Author Archive

August 19, 1935 Yankees 7, Tigers 5 (70-40)

The Yankees jumped all over starter Vic Sorrell and sent him packing in the third inning. By the end of three innings, the Yankees had a 4-0 lead. The Tigers staged a comeback in the fourth with three runs, but they could never surpass the Yanks, who hit the ball well all game long.

Charlie Gehringer had two hits and two RBIs and Hank Greenberg doubled twice.

August 18, 1975 Tigers 6, Yankees 0 (73-42)

Schoolboy Rowe put on a pitching clinic in front of 39,000 Tiger fans as the Tigers increased their lead over the Yankees to eight games. Rowe even helped out his own cause by hitting a two run homer. What made the win even more impressive was Rowe was hit with a line drive in the groin in the third inning. After a 15 minute delay, Rowe came back on the field and held the Yanks hitless until the eighth inning.

Pete Fox hit a solo homer and scored two runs and Goose Goslin was two for four.

August 17, 1935 Tigers 3, Yankees 2 (69-39)

The Tigers gave Navin Field’s faithful a great game as the Tigers increased their lead over the Yankees to a season high seven games. The Tigers got on the board with single runs in both the first and second inning against Yanks starter Lefty Gomez. The Yankees then answered with runs in the third and the fifth before the game settled into a solid pitchers dual.

In the bottom of the tenth, Goose Goslin singled but was forced out on a fielder choice by Billy Rogell. Ray Hayworth followed that up with a double which put runners on second and third. Gomez intentionally walked Marv Owen when the blunder of the game happened. Mickey Cochrane put himself in as a pinch hitter for General Crowder and hit a grounder to Yankees second baseman Jack Saltzgaver. While playing in, the backup infielder seemed confused as to whether he should try to get the runner out at home or whether he should try for a double play. In his confusion, he simply threw the ball to first base for the out, but Rogell scored to win the game.

The game almost had a brawl as well. In the sixth inning, Yankees shortstop Tony Lazzeri tried taking out Marv Owen at third. Both players threw out threats, but nothing came of it.

General Crowder threw an awesome game. He went ten innings and he gave up only two runs on ten hits. He also outdueled a future Hall of Famer to take the first game of a pivotal series.

I was pretty happy to see this. The last time Justin Thompson threw for a major league team was in 1999 for the Tigers. He was part of the package that netted us Juan Gonzalez for a single season, but arm problems (I think it was his shoulder) appeared to have ended his career.

And now he’s back. He just got called up by the Texas Rangers and I wish him the best.

Sigh.

Here I am defending Alan Trammell and he goes out makes me look bad. In case you missed it, the Tigers were up 3-2 heading into the ninth. Nate Robertson had held the Red Sox to two runs on two hits, and he did it all by just throwing 90 pitches.

Instead of letting Robertson throw in the ninth, in comes the so called closer, Fernando Rodney. He gets Edgar Rentaria for the first out, but gives up a solo shot to David Ortiz to send the game into extra frames. The rest is history as the Red Sox went on to win the game (by scoring seven runs in the 10th no less).

And there’s really no excuse. Yes, he went righty/righty for the first batter, but why not put in Jamie Walker to face Ortiz. Tram showed he once again was working from some kind of flawed cook book when he does this stuff. He put his “closer” in to “close” the game. Only thing is, Fernando Rodney, while he’s a quality arm, isn’t nearly as good yet as the guys we got rid of (Ugueth Urbina and Kyle Farnsworth) or the guy we have on the shelf (Troy Percival).

Which makes this loss even less excusable. He knows his pen is depleted and rather mediocre, so why not let Robertson throw the ninth. Let him win the game.

In a lot of ways, Trammell is a lot like Sparky Anderson. Very text book. This time it got him into trouble.

And for those of you who haven’t checked, when Robertson throws 91-105 pitches, he has a .225 batting average against and a 1.27 WHIP. Not too shabby.

August 16, 1935 Senators 8, Tigers 1 (68-39)

Elden Auker couldn’t even pitch through the fourth inning as he got hit hard in taking the loss. He gave up seven runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Hank Greenberg had two of the Tigers four hits and he drove in their only run of the game.

The Yankees were coming to town for a huge four game series. If the Tigers could hold off the Yanks, it would go a long way to helping them win their second straight pennant.

August 15, 1935 Tigers 6, Senators 3 (68-38)

Tommy Bridges won his eighteenth game of the season and helped put the Tigers at 30 games above .500 for the first time this season. Bridges gave up three runs and eight hits through eight innings of work.

The Tigers were actually down 3-0 in this game but came back with six unanswered runs to pick up the win. Shortstop Marv Owen had a big day. He went three for three with two runs and two RBIs. Charlie Gehringer returned after missing two games and drove in the go ahead run.

I took some heat for my last post on Tram when I said he should be given one more year. First off, I apologize about the error. They were 26-26 in two runs games, not in games decided by less then two runs. All I was trying to show here was one of many indicators that the Tigers have been “okay” in close games.

