2007 Baseball Season

[Guest jaytan]

A-Rod? Come on, let's not become the Yankees now.

Or the Red Wings of baseball.

[Guest DetroitIan]

A-Rod? Come on, let's not become the Yankees now.

Or the Red Wings of baseball.

Yeah but think of it. The two front runners for league MVP on the same team??? That would be amazing. Plus, we could finally boot Inge and his non-existant bat. Our lineup would be so unstoppable. We probably wont get him, but a guy can dream...

[Guest jaytan]

I want Cecil Fielder's estranged son. That guy can play!

And he's hilarious.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

Well, tonight it became official. The defending American League Champions are not going to the playoffs. What happened to the team that had the best record in baseball back in July?

Fitting that it rained tonight for the last home game. Sort of a sign how the season went.

I'm already looking forward to March 31st next year for Opening Day.

Edited September 27, 2007 by GoWings1905

[rwfan007 18]

the team? well, bondo went down, nate went down, sheff went down, zumaya went down, rodney went down, vance went down, c-mo was a bust, inge's bat went away, maroth was traded, we started 5 or 6 rookies in the rotation, Tata, Miller, Jurrjens, Bazardo, Vasquez...

but, Verlander was great in his sophmore season. Polanco and Maggs were phenominal, Granderson is absolutely the best CF in the majors. What a season he had! Durbin filled in admirably when called upon. Byrdak was a good replacement of Walker. we could possibly end up with 2 90-win seasons in a row, the fans had something to cheer about with another winning team.

all in all, i am very encouraged about next season. We are most likely going to add another lefty bat or power bat into the lineup, shore up the Bullpen and get the 5th pitcher in the rotation, and with that we should do very well and find our way into playing in October once again.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

the team? well, bondo went down, nate went down, sheff went down, zumaya went down, rodney went down, vance went down, c-mo was a bust, inge's bat went away, maroth was traded, we started 5 or 6 rookies in the rotation, Tata, Miller, Jurrjens, Bazardo, Vasquez...

but, Verlander was great in his sophmore season. Polanco and Maggs were phenominal, Granderson is absolutely the best CF in the majors. What a season he had! Durbin filled in admirably when called upon. Byrdak was a good replacement of Walker. we could possibly end up with 2 90-win seasons in a row, the fans had something to cheer about with another winning team.

all in all, i am very encouraged about next season. We are most likely going to add another lefty bat or power bat into the lineup, shore up the Bullpen and get the 5th pitcher in the rotation, and with that we should do very well and find our way into playing in October once again.

I agree. All factors considered this was still a pretty good season for the Tigers. It just makes you wonder though, when healthy, what this team could have done all season.

Pitching needs to be the focus of the offseason, especially the bullpen. Whether or not Jones returns will have a considerable effect on what the Tigers do. We could afford another pitcher for the back end of the rotation, since I believe Nate has an option for next year. With Rogers' health in question, and young guys like Jurrjens and Miller getting a chance, it would be nice to have a reliable starter to go with Verlander and Bonderman.

I wish the Tigers were shopping for a new third baseman this winter too. That nice, long contract extension to Inge was a huge mistake. Looks like we are stuck with no production at the plate from third base for awhile. Nice guy, great defender, but awful with the bat.

Edited September 27, 2007 by GoWings1905

[Guest jaytan]

They finally made it mathematical last night, but we went down swinging! The Tigers at least won their last few.

[timothy1997 0]

Yeah but think of it. The two front runners for league MVP on the same team??? That would be amazing. Plus, we could finally boot Inge and his non-existant bat. Our lineup would be so unstoppable. We probably wont get him, but a guy can dream...

If the Tigers get A-rod somehow, they will most likely put Alex at SS and move guillen to 1st. Inge isn't going anywhere.

