[ The Daily Fungo: Detroit Tigers Baseball ] » Armando Galarraga

Armando Galarraga Blows His Top

Mike McClary — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:51:10 +0000

Armando Galarraga, who's surrendered a major-league high 13 home runs this season, is 0-4 with a 5.95 ERA in his last five starts with the D-backs.

If nothing else, baseball writers will always have Armando Galarraga‘s near-perfect game to compare and contrast against every starting assignment as long as he’s in the majors.

Case in point: last night’s game story in the Arizona Republic:

Last June 2, in a regrettable, unforgettable moment, he was robbed of a perfect game when first-base umpire Jim Joyce made an incorrect call with two outs in the ninth inning.

Galarraga handled that disappointment with the utmost class and was praised for the dignity he showed in doing so.

How would he respond after Monday night’s performance, when he was rocked once again, this time in the form of an 8-4 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres that dropped the Diamondbacks into last place in the NL West?

Answer: Not very well.

His spot in the starting rotation already a question mark, Galarraga lost his composure and got loud and emotional during a brief, postgame interview.

Asked if he was concerned about losing his spot, he went off.

“No. Why would I worry?” Galarraga said, his voice rising. “Is there something I have to worry about? . . . Why don’t we talk about it at the end of the season? I don’t count five starts.”

(snip)

Galarraga wasn’t in the mood to talk about anything and he became confrontational with one reporter who simply asked the pitcher about his disappointment level.

“I’m disappointed for this start, not for the rest of the season,” Galarraga said, bristling. “What are you talking about? . . . What are you talking about my next start, huh? What are you saying, that I’m going to be worried about my next start? Huh?

“You saying I lost my job?”

Easy, big fella. Keep it classy.

Writer Bob McManaman points out in the piece that even though Galarraga won his first three starts of the season, his ERA was 6.00. All in all, not a great start to 2011 — and likely not a great finish, either.

But back to last night’s start. How would D-backs manager Kirk Gibson summarize it?

“He didn’t pitch very well at all,” Gibson said. “He didn’t set a very good tone for us. Really didn’t have much tonight at all. No location. . . . Just didn’t have a good performance at all.”

Fortunately for Galarraga, the D-backs aren’t brimming with pitching depth so they’re likely to ride it out with him for a while. Which is, as Tigers fans can attest, unfortunate for Gibby and the dozens of D-backs fans.

Monday Mankowskis: Boredom City, Florida

Mike McClary — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:01:00 +0000

I know it’s early, but it seems to me this is one boring Tigers Spring Training.

For all intents and purposes, there’s no drama to speak of with most of the coverage focusing on the prospects that are shining in Lakeland.

But here are some of the things that stand out for yours truly:

If there’s one player that makes me uneasy heading into the regular season, it’s Alex Avila. In reading Lynn Henning’s Sunday’s A-to-Z review of Tigers so far this spring, he says this:

He’ll hit. But it’s OK to wonder when he’ll drive the ball the way he did during his 2009 cameo.

This is the first time since, when?, 2003 that the Tigers have a question mark — or something close to it — at catcher. Once Pudge Rodriguez left town, the club brought in Gerald Laird and he was, well, not the answer. But we all thought he’d start hitting somewhere close to where he did in Texas (at least against the Tigers, that is.)

Certainly having Victor Martinez around will make the catching corps dramatically less frightful, but still, aren’t the Tigers placing an awful lot of faith in a guy who isn’t long out of college? What do you think?
I forgot to mention, or at least I think I did, when I went to watch the Diamondbacks train a couple of weeks ago, I got to see Armando Galarraga get racked in batting practice. Moments before that, I got close enough to talk to him through the fence and told him that we love him in Detroit. He said, “Thanks, man, I appreciate it.” He may not be the most devastating pitcher in the bigs, but a nice guy? That, he is.
On March 7, 1965, Tigers manager Chuck Dressen suffered a mild coronary occlusion. He was sidelined until May 19. Coach Bob Swift served as acting manager in the meantime, And on this date in 2000, the Tigers acquired cash from the Royals for catcher Gregg Zaun. Opting instead to go with the stud backup catcher that was Javier Cardona. Zaun hit .274 in K.C. — 99 points higher than Cardona.
Another Randy Smith gem.
One of the reasons I like Jim Leyland so much is his deep history with the Tigers organization. He was the first manager of many players that were on the 1984 championship team. In this piece in Sunday’s Freep, we learn a bit about his relationship with one of my favorites, Jack Morris:

[Leyland] said Jack Morris was as temperamental as they come.