I guess the main reason why I think Tram should be given another year is, he’s never been given the tools to win. We’ve been trying to rebuild since 2002 (actually, it’s a lot longer then that, but 2002 would be when the “current” rebuilding began) and we were starting from rock bottom. Even this year, when many (including myself) thought the Tigers might get over the hump, the Tigers really don’t have what it takes to win in our division much less securing a playoff spot. It goes to show you when Chris Shelton is your best hitter. While he’s had a solid season, I just don’t see him more then a “good” player on any team that’s in the playoff mix.

And while our rotation has done better then anyone would have expected, it’s still not much better then average. Kyle Farnsworth still leads our team in Runs Saved Above Average (10), and unless Bonderman (7) has a strong finish, Farnsworth could end up the team leader at season end.

I’d just like to see Tram be given a chance with a playoff contending team. If he falls on his face and doesn’t get the job done (a la Larry Bowa), then I’d feel safe about replacing him.

Two managers who come to mind that I would consider putting in Tram’s place would be Davey Johnson (who looks like he’ll be heading up the Orioles again) and Jim Leyland (not sure what his situation is, but he’ll be 61 in December). Both are proven winners and each have World Series rings. One of the readers mentioned Larry Dierker and he’d also be a definite upgrade. I am curious to know why he hasn’t found work since leaving Houston though. He did suffer from a seizure in the dugout, but that was 1999. He went on to have a few more successful years after that.

But outside of securing a handful of proven commodities, I’d like to see Tram in the dugout, and I’d also like to see how he could a handle a more talented team.

I finished David Wells autobiography “Perfect I’m Not.” It really was a great read. Just a good baseball book. And I dare someone to read it and not come away a David Wells fan or (I can hear the groans already) a Yankees Fan. Yes, they have obnoxious fans, but David Wells really paints the team in a favorable light.

I’m also reading John Helyar’s “Lords of the Reams,” which is a fantastic look at the business of baseball. I’m also 200 pages into David McCullough’s tome/biography of Harry Truman. Finally, I started another good read called “Wedding of the Waters” by Peter Bernstein. It’s a look at the construction fo the Erie Canal and it’s effect on our nation.

The Tigers took two today at KC after a tough series in Toronto. The World Champs come to town next for a three game series.

August 14, 1935 Tigers 18, Senators 2 (67-38)

For the third time this season, the Tigers put eighteen runs on the board with their pitcher leading the way. Not only did Schoolboy Rowe throw a nice game (ten hits, two runs, two strikeouts) but he went five for five with three RBIs and three runs.

Hank Greenberg and Goose Goslin also drove in three runs. Five different Tigers scored three runs and five had multihit games. They scored all eighteen runs without hitting a homerun.

Charlie Gehringer was out of the lineup for the second straight game.

August 13, 1935 Senators 4, Tigers 3 (66-38)

Pete Fox hit a three run homer in the bottom of the third to put the Tigers up 3-0. Unfortunately, the Senators would put themselves back in the game when they tagged General Crowder for two runs in the fifth and a single game tying run in the sixth.

The game would remain scoreless until the tenth inning when both reliever Chief Hogsett and Jo Jo White made errors on a sacrafice bunt. A single later, and the Senators had the lead and the win.

Charlie Gehringer missed his first game in two years because of a knee injury he suffered a couple of days ago.

August 11, 1935 Tigers 4, White Sox 1 (66-37)

Elden Auker held the third place White Sox to a mere four hits as the Tigers won their ninth in a row and their fourteenth in the their last sixteen games.

Charlie Gehringer had three of the Tigers six hits, and one of those singles drove in two runs. Unfortunately he hurt his knee and he might miss some time. Elden Auker drove in a run with a double and Marv Owen had one RBI and one run.

The win gave the Tigers a nice six game lead over the Yankees. A lot would be determined in a week when the Yankees came into town for a four game series

August 10, 1935 Tigers 4, White Sox 0 (65-37)

Tommy Bridges set the league on fire with his spectacular start, but faded around the All Star Break so it was nice to see him pitch so well. Bridges held the White Sox to three doubles and he earned his 17th win of the season.

Charlie Gehringer hit his sixteenth homer of the season. Marv Owen drove in two and Pete Fox scored twice.

I’m be doing my semi-regular spot on KRMS Radio AM 1150 tonight at around 7:40 Eastern Time. You can tune in by clicking the link.

Topics should include some of the things in my latest Business of Baseball Report and most likely we’ll touch on the Wild Card race as well.

August 9, 1935 Tigers 4, White Sox 3 (64-37)

Schoolboy Rowe held off an attempted comeback by the White Sox and walked away with the win. He gave up three runs on eight hits and he struck out one.

Hank Greenberg had the big hit of the day. His two run homer in the fifth capped a three run inning that would be the difference in the game. Charlie Gehringer scored two runs and made a nice play on what looked like a line drive single to end the game.

August 8, 1935 Tigers 5, White Sox 2 (63-37)

General Crowder was very solid in his start agains the White Sox. He gave up a run in the first, but then held the Sox scoreless until the top of the ninth. He gave up ten hits and three walks but he benefited from four double plays.

Hank Greenberg had two hits and he scored twice. Goose Goslin drove in two runs.

