Justin Verlander (4-9, 4.42) vs. Carlos Silva (4-9, 5.69)

After losing a series for the first time in their last seven match-ups, the Tigers head back out to the Pacific Northwest to play the Mariners, who provided Detroit with some wins even when they weren't playing that well.  The Seattle ballclub has a bit of a different look to it since they last faced the Tigers, with both the field manager and general manager getting fired, and the roster (as well as ownership, perhaps?) likely undergoing a reconstruction.  

So which 4-9 pitcher would you rather have starting for your team?

Justin Verlander has racked up high pitch counts in his last two outings, which has to be a concern for the Tigers.  (Maybe that factored into the thinking of calling up Aquilino Lopez to take over for Zach Miner in middle relief.)  But Verlander has allowed two runs or less in his last four starts, so he's keeping the game under control while he's in there.  Last time he faced the Mariners in Seattle, Verlander took the loss, giving up four runs and eight hits in seven innings.  That, by the way, was the only time the Tigers have lost to the Mariners this season. 

Carlos Silva broke a personal seven-game losing streak by holding the Padres to two runs over eight innings in his last start.  He did give up eight hits, however, which is consistent with his performance all season.  Silva is sort of the much, much higher-paid version of Eddie Bonine, throwing strikes, keeping the ball on the ground, and not walking many batters.  But opposing lineups do rack up the hit totals against him.  Silva has lost both of his starts against the Tigers this season, and the most recent one was particularly brutal.  In just 2/3 of an inning, Silva gave up seven runs and seven hits.  Altogether, he's allowed 14 runs and 16 hits in 4 2/3 innings vs. Detroit this year.

I'm having problems with my internet access at home, so I don't know if I'll be able to join the BYB Brigade in tonight's GameThread.  A lot of tree limbs and a troubling number of entire trees were knocked down in my area by thunderstorms last night, and the DSL lines must have been damaged.  Maybe this is a sign to switch to cable.  Anyway, we'll see what happens.  

Lookout Landing has your SB Nation opposing view for this 4th of July weekend series.  Enjoy your holiday, everyone!

Walking seven batters in your last 5 1/3 innings is no way to get through life, son.  I don't know if those were the exact words that Jim Leyland used while informing Zach Miner that he was being sent down to Triple-A Toledo, but what he actually said couldn't have been much different.

With the emergence of Freddy Dolsi and the return of Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya to the Tigers' bullpen, Miner was seeing his role increasingly marginalized.  Yet with no one standing out as the sort of lock-down reliever that made Detroit so fearsome in 2006, Miner continued to get chances in middle relief, especially as a bridge between the starting pitcher and the set-up crew.  But games can get out of hand or out of reach when pitchers come in and walk batters.  Obviously, Leyland had seen enough of that from Miner.  Tuesday's four-walk, 49-pitch outing (over two innings) was the breaking point.

"We want Zach to work on all three of his pitches and have a little better command," manager Jim Leyland said.  "He's (gone) back to 3-2 on too many hitters and to walking too many guys.

Remember when the Tigers traded Denny Bautista because they'd designated him for assignment and he was out of minor league options?  And they could've sent down Miner instead?  Okay, just checking.

Taking Miner's spot in the bullpen will be Aquilino Lopez, who was supposed to be getting "stretched out" in anticipation of him helping out as a starting pitcher, if needed.  Perhaps that's still the role Detroit has in mind for him, but for now, they just want someone who can come in from the bullpen and throw strikes.

Meanwhile, Leyland said that Miner would be starting in Toledo, which would allow him to work on all of his pitches, but particularly his change-up.  Having to pace himself and stretch out might also compel Miner to ease up on the throttle.

"When he is [throwing] 93-94, he's not as good as he is when he is 91-92," Leyland said.  "I think sometimes when you start, you back off a little bit because you don't throw that same pace, and you become better -- you have better control."

Besides giving him the opportunity to tune up his pitching repertoire, could this also be an indication that the Tigers think Miner could now help them more as a starter?  He started 16 games for Detroit in 2006, going 7-6 with a 5.31 ERA.  With questions remaining about Eddie Bonine and the lack of a track record to judge Armando Galarraga on, that might end up being a greater need for the team.

