3-26-06 Tigers vs. Yankees--Spring Training

[IdahoBert]

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From Legends Field
in Tampa, Florida

It’s the Detroit Tigers vs. the New York Yankees


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Sunday March 26th—1:15 pm


Radio---WXYT---MLB.COM Audio

No Television


Nate Robertson and Joel Zumaya
VS.
Chien-Ming Wang


WXYT Feed On GameDay Audio (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/subscriptions/gameday_audio.jsp)


Brought to you by
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[IdahoBert]

Inge and Granderson have been doing something this spring that people may not have noticed: walking a lot and striking out a lot less.

Inge has 8 walks and 6 strikeouts in 48 ABs.
Granderson has 11 walks and 7 strikeouts in 46 ABs.

I know this is a small sample and it's only spring, but these ratios are pretty different from what they have done in the past.

Last season in a comparable number of ABs Inge would have walked 5 times and struck out 11 times and Granderson would have walked 3 times and struck out 13 times.

Once again, it may well mean nothing but if this is something that continues into the regular season we'll have something to cheer about.

[tiger337]

Inge and Granderson have been doing something this spring that people may not have noticed: walking a lot and striking out a lot less.

Inge has 8 walks and 6 strikeouts in 48 ABs.
Granderson has 11 walks and 7 strikeouts in 46 ABs.

I know this is a small sample and it's only spring, but these ratios are pretty different from what they have done in the past.

Last season in a comparable number of ABs Inge would have walked 5 times and struck out 11 times and Granderson would have walked 3 times and struck out 13 times.

Once again, it may well mean nothing but if this is something that continues into the regular season we'll have something to cheer about.

If anything in spring training means anything, I think it would be walk/strike out ratios.

[IdahoBert]

OK, this may well not mean anything as well, but the projected lineup for 2006 as of the games of Saturday, March 25 has had 274 at bats this spring. Let's say we double it for the fun of it and this is what we get for the average player over an entire year:

AB----548
R-----104
H-----188
2B-----42
3B------4
HR-----36
RBI---122
AVG--.343
TB----366
BB-----68
SO----90
SB----12
CS-----2
OBP--.416
SLG--.668

Like I said, it doesn't mean much but it's pretty to look at.

BATTERS BA SLG OBA G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E
D. Young .419 .613 .455 10 31 2 13 19 3 0 1 2 2 5 0 0 0
Polanco .417 .500 .556 5 12 2 5 6 1 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1
Granderson .413 .826 .542 15 46 13 19 38 2 1 5 10 11 7 5 0 0
Monroe .391 .739 .417 7 23 4 9 17 2 0 2 7 1 4 0 0 0
Rodriguez .368 .737 .368 6 19 4 7 14 1 0 2 7 0 5 0 0 1
Inge .333 .646 .439 17 48 11 16 31 6 0 3 12 8 6 1 0 3
Ordonez .320 .520 .393 9 25 7 8 13 2 0 1 2 2 3 0 0 0
Shelton .255 .569 .298 16 51 6 13 29 4 0 4 11 4 11 0 1 1
Guillen .200 .300 .280 8 20 3 4 6 0 1 0 5 3 4 0 0 2

[whitecapwendy]

OK, this may well not mean anything as well, but the projected lineup for 2006 as of the games of Saturday, March 25 has had 274 at bats this spring. Let's say we double it for the fun of it and this is what we get for the average player over an entire year:

AB----548
R-----104
H-----188
2B-----43
3B------4
HR-----36
RBI---122
AVG--.343
TB----366
BB-----68
SO----90
SB----12
CS-----2
OBP--.416
SLG--.668

Like I said, it doesn't mean much but it's pretty to look at.
Using the same principles, and only using the guys numbers that are left in camp--any idea what the pitching looks like?
One more thing. taking both of those numbers, how does the season look--win/loss etc. (I am hesitating about adding the error numbers)

[DaYooperASBDT]

Tigers have spanked the ball this spring, but I believe the hitters are usually ahead of the pitchers right now. And there have been a lot of minor-leaguers doing that pitching.

I'm happy to see the team relatively heathy at this point. And they are drawing more walks. I'm sure that Leyland and Slaught have really pushed this. And unlike Tram/Gibby, the players appear to be listening.

The key is definitely going to be the starting pitching though. I still view the rotation as a work in progress, even with all that run support ...

