I sure didn’t like living in Texas for the three years I was there, but I’m a big Rangers fan for the next week or so. Sorry, Grandy. Hey, speaking of the postseason, here are a couple of Tigers October memories, courtesy of the fabulous Baseball-Reference.com: On this date in 1984, Padres pitchers tie a World Series record by issuing 11 walks in a 5-2 loss to the Tigers in Game Three. Marty Castillo hit a two-run homer in the second — and Mike McClary was there. The Tigers took a 2-1 Series lead. And, in 1987, the Twins beat the Tigers 9-5 in Game Five of the ALCS to wrap up its first American League title since 1965. Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti…
Thoughts on the news out of Comerica Park today: Johnny Damon. I don’t care that the Tigers are going nowhere this season, Damon has been a good soldier for the Tigers and, based on what we read, he’s provided clubhouse leadership and mentorship for a youthful team. As of this writing, the Tigers are running roughshod over the Royals and likely to return to the .500 mark. With Damon’s decision to stay, he makes the Tigers a better team by his mere presence if not his on-field production. Right now we can only hope that this once-promising season ends with the Tigers north of .500 and they have a much better chance of achieving it with number 18 in the lineup. Magglio Ordonez. Over…
How’s this for interesting? On this date in 1907: In a trade of legendary outfielders, the Detroit Tigers send Ty Cobb to the Cleveland Naps in exchange for Elmer Flick. Cleveland’s manager, Nap Lajoie, rejects the trade of future Hall of Famers. Flick will bat .302 in 1907 while Cobb will lead the American League with a .350 mark. Who knew? Also, on this date in 1985, Denny McLain was convicted of racketeering, extortion and cocaine possession in Tampa. McLain served 29 months of a 23-year sentence in an Alabama federal prison before an appeals court overturned the decision. On Sept. 4, 1987, after posting $200,000 bond he was released. In an AP article the following day McLain said he suffered “tremendous despair” at times while…
Just saw the news that Fernando Rodney has been suspended for three games for his inexplicable heave-ho of the ball after Friday night’s win. Well, it was inexplicable to me; Rodney says he was only “feeling the moment.” Still, a three-game suspension? Please. Anyway, enjoy him, folks. He’ll be frustrating another team’s fans next year.
Somewhere on the vast Internet I saw a reader comment that the Tigers should fire hitting coach Lloyd McClendon. The thinking was that outside of Brandon Inge, Lloyd the Legend hasn’t developed anyone for Detroit. I’m always hesitant to fire coaches because so little is in their control. (Besides, remember how Chuck Hernandez was the Second Coming in 2006 and today he’s the Indians’ bullpen coach?) Anyway, how can McClendon be blamed for an offense that manages to get runners in scoring position but fail (and fail and fail) to drive them home? Take, for example, this instance in last night’s dreadful game: Miguel Cabrera up with the bases loaded and a 3-0 count…and he ends up striking out to end the inning. Is…
