small ball? since when do the Tigers play in the National League? Ive been watching this all year, this is very uncommon. when a guy hits 36 bombs at what point does the manager say 'hmmm maybe I should put him in the lineup where the most guys are on base' . again this goes back to very poor coaching and simple lineup slots which falls on Ausmus. I remember a couple guys that had slanted stats like that. One of my faves Adam Dunn had a season w like 35 and 80, then a 40 or so with 95. Russell Branyan was another one I liked, his splits were incredibly bad. guy couldnt handle offspeed to save his life but raked for his AB's. If/when Ausmus and his boy Joyner are gone I think JD's numbers reflect his legitimate power
I kinda have the feeling that Nick Castellanos can become JD Martinez. He has shown some rare power himself, just needs to pick his pitches a bit better.
he does Will and he has some real raw skills, unfortunately I dont have that feeling with Nick. I think hes a very lazy player and knows that even just doing the bare minimum he can get by. he spends very little time (if any in the offseason working out and getting in shape) and done close to zero improving his fielding. the hot corner is chock full of players putting up gaudy numbers - not even close here. hes young and can still make it happen. just some food for thought on this guy, he was so bad at 3rd in the minors they put him in LF......he then continued to bomb out there. his footwork was terrible and his ability to size up even simple things like a pop fly became an issue. he has the size and the arm, I seriously question his desire
Ive heard some of that about him. Sounds like he needs a mentor to grab him and shake some sense into him. He had a 2 month period with the bat that would make you forget about the glove or at least look the other way, but if he's got a lazy attitude, then he's got a problem. Hate to see such raw, natural talent not get utilized to the best of it's potential.
Rays 1. Brandon Guyer (R) CF 2. Mikie Mahtook (R) RF 3. Evan Longoria (R) 3B 4. Logan Forsythe (R) DH 5. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS 6. Tim Beckham (R) 2B 7. James Loney (L) 1B 8. Richie Shaffer (R) LF 9. J.P. Arencibia (R) C ____________________Oderizzi vs Lobster___7:08 Tigers 1. Anthony Gose (L) CF 2. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 3. Miguel Cabrera (R) DH 4. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 5. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 6. Tyler Collins (L) LF 7. Jefry Marte (R) 1B 8. Alex Avila (L) C 9. Dixon Machado (R) SS
Ask the Royals about small-ball. They're one of the best in the majors at it and have THE best record in the AL.
A team that lives by bash ball will also die many times by bash ball. I like balance. Give me a team that can bash and play the small ball when called for and i'll show you a true winner. Got to learn to score in more ways than one. Small, bash, lucky... just score runs.
Tigers 1. Rajai Davis (R) LF 2. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 1B 4. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 5. Victor Martinez (S) DH 6. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 7. James McCann (R) C 8. Andrew Romine (S) SS 9. Anthony Gose (L) CF ________________________Simon vs Salazar___7:10 Indians 1. Jason Kipnis (L) DH 2. Francisco Lindor (S) SS 3. Michael Brantley (L) LF 4. Carlos Santana (S) 1B 5. Lonnie Chisenhall (L) RF 6. Abraham Almonte (S) CF 7. Yan Gomes (R) C 8. Jose Ramirez (S) 2B 9. Giovanny Urshela (R) 3B
yep Im aware. maybe I shouldve explained myself a little better. few things here, first thing that I think of when someone says 'small ball' is NL. with no DH the sac bunts/ flies, hit and run and bench players are at a premium over there. most bench players in the NL would be everyday players in the AL. with a DH history has shown teams dont typically aim to play small ball in the AL. I can only think of a few in the last 25+ years whove enjoyed success playing that way in the AL, the Twins come to mind. but the main point is that the Tigers are built around power pitching and power hitters, theyve been like this for over a decade. they finally have some guys with some speed and can play that game to a certain extent but you see how far that has gotten this team. IMO playing small ball wont succeed in the long term or short term for the Tigers. I also think the Royals are forced to play that way, theyve been notorious for being a weak power team and with that bullpen situational hitting works well for them. I do think its definitely the exception and not the rule though in the AL
Indians 1. Jason Kipnis (L) DH 2. Francisco Lindor (S) SS 3. Michael Brantley (L) LF 4. Carlos Santana (S) 1B 5. Lonnie Chisenhall (L) RF 6. Abraham Almonte (S) CF 7. Yan Gomes (R) C 8. Jose Ramirez (S) 2B 9. Giovanny Urshela (R) 3B look at that, first 6 are switch or lefty. pitchers nightmare I said this at the beginning of the year and Ill say it again, the Indians have a crap lineup to me. other than the afforementioned hitter/pitcher advantage they really are just missmatched parts. Im a big Francona fan though and players love to play for him, thats the only reason I think their not one of the worst in the league
Tigers 1. Anthony Gose (L) CF 2. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 1B 4. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 5. Victor Martinez (S) DH 6. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 7. Steven Moya (L) LF 8. James McCann (R) C 9. Dixon Machado (R) SS _______________________Verlander vs Anderson___7:10 Indians 1. Jason Kipnis (L) 2B 2. Francisco Lindor (S) SS 3. Michael Brantley (L) LF 4. Carlos Santana (S) DH 5. Lonnie Chisenhall (L) RF 6. Yan Gomes (R) C 7. Abraham Almonte (S) CF 8. Chris Johnson (R) 1B 9. Jose Ramirez (S) 3B
geez, 2 right handed batters in the whole lineup for the tribe - we only have 3 that arent. Atleast our lame duck manager realized putting JD in the cleanup spot was finally a good idea. Tigs end the slump, JV continues to roll. Anderson is a big kid but my wife can throw harder, hes a straight control guy who tops out at about 92. Tigs should be able to get to this kid FTR I think whoever let it out of the Tigers front office that AUsmus is done at the end of the season should be fired ASAP. I never wanted Ausmus and am glad he will be gone but letting that get out to the media is unnacceptable. Tigers have always been a class organization but I gotta tell you between how the DBrow thing went down and now the whole world knows Brad is out really doesnt sit well with me. what motivation does Ausmus have now and how embarrassing to know your done in a couple weeks. although I think he was a terrible fit here I dont think itll take him long to find work. I almost feel bad for the guy now..........nah not really If Wally Joyner stays on staff Im burning all my Tiger gear!!!
