but I'll only be watching during Bears/Packers commercials.

Normally I would be with you in choosing the NFL over MLB because there is only 1 game a week in football each one seems more important. Not tomorrow though. If the score holds tonight the game will either result in a first place tie or another 2 game lead for you guys. When you add in the Verlander Sale matchup that's must see TV. I'll be keeping track of the Bears and Packers on commercials though.

 

[riffjim4069]

Another good pitching performance by Max this evening. The nice thing about having a DVR is that you can flip back and forth between the football and baseball games and not have to watch the commercials, huddles, etc.

 

[Sparkman]

Normally I would be with you in choosing the NFL over MLB because there is only 1 game a week in football each one seems more important. Not tomorrow though. If the score holds tonight the game will either result in a first place tie or another 2 game lead for you guys. When you add in the Verlander Sale matchup that's must see TV. I'll be keeping track of the Bears and Packers on commercials though.

I know, but Bears/Packers only twice a year. Nothing would make me miss a Bears/Packers game. Wil be in Soldier Field for the Dec meeting.

 

[Jimbo]

Tigers get a big win, I thought they needed that one to stay in the hunt.

Thursdays game is HUGE with the Tigers winning tonight, they could be tied for first or 2 out, again...

 

[Jimbo]

I see similarities between this years Tigers team and last years White Sox team. Big Free Agent arrives, big hype, high expectations, only to not play up to expectations. One difference, Fielder has played well, Dunn had a horrible year. But, players you expected a big year from didn't come thru, same as the Sox last year.

This year, we have had players rebound from bad years and injuries, but the biggest difference is defense. Defense improved and the record improved. And I think the same is to be said for the Tigers. Improve the defense and the may become a championship level team.

Thing is, the two main cogs in the Tigers line up (Cabrera and Fielder) have played very well this year.
Cabrera could win the MVP and Fielder has been playing well (hitting wise) , still don't care for his D, but what ya gonna do, he's signed for another 7 years.

 

[Jimbo]

Tigers had a 8-1 lead going into the 8th inning and now it's 8-5 ... nothing is safe anymore.

 

[king3pj]

Looks like we may have spoken too soon.... This one isn't over.

 

[Jimbo]

Looks like we may have spoken too soon.... This one isn't over.

It's NEVER over if we have Valverde warming up now....

 

[riffjim4069]

Tigers had a 8-1 lead going into the 8th inning and now it's 8-5 ... nothing is safe anymore.

Looks like we may have spoken too soon.... This one isn't over.

Hmmm. ESPN Scoreboard and Gamecast still shows the score 8-1.

 

[Jimbo]

Hmmm. ESPN Scoreboard and Gamecast still shows the score 8-1.

Not anymore ...

 

[king3pj]

Hmmm. ESPN Scoreboard and Gamecast still shows the score 8-1.

You should really consider MLB.tv. Premium is only $25 for the rest of the year and it will get you every game live with FSN Detroit broadcasts. I paid about $120 for it right before spring training I think. I'm actually in my home team's market and I definitely still got my money's worth. If you have a streaming device it's a no brainer so you can see the division race. The picture quality and features are very good and I'm obviously impressed.

 

[Jimbo]

Well, I keep hearing that the Tigers should shore up thier D, but how exactly do you do that ?

Leyland refused to play a hot lineup till they cool off .... thats the biggest thing I have with Leyland.

As far as the D goes, 1st and 3rd base are set for a long time with Cabrera and Fielder (provided Cabrera signs on to an extension when his contract comes up).
1st base, Personaly, I think Fielder is a below avg or maybe just avg. defender, he'll shine from time to time, but overall, just avg.
2nd base with Infante has been a big improvement over all from what they had there.
SS, Peralta, would be the place I would like to see them address, get a younger guy that has more range.
3b, Cabrera has been MUCH better there than any Tiger fan had envisioned.
To the outfield:
CF, Austin Jackson, had a down year last year , a very good rookie year and has bounced back very nicely this year, getting to basically EVERYTHING hit to the outfield and also hitting over .300 and still improving !
Left and Right field is pretty much interchangable ....
Again, my choice would be Dirks and a combination of Q. Berry and Garcia (rookie).

I would say good bye to Delmon Young, very poor season at bat and liability in the field.
I would see what you might get for Brennan Boesch in a trade with someone, possibly for a SS or a top 2B.
Raburn would be released

So, what do you guys say about the situation, where do you go to upgrade your D keeping in mind whats available vs what you have.

Indians may be looking to trade thier young shortstop (Cabrera) for pitching help, I've been impressed with him, he's only hitting about .270, but is great in the field, can't imagine the Indians actually looking to move him.

 

[satjay]

Tigers win, if anything this year the have mastered the art of giving fans unclers with the up and down season JV on the mound today let's see what happens

 

[riffjim4069]

Well, I keep hearing that the Tigers should shore up thier D, but how exactly do you do that ?

I would say good bye to Delmon Young, very poor season at bat and liability in the field.

Delmon is hitting .271, but he strikes out a lot and grounds into a lot of double plays. He does manage to catch the balls that are hit to him in left, but he certainly doesn't run many down...and it's painful to watch him field fly balls. Tigers can afford to let him go.

I would see what you might get for Brennan Boesch in a trade with someone, possibly for a SS or a top 2B.
Raburn would be released

Unfortunately, I don't see Boesch developing into a better hitter so the Tigers may look into trading hium and Raburn.

So, what do you guys say about the situation, where do you go to upgrade your D keeping in mind whats available vs what you have.

Indians may be looking to trade thier young shortstop (Cabrera) for pitching help, I've been impressed with him, he's only hitting about .270, but is great in the field, can't imagine the Indians actually looking to move him.[/QUOTE]