Did the Tigers' sudden run of injuries finally catch up to them this afternoon in Minnesota?  Getting by without Magglio Ordonez was one thing.  But a lineup without either Maggs or Miguel Cabrera, not to mention the resting Pudge Rodriguez, was probably going to hit a pothole eventually.  I'd say a big zero on the scoreboard qualifies as that pothole.

But that's not giving enough credit to Nick Blackburn, is it?  You can say he didn't face Detroit's regular batting order, and he may well have benefited from that, but any time you can hold a major league lineup to three hits over seven innings, that's a rather impressive accomplishment.  Some of that good pitching juju was apparently passed along to Jesse Crain, who'd been something of a punching bag for the Tigers this season, but threw two scoreless innings of his own.

I'm not sure if bad juju had anything to do with Eddie Bonine's performance, but the artificial turf at the Metrodome certainly did.  The Twins didn't have to hit the ball that hard against Bonine.  Bunts and choppers did the job just fine.  (Doesn't that sound like a dish you can order at an Irish pub?  "I'll have the bunts and choppers, and a pint of Harp, please.")  I'm sure Carlos Guillen has seen more than enough of baseballs bouncing off that carpet. 

Jim Leyland says Cabrera should be back in the lineup for Thursday's opener against Seattle.  Between that and the grass surface of Safeco Field, the Tigers probably stand a more than decent chance of rebounding tomorrow.

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Eddie Bonine (2-0, 3.98) vs. Nick Blackburn (6-4, 4.05)

Detroit's six-game winning streak came to an end last night, but the Tigers can still win their seventh series in a row if they can take this afternoon's rubber game at the Metrodome.  (I really hope I didn't cast a jinx with that one.)

Today's game also presents an intriguing scenario for Eddie Bonine.  He hasn't lost in three starts, while pitching well in his last two appearances.  But each of those outings was against a team from the National League West.  How will his approach (throw lots of strikes, don't walk anyone) fly against American League competition, not to mention a fierce division rival?  Bonine's defense will have to be sharp behind him, as he doesn't strike many batters out and puts the ball in play. 

Nick Blackburn was hammered by the Brewers in his last start, as he gave up six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.  Each of those runs, by the way, resulted from the four home runs Blackburn served up.  Otherwise, his game is pretty similar to Bonine's.  Keep the ball down, throw strikes, don't walk anyone, and get some ground balls.  Blackburn faced the Tigers earlier this season, and took the loss after allowing four runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. 

Jim Leyland said after last night's game that neither Pudge Rodriguez nor Miguel Cabrera would be in today's lineup.  Pudge is getting his normal day off, while Leyland insisted Cabrera was still too sore to play.  I imagine the Metrodome's artificial turf had some influence on that decision.  But maybe Cabrera will be available for pinch-hitting, as he was last night.

Hey Craig --

How's it going?  Tigers fan here.  I was a fan of yours during your days in Detroit.  Man, you hit some big home runs back in the day.  2006, baby!  We called you "Clutch Craig-o."  At least I did.  Never quite caught on like I hoped it would.  Maybe I should've made some t-shirts.

Anyway, I watched the game tonight.  Saw you with your new team.  You look good.  Have you lost weight?  Or is it the pinstripes?  They are slimming, I hear.  Anyway, you seem happy.  And no matter what happened in the past, that's really all we want for you.

Your old teammate Nate Robertson really didn't have it going on.  He was Houdini last time out, but giving up another 11 hits caught up with him this time.  I figured Detroit had a chance as long as Nate kept it at four or five runs, because that's just what he does.  But once you guys scored that sixth run, I figured it might be tough.

But it's really the first, second, and third runs the Twins scored that compelled me to write to you tonight, Craiggers.  Has it really come to that?  A three-run homer from you?  That familiar whip-like swing with the one-handed follow through blasting a ball deep to center field over your former fellow outfielder, Curtis Granderson?

