July 8, 2007

G87: Tigers 6, Red Sox 5

Swept at Detroit for the first time since June 1992.

Dice (5-10-6-1-4, 90) was hit hard early (3 HRs), but the Red Sox rallied.

Trailing 6-2 in the seventh Jeff "Gumball" Bailey (his first ML hit!) and Julio "This Is Not A Typo" Lugo hit back-to-back home runs off a not-sharp Robertson (6.1-4-4-4-2, 107).

In the eighth, Lugo hit an RBI-double (seriously, the guy went 3-for-3 with a walk!), but the Sox couldn't tie it up. Crisp struck out with Lugo on second to end the eighth.

In the ninth, Dustin Pedroia doubled and watched as David Ortiz struck out and Mike Lowell flied to right. Jason Varitek singled to left and Pedroia took third on the Tigers' fifth error of the day. JD Drew fouled out to third.

***

Daisuke Matsuzaka (3.53, 127 ERA+) / Nate Robertson (4.86, 91 ERA+)

Matsuzaka's ERA+ is very close to Josh Beckett's 130 as the top Sox starter.

147 comments:

allan said...

Lineups

Coco Crisp, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Lowell, 3B
Jason Varitek, C
J.D. Drew, RF
Wily Mo Pena, LF
Jeff Bailey, 1B
Julio Lugo, SS

Curtis Granderson, CF
Marcus Thames, RF
Gary Sheffield, DH
Sean Casey, 1B
Carlos Guillen, SS
Craig Monroe, LF
Mike Rabelo, C
Omar Infante, 2B
Brandon Inge, 3B

Manny is out with "intestinal turmoil".

JML said...

Howdy! I had the pleasure of biting my nails at the game all last night at Comerica Park. Sitting home in A/C comfort today, watching on tv. ur pitcher today, Nate Robertson, is pretty good, better than his number would suggest. But up against your guy, I do give the Red Sox the edge today. Either way, I hope we all are able to enjoy today's game on both sides.

JML said...

Oh, and not one of our All-Starts are set to start today. BIG advantage, Red Sox.

JML said...

My bad. Carlos Guillen is playing today, so ONE of our All-Stars is starting. Still....

allan said...

Once again, I have the Tigers feed on MLBTV. Damn it all.

allan said...

MFY get 4 in the first. Good thing we're not in a pennant race with them.

allan said...

A bit wild.

Don't walk Tek to face Drew. That's stupid.

allan said...

But it works.

2 runs on 0 hits and 3 left!!!

JML said...

Redsock, I LOVE Mario and Rod on FSN. I guess I don't see what your beef is with them. They are plenty complimentary to opposing teams, they have been dropping (well earned) praise on Red Sox players already today. Sure, they clearly want to Tigers to win, but whenever I watch other teams telecasts so do their guys. Mario and Rod are lively, especially compared to come of the DULL commentators I've seen for other teams (not knocking the RS broadcast team, I've never seen them). When I cringe is when I have to watch games on FOX, with that painfully inane Tim McCarver dude.

allan said...

Hey -- what's with the giving up runs shit?

As I recall from last year, the Tigers guys were alright -- nothing great, nothing too bad -- until Detroit got a lead. Then -- as I have typed a few times -- they were practically talking trash and waving pompoms in the booth. Especially Rod/Rodney. It wasn't as bad as Hawk Harrelson, but it was obnoxious and unprofessional.

But I have a very low tolerance for any announcers. Everyone at ESPN sucks -- and McMoron is a pits.

I think the lack of knowledge about the game bothers me most -- everyone, including the Red Sox guys, seems completely unaware of the huge change in analysis the game has undergone in the last 30 years -- along with repeating info about the opposing team that is way out of date.

Do some research! (My fave example is Joe Morgan calling Fenway a HR heaven -- which it stopped being in about 1985.)

allan said...

If every announcer cut the amnount of his talking by 85%, it would be a vast improvement.

If I could get a feed with minimal on-screen stats and just crowd noise, I'd pay a lot for it -- I'd gladly pay double what I pay for EI now, probably more.

JML said...