“You’ve got to be careful that you don’t take something away that’s a strong suit,” Leyland said. “But you can’t let a pitcher continue like a bull in a china shop.”

Leyland managed Morris in the minors.

“I stayed on top of Jack pretty good,” Leyland said. “He handled it well. We have a great relationship even today. I’m proud of that.
How’s Nate Robertson doing with the Mariners, you ask? Check out this headline to uncover the answer.

Finally, my apologies for the long stretch without a post. I’ve never wanted to post just for the sake of posting — you deserve better than that.

More to come this week.

Wednesday Walewanders: This, That, The Other

Mike McClary — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 06:51:24 +0000

I would have posted these items sooner today but I’ve been consumed by the game Word with Friends on my iPad and iPhone. Who knew a Scrabblesque game could be so darn addictive?

I was going to write about how Michael Young‘s contract with the Rangers spurred the Tigers to sign Carlos Guillen — and fast — during the 2007 season. As often happens, Ian beat me to it and no doubt did a better job.

Who would you rather have in the bullpen: Enrique Gonzalez or Chad Durbin? Me too. The good news? Durbin’s available. Bad news, the Tigers won’t go after him.

Wait, you chose Gonzalez? Never mind.

Staying with the former Tigers pitchers theme for a moment, Mark Simon at ESPN’s Stats and Info Blog looked deeper into Armando Galarraga‘s struggles in 2010 and what he needs to do with the Dbacks in ’11 to get back to his ’08 — yes, ’08 — performance:

Our Inside Edge video review data shows that his 90-mile-per-hour fastball got swings and misses six percent of the time, among the lowest rates in baseball.

When he threw a sinking fastball, he actually had more balls hit in the air than on the ground (the opposite of the desired result)

When Galarraga threw his slider and an opponent made contact, he allowed a hit 35 percent of the time, well above the league norm (right-handed hitters in particular, had a lot of success against it). He also ranked among the major league leaders in home runs allowed by right-handers on breaking pitches, with 10, twice as many as he allowed two seasons earlier.

At least he won’t frustrate Tigers fans anymore.

You might have heard that after a few years off, Maple Street Press will be publishing a Tigers annual, cleverly titled Tigers Annual 2011. You’ll see lots of familiar names in the table of contents including yours truly. Kurt from Bless You Boys edited the project. I contributed a piece on the 1961 Tigers, a club that won 101 games but didn’t win the pennant. The book won’t be published until next month but you can order a copy here.

Six years ago today the Tigers picked up Kyle Farnsworth and cash considerations from the Cubs for RHP Roberto Novoa, infielder Scott Moore and outfielder Bo Flowers.

Finally, Happy Birthday to the biggest Tigers fan in my family, my Dad.

Galarraga Arrives a Hero in Arizona

Mike McClary — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:18:32 +0000

Armando Galarraga, according to this headline, appears to be a popular Diamondbacks player already, which is relative, of course.

In this city, fans are more likely to know the Suns’ 12th man than the Dbacks’ fifth starter. But columnist Dan Bickley says Galarraga’s reaction to the blown call and the aftermath could make him “the most popular losing pitcher in baseball history.”

Here’s a sampling of Bickley’s column in yesterday’s Arizona Republic:

Though he’s only 23-26 as a starter, Galarraga enjoys a lofty reputation among baseball fans. He is viewed as a professional athlete with a heart, a player who can step out of his world and walk in someone else’s shoes. He credits his parents for teaching him to step back and cool off “when something is going wrong, when something makes you want to scream.”

(snip)

Question is, will we love Galarraga in the coming months? That’s hard to say. He will compete for a spot in the starting rotation, and many baseball observers aren’t convinced he’ll ever morph into an impact starter. Still, if his command is as good as his self-control, he has a fighting chance. And he’s very happy for a fresh start, for the chance to throw a perfect game in the National League.

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to hit. I really like Arizona. That’s a great stadium for pitching,” Galarraga said.

Of course, he’s dead wrong about Chase Field, which is notoriously friendly to hitters. That’s OK. We’ll forgive him. It’s the least we can do.

I’m still not convinced that Dbacks’ manager Kirk Gibson won’t be infuriated by Galarraga’s lack of aggressiveness. I guess we’ll see.

Tuesday Tananas: Greenberg, Anderson and Timo Time

Mike McClary — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:22:38 +0000

With about a month to go before pitchers and catchers arrive in Lakeland, here are some various and sundry Tigers items to keep you warm as you wait:

On this date in 1947, the Tigers sold All-Star first baseman Hank Greenberg to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1946, Greenberg led the American League with 44 home runs and 127 RBI, but slumped to 25 home runs and 74 RBI with the Pirates — though today that would be worth $12 million per year. Greenberg retired after the 1947 season.