[rwfan007 18]

Inge is capable of 30 homers and 90 RBIs... we saw that last year, even A-rod doesn't hit 50 homers every year. Brandon will be fine, plus there is no other player who can play 3B better than brandon. Even if he is a little off in the offensive category, he saves just as many runs with his glove. He is a vital piece to this team and we are not going to lose him. Plus, he signed a 4 year deal lastt year.

[rwfan007 18]

Looks like Casey will not be a Tiger next season.

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...2/70928085/1048

Jimmy Lee plans to move Guillen to 1B full time next year, so the big offseason move this year will be to get a full time SS.

[Guest DetroitIan]

If the Tigers get A-rod somehow, they will most likely put Alex at SS and move guillen to 1st. Inge isn't going anywhere.

Unforunately you're right. Inge will remain a Tiger. A waste of an out is truly what he is. He does have good defensive skills. But come on, that 2.40 average just aint cutting it. I say we sign A-Rod, put him on 3rd, send Inge to the Mudhens, and sign Renteria, put him at SS. No salary cap in baseball, and Ilitch cant spend the usual 90M for the Wings salaries anymore, so he's got the scratch to spend. Sucks that it wont happen though...

Jimmy Lee plans to move Guillen to 1B full time next year, so the big offseason move this year will be to get a full time SS.

I really like this move. This will do nothing but strengthen our lineup IMO. Cause now we have Guillen at 1st(and he's looked great playing at 1st) and we'll most likely snag a reliable full time short stop. I cant wait to see what unfolds.

[timothy1997 0]

Unforunately you're right. Inge will remain a Tiger. A waste of an out is truly what he is. He does have good defensive skills. But come on, that 2.40 average just aint cutting it. I say we sign A-Rod, put him on 3rd, send Inge to the Mudhens, and sign Renteria, put him at SS. No salary cap in baseball, and Ilitch cant spend the usual 90M for the Wings salaries anymore, so he's got the scratch to spend. Sucks that it wont happen though...

Getting Renteria will be hard enough and now you want to pry A-Rod out too, keep dreaming buddy. Tigers most likely will make at the most 2 big offseason moves. Guillen is playing 1st next year so that leaves the SS position open. The way I see it there are 3 options. A-Rod, Renteria, or Jack Wilson. All would be a helluva improvement than Ramon Santiago at short. Also, the Tigers are one of the likely distantions for Barry Bonds too.

[rwfan007 18]

Barry Bonds can't play shortstop though

[Guest DetroitIan]

Getting Renteria will be hard enough and now you want to pry A-Rod out too, keep dreaming buddy. Tigers most likely will make at the most 2 big offseason moves. Guillen is playing 1st next year so that leaves the SS position open. The way I see it there are 3 options. A-Rod, Renteria, or Jack Wilson. All would be a helluva improvement than Ramon Santiago at short. Also, the Tigers are one of the likely distantions for Barry Bonds too.

I know getting A-Rod and Renteria isnt gonna happen. I dont actually think we're gonna get both. But if you think we're in contention for Bonds, keep dreaming buddy. Cause Bonds will strictly be a DH. We already have Gary Sheffield. No way the Tigers have even a slight interest in Bonds. That would make no sense at all to have 2 DHs. Hell, atleast Sheffield can still play outfield if they need him. Bonds is definitely done playing any defensive position.

[rwfan007 18]

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...2/70930020/1048

Sean Casey was told he will not be back as a Tiger next season.

[Guest DetroitIan]

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...2/70930020/1048

Sean Casey was told he will not be back as a Tiger next season.

Class act and a great guy. I wish nothing but success to Casey wherever he goes(unless he stays in the division). We'll always have the great memories of '06.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Unforunately you're right. Inge will remain a Tiger. A waste of an out is truly what he is. He does have good defensive skills. But come on, that 2.40 average just aint cutting it. I say we sign A-Rod, put him on 3rd, send Inge to the Mudhens, and sign Renteria, put him at SS. No salary cap in baseball, and Ilitch cant spend the usual 90M for the Wings salaries anymore, so he's got the scratch to spend. Sucks that it wont happen though...