[IdahoBert]

The five starters this spring X3:

IP---210
H----237
R----135
ER---108
HR----36
BB----60
S0---135
ERA--4.63
W----18
L------9

PITCHERS W- L ERA BA G GS CG GF SH SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
Verlander 0- 0 2.63 .240 5 3 0 0 0 0 13.2 12 4 4 2 5 12
Bonderman 2- 0 4.12 .237 5 5 0 0 0 0 19.2 18 9 9 4 6 15
Robertson 1- 2 4.24 .301 5 5 0 0 0 0 17.0 22 17 8 2 3 10
Maroth 1- 1 5.00 .303 3 3 0 0 0 0 9.0 10 5 5 1 1 3
Rogers 2- 0 7.50 .362 3 3 0 0 0 0 12.0 17 10 10 3 5 5

[whitecapwendy]

The five starters this spring X3:

IP---210
H----237
R----135
ER---108
HR----36
BB----60
S0---135
ERA--4.63
walk strikeout ratio looks good, but oooh those hits and runs. Hopefully those numbers will improve.

[IdahoBert]

Interesting tidbits from Knobler:
Leyland said he will have an extra outfielder, and that it won't be Kelly or Infante. That means that barring a deal, he's got to keep Gomez, Thames or Logan. It doesn't mean that Kelly can't make the club, but it is a little more difficult.

A couple of people have e-mailed and asked what I meant by "Leyland-type players.'' I'll try to address it in more detail in a later post, but basically I'm talking about guys who are aware and concentrate, and guys who show some energy on the field. But it's also worth noting that like all managers, this one definitely likes talent.

From Jason Beck quoting Zumaya
"I had quite a few people blowing up my phone congratulating me and wishing me luck," Zumaya said. "I sat down last night [thinking] my dream every day as a little boy was to be a big-league baseball player. My mom and dad and grandma took me to Padre games and I'd sit in there in the outfield and catch home-run balls during BP and say 'One day, I'll be there.' Now I can say my goal has finally happened."

[IdahoBert]

Not sure if we'll see Farnsworth today but he's been pretty good this spring.

PITCHERS W- L ERA BA G GS CG GF SH SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
Farnsworth 0- 0 2.00 .226 9 0 0 2 0 1 9.0 7 2 2 2 4 8

[gamtchll]

I love Zumaya's exuberance.

[IdahoBert]

Leyland is on the radio this second.

[IdahoBert]

Nothing earthshaking. Pena took it like a professional but we had to make a change.

[IdahoBert]

1-0 Tigers.

[IdahoBert]

Will the real Nate Robertson please stand up, please stand up?

[Bonderman38]

anyone know how the Tigers scored?

[IdahoBert]

Infante scored on a ground out by Ordonez.

[IdahoBert]

Guillen and now Infante make errors.

[Bonderman38]

Infante scored on a ground out by Ordonez.

Thanks

[GartenSpartan]

wow, i think Price said that Monroe is in center and Granderson is in right.

[Shaggy Ry]

wow, i think Price said that Monroe is in center and Granderson is in right.

Read nothing into that. Leyland is just seeing if Monroe can handle CF when considering his back-up options. If he's satisfied with Monroe, it bodes well for Thames...

[GartenSpartan]

Read nothing into that. Leyland is just seeing if Monroe can handle CF when considering his back-up options. If he's satisfied with Monroe, it bodes well for Thames...

That's a good point, I agree.

[Tramfan]

wow, i think Price said that Monroe is in center and Granderson is in right.

Go Marcus. Go Marcus. Go ...

[Tramfan]

OK, this may well not mean anything as well, but the projected lineup for 2006 as of the games of Saturday, March 25 has had 274 at bats this spring. Let's say we double it for the fun of it and this is what we get for the average player over an entire year:

AB----548
R-----104
H-----188
2B-----42
3B------4
HR-----36
RBI---122
AVG--.343
TB----366
BB-----68
SO----90
SB----12
CS-----2
OBP--.416
SLG--.668

Like I said, it doesn't mean much but it's pretty to look at.

BATTERS BA SLG OBA G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E
D. Young .419 .613 .455 10 31 2 13 19 3 0 1 2 2 5 0 0 0
Polanco .417 .500 .556 5 12 2 5 6 1 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1
Granderson .413 .826 .542 15 46 13 19 38 2 1 5 10 11 7 5 0 0
Monroe .391 .739 .417 7 23 4 9 17 2 0 2 7 1 4 0 0 0
Rodriguez .368 .737 .368 6 19 4 7 14 1 0 2 7 0 5 0 0 1
Inge .333 .646 .439 17 48 11 16 31 6 0 3 12 8 6 1 0 3
Ordonez .320 .520 .393 9 25 7 8 13 2 0 1 2 2 3 0 0 0
Shelton .255 .569 .298 16 51 6 13 29 4 0 4 11 4 11 0 1 1
Guillen .200 .300 .280 8 20 3 4 6 0 1 0 5 3 4 0 0 2


I think Dmeat and maybe even Monroe are on a mission this year.

