Atlanta 12 Detroit 4
March 8th, 2010 Posted in UncategorizedThere really wasn’t much that caught my eye on the offensive side today. Many things to talk about though, from todays pitching performances to my usual daily dose of useless random observations.
Max Scherzer watched his ERA rise to 30.86 today as he lasted only a third of an inning. He was pulled after allowing five runs on four hits and three walks. Over at MLB.com Scherzer has a few things to say in regards to his slow start. I hate to keep making excuses for the kid but trust me Max Scherzer is a much better pitcher than this.
Casey Crosby made his Spring Training debut today. He surrendered two consecutive singles, followed by two walks. He struggled with command and looked very uncomfortable in his brief appearance. While many folks are displeased with what they saw or heard today, don’t read to much into it. Command has always been an issue for Crosby. He will work things out down on the farm and yes he still is the real deal.
Robbie Weinhardt continues to impress me down here. He entered the game with nobody out and the bases loaded for the second time this spring. He limited the damage by inducing back to back ground outs and striking out Brandon Hicks. He is getting no ink from the press or fellow bloggers and I’m surprised. I am starting to feel like I am campaigning for the kid. Wait till y’all see this kid pitch! Weinhardt has picked up right where he left off last season. He should be at least considered for a spot this season.
Phil Cokehas also been pretty solid. He pitched a scoreless inning today. Perhaps it won’t happen as soon as I’d like, but at some point this season I believe he will join the rotation. He will quietly become a fan favorite too. Move over Maggs hat hair give away day.. The Phil Coke mullet hat hair day is vastly approaching!
Joel Zumaya scattered two hits but settled down and got out of the inning without surrendering a run. It is also worth noting that he is still injury free!
Dontrelle Willis tossed two scoreless innings again. That’s not a typo! Zero hits and one walk, also not a typo. I wore my D-Train jersey today to the stadium and like most folks I really want him to succeed. At this point though I treat him like Glass Joel Zumaya…carefully and with limited expectations. Hopefully this run continues into the regular season.
Handy Links
- My prayers have been answered appearantly and Ryan Strieby will be working in the outfield this season in AAA Toledo.
- Casey Fien is on the move again. From the Tigers to the Red Sox to the Blue Jays in just one week.
I will return with more next weekend, unfortunately I must get back to work.
*Stay Classy Tiger Nation
3 Responses to “Atlanta 12 Detroit 4”
By stephen grosberg on Mar 9, 2010
Trust me, they’ll wake up to Robbie Weinhardt since , based on performance, because so far, he’s the most reliable reliever they have. Why they’re not waking up to Strieby at DH part of the time is beyond me. Carlos Guillen is a great clutch hitter when he’s 100%, but Strieby is better when Guillen is 80%. Strieby is better than Damon vs. LHP and RHP. Too bad they can’t admit a mistake and trade Damon. Suffice it to say that Strieby will be first up when an OF goes DL. I love the idea of Thomas in CF. If anyone would take Ordonoz at a reduced rate, he’d be gone too. You’re right about Coke. I see him as # 5. GREAT IDEAS as usual by you. Austin Jackson is looking good with Casper Wells available too. There are many players that could be moved if they didn’t love veterans and wanted to give performing kids a chance. Look at Porcello, Perry, Raburn and what the Mets plan to do with Mejia.
By jayrc on Mar 9, 2010
Thanks
I was (and still am) actually excited about Damon. We WILL win more games with him and he is the ideal hitter for our void in the second spot.
As much as much as I love Strieby at DH, Guillen has been raking so far this spring. As the article in the link above suggested, Streiby will be getting reps in left field in Toledo this year. Perhaps he is called up later this season, a more likely scenarial is next year…IMO.
One thing is certain, I will have a lot to cover this season in my Down on the Farm series.
By stephen grosberg on Mar 10, 2010
I guess I’ll have to be patient until the first DH or OF is not 100% to bring up Strieby. First, they have to be convinced that he can hit both LH and RH pitching. Clete Thomas provides the CF or CF replacement for Austin Jackson who is earning a spot. I hope they have the guts to end the veteran non performers who pitch in favor of youth. It’s comforting to have Strieby and Casper Wells ready. I don’t want to wait till next year for Strieby, unless no DH or OF goes DL, even for 1 week. The fun will really start when Andrew Oliver is ready. Jacob Turner will probably do a “Rick Porcello.” Robbie Weinhardt is their best closer based on stats in Spring Training, while Phil Coke is earning the #5. Now we have to find a #4. Wouldn’t it be something if Nate Robertson beat out Bonderman. Right now he’s way ahead.