Are you nutz? Inge is a Gold Glover. If he doesn't win it this year, he'll win it in the future - mark my words. Has the best infield arm in baseball and terrific range. You don't just toss aside a 3B of that caliber defense that can also knock in 70 runs a year. A-Rod and Renteria? Come up with something realistic or just don't bother.

I do agree, though, that Bonds isn't gonna happen. Which is nice. We've got a DH in Sheffield. I've never cared for Sheffield, but he's a Tiger, so he's one of the good guys now. But Bonds and Sheffield on the same team - eeeeesh.

I think it's a little disappointing that the Tigs didn't make the playoffs, but when's the last time we were disappointed the Tigers didn't make the playoffs? They had a nice season, and Verlander's no-hitter and Maggs' batting title are some nice consolation prizes. Just hope Bonderman comes back healthy in the spring.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Are you nutz? Inge is a Gold Glover. If he doesn't win it this year, he'll win it in the future - mark my words. Has the best infield arm in baseball and terrific range.

Dude first off, I already made it clear in my post that he has defensive skills. But the guy is hitting a pathetic .240 on the YEAR. There are 3rd basemen out there that play good defensively, yet they can actually hit the f-ing ball. Inge sucks dick. And without his defensive ability he would be in AAA for sure. The kid cant hit the ball!

A-Rod and Renteria? Come up with something realistic or just don't bother.

Jesus Christ, does anyone actually read the full posts anymore before replying??? I was CLEARLY just throwing something crazy out there. I knew it would never happen, and I said in the post that I didnt think it would ever happen. I was just mentioning how sweet it would be to have those guys. Easy there sport.

Edited October 1, 2007 by DetroitIan

[betterREDthandead 58]

Dude first off, I already made it clear in my post that he has defensive skills. But the guy is hitting a pathetic .240 on the YEAR. There are 3rd basemen out there that play good defensively, yet they can actually hit the f-ing ball. Inge sucks dick. And without his defensive ability he would be in AAA for sure. The kid cant hit the ball!

He's got better than good defensive skills. He's likely got the best glove in the league. And I realize you're joking about A-Rod and Renteria, but it's totally pointless to say "GET RID OF THE BUM" without having some actual idea how to replace him. I mean, why stop at those two? Wouldn't it be sweet to have Pujols at first? Holliday at LF? Oh man, the Tigers would be so sweet then!

You might notice that this was the worst year Inge has ever had at the plate since making the move from catcher. I guarantee a better average next year. Not only that, but go down the lineups of the rest of the American League. How many of them consistently get the kind of power numbers out of their #9 slot in the lineup as Inge provides?

[Guest DetroitIan]

He's got better than good defensive skills. He's likely got the best glove in the league. And I realize you're joking about A-Rod and Renteria, but it's totally pointless to say "GET RID OF THE BUM" without having some actual idea how to replace him. I mean, why stop at those two? Wouldn't it be sweet to have Pujols at first? Holliday at LF? Oh man, the Tigers would be so sweet then!

I wasnt just throwing out any random good players at any position. I was throwing out REPLACEMENTS for the positions we need. We dont need Pujols. We have Guillen at 1st now. We dont need Holliday. We have an up and coming young Left Fielder. But we do need a SS. Which Renteria is. As well as A-Rod. And I was just simply saying that Ilitch has so much scratch(especially with the NHL having a salary cap now) to spend. So it would be sweet to get Renteria at SS. And A-Rod on 3rd. Hense, a replacement for Inge.

You might notice that this was the worst year Inge has ever had at the plate since making the move from catcher. I guarantee a better average next year. Not only that, but go down the lineups of the rest of the American League. How many of them consistently get the kind of power numbers out of their #9 slot in the lineup as Inge provides?

