Who is as disappointed with the Detroit Tigers last night pitching performance as I am?

Question

I am trying hard not to question Leyland's decision to pull Rogers and put in Zumaya, but come on. Rogers was pitching fine, only 100 pitches. Does this not seem like the Tigers of old, or even the Detroit Red Wings, that when we get a lead we blow it late in the game? I don't see how we can catch the Yankees before the end of the year for that wildcard spot, but I just wanted to hear from all the other disappointed Tigers fans who see this year after year.

Answer 1

if the Tribe can clinch the playoff spot early you better believe I will root for the Yankees to lose, and the Tigers to win, I would love to see Detroit in that wildcard spot.

Answer 2

All of you Cleveland fans are basically correct. The Indians have truly had a magical year, and deserved the win last night, but that does not mean that Leyland made the correct move. Rogers year after year has been very tough on lefties, and his velocity had not changed more than 2-3 MPH since the start of the game. With Sizemore leading off and Hafner batting third, it made sense for Rogers to stay in the game and pitch the eighth. Also, Leyland had said before the game that Jones and Rodney were not available last night. The correct move would have been to leave Rogers in for the eighth with Miner ready in case of trouble. Zumaya should have been saved for the ninth. It did not make sense to put in Zumaya in the eighth inning.

Also, look at the number of blown saves this year when the Tigers have had 3, 4, and 5 run leads. Leyland has pulled starters and the bullpen has blown it. This theory worked well for Leyland last year, but unfortunately the Tiger bullpen is not nearly as strong.

So, in theory, Yankees, Angels, Indians, and Red Sox enjoy the 2007 playoffs. 2008 will definitely be the Tigers year!!!

Answer 3

I agree, I would have let Rodgers start the 8th inning at least and if he gives up a hit take him out. All managers seem to do that once a guy hits 100 pitches it's time for him to come out. Back in the old days guys would pitch complete games and on two days rest. They are so worried about protecting guys arms, but anything could happen like at Zumaya. He wasn't even in the game when he got injured. They just need to let guys pitch.

I was also upset with Leyland for leaving Zumaya in. Zumaya, usually comes in and gets the other team one, two, three. Once he let a guy score I would have taken him out.

Answer 4

I was at the game last night. Regardless of who is pitching, the Indians have the fire power to break out during any inning. I have seen pitchers having a no hitter going and then Cleveland just busting wild. Give the Indians some credit in this. Zumaya is supposed to be a big gun for Detroit but he came up short. You have to trust your bullpen. Zumaya is paid to go out there and perform. He was not able to get the job done last night. Hats off to Casey Blake, a guy hardly anyone outside of Cleveland has even heard of.

Answer 5

I will also cheer on Cleveland if my White Sox don't make it. That is a joke, I know how to look at the standings. But honestly, I love this Cleveland team. They have turned it up when the going got going! They are only 2 games out of having the best record in the AL. And the way they are playing, I don't doubt that they will pass up Boston for this. They have great pitching, clutch hitting. They are last years Detroit, and the 2005 White Sox. They might just do it this year.

Answer 6

I completely disagree. I would've made the exact same move Leyland made. 90% of the time we would've recorded the win. What would everyone say if he did leave Rogers in and Cleveland rocked him for a few hits after seeing him for the 3d or 4th time . . . and Rogers losing steam ??? Then everyone would say . . . why didn't he put Zumaya in ??? I'd rather take my chances with a fresh Zumaya arm in the 8th than a tired Rogers arm . . . especially after they've batted 3 or 4 times by then.

Answer 7

I would've pulled Rogers maybe after the first out or so in the 8th (pending on which side hitter was up because i do not want to remember), then I would've thrown in Rodney or Seay. I think Seay would have been better because his stuff is closest to Rogers, not a stunning fastball but nice lefty breaking balls etc and if he got teed off on then Rodney would've been the other logical choice because he has a variety of pitches to stifle the Indians batting order. I think Zumaya needs to either get back up to the 100 mph fast balls, or work on another pitch because they had his number last night and it showed.

Answer 8

I am so dis appointed with this squad come on y'all. the pitching is going to cost you the season. I wish that Jim Leyland could read this he is just so soon to jump the gun and think that Rogers has had enough. The Tigers should be the best team in all of MLB who else has the infielding they do no one but, damn the pitching and I LOVE Grandersen wow what a blessing I just am not ready to be done watching the Tigers even tho it looks like we might be sooner than later

Answer 9

I am disappointed, yes.

But you cant question Leyland. You have to remember that he just came off the DL and Leyland was trying to protect him in case we needed him for the playoffs.

Zumaya was a locial choice, as he usually gets the job done.

Not so much as The Tigers blew it, as Cleveland is simply playing better baseball than The Tigers and took advantage of it. You have to give credit where it's due, and right now The Indians are a better ballclub.

The wild card is still within reach, but it wont be easy.

Should My Boys not make the playoffs I will be rooting for Cleveland.

Answer 10

All I have to say is...I TOLD YOU SO...

I've said it so many times, the Tigers this year are just like the 2006 White Sox, they will win 90 games, just miss the playoffs, and leave all you Tiger fans scratching your heads wondering what happened after such a fantastic year before. Why are you all so surprised? Seriously...just do a search on my answers comparing the 2007 Tigers to the 2006 White Sox.