[John Reynolds]

With Infante's issues on defense, it may mean that Santiago has the inside track for the primary infield back-up

[whitecapwendy]

Is anyone actually hearing the game? or is everyone else, like me watching the scoreboard and hoping for something other than goose eggs on the top line?

[John Reynolds]

I'm listening to the Yankees feed - gives a bit different perspective

[whitecapwendy]

I'm listening to the Yankees feed - gives a bit different perspective
Is it a free feed or is it a premium feed

[screwball]

Is anyone actually hearing the game? or is everyone else, like me watching the scoreboard and hoping for something other than goose eggs on the top line?

WW you should consider buying the MLB audio deal. It's only 15 bucks a year and you can listen to any game you want.

I have no choice because I can't pick up that monster signal that WXYT produces where I live, two hours away.

[John Reynolds]

Shelton doubles in a run, Tigers now trail 4-3

[whitecapwendy]

Nevermind, I checked it out. I can't afford to spend money to listen to spring training games. MOst of my summer will be at the ballpark. Way to go Shelton. We are back in this

[apabruce]

I assume the two errors contributed to the Yankees run in the first, and the three runs in the second were earned. What's Robertson's problem, control?

[whitecapwendy]

WW you should consider buying the MLB audio deal. It's only 15 bucks a year and you can listen to any game you want.

I have no choice because I can't pick up that monster signal that WXYT produces where I live, two hours away.
Once the season begins, if I am not at a Whitecaps game (and hearing updates of the Tigers game) I will be listening to Whitecaps on the radio and following the gameday on my computer. When the Pistons are in playoffs--that will be on tv. (talk about multi tasking) I really enjoy the gameday, slower mind you, but you can see where the pitches are in the strike zone.

I make a lot of sacrifices to be able to have my (really good) season ticket at the Whitecaps--no paper, no cable, cheap internet (dial up), no fancy stuff on phone service, and the only reason I have a cell phone is because my family provided me with a tracfone. Hey I quit eating out, and cut my own hair (or get help from my sister most of the time). I honestly cannot afford to do these premium deals--at least not if I want to have my baseball fix all summer--live.

[whitecapwendy]

It looks like Nate is settling down some. hopefully we can get some runs and get ahead in this thing. I would not mind seeing Joel get the win.

[John Reynolds]

Hessman singles down the line

Granderson with an infield hit between first and second

Infante with a tapper to Giambi at first, whose throw to second sails into left field, Hessman chugs home with the tying run. Granderson at third, Infante at first. Infante *should* have been bunting but.....

Pudge works the count full, Infante swipes second.. singles into left, Granderson scores

[whitecapwendy]

YESSS

[Tramfan]

This just in: Granderson can rake. :cool:

[John Reynolds]

Magglio K's

Monroe works the count full and then K's as Pudge swipes second

[John Reynolds]

Jose Veres in to pitch for the Yankmes

That Rule V Kid takes a walk, bases loaded with two out

Ramon Santiago, pinch-hitting for Guillen, looks at four straight balls, forcing a run in on the walk

Yankme's announcers make a bad joke about it being a cool day in Tampa today, and comment that Santiago must be chilly (Chile).

It's Time for Thames to fly out to Bernie in left

After 4.5, it's Tigers 6, Yankmes 4

[whitecapwendy]

6-4 Tigers, that is more like it :grin:

[screwball]

Once the season begins, if I am not at a Whitecaps game (and hearing updates of the Tigers game) I will be listening to Whitecaps on the radio and following the gameday on my computer. When the Pistons are in playoffs--that will be on tv. (talk about multi tasking) I really enjoy the gameday, slower mind you, but you can see where the pitches are in the strike zone.

I make a lot of sacrifices to be able to have my (really good) season ticket at the Whitecaps--no paper, no cable, cheap internet (dial up), no fancy stuff on phone service, and the only reason I have a cell phone is because my family provided me with a tracfone. Hey I quit eating out, and cut my own hair (or get help from my sister most of the time). I honestly cannot afford to do these premium deals--at least not if I want to have my baseball fix all summer--live.

Understand. Nothing wrong with that.