Waving poms-poms is fine by me. But talking trash? Mario and Rod? I don't recall that one bit, in all the years I've watched them. Last night, when Pudge made the game-winning hit, they took the time to compliment Coco for his great effort in trying to get that ball. That's the Rod and Mario I know.

JML said...

Hm, yeah, you just don't seem to like having announcers at all. :-)

laura k said...

The Detroit Fox announcers are fine until the Tigers have a lead. Then they're just cheerleaders. If you like that kind of thing, fine. I hate it.

laura k said...

Complimenting an opposing player for a great play is very typical. I have the NESN feed today and Remy made a big deal out of Granderson's amazing catch just now. But the homer factor is almost unbearable when we play Detroit.

JML said...

I'm actually really surprised by the game so far. Specifically in that our boys are hitting Dice-K so well. Granderson's play doesn't surprise me, though. He's a natural talent who matures on the field daily. He's also my neighbor, so I'll have to sneak up on him tonight and high-five him for that catch. :-P As for Robertson so far, not his best game to say the least; we're lucky he's gotten away only giving up two so far.

allan said...

It's true!

The Red Sox guys are fine. Orsillo does a good PBP and reads a mind-numbing lists of stats off the press notes. Never says much of anything about the game besides the PBP.

Remy is also fine, though I get tired of him pimping his websites and running what I think are commercials for his t-shirts and Wally dolls and shit. Analysis is good, but he could do a lot more of it. He seems to do NO research into the other team.

I'm sure I can stand them because they are my team's guys, but I really don't hear stupid stuff from them that I hear from the national guys.

***

In comments on Friday I think, I mentioned the tone of their comments with a Tigers lead are on level with "saying" to the opposing pitcher "You're in the big leagues now!" A slightly toned down version of we're tough and you ain't shit kind of talk.

laura k said...

"Mario and Rod are lively, especially compared to come of the DULL commentators I've seen for other teams"

I think it's the "liveliness" that I hate. I get my liveliness from the game, I don't need announcers trying to create excitement for me.

allan said...

Okay. I'm going to tune in now. I'll report on what I hear. Wish me luck.

Here I go ...

allan said...

Rodney praises Lugo for play and throw home for the FC.

laura k said...

The national announcers are always the worst b/c they just spout stereotypes rather than facts about every team. It's like they have 3 or 4 "facts" (ahem) about each team and just repeat them whether they're applicable or true or not.

laura k said...

"Okay. I'm going to tune in now. I'll report on what I hear."

Not entirely fair, tho, b/c you missed the Tigers taking the lead (twice) and that great catch.

allan said...

Both guys praising Sheffield -- do they ever mention his steroid use?

laura k said...

"do they ever mention his steroid use?"

Heh. Even Michael Kay mentions Giambi's troubles.

allan said...

Rod on Sheff's hit: "It's amazing the way that boy hits the ball."

Good thing Rod's not white.

JML said...

Hm, it just doesn't seem that extreme to me with Mario and Rod. I don't recall them ever trashing other teams and I guess I just don't find rooting for the home team such a terrible thing. Maybe it seems overbearing if your team is losing and you have announcers who are happy about it? But if I was watching the other team's broadcast, it would seem plenty understandable to me.

allan said...

Rod quite surprised by the fact that Dice has allowed 6 ER in his last 6 starts.

Might be good to research the guy you're facing. Jeez.

allan said...

Maybe it seems overbearing if your team is losing and you have announcers who are happy about it?

Could be. With these guys, I recall it was more tone of voice than actual words.

I don't expect announcers to be robots, but they really shouldn't actively root for a team from the booth.

We've heard other teams' guys say "C'mon x, we need a double here!" or "Run, run!" while the home player is trying to score on a extra base hit.

JML said...

I-girl, I don't think they are trying to create excitement, I think they are excited. I like that! If someone wasn't excited about their team, I'd find them pretty dull. I'm going to stay off the Sheffield topic, though, as I try to avoid any of the Yankees/Red Sox crossfire. ;-)

allan said...

Rod: "Toronto is one of those towns where a day game after a night game comes very quick."

Nightlife in Toronto? Cute.

laura k said...

I don't think these guys are extreme. I just don't find their shenanigans cute or entertaining - just silly.

