You’re right Joe. Jones is paid to get saves and he does that relatively well. I think it probably does take a certain mental ability to forget about the previous day and Jones has that. So I give him his credit for that. But I have a feeling if he pitched in many 1-run games, the results would end up with a lot more blown saves. He’s benefited from having nice cushions.

Yeah, the hit and run was pretty ill-advised in that situation, but that’s on the coaching staff. Marcus Thames is probably my favorite player on this team so I’m going to stick up for him, especially when the criticism is wrong. I feel pretty confident that Marcus Thames would never decide on his own to steal third base. There was enough wrong with yesterday’s game without having to complain about things not worth complaining about (kind of like the talk radio callers today questioning Pudge’s heart since he didn’t take the HBP when Nathan threw him inside during the ninth).

As far as the Jones stuff, I’m sure you weren’t intentionally withholding that error to make Jones look bad Kurt, but I do think the defensive lapse was a pretty big deal that is getting ignored by many(though it was the headline of the article breaking down the loss in the Detroit News). As far as his WHIP and ERA, I can’t argue with that at all, but the splits as far as his actual save opportunities compared to when he pitches in non-save situations is pretty different. I do think some credit is due for only blowing two saves as well, considering that “dominant” closers like Papelbon have blown five or more already. He’s putting guys on base but 95% of the time he’s gotten the job done, and he might have yesterday too, if not for the error. He’s not a great closer but he is what he is, and he’s the best man for the job this year.

Anyways, sorry to be that guy, everyone, but let’s try to be a little more informed in the future before we rip the latest scapegoat du jour.

This game actually gave me more hope, if anything. I love the way they are pulling together.

Maybe people are ignoring a two base error. (Mine was a sin of ommission, I assure you). But you’d be remiss if you didn’t admit his WHIP (1.58) and hits (9+ per 9IP) is not exactly what a team should be looking for in a closer. He can’t miss bats (3K/9) and allows a 370 OBP. “Saves” is hardly a better stat than wins. Unless I counted wrong, only two of his saves came in games he entered with a one-run lead. (Some more added up one-run games). While I don’t doubt you’re right that many people would complain no matter who blew the save, I find it hard to argue that Jones is actually a good closer.

Michandtroumble: it was obviously a hit and run. Is this the first year many of you started watching baseball?

I’ve had it!!

Kurt, a little disappointed you completely forgot to mention Matt Joyce’s role in the blown save. Todd gave up two singles to lead off the inning. All things considered, that’s not necessarily catastrophic when you are up two runs. Tigers easily could have gotten out of that jam. Matt Joyce’s 2 base error allowed the first run of the inning to score and put the tying run at third base with no one out.

Bottom line is, I really have a hard time pinning this loss on any one player or person. It was a group effort. Batters failed throughout the game to add to the lead despite numerous chances, there was a critical defensive lapse late in the game, the pitchers couldn’t hold the lead and the manager made some questionable decisions.

If nothing else, they are now winning as a team and losing as a team.

Kurt is totally right — they have to take the next three.

And before anybody asks –
No, we don’t want Richie Sexson.