[whitecapwendy]

Understand. Nothing wrong with that.
I know. I just wanted you to understand that I am not being cheap, just doing the best I can with what I have, and being content about what I don't--knowing that these are choices I am making. Most of my friends already think I am way too obsessed with baseball :cheeky: So when I stare at a MLB scoreboard wishing for the gameday sight--well, I remind myself that I made that choice

[apabruce]

way too obsessed with baseball

Way too obsessed is jumping out the 10th floor window when your team loses. Following the Tigers and their farm teams is just common sense.

[whitecapwendy]

Way too obsessed is jumping out the 10th floor window when your team loses. Following the Tigers and their farm teams is just common sense.
I will have to remember that next time I am accused. :classic:

[screwball]

I know. I just wanted you to understand that I am not being cheap, just doing the best I can with what I have, and being content about what I don't--knowing that these are choices I am making. Most of my friends already think I am way too obsessed with baseball :cheeky: So when I stare at a MLB scoreboard wishing for the gameday sight--well, I remind myself that I made that choice

No explaining needed. Your choice.

But, maybe come December, you could ask for the package for X-mas.

[Yoda]

Shelton goes deep to center! #5. Tigers take an 8-7 lead.

[One Man's Fool]

Shelton goes deep! Tigers lead 8-7.

[Yoda]

Here comes the Tigers super-sup, home-run threat. They better pitch around Santiago.

[Yoda]

Just as I suspect, they pitch around Santiago. :cheeky:

[Tramfan]

This just in: Shelton can also rake! :cool:

[naj9er]

Any update on Zumaya today?

[Yoda]

Tigers are out.

Bring in Zoom.

[Yoda]

Any update on Zumaya today?

Hasn't pitched yet. Walker is in now..

[DaYooperASBDT]

I see Jayson Stark wrote an article about Zoom, it's featured on the ESPN web site today. Maybe one of our ESPN subscribers can give us a "synopsis" ??
:cheeky:

[IdahoBert]

The radio guys are talking like it's nearly a done deal that Thames will not be around when the 25-man roster is announced.

[IdahoBert]

This game is 3:10 minutes long and still ticking.

[IdahoBert]

Has here been a Logan sighting today?

[whitecapwendy]

This game is 3:10 minutes long and still ticking.
scoreboard is even slower (I think the guy running must have taken a break) bottom of seventh is just beginning there and Colon is still pitching :cheeky:

[Yoda]

Tigers are out in the 8th.

[IdahoBert]

Zumaya takes the mound....

[IdahoBert]

walks the first batter

[Shaggy Ry]

He's getting the closer treatment?

[whitecapwendy]

Zumaya takes the mound....
Go Zoom. :grin:

[Yoda]

walks the first hitter on a 3-1 pitch..

[IdahoBert]

Bubba Crosby homers....9-8 Yankees

[Yoda]

crosby goes deep... uh oh.

9-8 Yankees

[naj9er]

ouch

[IdahoBert]

Leyland is personally speaking to Zoom

[whitecapwendy]

ouch!!

[Yoda]

Leyland checking Zumaya... price said zumaya isn't throwing very hard for some reason. looks ok i guess, still pitching.

[Yoda]

popup, 1 out.

[DaYooperASBDT]

Bubba Crosby? Didn't think he had it in him !!!!!

[Yoda]

Fly ball to right... 2 outs.

[IdahoBert]

I know it's too early but I wonder if Zoom's arm can take an every other day pitching regimen...or if he just has to get used to it and this is a part of that learning curve.

[Yoda]

Another fly ball to right. 3 down.

[Yoda]

I know it's too early but I wonder if Zoom's arm can take an every other day pitching regimen...or if he just has to get used to it and this is a part of that learning curve.

He hasn't pitched since thursday. It sounds like he wasn't throwing very hard at first, but picked it back up after Leyland visited the mound. He pitched fine after that.

[whitecapwendy]

Okay, we need two runs ............well, maybe we better make it 3 or 4 :nervous:

[IdahoBert]

One out...

[IdahoBert]

Two out.....Why can't we do this?

[Yoda]

2 outs.. espinosa up to hit.

[One Man's Fool]

Holy crap. David Espinosa? I forgot we even had him! First time I've heard his name all spring.

[whitecapwendy]

c'mon, c'mon......

[IdahoBert]

We lose...

[Yoda]

What an ugly, ugly game.

[IdahoBert]

Tomorrow's game is on TV...like that does most people a lot of good, a Monday afternoon game.

[naj9er]

The intensity on the board appears to be in mid season form.

