OT: Wednesday MLB Open Thread

Submitted by Moleskyn on

A bunch of matinee games going on, or about to get under way.

The White Sox have gotten out to a quick start, putting 4 runs up in the first inning on Justin Masterson. How are ChiSox fans feeling about this year's team? Is Adam Dunn capable of hitting a baseball?

Tigers and Rays are set to go at it at 1:05. Good pitching matchup with Verlander vs. Shields. I know some people think that Shields is set to regress a lot this year, and he struggled against the Yanks in his first start, so we'll see how that goes. Here's to hoping Verlander picks up right where he left off last week.

MGoBeer

April 11th, 2012 at 12:40 PM ^

I wake up excited every time I know Verlander is pitching that day. Also, obviously not baseball, but AHHHH  NHL PLAYOFFS START TONIGHT!

StateStreet

April 11th, 2012 at 1:03 PM ^

Jeremy Hellickson was hit in the head by a ball during batting practice prior to today's game. Supposedly he was responsive and alert, but still went to the hospital of course. Hope he's okay.

ED: Supposedly he was hit by a homerun ball while he was throwing in the bullpen, so at least it wasn't a line drive. That's good news.

Oh, and Go Tigers.

graybeaver

April 11th, 2012 at 1:31 PM ^

Could someone post a link for live audio or video of the tigers game that's compatible with the iPad? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Moleskyn

April 11th, 2012 at 3:10 PM ^

Headed to the 9th in Motown. Verlander has thrown 81 pitches through 8 innings, just unreal. Assuming he comes in to finish off the complete game shutout, he'll face Tampa's 9, 1, and 2 hitters.

Moleskyn

April 11th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^

Verlander's worked himself into a jam here in the 9th. Bases loaded, 1 out, Longoria up.

Edit: Check that; Jeff Keppinger scored from third on a wild pitch ball 4 to Pena. And Longoria just singled, so now the bases are loaded, with one out. And Leyland's bringing in... Schlereth? Are you kidding me?

wile_e8

April 11th, 2012 at 3:26 PM ^

Hey, everyone remember the people that ripped on Leyland last week for taking Verlander out instead of letting him pitch the 9th in the opener?

Brhino

April 11th, 2012 at 3:57 PM ^

Game 1: Leyland pulls Verlander after 8 innings, 105 pitches, 2 run lead.  Valverde gives up two runs, everyone calls Leyland a dumbass.

Game 5: Leyland leaves Verlander in after 8 innings, 90ish pitches, 2 run lead.  Verlander gives up four runs, everyone calls Leyland a dumbass.

 

Love all the amateur managers in the crowd!

SteelCityMafia

April 11th, 2012 at 3:59 PM ^

Like I said, I'm not a Tigers fan, but I'm of the belief that you pay your closers for that reason, to CLOSE.  Valverde blew the save on day one, big whoop.  He's still one of the best in the business.  There's absolutely no reason to not put him in at that point. 

Moleskyn

April 11th, 2012 at 5:03 PM ^

No way. I supported Leyland's decision last Thursday to bring in Valverde, even though it didn't work out. I also support his decision to leave Verlander in today for the 9th. Why would you pull your starting pitcher who has thrown 81 pitches through 8 innings, has struck out 6, and has allowed 2 base runners all game up to that point? You'd be a moron to pull him. Not to mention the fact that he was facing the bottom of the Rays' lineup. For whatever reason Verlander didn't come through, but if there's ever a good opportunity to leave a starter in for a complete game, this was it.

Moleskyn

April 11th, 2012 at 3:58 PM ^

I disagree with Leyland's decision to bring in Schlereth in the first place, but to be fair, he brought him in to face Matt Joyce (a lefty), then Joe Maddon pinch-hit for him with a righty. But yeah, wouldn't have been an issue in the first place if he would have just not even thought about putting Schlereth in at all.

WMUgoblue

April 11th, 2012 at 4:00 PM ^

So you're going to take your horse out after only 81 pitches and 1 hit given up? Give me a freaking break, people watch a few games once the Tigers start playing well and think they know the game better than someone who has managed for over 25 years.



Schlereth was put in the face the lefty Joyce and Maddon pinch hit for him after he saw the alaskan coming in, so what are you going to do just do another pitching change? Leyland again made the right calls, I don't like Schlereth and probably never will but he's supposed to be a lefty-lefty specialist and putting him in with a lefty on deck was the right choice. The loss goes on JV who couldn't finish what he started, not on Leyland.

Sambojangles

April 11th, 2012 at 3:53 PM ^

Don't worry guys, Clete Thomas is leading off the 9th. He'll score two runs by himself.

/s

EDIT: mlb.com gamecast made me look like an idiot by saying Thomas was up next. Disregard comment.

ThadMattasagoblin

April 11th, 2012 at 4:22 PM ^

I'd rather not put in a pitcher who just had a rough outing last Sunday who is supposedly a "lefty-lefty specialist" when you have about 5-6 other guys who can get the job done.