4th
July
2007
Now maybe I’ll blog that
posted in 2007 season, Cleveland Indians, bunt singles |Sometimes it’s best just to step away from the blog and go “Eh, whatever” after a particularly annoying loss. (See part 1: I’m not even going to blog that for immediate postgame thoughts.) But I know, the readers want a few thoughts, so here goes:
- Don’t blame new Tiger Jose Capellan for the 11th inning loss. I mean, it’s pretty easy, he’s go the “L” next to his name right? He got 2 outs in the 11th and a strike and gave up the game with a homer to Casey Blake. But really, how can this kid shoulder the blame when the offense becomes inept in the 10th inning? He deserved the win for his play in the 10th inning, and sure, deserved the loss for his play in the 11th. But more than anything, the team seriously shoulders the loss. If Capellan pitches like that, he’s going to keep a spot in the bullpen and make us happy fans more often than not.
- But can he keep pitching like that?
- I forgot where I read this first, so I can’t take credit for it, but I pass it on: Isn’t it ironic that a wild pitch by Cleveland may have helped them win? (Stress may). When the runners moved up to second and third base, it took the bat out of Magglio Ordonez’ hands. Obviously, it looked pretty good when the bat was in Carlos Guillen’s hands. But with a runner in scoring position, would you rather face Maggs and Guillen, or Guillen and Pudge? Pudge is no Magglio.
- The loss wasn’t the end of the world. Lord knows, the Tigers will lose some games like this. And they lost a game on the Indians for the division lead. But pretty much, if you wanna pretend to look at the wild card magic number for a moment, well, Minnesota and Seattle lost too. It’s just an “L,” not a big deal to those who may try to make it into more.
- A really, really annoying loss, obviously. But just one.
- I couldn’t decide if this was a bunt single or not, but I’m ready to start Marcus Thames in left field full time. He’s not a big defensive drop from Monroe, and despite his pedestrian numbers, I’d just like to see what he can do if given a few weeks of steady action. Hey, can’t get any worse than Monroe’s slump, can it? (Update: Someone reads my blog! … yah right)
- Joel Zumaya visited his doctor and learned he can begin tossing the ball again. He’ll start after the All-Star break. This probably means Zumaya comes back sooner than the September date being thrown around. But Zumaya showed his maturity by sticking with the September date. If his body heals and rebuilds faster, great. If not, he’s not going to force it. I bet late August. We still won’t know if he’s the old Zoomer until he’s on the mound for real.
- The Dallas Morning News still expects the Tigers to be involved in trade talks for closer Eric Gagne and doesn’t expect it to be too expensive to get him, due to the money he’ll be owed. (Hat-tip Motown Sports forums)
- Jason Beck reports the Tigers will play on ESPN Sunday Night baseball against the Angels July 29 for a fifth and final time, the most allowed by contract.
