Bullpen looks to rebound
posted in 2007 season, Minnesota Twins |Game 23: Twins (13-10) at Tigers (12-10), 1 p.m.
TV: FSN
Starters: Carlos Silva (1-1, 2.74) vs. Justin Verlander (1-0, 2.08)
Pregame thoughts – Usually I like to preview the starters, mention who hits who well and the like. Lately it feels like I’ve missed the point. It’s not the guys who go out and pitch seven innings and have a 2 ERA. It’s the guys who pitch the 8th and 9th innings and have a 6 ERA. Yes, it’s a bit frustrating right now.
In the past week, Zumaya blew the lead in the eighth inning Friday — tried to do it in the ninth Wednesday. Jones blew the game in the ninth and lost in the 10th Tuesday. Last Saturday, Zumaya blew the lead in the eighth and Rodney lost in the 10th. … I’m starting to get why so many pitchers threw complete games in the past! The bullpen now has an ERA of 4.87, putting Detroit firmly ahead of such great franchises such as Tampa and Kansas City. Six of the 12 baserunners starters left on have scored, according to Baseball Prospectus’ stats.
So who, exactly, are we to look for in support of Justin Verlander today?
If you’re looking for Tigers who can perform against Silva and make it safer, look to Maggs (1.136 OPS), Sheffield (1.256), Guillen (1.603 in 23 at-bats) and Granderson (limited at bats)
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