Happy Birthday to Frank Tanana who turns 56 today. Last year I wrote a two-part series on his 1987 stretch-run starts against Toronto. Here’s Part 1. And Part 2.

When it comes to topics like the death of Mark Fidrych, I tend to be reflective — and that usually means several hours (or even a day) can pass before I post something about it. I’ll certainly have more on The Bird this week, but I will share my single memory of Fidrych and his [...]

I’m intrigued by this Kenny Rogers-may-return storyline. Based on his last few appearances in 2008 I can’t imagine there’s anything left in the tank. But then I watched the postseason and saw the Phillies’ Jamie Moyer get it done…more or less — against the Rays if not the Brewers or Dodgers. This year, at 45, [...]

The last we saw of Frank Tanana (in this 1987/Frank’s-birthday-mini-mini-series, at least), he pitched brilliantly against the Blue Jays at Exhibition Stadium only to watch the bullpen blow the game and put the Tigers farther behind Toronto in the A.L. East race. Tanana faced the Jays 10 days later, this time at Tiger Stadium, and [...]