Answering Al’s questions
posted in 2008 season |Sometimes The Wayne Fontes Experience’s Big Al answers my questions, and sometimes, I answer his. His questions are a bit more thought out than “WHAT THE SAM HELL IS GOING ON??!!” admittedly.
- Sheffield to left field. Long or short term solution? (If it’s one at all)
I’d say a short-term solution at best. But really, poor solution overall. Gary Sheffield asked Jim Leyland to spend more time in the field, because he says he is a complete baseball player and a complete baseball player must play all available aspects of the game, such as camping out in left field and occasionally catching or throwing. That’s all well and good. Hasn’t helped yet, but OK. I guess we can let him try. Even injured, he’s got to have a better arm than Jacque Jones demonstrated this season, right?
But the thing is, THIS IS NUTS!!! The Tigers called up Matt Joyce, who earned an award in Double-A for his play in the outfield. What is the way this outfielder is used when he starts for the Tigers? Why, as designated hitter.
Of course.
This is the solution? A tri-cortisoned Sheffield plays the outfield while Joyce plays DH?? Well, OK. Maybe it’s for tonight only. Jim Leyland wanted Sheffield to play in the field three straight days before getting a rest day. And Joyce can play any of the outfield positions. But I don’t know, this seems crazy. If Sheffield isn’t playing DH, then Carlos Guillen probably should be, so the Tigers can get a good mix of defense and offense. Instead. Sheff insists he should play in the field, and Leyland’s going to let him.
Unless this is some sort of evil genius going on, as it’s sooner than later Sheff is going to hurt his shoulder out there and go on the disabled list.
- Why all the love for Brandon Inge?
Because Carlos Guillen and Miguel Cabrera are not all that good at third base. While the Tigers lineup is seemingly a bit part of the problem, the Tigers pitching is equally a part of the problem, and the Tigers defense on the left side isn’t really helping matters. A team like Detroit’s has enough scoring ability to carry Inge’s bat at third base. Inge’s OPS of .736 is fifth among regulars in the batting order and ahead of Placido Polanco, Edgar Renteria, Pudge and Sheffield. His OPS is seventh among American League third baseman with at least 75 plate appearances (when you take Miguel Cabrera out of the mix, otherwise it’s eighth). He’s not having that bad a year. His bat is average, his glove is above average. That makes him a worthy addition to the lineup in my mind.
Secondary answer: Fans always want “the other guy” and since he’s not playing third base regularly, that makes him the perfect solution to what ails the Tigers in the fans’ minds.
- Why all the hate for Miguel Cabrera?
That I don’t get at all, either. He’s not playing like Mickey Mantle, so fans want their money back. Even though it’s Mike Illitch’s money. And it’s not $20 million per season yet. And it’s only May. So fans are thinking Cabrera is overhyped and overpaid.
And they’re wrong on both counts, as Al detailed so well I’m not going to duplicate it, just link to it again.
Detroiters, you should be happy Cabrera wil be wearing the Olde English D for quite a while. He’s going to prove his worth as the season and his career continue. Don’t judge him off of one month’s work.
- How would I characterize the Tigers’ struggles at start of the season in one sentence?
Oy vaye.
Take two? Pitching, hitting and defense have all been way too inconsistent.
Sphere It