A Matt Anderson comeback? Ian says it’s so.

Fresh off the Brad Penny signing — and before Armando Galarraga avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal of his own — we asked how Galarraga fits into the Tigers’ pitching staff. Here’s what the voters said:
- Spot starter and long reliever in the bullpen (60%, 272 Votes)
- Still in the Tigers’ rotation. (25%, 115 Votes)
- Some other team. (15%, 68 Votes)
UPDATE: Moments after I posted this, I saw that the Tigers designated Galarraga for assignment. Discuss.

Speaking of starting pitchers, am I the only one surprised that Jeremy Bonderman has generated so little interest this offseason? I thought he’d at least get a minor-league deal with someone — maybe his hometown Mariners. So far, though, no bites. In his Sunday notes column, the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo identifies a couple possible suitors for Bondo.

How did I miss the news that Timo Perez is back in the Tigers organization? As the Toledo Blade’s terrific Mud Hens blog points out, the Tigers didn’t invite Perez to spring training which nixes his chances of playing time in Detroit.

Depending on how the Tigers’ Opening Day roster shapes up, Timo Time could end up in Toledo or perhaps Double-A Erie. At 37, why would he want to ride the buses in minor leagues? To paraphrase Joe Riggins, manager of the fictional Durham Bulls: “Because he can keep comin’ to the ballpark and keep gettin’ paid to do it.”

Speaking of Crash Davis, today’s the birthday of Kevin Costner. He’s 56.

Fungo Flash Poll: With Brad Penny signed, where does Armando Galarraga end up?

Mike McClary — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:22:19 +0000

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Saturday Snacks: Leftovers Edition

Mike McClary — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:57:05 +0000

The holidays put a serious cramp in my news-following style. Not sure how too much time results in not enough time, but that’s what happened over the past two weeks.

I was bummed out by the passing of Bill Lajoie and began writing a little something … and then realized I’d already written it back in November.
Peter Gammons put together a roundup of 10 “overlooked baseball success stories” from the past year and placed at number-three Miguel Cabrera:

Cabrera is on the outskirts of history. Whatever mistake he made in September 2009, he addressed, and he has now placed in the top five in the MVP race four of the past six seasons. In his eight seasons playing for the Marlins and Tigers, in ballparks that were not exactly built for hitters, he has averaged just under 31 homers and 110 RBIs. His .388 on-base percentage speaks volumes about his growth, and his OPS+ through age 27 is 145. Pujols’ was 167 at that age, Henry Aaron’s 153, Ken Griffey’s 150, Frank Robinson’s 148. That is the air Miguel Cabrera breathes. In his seven full seasons in the Majors, he’s averaged more than 157 games played. He turns 28 on April 18. The next day, Joe Mauer turns 28.
So Zach Miner signs with the Royals.

“There were a few teams that checked in, and the Tigers and the Royals were the most aggressive,” Miner wrote in an e-mail to MLB.com. “But in the end, we just felt like K.C. was going to be a very good opportunity going forward, not only for this year, but for a few years down the road.”

I can understand the guy wanting a fresh start if he’d had a bad experience in another city, but if the choices are Detroit or Kansas City, how do you choose the latter? I suppose you choose it based on your chances of seeing more action, though I thought Miner had a decent shot at supplanting Armando Galarraga at the backend of the Tigers’ rotation. Maybe not. I thought this quote in Jason Beck‘s story was interesting: “I … loved playing for Jim Leyland.”

He did? Whenever Leyland came out to the mound when Miner was pitching, it seemed as if Miner wanted to run and hide.
Mark Simon at ESPN’s Stats and Info Blog has written a couple of interesting posts on the Tigers’ offseason moves — one here on Joaquin Benoit, another here on Victor Martinez. If you listen to ESPN’s Baseball Today podcast, you’ve no doubt heard Simon from time to time. I enjoy his stuff and, if you haven’t already, recommend you add him to your daily rotation.

It’s almost kickoff time for Michigan State and Michigan. Enjoy the bowl games and have a Happy New Year.

2010: The Year in Lists

Mike McClary — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:59:28 +0000

A year ago, we were still stinging from Game 163 and not certain how the Tigers would respond to a crushing end to the 2009 season. Would they regress to 2008′s disappointment or regroup to erase the memory of the ’09 collapse?