You probably have a higher tolerance for announcers in general.

But anyone does (incl me) compared to our esteemed host. :)

JML said...

This game has got to tighten up, our battery has not brought their A-game today.

allan said...

They were talking about his career and how he will soon be a HOF lock.

I have a feeling that they -- like every single other announcer in the world -- would qualify any talk about Bonds. I do not like the hypocracy.

Sheff and Giambi by and large get a complete pass from everyone.

JML said...

Yeah, I think Rod confused Toronto with Montreal LOL

laura k said...

Stay off the Sheffiled topic? Why? There are no NYY fans here AFAIK.

It's L-girl, btw. The lower case makes it look weird. :)

allan said...

Oy. Casey's fielding percentage.

Do they love that stat like Remy does?

Most smart baseball people were making fun of fielding % back in the 1880s.

JML said...

Actually, they have treaded fairly lightly on Mr Bonds as far as I can recall. They try to stay out of the ugly issues and leave that to sports commentators. So they are pretty consistent on the steroids issue, perhaps not in the way some might like, to be sure.

allan said...

Maybe Rod knows some good places in Toronto. I'm sure there must be a couple.

JML said...

BTW< what does MFY mean? Do I want to know? And sorry about the "L", l-girl :-)

allan said...

Actually, they have treaded fairly lightly on Mr Bonds as far as I can recall. They try to stay out of the ugly issues

They are rare in that respect.

Though on Friday, Remy and Orsillo were talking about Perez and his "troubles" -- was it him or Dimtri Young?. They went on and on about his "troubles". Many listeners probaby had no idea what they were talking about. Just say "alleged" whatever or say nothing.

off to do work ......

allan said...

Here's a clue:

M: Mother and Y: Yankees.

laura k said...

"Maybe Rod knows some good places in Toronto. I'm sure there must be a couple."

No need to be so down on Toronto. It's not NYC, but then, what is? It's got to be at least as interesting as nightlife in Boston.

laura k said...

It was Dimtri Young.

JML said...

Oh, I like Toronto. It certainly has nightlife. But Rod truly did speak of it as though it was Montreal, which is much more the kind of town he was suggesting.

laura k said...

Oh no problem - it happens all the time. :)

JML said...

As for Neifi Perez and his "troubles", I wouldn't mind if he was "troubled" right out of the club. He is largely a waste of our bench space.

laura k said...

We're both NYC snobs to some extent, even tho we left NY 2 yrs ago.

JML said...

Interesting, NYC ex-patriots and Yankee haters to boot. Interesting blog crew! :-) I love NYC, I visit at least once a year (last year was there to see the Tigers play at Yankees Stadium). I will probably move TO NYC someday, especially as my company (Citizens Bank) has started opening offices there at last.

laura k said...

It's even more interesting when you learn I was a diehard Yankees fan for 30 yrs - and the 1st 18 yrs of our relationship. I had a religious conversion - went from the Yankees to the Red Sox in the summer of 2003. Crazy.

But Joy Nation is mostly lifelong Sox fans - I'm the oddball.

JML said...

Now that's a nice 1st big-league hit.

laura k said...

Gumball goes deep!!

JML said...

Hm, told you Nate didn't bring his A-game today. :-P

allan said...

GUMBALL HR!!!

JML said...

Seemed like there were more people posting here the other day. Are Sunday's slow around here usually?

andy said...

Lugo will snap out of this hot streak in no time

laura k said...

"I love NYC, I visit at least once a year"

That speaks well of you. :)

We planned a baseball road trip around going to Tiger Stadium in its final season. Went to Pittsburgh, both parks in Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and Cleveland - saw the Red Sox in Detroit and the Yankees (my team then!) in Chicago. We *loved* Tiger Stadium.

On baseball road trips, we always do some non-baseball stuff in each city, and Detroit was one of the best of the trip. We went to the African American History Museum and saw the Diego Rivera murals at the DIA. Loved both.

allan said...

And Timlin had his one 1-2-3 inning for this season!!

allan said...

Lugo will snap out of this hot streak in no time

Good one! :>)

laura k said...

