Mikey D

Yes I know that it's still hockey season with the Wings in the Cup finals, so I'm sure this post will just get a mere passing glance, which is fine. But I am in full baseball mode (and hockey! Not the slightest bit interested in the NBA, though...), so I just want to put some thoughts down.

~Tomorrow night I am going to the Tigers-Orioles game. I don't think I could have picked a better game to go to. First, I get to see Dontrelle Willis pitch. I will be the first to admit that I thought he was done, and that the Tigers should have cut him loose. But after three straight solid outings and high praise from the baseball experts, dare I say he's back? And if so, what an addition to our staff! I am very happy I get a chance to see the herky-jerky delivery in person as he mows down Orioles. When he's on, he's fun to watch.

~Also, tomorrow is the debut of Matt Weiters (who?). Matt Weiters is dubbed the "next big thing" in baseball by almost everyone. He's a catcher in the Oriole's organization and is rated as the number one prospect in all of baseball- and he's coming up tomorrow. When listening to Baltimore sports talk, almost all Orioles conversation is centered around this kid and when he's coming up. Well, the answer is tomorrow. Supposedly he's got big-time power (perhaps a first baseman someday?) and a rocket arm. We'll see what the fuss is all about.

~Did my first All-Star ballot. Check out my AL:
C- Joe Mauer
1B- Miguel Cabrera
2B- Aaron Hill
SS- Jason Bartlett
3B- Evan Longoria
OF- Adam Jones
OF- Jason Bay
OF- Torri Hunter

And the NL...
C- Ivan Rodriguez
1B- Albert Pujols
2B- Chase Utley
SS- Christian Guzman
3B- Ryan Zimmerman
OF- Raul Ibanez
OF- Carlos Beltran
OF- Carlos Lee

They released the leaderboard for the voting today, and it perplexes me. I get that it's a popularity contest, which is why guys like Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr. are so high up. But who would you think would be the starting second baseman for the AL? Given his recent MVP award and membership to Red Sox Nation, you'd think Dustin Pedroia, but it's not. It is actually Ian Kinsler of Texas, a very deserving candidate, whom I have no problem with starting. But here's my thing: why did the fans recognize Kinsler for his work, which was better than Pedroia's, but not others, like Raul Ibanez, who's sixth right now in outfielder voting. The guy is in a triple crown race, for Christ's sake! Just confusing me on how the fans get it right and wrong at the same time.

~Adam Jones. I put him as a starter on my AL team. He's the Oriole's starting center fielder, and the guy is for real. Be prepared to hear his name a shit-ton. .350+ average, 10 HRs, 40 RBIs...he's one of those five-tool players, who can hit, run, field...and whatever the other tools are. Now I love Granderson and think he should be the Tigers' centerfielder for years to come, but if you gave me a choice between Granderson and Jones, I'd take Jones. Again, that's no knock on Granderson, but Jones is a special player that you don't pass up on.

~Speaking of young guys, how about Ryan Perry for the Tigers? 18 appearances and a 2.33 ERA. He's only 22, one of our top prospects, and he's dealing. He's averaging about a strikeout an inning (that's future closer stuff) and he's holding down that middle relief role. With Zumaya back, we're starting to have the makings of a decent pen. Did you see Rodney's ERA? 3.32!?! I didn't think that was possible for Rodney. Anything below 5 would have shocked me at the beginning of the year. More impressive is that he hasn't blown a save yet this year. Okay, where is the real Fernando Rodney, and what have they done with him?

~It's funny, all off-season the Edwin Jackson for Matt Joyce trade that the Tigers pulled with the Rays was largely considered a win for the Rays. The Rays with their infinite pitching depth (although not so much anymore...you can never have enough pitching!) traded for a left-handed slugger they could plug into their outfield for some much needed pop. Joyce was supposed to breakout, but now he's toiling in AAA for Tampa Bay. Jackson is sporting a 2.58 ERA and is an absolute innings eater. Win Tigers. Again, Dombrowski is showing why he's one of the best in baseball.

~I keep trying to figure out the Tigers starting rotation...and it's hard. I want to find an order for them, like who the #3 guy is, the 4 guy, etc., but they all seem interchangeable. Here's my best guess:
1. Justin Verlander
2. Edwin Jackson
3. Rick Porcello (5 in a row!)
4. Armando Gallaraga (struggling...)
5. Dontrelle Willis

When Bonderman is ready (yeah, remember we still have him!) and comes back from his rehab, I'm guessing he takes Gallaraga's spot, which I would never have guessed at the beginning of the year, with Willis' struggles and the fact that Gallaraga was our best and most consistent pitcher last year. It can change like that, I suppose. And this is a good problem to have. Again, you can never have too much pitching!

~I want a little love for Cabrera. Perhaps some MVP talk? He's anchoring a line-up that hasn't hit that well (at least for average). I'd vote for him for MVP.

~And if Brandon Inge doesn't win a Gold Glove this year, it will be a traveshamockery.

Okay, I'm done.

Go Tigers!

~Mikey D