I really thought we were going to be friends, C-Mo.  I know everybody says that, but I felt like we meant it.  When I got the text message from Big Al telling me you'd been designated for assignment last year, I was surprised.  I didn't think you'd go.  But I also didn't think we'd hurt each other afterwards.  Was it something Mike McClary said?  I tried to talk to him about that.

So I guess that's how it is, eh?  I mean, you also did this to the Tigers back in May, so it's pretty clear how you feel.  It's probably a good idea if we avoid each other from now on.  I don't know what your manager might have to say about it, but Detroit is starting Eddie Bonine tomorrow, and he's a right-hander, so I'm guessing you'll be sitting.  And it'll be awkward trying to act like you're not there.  But it's probably for the best.  I'm sorry it had to be this way, Craig-o. 

Sincerely,

Ian D. Casselberry

P.S.  Did you see Cleveland blew it against the White Sox tonight?  I guess if they can't play for the division title, they want to make sure no one else can, either.  (Well, except the White Sox.  But you know what I meant.)

Roll Call

You know who else you hurt, C-Mo?  Try to explain yourself to these other Tiger fans, too.

Sympathies to spotstarters, ThaWalrus9, wepri3, cannonad03, Big Al, tplants, Zappatista, Grant E., explosivo2k2, LosTigres, MackAveKurt, pfuhrmeister, PBURGTIGER, ReichardZ, and densogirl.  

Nate Robertson (6-6, 5.23) vs. Scott Baker (4-2, 3.57)

First things first, Miguel Cabrera is out of the lineup tonight, which was probably expected.  But no news seems to be good news, as far as a long-term injury.  Maybe the Tigers are waiting to see how Miggy responds in warm-ups and workouts before making a final decision.  Marcus Thames gets the start at first base tonight, with Clete Thomas in left and Matt Joyce in right.

Somehow in his last start, Nate Robertson escaped without allowing an earned run, despite giving up 11 hits to the Cardinals in 6 1/3 innings.  It was one of the most Houdini-like performances you'll ever see.  In two of Robertson's last three starts, in fact, he hasn't allowed an earned run.  (In between, he gave up five, which is the Nate we're more familiar with, but give the man his due.)  And he has pitched very well against these Minnesota Twins, winning three of his last five starts with a 2.67 ERA.  In his last two appearances in the Metrodome, Robertson has just two earned runs in 14 innings. 

With Robertson starting, our old friend Craig Monroe should be in the Twins' lineup.  Especially since Nate owns Jason Kubel (0-for-11, five strikeouts), as La Velle E. Neal III points out in his Star Tribune blog.  (Hat tip to Mack Avenue Tigers)  Monroe has actually been terrible against lefties this season, however, batting .103/.175/.155 in 63 plate appearances.

Scott Baker is on a two-game winning streak, giving up four runs in 12 innings.  And in his 11 starts this season, he's given up more than three runs only once.  One problem he's been running into, however, is high pitch counts that have taken him out of games early.  (And given what we've seen from the Minnesota bullpen in recent match-ups, the Twins would probably prefer to keep their starters in there through seven innings.)  Baker is winless in his last five appearances against the Tigers, which includes two starts this season.  The last time he faced Detroit, Baker had to leave after three innings with a groin injury.

If the Tigers are interested in making a trade before July 31, we're not sure if relievers are a priority on the shopping list.  If Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya are healthy and mechanically sound, probably not.  Starting pitchers and utility infielders might also be on the list.  But that's probably something we could devote an entire post to. 

One reliever whose name was associated in trade rumors with the Tigers early this season - and at last year's trade deadline - was Washington's Chad Cordero.  Cordero has been out all season with shoulder tendonitis, however, so if he ever was a trade target for Detroit, he probably wasn't this year.  But if the Tigers were still curious about Cordero's health, thinking of him as a possibility, they can officially begin to look elsewhere.  His season is done. 

