Three things to know about Tigers
Posted on September 25th, 2009 – 9:17 AMBy Joe Christensen
I’m heading to Kansas City this morning. Short on time — just like the Twins — so here’s a quick update on that team they’re chasing:
1) Verlander vs. Carrasco turned into a nail biter Friday. A 6-5 win for Detroit that was antacid close, John Lowe writes in the Detroit Free Press. That win extended the Tigers’ lead to three games. (Corrected)
2) LHP Bobby Seay will have an MRI exam on his left shoulder. This is a sizable development because Seay is the Tigers’ top lefthander in the bullpen, and counted on to handle the Twins lefthanded threats, specifically Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel. After Seay, the Tigers best lefthanded relief option is Fu-Te Ni.
3) The Tigers play at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field tonight, with RHP Eddie Bonine (0-0, 5.96) making the start opposite RHP Jake Peavy (1-0, 5.40).
Note: Check back here later for tonight’s starting lineups, as the Twins open a three-game series in Kansas City. For a series preview, click here.
62 Responses to "Three things to know about Tigers"
gotta sweep kc and hope detroit only wins 2/3 in chitown. then go win series in detroilet to tie this thing up for the last weekend.
why we still 2.5… sadly we are 3 back now! Come ON TWINS!!!! Let’s Go Sox!
Shouldn’t it be 3 things to know about the Tigers for todays headline?
Need Chicago to take 2 of three this weekend from Detroit, and the Twins need to win tonight and saturday night. Gotta view it as a bonus, not an expectation, to beat Grienke on sunday.
For the 1st time in my life I am rooting for the White Sux, and I want AJ to dominate their series with Detoilet. Go ChiSux, Go Twins!!
The White Sox were eliminated with the Tigers win on Thursday. Does that mean they’ll relax and play better? Will the Tigers suffer a letdown from their dominating sweep of the worst team in the worst division?
Dood…Welcome to the Twilight Zone…dah da dah da, dah da dah da.
Hey, Trish, how’s the short story coming?
Yeah, the Twins have to take care of business and hope the Sox steal one (or two!) from the Tigers. I love (and hate) this time of year!
I agree with lefty - we would be doing well to take 2 of 3 from KC while ChiSox do the same to the kitty cats. That would put 1st within easier reach going in to the 4 game Det series.
Gotta view it as a bonus, not an expectation, to beat Grienke on sunday.
Bonus is a necessity at this point.
The Twins need to pick up a game on the Tigers this weekend - or they face having to sweep Detroit when they play next week. In a four game series, the Twins can pick up four or two games only with a series win. I’d hate to have to try and pick up a game in the last weekend of the year.
I’d like to see the Twins cut it to two this weekend, take 3 of 4 in Detroit, and let it be all tied up going into that last weekend. I think that’s going to take a sweep this weekend.
Now that the White Sox are done in the pennant race, I think that they will relax and AJ and Dye will light up the night with all their hits against the Tigers. We need to take care of business too and beat the Royals but I really think the White Sox like the Twins better than the Tigers and will do their best to take the series. Ozzie has made it no secret that he likes the Twins and the way we go about our business (and battle our tails off) and run their team but there’s no other choice for the Twins but to win almost every game from here on out. Go Twins!!!!!!!!!!
3 games is alot to do over 10 games, no matter what. The Twins magic # for this thing is 14. We need the White Sox help. For fun, try racking your brain on how the Twins will get that # from 14 to zero over the next 10 days. Its going to be tough, expecially since I don’t see the Twins beating Grienke twice in that stretch
Baseball’s a funny game. You never know what will happen. Oh, and 13 gets the Twins to a playoff with the Tigers. It could happen with a Tigers collapse. More realistically, the Twins will have to win at least 8 of the final 10, including 3 of 4 against the Tigers. Again, stranger things have happened.
Pete D is correct…you can’t really go into the Detroit series down 3 games and realistically expect to win the division. It would seem 3 of 4 is probably the best you can hope for against the Tigers. That takes two games off the lead. Then you face that final weekend–you could possibly shave another game off the lead that weekend. Result in this scenario is a tie, but again, I think that’s best case.
We face Zach Grienke twice in one week…the Twins have actually faired quite well against “Aces” lately, but Grienke is a man on a mission. If he beats the Twins twice when it counts, the Cy Young debate would be over. The Royals are also proud of the fact they spoiled the Tigers’ party in 2006 and the Twins’ party last year. Liriano will start Sunday and Scott Baker scares the heck out of me right now…plus, there’s always a chance Nick Blackburn blows up.