The answer was: they’d be relevant. And that, ladies in gentlemen, is the extent of the analysis in this post. Instead of a deep dive into 2010, let’s look at the year in the form of randomly selected lists:

2010 At A Glance*

Record: 81-81, 3rd in American League Central, 13 games back of Minnesota
Days in First: 13, the last on July 10
Biggest Lead: 1, last on July 7
Farthest Behind: 15.5 on Sept. 15
Most Games over .500: 11, last on July 10
Most Games under .500: 5, last on Aug. 19
Longest Winning Streak: 7, June 11-18
Longest Losing Streak: 7, July 11-20
Most Runs Allowed: 15, June 9
Most Runs Scored: 13, Aug. 15
Longest Game (innings): 14, July 19
Times Shutout by Opponent: 10
Times Opponent Shutout: 5

Month-by-Month Records

April: 14-10
May: 12-14
June: 15-12
July: 11-15
August: 13-16
September: 15-11
October: 1-3

Top 11 Stories, Loosely Ranked

Armando Galarraga’s Near-Perfect Game
The death of Ernie Harwell
The death of Sparky Anderson
Miguel Cabrera’s MVP-caliber Season
Austin Jackson’s Rookie Year
The Post-All-Star Game Collapse
Magglio Ordonez Season-ending Injury
Max Scherzer’s Rebound
The Other Rookies: Brennan Boesch, Casper Wells, Danny Worth
Phil Coke’s Reliability
Jose Valverde’s Outstanding First-Half

Day-by-Day Records

Monday: 8-9
Tuesday: 7-16
Wednesday: 11-16
Thursday: 12-4
Friday: 11-14
Saturday: 14-13
Sunday: 18-9

Random Nuggets of Uselessness

Number of games without an extra-base hit: 11
Max St. Pierre’s caught-stealing percentage: 0 percent
The Tigers’ record when Jeff Larish was in the starting lineup: 1-2
The Tigers’ record in Dontrelle Willis’ starts: 4-4
Most runners left on base in a game: 18, April 11 versus the Indians
Offensive production from Tigers designated hitters: 8 home runs, 67 RBI

And with that, I wish you a safe, healthy and happy new year.

*Courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com

Tuesday Tananas: A-Jax, Bondo and Joe Isuzu

Mike McClary — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:13:05 +0000

I just couldn’t see the Tigers making a move for Dan Uggla and hoped, quite frankly, that they wouldn’t. The added power behind Miguel Cabrera certainly would’ve been nice but not in the form of another righthanded bat. I’m willing to wait and see what Dave Dombrowski has up his sleeve.

Until then, here are some notable notes from around the Web:

If you want one more Sparky Anderson photo gallery, ESPN.com is happy to oblige.
Austin Jackson, in the eyes of Ian and many others got robbed on Monday when he finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. His catch during Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game should’ve cinched for him.
The 1934 Detroit Tigers infield tonight was featured in a new episode of MLB Network’s Prime 9: Infields. If you missed it this evening, fret not, MLB Network airs its Prime 9 series almost on the hour in the offseason. The ’34 Tigers will be ranked alongside other infields, including the ’13 Athletics, ’27 Giants, ’75 Reds and ’99 Mets. As always, check your local listings.
Where will Jeremy Bonderman end up in 2011? As we learned at the end of this season, there’s an outside chance that he’ll return to the Tigers. Not every team can afford Cliff Lee, which means you’d think someone like Bonderman would be an attractive and affordable option. Nosing around online I found two potential suitors: the Pirates (story here) and the Padres (story).
On Wednesday night I’ll be taking in my first Arizona Fall League game of the year — and likely the last seeing as the season ends on Saturday. I won’t be watching Tigers prospects though. Nope. I’ll be watching the Scottsdale Scorpions and Nationals’ phenom Bryce Harper. I don’t like what I read about this kid but what the hey? When am I ever going to see him again for just $5?

Finally, Happy 60th Birthday to actor David Leisure, a.k.a., Joe Isuzu.

Tigers Today: September 29, 2010

Mike McClary — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:11:23 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

80-77, 3rd Place; 12 GB

Today’s Games

Game 1: Indians 4 – Tigers 0

W: Mitch Talbot (10-13)
L: Max Scherzer (12-11)

Game 2 Pitching Matchup

Tigers @ Indians | 7:05 p.m. ET – Progressive Field | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Justin Verlander (18-8) vs. Josh Tomlin (5-4)

Yesterday’s Results

Rain Out

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Rob Deer, 50

Jim Crawford, 60

On this Date in Tigers History

2008 — In Chicago, rookie Alexei Ramirez’s fourth grand slam of the year leads the White Sox to an 8-2 win over the Tigers in a make-up game, forcing a one-game playoff with the Minnesota Twins. Gavin Floyd picks up his 17th win of the season, while Armando Galarraga, making a rare relief appearance, takes the loss.