"Seemed like there were more people posting here the other day. Are Sunday's slow around here usually? "

It varies, but day games tend to be slower. I guess more people watch night games. Also a lot of people tend to show up in the late innings, not sure why.

allan said...

I didn't have game threads much before a Yankees series a few months ago.

There was a lot of traffic -- the usual suspects that comment every day or so -- but I've not been here for every game, so it died off a bit.

allan said...

It'll be hopping for the DS and CS, I assure you!!

JML said...

Glad to hear you had a nice time in Detroit. It's a city of contrasts but there are some very good bits indeed if you know what to look for. I was checking out a Mets blog when we played them a few weeks ago and all those folks did was trash Detroit; it was pretty harsh. They seemed to really enjoy speculating that Comerica Park was built on a garbage dump.

allan said...

That's because Shea Stadium is nestled in a lovely, evergreen forest!

allan said...

It is a shame the Tigers let the old park rot and fall apart. We saw a three-game Red Sox series there and it was as lovely as Fenway or Wrigley. So glad we had the chance to go.

JML said...

Toronto beats Cleveland!! Woohoo!! Ahem, sorry. ;-)

allan said...

do NOT swing at high fastballs, tek!

allan said...

Toronto beats Cleveland!! Woohoo!! Ahem, sorry. ;-)

Woohoo > Wahoo.

JML said...

Actually, the City of Detroit is the real culprit. There is a conspiracy of indifference against Tigers Stadium on the part of the City, spearheaded by the history-indifferent city council and Thug-In-Chief (our lovely mayor Kwame). Sadly, I was never able to go into Tigers Stadium myself.. :-(

JML said...

Wahoo?

laura k said...

The disrepair of Tiger Stadium predates Kwame by a long time. When owners want a new park, they know how to get one.

As for idiot Mets fans (redundancy?) dissing Detroit, chances are good they've never been there.

I've been hearing people dis NYC all my life, usually folks who've never set foot in it. People who have been there generally love and admire it.

laura k said...

"That's because Shea Stadium is nestled in a lovely, evergreen forest! "

Yeah - a parking lot!

laura k said...

How come you never went to Tiger Stadium?

allan said...

"We've secretly replaced Mike Timlin with a major league pitcher. Shhhh, let's see if the Red Sox fans notice!"

laura k said...

Toronto beats Cleveland!!

Break up the Blue Jays. They win a game.

allan said...

Wahoo?

Cleveland's racist logo: Chief Wahoo!

laura k said...

Did you know Boston right now has the same record as this time last year?

I don't like the sound of that. But I'll expect fewer injuries in the second half (compared to last year).

allan said...

Manny PH-ing for Gumball.

JML said...

Kwame and company have done plenty to make sure little if any of Tigers Stadium remains. They have seen to it that it continues to decay, so they can claim its an eyesore and needs to go. Some local film makers I know have actually done a pretty nice documentary film on the subject.

JML said...

Their mascot is named "Wahoo"? Hm, didn't know that.

laura k said...

At the beginning of today's game, when Orsillo said Manny was out with stomach trouble, Remy said "Maybe some of his at-bats in yesterday's game made him sick".

JML said...

As for me not getting to go to Tigers Stadium. Well, when I was growing up in Saginaw, about 100 miles north, we were always too broke to make a trip to Detroit to see a game. Then when I was 17 I moved about 450 miles further away to the upper peninsula of MI. When I moved back five years ago, Tigers Stadium was already closed. Never quite worked out...

laura k said...

Kwame and company have done plenty to make sure little if any of Tigers Stadium remains. They have seen to it that it continues to decay, so they can claim its an eyesore and needs to go.

Right. I think Tigers ownership began that trend long ago - they stopped taking care of the park so they could plead their case for the city to give them another. Wrigley is in great shape, the concourses have been redone, it's beautiful. Tiger Stadium could have been the same.

Some local film makers I know have actually done a pretty nice documentary film on the subject.

I've read about that, although I haven't had the opp'y to see it. I'd like to.

Did you read Tom Stanton's book about Tiger Stadium's last season? He interviewed us at the park that summer.

JML said...

Geez, ton of errors by our boys today. It's like they're TRYING to give this one away :-P

laura k said...