I guess what I’m saying is as remarkable as it is the Twins are at this point just 3 games down, it’s still very much an uphill climb. I would like to see the Twins pick up not one, but two games this weekend somehow if they could. Then it’s definitely game on come Monday. If you come into Monday down 3 still, there will be a lot of finger crossing next week.
It’s crucial for the Twins starter opposite Greinke to keep runs to a minimum and keep the game close. If we can’t get much off Greinke, maybe we can pull one out in the late innings. The Royals love this role late in the year and are a very tough opponent. Gotta hope the Twins stay hot!
I wouldn’t say the Royals spoiled the Tigers party in 2006.
I know I would’ve traded a division title for a trip to the World Series.
There is another factor you should weigh into the “what-ifs” equations: the Twins are absolutely on fire right now. There has been zero basis for this level of play here in 2009. And they are doing it with a lineup that includes no Morneau, D Young, Harris / Morales at DH, Tolbert at 3B, and Punto at 2B.
In other words, sometimes when you’re hot your hot and if the Twins manage to stay on this roll, they will easily overtake the Tigers. A slip-up this weekend, however, and like I said, it’s probably a very long shot.
Let’s not forget a few things about the Royals:
1. Liriano’s best start of the year came against the Royals.
2. Greinke can’t hit; the Royals offense is still going to have to muster some runs.
3. We have Joe Mauer, who’s also a man on a mission (MVP, batting title, playoffs). If he pushes this team into the playoffs, it should be curtains on the MVP “debate”.
I have been realistic, and I too see it needing a one game playoff. Actually, most of my predictions I have tried leave the Twins a game short 
the twins would have to win 3 of 4 in detroit or get a ton of help. detroit’s pitching is just too good and the twins are too shakey on the road for me to have much hope. i’m not even convinced the twins can handle the royals.
Actaully, I don’t think we can realistically expect to win the division at this point. Pretty much everything has to go the Twins way over the last 10 days. My optimism stems from the fact that anything can happen in this game (just ask the ‘64 Phillies, the “69 Cubs, or the ‘07 Padres).
‘06 Twins, too, Boneyard. Division title seemed like a huge long shot that year. Difference is we would’ve made the playoffs either way.
I agree with folks here who say it’s a long shot. It would be easy to sit here and say the Twins can do it, no problem, but we obviously have some smart baseball people here who know just how big a 3 game defecit is, even when you have 4 games left against the leaders.
As it turns out, The Sox are not *yet eliminated. They can stave off elimination by sweeping the Tigers this weekend. Show some pride at least, Sox. Don’t let the Tigers push you out on your home field. Wait until you get to Cleveland for that.
Yup, Jason, there’s also ‘06. I’m just going to root like heck for the Twins and enjoy the ride.
At this point, Dood, I’m wondering how Cleveland is ever going to win another game this year.
To be fair, the Kitty-Win made it impossible for any scenario ending in a Sox appearance in the playoffs. They just haven’t been mathematically eliminated from overtaking the Tigers.
(Details, right?)
I don’t know what Grienke said to earn his ejection yesterday, but how nice would it be if the language was vulgar enough to bring a suspension?
What has the phrase “realistically expect” got to do with it?
The Twins can realistically hope, but only the Tigers can “realistically expect” to win the division.
But very often, hope trumps expectation.
Boy am I glad the White Sox picked up Jake Peavy.
“To be fair, the Kitty-Win made it impossible for any scenario ending in a Sox appearance in the playoffs. They just haven’t been mathematically eliminated from overtaking the Tigers.
(Details, right?)”
This is correct. The most they can win is 82 games. The Tigers already have 82. So, if the Tigers lost all 10 to finish 82-80, the Twins would have at least 83 wins
The interesting thing about the Twins vs Tigers in Detroit this year is that the Tigers have only had one well pitched game, a shutout by Porcello. The other two wins they have were down to the Twins also pitching poorly. (And a couple of free runs from the umpires.)
Losses are losses, but it’s not fair to say the Tigers have dominated at home. A series win is optimistic, but not born of fantasy.
This is correct. The most they can win is 82 games. The Tigers already have 82. So, if the Tigers lost all 10 to finish 82-80, the Twins would have at least 83 wins
LOL. For some reason, this seems to profoundly suck for the Sox. Hah.
Detroit talk radio yesterday afternoon was all about how the Tigers will fare against the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs - why they should not be ruled out. Let’s hope the players are also looking ahead and the Sox play spoiler.
Personally, I’d at least want to take someone down with me. Can’t be the Twins? Fine. Tigers, then.
I was just replaying that big inning in Detroit. I remember how pizzed I was when Granderson was tagged out, but ruled safe. And the two out homer! Agggh!!! That was one of those games that sucked because the human element actually gave the opposition the difference in the game. But hey.