1928 — The Tigers and Yankees combine for an American League record 45 hits in a nine-inning game. The Tigers get 28 of the hits in a 19-10 win.

Here Comes Jim Joyce! (Big Whoop)

Mike McClary — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:01:55 +0000

Is this news?

I don’t think so. A curiosity, maybe. But umpire Jim Joyce returning to Comerica Park for the first time since June reminds me of the hullabaloo around pitchers fielding practice on the first day of Spring Training 2007.

There will be lots of cameras clicking, more than a few replays of the infamous call at first base and some Baseball Tonight footage that packages the blown call, the outrage and the lineup card exchange love fest the following day. But, hopefully, this will be the extent of the coverage.

Thinking back today on the initial reaction to Armando Galarraga losing a perfect game, it seems pretty overdone.

I’m the first to admit that I immediately thought Bud Selig should’ve overturned the call and that Joyce should not be allowed to umpire the series finale the following day. But the death threats and crank calls to Joyce’s home — or, in many cases, the crank calls to the wrong Jim Joyce — was not baseball fans’ finest hour.

Three months later, I prefer to think of Austin Jackson’s dazzling ninth-inning catch than anything else that happened that day.

But that’s me. What do you think?

Video: Galarraga/Avila Dugout Spat Discussed on PTI

Mike McClary — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:55:30 +0000

A couple days late, but here’s what Dan Le Batard and Bob Ryan have to say on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption about Sunday’s set-to between Armando Galarraga and Alex Avila.

Tigers Today: July 25, 2010

Mike McClary — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:13:16 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

50-45, 3rd place; 2.5 GB Chicago

Today’s Games

Game 1
Tigers vs. Blue Jays | 1:05 p.m. ET – Comerica Park | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Armando Galarraga (3-3, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP Brett Cecil (8-5, 3.99 ERA)

Game 2
Tigers vs. Blue Jays | 6:05 p.m. ET – Comerica Park | On the air: Radio Only – AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Jeremy Bonderman (5-6, 4.98 ERA) vs. RHP Jesse Litsch (1-4, 5.79 ERA)

Yesterday’s Results

Blue Jays 3 – Tigers 2

W: Shaun Marcum (9-4)
L: Rick Porcello (4-8)

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Torey Lovullo, 45

Fred Scherman, 66

Mick Kelleher, 63

Larry Sherry (1935-2006)

On this Date in Tigers History

2002 — The Tigers acquired outfielder Hiram Bocachica from the Dodgers for RHP Tom Farmer and a player to be named later (RHP Jason Frasor).

1993 — Mike Moore hurls a one-hit, 3-0 shutout over the Royals. Wally Joyner’s second-inning single is the only Kansas City hit.

1967 — Race riots in Detroit force postponement of a Tigers-Orioles game. The games
scheduled for July 26 and 27 are shifted to Baltimore.

1960 — The Tigers acquired catcher Hank Foiles from the Indians for catcher Bob Wilson and infielder Rocky Bridges.

1904 — The Tigers acquired catcher Monte Beville from the Yankees for fellow catcher Frank McManus.

Tigers Today: July 21, 2010

Mike McClary — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:24:59 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

48-44, 2nd place; 3.5 GB Chicago

Today’s Game

Tigers vs. Rangers | 7:05 p.m. ET – Comerica Park | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Max Scherzer (6-7, 4.74 ERA) vs. RHP Colby Lewis (9-5, 3.42 ERA)

Yesterday’s Results

Rangers 8 – Tigers 0

W: Tommy Hunter (7-0)
L: Armando Galarraga

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Kimera Bartee, 38

Mark Lemongello, 55

On this Date in Tigers History

2008 — The Tigers beat the Royals, 19-4. It’s their third time scoring 19 or more runs this season, the first time a MLB team had done that since the 1950 Red Sox. Miguel Cabrera drives in six and Matt Joyce five.

1993 — In the Twins’ 7-2 win over the Tigers, Tony Phillips goes 0 for 4 with two strikeouts against two Twins pitchers — Kevin Tapani and Carl Willis. It’s his only game without a hit, walk or hit batsmen in a string of 101 games.

1986 — Jose Canseco launches a Walt Terrell pitch into the upper deck of the centerfield bleachers at Tiger Stadium. Canseco has now hit a home run in every American League park.