Yeah actually, I very much noticed his complete lack of a bat. If his average next season is respectable, then I have no problem with Inge at 3rd. But IMO it's more important to get a 3rd baseman that can hit, as well as be good defensively, over a 3rd baseman who is great defensively, yet couldnt hit the broad side of a barn if his life depended on it. And I wouldnt talk about Power anymore with Inge. Sure, last season it was great to have a guy at the 9th spot hitting 28 homeruns. Too bad Inge didnt even hit 15 this season. So basically he doesnt have consistent power. So unless he goes back to the form of '06. GET RID OF THE BUM.

[Packer487 3]

I don't even like baseball (apart from watching Roy Oswalt pitch) but the finish in that Rockies/Padres game was amazing. I just want to know how many more blown calls in the postseason (or an extended-regular-season-but-not-technically-a-playoff game) are going to happen before baseball gets out of the stone age and allows instant replay?

I can understand why they wouldn't want every checked swing or every close play at first to be reviewed, but at some point in games like this the emphasis has to be on getting the call right. There have been too many home runs ruled foul or vice-versa (plus whatever happened tonight, I missed the home run/no home run call) over the years, and it's completely avoidable.

163 games, an amazing finish in that last game, and it comes down to a blown call at the plate, where the umpire was clearly unsure what the correct call was. What the hell would be the problem in letting them look at the video. f*** the purists.

And BTW, when that dude came in to start the top of the 13th and I saw his record was 0-5 and he had 0 saves in 7 opportunities, I just started laughing and said, "There's the guy you want in the game." He then proceeded to throw like 8 balls and 2 strikes, one of which was hit out of the park, before he got yanked. I wish I could've bet on that. I wonder if Rockies fans had the same reaction when that dude came in that my dad usually has when the Tigers put in Grilli...

[timothy1997 0]

I don't even like baseball (apart from watching Roy Oswalt pitch) but the finish in that Rockies/Padres game was amazing. I just want to know how many more blown calls in the postseason (or an extended-regular-season-but-not-technically-a-playoff game) are going to happen before baseball gets out of the stone age and allows instant replay?

I can understand why they wouldn't want every checked swing or every close play at first to be reviewed, but at some point in games like this the emphasis has to be on getting the call right. There have been too many home runs ruled foul or vice-versa (plus whatever happened tonight, I missed the home run/no home run call) over the years, and it's completely avoidable.

163 games, an amazing finish in that last game, and it comes down to a blown call at the plate, where the umpire was clearly unsure what the correct call was. What the hell would be the problem in letting them look at the video. f*** the purists.

And BTW, when that dude came in to start the top of the 13th and I saw his record was 0-5 and he had 0 saves in 7 opportunities, I just started laughing and said, "There's the guy you want in the game." He then proceeded to throw like 8 balls and 2 strikes, one of which was hit out of the park, before he got yanked. I wish I could've bet on that. I wonder if Rockies fans had the same reaction when that dude came in that my dad usually has when the Tigers put in Grilli...

I disagree. Instant replay doesn't needs to be a part of baseball. The game is long enough and if you challenge the call and you're wrong...what do you lose? Are you ok with an out given if you challenge incorrectly??

The game wouldn't have changed last night either.The delayed call on the umpire was to make sure the catcher did not have the ball. The call was correct. Notice that the Padres didn't even challenge the call, or the manager didn't argue with the ump. The only call in the game that would have been close to changing waz the home run in the 7th that was ruled a double.

The game was amazing tho. So many players were used in that game that the Rockies had no choice but to go to that guy. The Padres on the other hand brought out their closer, the best closer in baseball and the Rockies didn't sweat it. Rockies were a better team and have a better shot at making it further in the playoffs.

Playoffs are amazing. Get used to it.

Edited October 2, 2007 by timothy1997

[Packer487 3]

I disagree. Instant replay doesn't needs to be a part of baseball. The game is long enough and if you challenge the call and you're wrong...what do you lose? Are you ok with an out given if you challenge incorrectly??