After the Nationals wanted to know why Cordero's rehab was going so slowly and soreness persisted, the team had his shoulder examined.  A tear in his labrum was found by an arthrogram.  Here's more from Nationals Journal:

* He officially has a torn right labrum; many on the team believe Cordero had the injury all season, and tried to pitch in spite of it.  Asked if Cordero has likely been pitching with the torn labrum all season, pitching coach Randy St. Claire said, "I think he probably was, because he said it didn't hurt, but we didn't see the velocity.  Normally with Chad -- he wasn't a mile or two off.  He was 10 miles per hour off. He said there was no pain, so we thought it was maybe just weak."

* Worst case, rehab on such injuries can require 12 months... or more.  Depends on what kind of healer you are.  For now, the team is just ruling Cordero out for the rest of this season.  The team will know more about the extent of the injury once it's operated on.

If the Tigers are still interested in talking with the Nats about their relievers - though Jim Bowden has been an unrealistic trade partner over the past couple of seasons - Jon Rauch could be a possibility.  In 42 appearances this season, Rauch has 16 saves (in 21 chances) with 39 strikeouts and six walks in 42 1/3 innings.

Freddy Garcia says he feels like he has a new shoulder, which has almost half the teams in Major League Baseball interested in acquiring his services for the rest of this season.  (And we already knew Detroit was one of them.)  Garcia's agent says his client plans to work out for team scouts in approximately three weeks. 

According to the Freep's Jon Paul Morosi, Garcia isn't completely finished rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, but is around "80%."  What does that mean?  Garcia is throwing just fastballs and change-ups right now, but should begin tossing curveballs in the next week or so.

Morosi points out that the timing on Garcia's intended availability is interesting, considering that it will fall around the July 31 trade deadline.  Other teams that may be hoping to score some prospects for a desired starting pitcher might not find many takers if Garcia shows he's healthy. 

If Garcia's agent is to be believed, "more than a dozen teams" are circling around with definite curiosity.  But even if it is an exaggeration, it's probably not much of one, given the constant demand for starting pitching and the closeness of several division races.

Garcia has a career record of 117-76 and 4.07 ERA, striking out an average of 6.6 batters per nine innings.  In postseason play, he holds a 6-2 record and 3.11 ERA.  Two years ago, he won 17 games (throwing 216 1/3 innings) for the White Sox.  

Though Jeremy Bonderman's 2008 season has been thought to be over for the past month, it came to an official official end when he underwent surgery yesterday in Dallas.  A rib that had been causing circulation problems was removed, and a bypass procedure on the particular vein in question was also performed. 

Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said the surgery went as expected, with "no surprises."  And nothing has changed as far as Bondo's prognosis for the rest of the year.

“This is a very serious surgery, and you’re talking about a guy’s career being in the balance,” Rand said.  “We’ve got to take our time and do it the right way, and so obviously that would preclude him from pitching this season.”

The rehab from such surgery will take four months, according to Rand, a span which will obviously carry through the end of the baseball season. 

Upon returning to American League play, the Detroit Tigers once again showed a knack for the comeback, something they were very good at against the Cardinals and Rockies.  Detroit hung in there against a starting pitcher they really didn't have an answer for, keeping it close until they could attack the soft underbelly of the Minnesota bullpen. 

Who Gets the Claw?

Tonight's Golden Tiger Claw goes to Matt Joyce.  Just another Mud Hen getting it done.  (Remember, Mud Hens give you wins.)  For the second game in a row, a Toledo guy smacked a triple that ended up being the biggest hit of the game, tying the score at 4-4.

Others might say Curtis Granderson should get the Tiger Claw, since he drove in the game-winning run and went 3-for-4 on the night.  I really wouldn't put up much of a fight on that, except to point out that if Joyce doesn't get on base (and knock in the tying run), Grandy doesn't have anyone to bring home. 

Yet another candidate could be Twins coach Scott Ullger, who took over after Ron Gardenhire was ejected.  The Tigers just couldn't get anything done against Glen Perkins, despite seven hits, and Ullger arguably let them off the hook when he took Perkins (who'd thrown 91 pitches by that point) out of the game in the seventh inning.  With Perkins out of the way, Detroit rallied for three runs against the Twins' bullpen.

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