1945 — The Tigers’ Les Mueller throws a record 19-2/3 innings against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 24-inning, 1-1 tie.

1936 — Mickey Cochrane has a relapse, and Del Baker again takes charge of the Tigers. Detroit takes a pair from the visiting A’s, winning 8-0 behind Tommy Bridges, and 9-8, as Schoolboy Rowe wins in relief.
The Tigers score a pair in the eighth inning when, with the bases loaded, Mickey Owen hits into a double play. Goose Goslin scores the tying run and Gee Walker, who reaches third base on the play, scores when first baseman Chubby Dean is caught napping.

Wednesday Walewanders: Asparagus Races, Weaver and Drew

Mike McClary — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:20:41 +0000

This past weekend I was visiting family in the Bay Area and, as always happens when I’m there, the Giants are out of town. (I’ve been to several A’s games at the Coliseum over the years.)

So, the next best thing, of course, is some Advanced Class-A California League action — Stockton Ports versus Modesto Nuts. (I think the Nuts might have the best logo I’ve seen; I’ve included it after the jump.)

The Ports won the four-hour, 12-inning game 7-5 thanks to a walk-off home run by third baseman Stephen Parker. Apart from the dramatics and post-game fireworks, the most intriguing component was the — I kid you not — asparagus race, which you can see above. They also included bottles of ketchup and mustard in the competition. Not sure why.

Minor-league baseball, major-league thrills.

On to other topics.

Did you see Jake Peavy‘s injury last night? I did and have to admit the first thing I thought was, Oh, great. Kenny Williams is already on the phone with the Mariners about Cliff Lee. The Tigers aren’t mentioned, however, in this Lee update — but the Twins are, of course. The White Sox are apparently going hard after Adam Dunn.
Out in Los Angeles, and eight years after being dealt by the Tigers, Jeff Weaver has found his niche with the Dodgers.

When the season started, it was clear the former starter would be used mostly as a situational guy. In his first 20 appearances, he pitched only 15 1/3 innings.

Lately, however, Weaver (5-1, 3.54 ERA) has begun to be stretched out. In his last nine games, he’s pitched 12 2/3 innings — including 3 1/3 shut-out innings Monday against the Marlins.

If you were curious, Weaver was 39-51 with a 4.33 ERA in four years with the Tigers.
Rob Neyer weighs in on Armando Galarraga‘s temporary demotion.
FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal throws a bucket of ice on the Tigers’ (or any team’s) chances of landing Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew:

The Tigers have expressed interest, according to FOXSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, but the D-Backs control Drew for two more years after this one and lack a suitable replacement for him.
Browsing the ESPN.com rumors site [$] I saw that Bud Selig has said MLB’s instant-replay policy won’t change. No surprise there, right? But what do you think of this?

Could the classy way that Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce handled the situation taken away some of the push for change? Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic made that point this morning on ESPN Radio.

Finally, Happy 83rd Birthday to Doc Severinsen. And, let’s hope for a completed sweep of the Orioles tonight.

Tigers Today: June 30, 2010

Mike McClary — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:41:06 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

41-35, 2nd place; 1/2-game behind Minnesota

Today’s Game

Tigers @ Twins | 1:10 p.m. ET – Target Field | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Andy Oliver (0-1, 3.00 ERA) vs. Kevin Slowey (7-5, 4.79 ERA)

Yesterday’s Results

Twins 11 – Tigers 4

W: Nick Blackburn (7-5)
L: Armando Galarraga (3-2)
HR: Jim Thome (8)

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Davy Jones (1880-1972)

On this Date in Tigers History

2004 — For the third straight game, the Tigers win thanks to a walk-off home run. Following the lead of Eric Munson and Carlos Pena in the two previous games, Dmitri Young hits a two-run shot in the 11th inning to beat the Indians, 9-7.
1997 — Bobby Higginson belts three home runs and drives in seven and Justin Thompson allows four hits in eight innings as the Tigers down the Mets, 14-0. It’s the most lopsided shutout in Mets history. Detroit hits more homers, six, than the Mets have hits (five), and it’s the most home runs given up by Mets’ pitchers since April 29, 1978.
1983 — The Tigers acquired infielder Wayne Krenchicki from the Reds for LHP Pat Underwood
1948 — In his first full season as a pitcher, the Indians’ Bob Lemon pitches a no-hitter, beating the Tigers 2-0 in front of 49,628 at Briggs Stadium. Lemon has only two scares: Dale Mitchell makes a miraculous catch of a George Kell drive in the fourth and Ken Keltner makes a great stop behind third base in the fifth. The Tigers’ home was the last park in the junior circuit to use lights, installing illumination only two weeks ago.
1934 — In a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Browns, Tigers centerfielder Gee Walker is picked off base twice on the same frame, earning him a 10-day suspension for his ineptitude. After Hank Greenberg singles, Walker reaches base on a error, but then gets caught off base when catcher Rollie Hemsley throws to first. Greenberg attempts to draw a throw by running to third and is thrown out, with Walker taking second. Moments later, with Walker standing six feet off the bag, pitcher Jack Knott’s throw to shortstop Alan Strange nails Walker. Mickey Cochrane is so furious he
suspends Walker and fines him $20 — the sixth time this season that Walker has earned a $20 fine. His next appearance won’t come until July 16 when he pinch-hits for Cochrane.