The game wouldn't have changed last night either.The delayed call on the umpire was to make sure the catcher did not have the ball. The call was correct. Notice that the Padres didn't even challenge the call, or the manager didn't argue with the ump. The only call in the game that would have been close to changing waz the home run in the 7th that was ruled a double.

The game was amazing tho. So many players were used in that game that the Rockies had no choice but to go to that guy. The Padres on the other hand brought out their closer, the best closer in baseball and the Rockies didn't sweat it. Rockies were a better team and have a better shot at making it further in the playoffs.

Playoffs are amazing. Get used to it.

Instant replay needs to be in baseball in some form. Even if it's just to review home run vs. no home run. You wouldn't think that they'd be able to mess that up, buuuut they do. And it's stupid to not be able to review it.

If you've already got 3 hour long games, what's another 5 minutes to make sure that the right team wins? I mean, over the course of the season, these teams are playing games for upwards of 400 hours. Their fans are watching them for upwards of 400 hours. And all that goes away because an ump guessed if the guy touched home plate.

I don't know what the perfect system is. Maybe each team should have 2 challenges over the course of the game, maybe replays should be called for by the booth, maybe the umpire should just be able to say "I want to see that one again". But it needs to be there in some form. I don't even care if it's just the playoffs (and extended regular season, playoff-but-not-really-a-playoff games). I think the booth review would be the way to go, myself. It's not hard to see when a play was close enough to review. And in most cases one look at the TiVo would be enough to confirm the call was right/wrong. You're talking a really, really small percentage of plays that need a closer look.

And when that much money is on the line, when that many jobs are potentially on the line, when fanbases have invested hundreds of hours in watching the team and shelled out tons of money to do so, the league owes it to everyone to not let a game come down to a guess.

That's what it was. I don't buy that "The delay was so he could see if the catcher had the ball" excuse. It was pretty obvious that he didn't.

The Padres manager said to him that it looked like the guy touched home. Because it did at first. I was watching Sportscenter last night and they were breaking it down and one of the anchors goes, "Wait. Did he even touch the plate?" Then they watched it again and the other guy just started laughing and said, "No, he didn't! Ohhh man! He never touched home plate!" So I also don't buy that since there was no argument it means it was the correct call. It was pretty tough to pick up live. And I'm sure it was even tougher to see from the dugout.

Playoffs are amazing. Get used to it.

Get used to it? Really?

Now think how more amazing things would be if, ya know, they guaranteed that home runs weren't called foul balls and whatnot.

Edited October 2, 2007 by Packer487

[timothy1997 0]

Instant replay needs to be in baseball in some form. Even if it's just to review home run vs. no home run. You wouldn't think that they'd be able to mess that up, buuuut they do. And it's stupid to not be able to review it.

If you've already got 3 hour long games, what's another 5 minutes to make sure that the right team wins? I mean, over the course of the season, these teams are playing games for upwards of 400 hours. Their fans are watching them for upwards of 400 hours. And all that goes away because an ump guessed if the guy touched home plate.

I don't know what the perfect system is. Maybe each team should have 2 challenges over the course of the game, maybe replays should be called for by the booth, maybe the umpire should just be able to say "I want to see that one again". But it needs to be there in some form. I don't even care if it's just the playoffs (and extended regular season, playoff-but-not-really-a-playoff games). I think the booth review would be the way to go, myself. It's not hard to see when a play was close enough to review. And in most cases one look at the TiVo would be enough to confirm the call was right/wrong. You're talking a really, really small percentage of plays that need a closer look.

And when that much money is on the line, when that many jobs are potentially on the line, when fanbases have invested hundreds of hours in watching the team and shelled out tons of money to do so, the league owes it to everyone to not let a game come down to a guess.

That's what it was. I don't buy that "The delay was so he could see if the catcher had the ball" excuse. It was pretty obvious that he didn't.