"When I moved back five years ago, Tigers Stadium was already closed. Never quite worked out... "

What a shame.

Does that make you a Youpie? I'm probably spelling that wrong.

I've heard it's very beautiful there.

allan said...

That strike 3 call turned my stomach a bit. Horseshit.

JML said...

No, but thanks for the tip, I'll look the book up! As far as I know, btw, Comerica Park was largely paid for by the Tigers, rather than the city giving it to them. Detroit doesn't have as much money to waste on corporate welfare as others do.

laura k said...

Lugo!!

Danie said...

Never worry JML, the umps will come through and call it totally wrong so that the errors won't hurt Detroit... *rolls eyes*

Course, there's no way in hell that Manny should be watching that one go by him either... even if he has to golf it foul...

JML said...

It's "Yooper" actually. and I was three for 16 years, so I guess I qualify as a Yooper transplant, yeah.

laura k said...

Uh, I haven't actually read that book, I don't know if it's any good. It's a father-and-son thing, not much interest for me.

Is that true, that the Tigers paid for their own park? That's amazing. Very unusual.

allan said...

LUGO IS RISEN!

I'll say it one more time again:

Lugo will be the ALCS MVP.

You'll see.

laura k said...

Ah, Yooper. Much better than You-pee! :)

laura k said...

Lugo will be the ALCS MVP.

OK, as long as Snuffer is WS MVP. :)

allan said...

Tom Stanton wrote the book. He went to every home game and talked with various people who work there, fans, etc. It's presented as a diary of sorts.

Our stuff didn't make the book, but we're thanked in the acknowledgements in the end.

laura k said...

Re Tigers paying for Comerica, I want to check that out with Neil DeMause and the Field of Schemes crew. It seems so unlikely!

Ron said...

Timlin has has two shutout innings.
Lugo is 3 for 3
Dogs and cats living together.

JML said...

AS I understand it, yes they largely paid for it themselves. I'd like to see that start a trend...

laura k said...

Tom Stanton wrote the book.

As I said, above. :)

laura k said...

Timlin has has two shutout innings.
Lugo is 3 for 3
Dogs and cats living together.


:-D

allan said...

Why we didn't make the cut -- a Red Sox fan and a Yankees fan couple (!) plan a 3-week vacation around coming to see Tiger Stadium (and go to games at 5 (?) other parks along the way) before it's gone -- is beyond me.

laura k said...

Funny, when I went to the Field of Schemes site to get the URL, there was all this stuff on the home page about Michigan sports subsidies and a possible reprieve for Tiger Stadium. Nice coincidence.

laura k said...

is beyond me

Plus I was jealous (for you) of the publicity his book got. I couldn't read it.

JML said...

I know Illich and company DID get some "public" money, but I have also heard it was a much smaller proportion of the funding than many projects get. If I've heard wrong, I surely would like to know. Thanks for the reference, I'll poke around there after the game.

JML said...

Oh there is a "Tiger Stadium MIGHT Survive" story every month or so. None of the schemes have panned out thus far and the clock is ticking.

laura k said...

"Oh there is a "Tiger Stadium MIGHT Survive" story every month or so."

Ah, I see. Damn.

I'm glad to hear this about Illich. I'm not doubting you, I'm just so surprised. You can imagine how we felt in NYC - public schools falling apart, old textbooks, no art or music classes - and the mayor giving George Steinbrenner a brand new $71 million minor league park. Grrr...

allan said...

And brand new major league parks for BOTH the MFY and Stems.

laura k said...

Time for a little 9th inning magic here...

Ron said...

So why wasn't Rodriguez acknowleding God for helping him ground to 2nd?

That stuff drives me nuts. I know it's largely cultural, but still.

laura k said...

Neil deMause and Joanna Cagan are *the* experts on this subject.

laura k said...

I'm with you, Chief. Cultural, shmultural. What's Schilling's excuse?

JML said...

Oh, I'm not getting any where NEAR the religion topic :-P

JML said...

Heh, your guys are in a good position, as our "closer" (and I use the term lightly) Jones is in. Bleah.

laura k said...

Allan created a big firestorm here last year by criticizing Schilling's praying on the mound.