The win extended the Tigers lead over the Yankees to a season high five games. While they couldn’t let up, they finally had some breathing room as they continued their quest for a second straight pennant.

the Tigers have now lost eight of their last ten and nine of their last twelve. It’s definitely been a rough week for the Tigers, and I have a feeling we’ll start hearing (again) fans call for Trammell’s job.

Personally, I’d like to see what Tram can do next year. I don’t think there’s a likely replacement for him so there’s no sense in letting him go. The Tigers are 26-26 in games decided by less then two runs (through 8/6) so it’s not like he’s “blown” a lot of close games either. And while I know the manager is pretty much responsible for everything, it seemed like a tale of two seasons. In the first half, the pitching staff did well but the offense didn’t (give some credit to Bob Cluck). This half, the offense has done a little better, but the pitching has tapered off (which was somewhat expected, because none of our guys have really been tested as far as durability).

So I’m just as inclined to give him one more chance. Hopefully we’ll have a full season of Magglio Ordonez and a full season of Chris Shelton. Another good arm would be nice, as would Hideki Matsui (wishful thinking).

This weekend was the inaugural Negro League appreciation weekend. I went last year and it was cool watching the Tigers play in the old Detroit Stars uniforms. If you’d like to check out more information on the Stars, be sure to check Negroleaguebaseball.com.

The diary took a break because of some rainouts, and the Tigers will continue their pennant race tomorrow. A big series with the Yankees is coming up in about a week and a half.

August 4, 1935 Tigers 7, Indians 0 (62-37)

Tommy Bridges was just short of perfect as the Tigers topped the Indians. It was the Tigers fifth straight win and Bridges threw a four hit shutout. He walked two and struck out four.

Bridges even helped out his own cause. He went two for three with two RBIs and a run. Backup catcher Ray Hayworth scored three runs.

The win put the Tigers four up over the Yankees, but they’d have to wait to pad that lead. They’d have three days off due to rain.

It looks like the Placido Polanco deal is a straight $4.6 million every year for the next four years. There’s no doubt that Polanco is a quality player. He’s a career .299 hitter and has absolutely tore things up since we traded Ugueth Urbina for him. More importantly, he’s done it at Comerica Park. Through 53 at bats, he’s put up an impressive .358/.407/.585. The problem of course is the sample size. 53 at bats is hardly telling.

He’s also an above average fielder. Last he posted 19 Fielding Runs Above Average and his fielding has accounted for more then half of his career 34.2 WARP.

So what’s the problem? One has to do with an established trend and the other has to do with more of a personal pet peeve. The established trend is that Polanco is going to be 30 in October, and second basemen seem to decline faster then players at just about ever other position (catcher being the exception). Billfer touched on this over at Detroit Tigers Weblog, but it bears repeating. Once again I think we signed a guy for a little to long into the years where he has a good chance of having declining skills.

The second problem is that I think they gave up on Omar Infante too soon. Infante had a great season last year, and although he struggled at the beginning of this year, I think it would have done the Tigers well to see what he could do next year. We’re not going to the playoffs, so there’s no harm. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Infante outplaying (for another team) Polanco two years from now.

I think a two year contract with an option for a third would have been more prudent. It just always seem like the Tigers sign players to long deals and catch them in their declining years. Bobby Higginson is a great example, and it looks like Ivan Rodriguez is becoming one. I know he’s hitting .299, but it’s a little hollow. His .737 OPS is his worst since 1993, the last season the Tigers had a winning record. And I also have a feeling we’ll be saying the same thing about Magglio Ordonez.

So while I think it’s a good short term signing, I just don’t see the long term benefit. My two cents of course.

August 3, 1935 Tigers 5, Indians 4 (60-37)

The Tigers started off their doubleheader with the Indians by giving up two leads, only to put the game away in extra frames. With the Tigers up 3-0 in the eighth, the Indians tied the game with three runs against starter Elden Auker. The Tigers took a 4-3 lead in the bottom half of the inning only to see Auker once again give up the tying run to send the game into extra innings.

Chief Hogsett threw two shutout innings before Schoolboy Rowe came in and pitched a shutout twelth and earned his first win of the day when the Tigers put the game away in the twelth.

Hank Greenberg hit his 29th and 30th homers of the season and Goose Goslin drove in two runs.

August 3, 1935 Tigers 7, Indians 3 (61-37)

The second game of the doubleheader went a little more smoothly for the Tigers. They scored two in the second and five in the sixth to push out to a 7-0 lead before the Indians finally tagged Schoolboy Rowe for three in the eighth.

Rowe went the distance and gave up three runs on eight hits. He struck out five and he earned his second win of the day.

The Tigers scored their seven runs on only six hits. They drew six walks and the Indians committed two errors. Jo Jo White drove in three and tripled and Billy Rogell scored two runs.

The two wins extended the Tigers lead over the Yankees to 3 1/2 games.

Four years for $18.4 million. I’ll take a look at the particulars and do a more detailed report when I’m home tonight.

In the meantime, you can check out a review of Juicing the Game and my Business of Baseball Report over at Hardball Times.

« Previous Entries | Next Entries »

Powered by
WordPress

Click to advertise

http://every1bets.com