The Padres manager said to him that it looked like the guy touched home. Because it did at first. I was watching Sportscenter last night and they were breaking it down and one of the anchors goes, "Wait. Did he even touch the plate?" Then they watched it again and the other guy just started laughing and said, "No, he didn't! Ohhh man! He never touched home plate!" So I also don't buy that since there was no argument it means it was the correct call. It was pretty tough to pick up live. And I'm sure it was even tougher to see from the dugout.

Baseball just like the other sports have judgemental calls like balls and strikes. If you implement an instant replay, are you reviewing those type of plays. Because if you are, forget about it.

What exactly is reviewable and if the Padres had the choice, would anything be different. The own Padres manager didn't argue nor say that was a bulls*** call, even after its been on Sportscenter 15 million times.

The delayed call was because to see if Barrett had the ball. From the angle they had on tv, I first thought he was out due to Barrett having the ball but after it rolled out, then the ump made the call. Check the video again. If Barrett had the ball, Holiday was out.

And my whole "get used to it" line at the end was to imply that the postseason is filled with amazing games and an emotional roller coaster. This is why I love the MLB playoffs, even if my team is not in it.

[Packer487 3]

Baseball just like the other sports have judgemental calls like balls and strikes. If you implement an instant replay, are you reviewing those type of plays. Because if you are, forget about it.

What exactly is reviewable and if the Padres had the choice, would anything be different. The own Padres manager didn't argue nor say that was a bulls*** call, even after its been on Sportscenter 15 million times.

And my whole "get used to it" line at the end was to imply that the postseason is filled with amazing games and an emotional roller coaster. This is why I love the MLB playoffs, even if my team is not in it.

The answer to arguing balls and strikes is easy. Let a robot do make the calls.

Seriously though, no, you're not reviewing judgment calls like balls and strikes. Just like you can't review pass interference, hooking, or holding. But the absolutes: On a potential home run, did the ball go fair or foul? Did the runner touch home plate before he was tagged? Things like that shouldn't be judgment calls. How is an umpire from hundreds of feet away supposed to make an accurate ruling if a ball hit the yellow line or behind it? Even with the replay it was hard to tell. How do we expect an umpire to make an accurate split-second ruling without the benefit of seeing it again? That could've been a huge turning point in the game.

If the Padres manager hasn't said anything after seeing the replay, then it's simply because he's classier than I would be in that situation. But it's not like bitching would make things any different. They're not going to overturn it now.

The delayed call was because to see if Barrett had the ball. From the angle they had on tv, I first thought he was out due to Barrett having the ball but after it rolled out, then the ump made the call. Check the video again. If Barrett had the ball, Holiday was out.

I don't know that it's fair to say that Holiday was out if Barrett had the ball. After all, from the umpire's judgment Holiday touched home plate. Barrett never even attempted a tag, much less got his glove on Holiday. If what you say is true, and if Barrett had the ball Holiday was out, then the ump was even more wrong.

And I still say that with how unemphatic the umpire was with his safe signal, it's pretty clear he was guessing. I've never seen a game deciding play at the plate where the umpire made a signal like it was the first inning of an exhibition game. He had no clue--and to be fair, how's he supposed to? Look at where the umpire is standing at 1:59 of the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXdmfcMi4gY

He's got the catcher's body blocking him. There's no way he can see the ball, the catcher attempting to make a tag, or if Holiday's hand somehow got around the catcher's foot. And he's trying to make a call that will end up sending a team home?

And my whole "get used to it" line at the end was to imply that the postseason is filled with amazing games and an emotional roller coaster. This is why I love the MLB playoffs, even if my team is not in it.

Gotcha. Sorry for taking slight offense there. I don't like baseball, but even I'll watch some of the MLB playoffs. It's usually good stuff. It just seems stupid to me that games can end like the one last night. These plays happen so fast, I'm amazed they get as many right as they do. But for the ones they miss...why not help em out with instant replay, if you have the tools to do so?