[whitecapwendy]

We lose...
:depress: :disappnt:

[IdahoBert]

What an ugly, ugly game.Four errors. Tram had three years to teach these guys how to field...*irony* (but slightly in ernest)

[Yoda]

Tomorrow's game is on TV...like that does most people a lot of good, a Monday afternoon game.

Yeah. Nice, ey?

[whitecapwendy]

Way too obsessed is jumping out the 10th floor window when your team loses. Following the Tigers and their farm teams is just common sense.
Anybody know where I can find a ten story building?:wink: :cheeky:

[One Man's Fool]

Tomorrow's game is on TV...like that does most people a lot of good, a Monday afternoon game.

I think it repeats at 7 p.m.

[gamtchll]

1pm,7pm,2am---i believe

[TigersMeow79]

Bubba Crosby? Didn't think he had it in him !!!!!

Let's keep in mind Bubba was facing a AAA pitcher.

[Yoda]

Let's keep in mind Bubba was facing a AAA pitcher.

TM is in mid-season form as well. Excellent. Let the season begin already.

[Microline133]

I know it's too early but I wonder if Zoom's arm can take an every other day pitching regimen...or if he just has to get used to it and this is a part of that learning curve.
I wouldn't be overly concerned with this. You have to figure, that even as a starter, he's only really taking one day off between starts....and even on that day he's likely doing a good 15-20 minute long-toss session. On the other three days he's likely doing bullpen sessions ranging from 30-50 pitches in length, with both days being about 80-90% of max. The day before his start should just be a minor bullpen session at about 50-70% focusing on his gameplan for the next day and mechanics. I don't envision there being much struggle adjusting to bullpen life.

[TigersMeow79]

TM is in mid-season form as well. Excellent. Let the season begin already.

I am not down on Zumaya for blowing it but this was a big chance for him. I don't think he should be up in Detroit but I guess they will see if he sinks or swims. Just look who the Yankees had to close the game out, 2 veterans.

[IdahoBert]

I wouldn't be overly concerned with this. You have to figure, that even as a starter, he's only really taking one day off between starts....and even on that day he's likely doing a good 15-20 minute long-toss session. On the other three days he's likely doing bullpen sessions ranging from 30-50 pitches in length, with both days being about 80-90% of max. The day before his start should just be a minor bullpen session at about 50-70% focusing on his gameplan for the next day and mechanics. I don't envision there being much struggle adjusting to bullpen life.Thank you. This is why we pay you the big bucks Mark!:classic:

[Yoda]

I am not down on Zumaya for blowing it but this was a big chance for him. I don't think he should be up in Detroit but I guess they will see if he sinks or swims. Just look who the Yankees had to close the game out, 2 veterans.

I don't think Zumaya is going to be our set-up man or closer yet. I think he'll be the 7th inning guy. Who knows though. I agree, it would have been nice to see him do good in a situation like that. I'm not sure why he was throwing differently before Leyland came out. I hope I can read about that tomorrow.

[IdahoBert]

I don't think Zumaya is going to be our set-up man or closer yet. I think he'll be the 7th inning guy. Who knows though. I agree, it would have been nice to see him do good in a situation like that. I'm not sure why he was throwing differently before Leyland came out. I hope I can read about that tomorrow.

Knobler's blog today:
1. ...Just be thankful you didn't see today's game, a 9-8 loss to the New York Yankees on Bubba Crosby's two-run homer off Joel Zumaya in the eighth. ``Terrible ballgame,'' Leyland said. ``Terrible baseball game. Baseball at its ugliest -- both sides.''

2. Guillen left today's game with more lower back stiffness. They still say it's no big deal.

3. Robertson wasn't real good today, but two of the five runs he allowed were unearned. The problem with that is that Robertson has now allowed 12 unearned runs in just 21 2/3 innings this spring, after allowing 15 unearned runs last season. For whatever reason, he doesn't seem to be able to pitch around mistakes made behind him. ``I'm concerned about it,'' Leyland said.

4. Leyland wasn't worried at all about the home run Zumaya gave up. In fact, he went to the mound to tell him that. The homer came right after a five-pitch walk. ``Good lesson,'' Leyland said.

[whitecapwendy]

I don't think Zumaya is going to be our set-up man or closer yet. I think he'll be the 7th inning guy. Who knows though. I agree, it would have been nice to see him do good in a situation like that. I'm not sure why he was throwing differently before Leyland came out. I hope I can read about that tomorrow.

http://www.mlive.com/tigers/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_tigers/archives/2006_03.html#124857

Knoblers comments on Zumaya and Leylands trip to the mound--read the last paragraph. Nothing about why the difference in pitching, but perhaps Leyland calmed him down after the home run