Tigers Today: June 29, 2010

Mike McClary — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:10:11 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

41-34, 1st place; 1/2-game lead

Today’s Game

Tigers @ Twins| 8:10 p.m. ET – Target Field | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Armando Galarraga (3-1, 3.68 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Blackburn (6-5, 6.10 ERA)

Yesterday’s Results

Tigers 7 – Twins 5

W: Jeremy Bonderman (4-5)
L: Francisco Liriano (6-6)
Save: Jose Valverde (18)
HR: Gerald Laird (2), Jim Thome (7)

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Eddie Miller, 53
Bruce Kimm, 59
Dizzy Trout (1915-1972)
Bobby Veach (1888-1945)

On this Date in Tigers History

1986 — The Tigers beat the Brewers 9-5 in the first game of a doubleheader split, making Sparky Anderson the first manager ever to win 600 games in each league. The Brewers win game two, 3-1.

1983 — Mark Fidrych, in the second year of an extended comeback attempt with the Pawtucket Red Sox, retires. The 1976 A.L. Rookie of the Year was 2-5 with a 9.68 ERA.

1968 — Jim Northrup’s third grand slam ties the major-league record for slams in a month (Rudy York, May 1938), and sets a major-league record for slams in a week. The Tigers win 5-2 over the White Sox; Denny McLain notches his 14th victory.

1967 — The Tigers acquired outfielder Jim Landis from the Astros for RHP Larry Sherry.

Series Preview: Tigers @ Twins

Mike McClary — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:01:15 +0000

The Tigers are visiting Target Field for the second time this season and, just like on May 3, they enter play just a half-game behind the Twins. Three days later Detroit was 3.5 games back. Bygones.

Among the many differences between the Tigers of May and the Tigers of late June — an overhauled rotation, a new second baseman, a new shortstop — is that today’s Tigers also must contend with a surging White Sox club. Depending how this series and the Sox’s series against the Royals pan out, the Tigers could be in first, second or third.

In some ways, these two teams are fairly even. In others — oh, the defense — the Twins are superior.

Team Hitting

Tigers: .272 (6th overall)
Twins: .270 (7th)

Home Runs

Tigers: 67 (15th overall)
Twins: 63 (18th)

Team ERA

Tigers: 4.25 ERA (19th overall)
Twins: 3.89 ERA (8th)

Team Defense

Tigers: .981 Fielding Pct. (22nd overall)
Twins: .990 (Tied 1st)

Head to Head

2010 Record: 2-4
2010 at Home: 2-1
2010 at Minnesota: 0-3
All-Time Record: 1,034-962-17
All-Time at Home: 551-449-8
All-Time at Comerica Park: 43-49
All-Time at Minnesota: 483-513-9

Series Pitching Matchups

Monday

Jeremy Bonderman (3-5, 4.20 ERA) vs. LHP Francisco Liriano (6-5, 3.11 ERA)

Tuesday

Armando Galarraga (3-1, 3.68 ERA) vs.
RHP Nick Blackburn (6-5, 6.10 ERA)

Wednesday

Andy Oliver vs.
RHP Kevin Slowey (7-5, 4.97 ERA)

Batting Leaders

Average: Justin Morneau – .346
Home Runs: Morneau – 15
RBI: Morneau – 49
Runs: Morneau – 47
OPS: Morneau – 1.057

Pitching Leaders

Wins: Carl Pavano – 9
Strikeouts: Francisco Liriano – 3.11
Save: Jon Rauch – 17
WHIP: Pavano – 1.03
ERA: Liriano – 3.11

Who’s Hot (June)

Morneau – .409
Jason Kubel – .333
Nick Punto – .300

Who’s Not (June)