I’m finding this chase to be very entertaining, and even though there’s a real chance of the Tigers winning it in the end, they’ll have to earn it. And that’s a good thing for the game.
Well said, Dood. That is why we are here, watching, rooting, talking positive. It ain’t over, till it’s over. Go Sux, Go Twins!!!
I just want to see the Twins get into a tie with the Tigers so Joe C. can take a day off–since the blog entry would be that there is “nothing to know about the Tigers”!
“Baseball’s a funny game. You never know what will happen.”
and there you have it!
It feels funny rooting for the Sux. My wife thinks I’m a lunatic b/c I hate the Sox and am still rooting for them this weekend. I tried to explain it to her and the she tried to explain the fun of shopping malls to me and, well, so I blog.
Since there really is not much to opine about these days, other than hope Twins win and hope Tig’s lose, I have an offbeat but curious question for the crowd:
Since little league on up I always thought the home team took the third base dugout and visitor at first. Never paid much attention to it until I noticed while attending the Twins-Rays game in Tampa that at Tropicana field, the Twins were in the third base dugout.
Obviously this is not a “rule” then. Are there other MLB parks set up this way? Is it common or uncommon? Like I said, I really never paid attention to it.
Feedback?
When I played Town Team and College Ball, if it was a day game at home, we took the dugout with the most shade.
Nice DrDon, yeah that’s right. Now I remember, in beer league softball home team took the dugout with the fullest keg, ha!
Let’s go Tigers!!!!!!! Starting pitching is finally coming together, despite Washburn being a non-factor. They are starting to hit, thanks to Guillen and Ordonez. There’s a good feeling about this team. They are built for the playoffs with Verlander, Jackson and Porcello taking the mound. Sorry Twinkie fans, but this is the Tigers division this year.
Here in KC, the visitors are on 3rd base side and the royals are on 1st.
Yes, and also stole their women and held them hostage. The only way they could get the women back was to beat us. They usually did because we were all drunked up. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugout_(baseball)
There we have it, Jed. You have made things very clear. I thought heet and I were on the right track, but your reference referred to Major Leagues. We are talking about Beer Leagues. Thank you for the input, I now know to stay away from some dugouts.
Yep, that settles that. Shows how observant I am huh? There’s actually more 1BD’s than 3BD’s, and the Twins will be relocating to a 1BD home team.
Bet that will really mess with long time season ticket holders. Those who prefer Twins-side vs. Visitor-side seating will be getting used to a different view i guess…
Boneyard:
The story is slowly but surely coming along. I have a meeting with my professor here in an hour so hopefully that will get my writing butt in gear! Thanks for asking!
heet-
In Milwaukee the visiting team is in the 3BD.
Sounds like Seay is out for the season.
And Rodney continues to be dismal. So,
A NOTE TO ALL POSTERS:
A comeback win is very possible in the Detoilette series. Show some patience and support instead of pulling the plug early.
Can’t be done. Better luck next year. Maybe they won’t wait untl the last 15 days to start playing baseball…….
Good luck next year. outdoors….you are going to need it!
Yeah Chicago is “starting over”. They’ve had a day and can relax and focus on being the spoiler. Then more relaxation as they play Cleveland.
Then another off day before playing spoiler in Detoilette.
Have fun Ozzy!!
Atta Boy, JC Smith. You are sooooooo cool.
“Can’t” be done, JC? Or unlikely? Mathematically, the Twins are still alive. Moreover, the Phils lost a 6 1/2 game lead with 12 to go in ‘64. Can’t be done? Are you sure?
Good to see KC lose its last 2 games. Now the hard series with the Twins.
Then they go into Yankee stadium before their last 3 games at the Dome.
They’re coming back to earth now, and will remember how bad a team they really are.
Ignore JC Smith.
Aw, romer, you know we need a shazel, JC Smith, or Ben to stir things up.
3 out with 10 to go, believe me things are already stirred up!
Don’t feel like being a whipping boy for the sadists.
I repeat: 3 out with 10 to go is a lot, but it is a long, long way from impossible. Plus, Mauer is just having the kind of year where he could just pick the club up and carry them across the finish line. I’m with you, romer.
Boneyard…romer is our man, as long as he knows what day it is.
I like it, I like it!
I remember someone saying in July last year after our very hot streak that we would have to win 70% of our remaining games to beat the sox. I said 60% would do it and maybe even 55%. Turns out 50% would have done it.
Would surprise me but not shock me for 50% to win it again as long as 4 of the 5 wins are against the Tigers.
No way am I giving up until we are x games out with x-1 to go. On the flip side I will not be confortable even if we win 6 in a row and Detroit loses 6 in a row.
