Flu, Indians bite Jurrjens’ MLB debut
posted in 2007 season, Cleveland Indians, bunt singles, injuries |Indians 5, Tigers 2
You can be a bit upset that the Tigers lost, I guess. But honestly, they won Tuesday. The team is suffering from flu-like symptoms. The lineup was missing a few key figures, and present were some guys not feeling the best. Jair Jurrjens made his MLB debut. Fausto Carmona is both fun to say and spell, and a good pitcher. So I don’t know. I expected a loss. Can’t really feel too bad.
I thought Jurrjens pitched pretty well, given the circumstances and, well, that he’s 21. Given Andrew Miller’s poor outing in Toledo tonight (more later) I think he will get another start next week. Jurrjens (pronounced uhm, any way you like, from my observations of FSN, Jim Price and Dan Dickerson) threw 62 strikes in 104 pitches, walked 2, allowed 5 hits (a home run) and struck out three. He even lasted seven innings, something more starters should try. Given the Indians have several good lefties, I think the results were fine.
The bullpen? Meh. Bobby Seay walked too many. Including left-handed Travis Haffner with the bases loaded. What kinda LOOGY does that? Jason Grilli, of all people, bailed Seay out.
The offense just didn’t make much happen. The meat of the lineup, and Curtis Granderson, were present. But not much else.
Grandy, it should be noted, got his 19th triple.
Bunt Singles:
- And in Toledo, Miller gave up five runs with two outs in the first inning. He had five walks and four strikeouts in three innings. So it doesn’t look like Miller is ready to come back to the MLB. To be honest, I think he shouldn’t continue as a starter this year because of putting so many innings on his arm. Maybe he can work as a reliever for the rest of the season.
- And then there’s Joel Zumaya. He was targeted to pitch 20. He only lasted seven. That’s because six pitches were for strikes and three were for outs in a perfect inning. No clue about velocity or anything else. I’ll be looking for stories, too. He’ll pitch Saturday, and then appears to be ready to return to Detroit and make us very, very happy fans.
- And finally, the deadline for signing 2007 draftees was reached. A complete list isn’t out yet, but the Tigers added Casey Crosby and Cole Iorg to the list that already included first rounder Rick Porcello.
- For more on the draft picks, see Take 75 North.
- Possibly the most interesting story on signing a draft pick didn’t come from a sports section or blog, but from a mother who happens to be the managing editor of a suburban Chicago newspaper: Denise Crosby. (hat-tip: many!)
- Finally, Kyle Sleeth and Kody Kirkland were removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Porcello, who is required to be there, and Jair Jurrjens, who needed a spot as well.
- Optimistically, the Tigers would like your postseason dollars, season ticket holders.
Re Zumaya — he topped out at 99, and his heater averaged 96. Certainly an upgrade from Monday.
Thanks for the report, Adam! That is certainly good news.