OT: Tigers Fall to Red Sox
They fall to a measly 4 games below .500. Smyly squandered 2 2-run home runs early and Boesch completely misplayed a ball in rightfield. I am literally running out of excuses for this team, and as soon as I have a spark of hope it withers away. We had our best pitchers this series and it looks like we're on the cusp of a 4 game sweep. Granted, Fister has been hurt, but Verlander? Optioning Raburn won't solve all our problems, but the Tigers management has to find something that will.
don't realize how V-Mart's injury set the Tigers back. His ability to hit in the clutch and with 2 strikes are crucial....
Off the top of my head it's most likely the same candidates as last year:
- Wandy Rodriquez
- Ryan Dempster
- Jeremy Guthrie
- Jason Vargas
- And the way the Brewers are going Greinke is probably available (but for the entire farm system + some.)
This team needs another right handed bat, and lefty reliever. The fact that Gerald Laird has to DH is a joke, Dombrowski has some major issues right now.
Water is wet.
At this point it's a team wide problem. First and foremost our approach at the plate seems to be beer league softball style where everyone is trying to get around on a pitch and put it into orbit.
I've seen way to many 2 strike pitches that we hack away at instead of simple contact and putting it where the pitch is located.
I already understand that no one is going anywhere this season no matter what....no one trade will change a damn thing right now. Either there will be a turnaround or 2008 pt 2 will continue.
I thought the Tigers would run away from the pack this year, and be strongly in the catbird seat by now. I'm shocked at both the Tiger's play and that of the White Sox. It's a long season though, and I fully expect the Tigers to be in it by the end and for something to happen for the Sox to implode. But 5 1/2 back now was inconceivable to me. Fielder and Cabrera are great, as is Verlander. But the rest of the Tigers need to pick things up.
I think the rotation is fine if they can stay healthy. Getting another starter will not solve the lineup's issues. The corner outfielders have been killing the team so far this season. Boesch and Young look terrible in the field and at the plate. These are positions that should be producing at the plate. Both have NO plate discipline at all and are really worthless. Dirks should really be playing more.
At this point, I wouldn't worry about second base. I don't see any option out there that will greatly improve that situation. They should just put Worth in there so they at least have a decent glove. Just don't bat him second in the lineup (WTF?!?). I think the Tigers can survive without a good second basemen, but they can't survive if 2/3 of the outfield is playing so poorly.
if its the entire team perhaps its the man leading them leyland isnt the best manager that the tigers could get
Please, name someone better that the Tigers can get.
SPARKY ANDERSON. The fact that Dombrowski hasn't made the move yet is ridiculous. Sparky would bring us back to glory in no time at all.
Boesch is a liability in the field and his two grounders to second every game are not helping. Unfortunately, they don't have anyone better. I wouldn't be upset if they move Dirks to right and and Berry to left when Jackson comes back. Worst case, we would increase the speed of the outfield and on the base paths and the offense can't get any worse.
Yeah, that one hit last night (I think it was from Ortiz? Maybe Gonzalez?) that ended falling for a ground-rule double... Boesch took a horrible route to the ball. To me, it looked like he could have made the catch if he had taken a better route. Once Jackson is back, I would not be opposed at all to Dirks/Jackson/Berry in the outfield, and have Young and Boesch rotate in the DH spot. Shoot, I wouldn't be opposed to sending Boesch down to AAA for a little while. He just looks lost at the plate.
It was Gonzalez on an 0-2 hanging breaking ball from Coke. Another non-favorite of mine. At least he sprints into the game.
/s
AAA might do him good but I am not sure we can afford it. I have noticed that both Young and Boesch usually swing at the first pitch no matter where it is. It is mind boggling to me how bad they look at the plate. If this keeps up, I am curious how long McClendon will keep his job. I am not advocating to have him fired but most of team is underperforming. Peralta looks like he is swinging with his eyes closed.
I really think we can turn this around but it may be time for a leader to step up and have a players only meeting. I think Verlander needs to take this team and force his will upon them. That guys works his ass off and we need that to spread throughout the clubhouse. I am tired of seeing guys smiling on a team who is 23-27 that should have 30 wins at least this year.