Michael Cuddyer – .143
Delmon Young – .174
Denard Span – .200

Tigers Today: June 25, 2010

Mike McClary — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:44:56 +0000

Tigers’ Record:

39-32, 2nd place; 1/2-game behind Minnesota

Today’s Game

Tigers @ Braves | 7:35 p.m. ET – Turner Field | On the air: FSD/AM 1270 and 97.1 FM

Pitching Matchup
Andy Oliver (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Kris Medlen (4-1, 3.33 ERA)

Yesterday’s Results

Tigers 6 – Mets 5 | Fungo Recap

W: Armando Galarraga (3-1)
L: Hisanori Takahashi (6-3)
Save: Jose Valverde (17)
HR: Magglio Ordonez (10), Ryan Raburn (2)

Tigers History Lesson

Today’s Birthdays

Don Demeter, 75

Alex Garbowski (1922-2008)

Johnny Pasek (1905-1976)

On this Date in Tigers History

2002 — In game which is broadcast throughout Latin America, managers Luis Pujols of the Tigers and Tony Pena Sr. of the Royals become the first major-league managers born in the Dominican Republic to oppose each other in a game.
The president of the Dominican Republic, Hipolito Mejia, is on hand to watch Raul Ibanez’s double, triple and home run and four RBIs lead the hometown Royals to an 8-6 comeback victory over Detroit. Meanwhile, Tigers fans are left to ponder how far the franchise has fallen that Pujols is the club’s manager.

1998 — Sammy Sosa hits a home run in the Cubs’ 6-4 loss to the Tigers, breaking Rudy York’s 1937 major league record for home runs in a month with 19. He will end the month with 20 homers.

1996 — In Oakland, Mark McGwire hits his 300th career home run off of the Tigers’ Omar Olivares. The A’s defeat the Tigers, 12-8. Bobby Higginson and Jason Giambi each drive in five runs and Cecil Fielder also homers.

1991 — The Tigers acquired infielder Victor Rosario from the Braves for Dan Petry.

1962 — The Tigers acquired outfielder/infielder Bob Farley from the White Sox for outfielder “Paw Paw” Charlie Maxwell.

Series Preview: Tigers vs. Diamondbacks

Mike McClary — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:00:21 +0000

The Tigers welcome the Diamondbacks to town this weekend and it will be a series dripping with irony and plot lines.

Some will focus on the return of Dontrelle Willis and Edwin Jackson. Others will welcome back D-backs’ bench coach and Tigers legend (at least in my mind) Kirk Gibson.

Still others may peer at Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew and imagine him alongside Carlos Guillen in the Tigers infield.

No matter what your perspective this weekend, the Tigers are entering another series that is winnable, if not sweepable. (Hint: The D-backs are 9-25 on the road this season.)

Series Pitching Matchups

Friday

Armando Galarraga (2-1, 2.67) vs.
LHP Dontrelle Willis (1-0, 1.80)

Saturday

Rick Porcello (4-6, 6.09) vs.
RHP Edwin Jackson (3-6, 5.18)

Sunday

Max Scherzer (3-6, 6.14) vs.
RHP Ian Kennedy (3-4, 3.57)

The D-backs enter this three-game series at 26-41 comfortably in last place in the N.L. West, 12.5 games back of the Dodgers and Padres. They were swept in Boston after winning their previous three series against good clubs: the Cardinals, Braves and Rockies.

If you’ve read anything about the D-backs this season you know that their bullpen has been abysmal and they recently replaced closer Chad Qualls (four blown saves and countless other bad outings) with Aaron Heilman.

Despite a minor resurgence — and it’s all relative — the D-backs are largely a lifeless club that’s in the early stages of a dismantling. (If you want to read a good assessment of the club’s situation, read this and this.)

Tigers’ All-Time Record vs Diamondbacks: 8-13
All-Time at Home: 4-5
All-Time at Comerica Park: 4-5
All-Time at Arizona: 4-8

Batting Leaders
- Average: Chris Young – .284
- Home Runs: Mark Reynolds – 15
- RBI: Young – 46
- Runs: Kelly Johnson – 45
- OPS: Johnson – .894
Pitching Leaders
- Wins: Dan Haren – 7
- Strikeouts: Haren – 101
- Save: Chadd Qualls – 12
- WHIP: Ian Kennedy – 1.20
Who’s Hot (Past 7 Days)
- Chris Young – .400
- Stephen Drew – .375
- Miguel Montero – .353
Who’s Not (Past 7 Days)
- Kelly Johnson – .200
- Mark Reynolds – .208
- Justin Upton – .222