This blog used to have a lot of political stuff in it (from a left/progressive perspective). Some of us miss it. :)

Ron said...

Or Timlin's. Or Trot's.

We were enjoying the showdown between Timlin and Rodriguez last night, wondering who's side God would come down on.

To me, religious displays like that always seem calculated and insincere.

laura k said...

I love Todd Jones - on the opposing team.

allan said...

this is an odd delay.

laura k said...

"To me, religious displays like that always seem calculated and insincere."

Schilling knows when to hold the cross - right when the camera closes up...

JML said...

Did Papi's foul ball nail that guy?

laura k said...

Papi K

damn

JML said...

Yeah, I'd GIVE your guys Jones if they'd TAKE him :-P

allan said...

To me, religious displays like that always seem calculated and insincere.

Especially when they are done when the player knows he'll be on camera, like Schlling.

Instead of having a quiet prayer in the dugout before he takes the mound, he does it after his warm-ups -- when the TV is always showing the pitcher with his stats and scouting report on the screen.

laura k said...

Why do I not feel confident with Tek coming up?

OK, Jason, make me apologize for dissing you again...

laura k said...

"Yeah, I'd GIVE your guys Jones if they'd TAKE him"

We had him already. No thonx.

allan said...

Yeah, I'd GIVE your guys Jones if they'd TAKE him :-P

We've already sufferd with him once before!

laura k said...

YES!! OK, Jason, I'm sorry!! :)

9casey said...

redsock said...

Especially when they are done when the player knows he'll be on camera, like Schlling.


Some would say that is the reason for the bloody sock

laura k said...

I have to say, JML, you must have a thick skin or a very calm disposition, hanging out with fans of the opposing team during a close game. I don't think I could do it, even in July.

laura k said...

CRAP

swept!!

Maybe that's why JML is safe here :)

JML said...

Well, our Parade of Errors isn't helping us much either, today

laura k said...

"Some would say that is the reason for the bloody sock"

Uh-oh :)

allan said...

Boo. ... Ah well, 10 GA is still nice.

Thanks for chatting, jml!

JML said...

Well, you all have been VERY nice! :-) You seem like folks it'd be fun to watch the game with in person, even.

laura k said...

Time to take care of the pups.

Allan, are you posting during the break?

allan said...

9casey = gary thorne?

Danie said...

Well, I'm sure glad that we're paying JD Drew out the wazoo, he just comes though soooo well in the clutch, or for that matter, at any time during the game. Just really, really, dependable..........

laura k said...

Thank you, JML. Backatcha :)

allan said...

I thought I might finally do the nickname post during the break.

9casey said...

We get 6 walks 5 errors by the tigers, and two Hr's , and a 3-3 day from Lugo and lose , crazy.......................197

laura k said...

Ah good! See y'all in the second half.

GO AL!

JML said...

And thank-you for having such a nice forum, filled with intelligent discourse. Sure beats the Mets site! I really enjoy talking with opposing teams' fans. I seek them out at the ballpark all the time.

allan said...

I'm sure glad that we're paying JD Drew out the wazoo

I'm not paying a cent. How much they soaking you for? :>)

laura k said...

"We get 6 walks 5 errors by the tigers, and two Hr's , and a 3-3 day from Lugo and lose , crazy"

Beisbol is a funny game.

9casey said...

redsock said...
9casey = gary thorne?


Nah, sorry ...I am just sayin you mention how he knows the camera is on him so he better pray......Some who doubted him about the sock said he dit for theatrics, which you say he does with his prayer....

allan said...

And thank-you for having such a nice forum, filled with intelligent discourse.

I almost forgot:

TIGERS SUK!!!LOL!1!!1

laura k said...

Some who doubted him about the sock said he dit for theatrics, which you say he does with his prayer....

I know the blood was real, but I don't doubt he loved the theatrics of it, too. And that's ok. You've got to have a big ego and a certain flair for the dramatic to be a great pitcher, it comes with the territory.

I just wish he'd stuff the cross back in his shirt where it belongs. :)

laura k said...

TIGERS SUK!!!LOL!1!!1

:-)

The 1s are always funny.

andy said...

1's are the best