The Tigers took three out of four from the Yanks at Comerica Park, two of the shutout variety. If you told me the Tigers would shutout the Yanks twice, I’d ask what kind of bats the Yankees would be using, because it couldn’t be with their normal ones. However, that’s exactly what happened. My theory? The Yankees weren’t used to the lack of attention from the New York media, as the NYC media was all focused on building their “LeBron to the Knicks” campaigns. The thought process for the Yankees: “If we’re going to suck, now’s the time – when the media isn’t breathing down our necks.” On cue, thanks. Nobody took this more to heart than New York media darlings, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, who were a combined 5-39 (1-18 and 4-21, respectively) in the series.
NICKLAS LIDSTROM THROWS OUT THE FIRST PITCH
Current Detroit Red Wings captain, and hopefully the captain for 2010-2011, Nicklas Lidstrom threw out the first pitch. The Red Wings website says he threw a strike, but it doesn’t look promising based solely on mechanics (and that grin). Hey, it had to beat Shawn Johnson’s first pitch.
JUSTIN VERLANDER
That’s how we refer to him around these parts. Verlander threw 6.2 strong shutout innings, finally bringing the ace’s ERA under 4.00 (3.88). Of course, as is always the case with Verlander, it took just about 120 pitches for him to get it done (119). At this point, it appears his ‘strict’ pitch count is indeed 120. In his last four starts he’s thrown 119, 119, 120, and 122 pitches, respectively. However, also keep in mind that in his last 4 starts, he’s 3-1 with a 1.34 ERA in 26.2 IP (with 27 K’s), so whatever gets the job done.
BOOSTING BRENNAN BOESCH
Brennan Boesch has done nothing but impress since getting the call-up to fill in for the injured Carlos Guillen. While SABR whores are still crunching numbers, trying to figure him out, and focusing way too much on his aggressiveness, he has successfully snuck in 16 RBIs in his first 16 games to supplement a healthy .368 BA. He has quickly become the Tigers’ 2nd most exciting rookie behind Austin Jackson.
#MIGUELMVP
That’s the Twitter hashtag I created before the season started to complement my pre-season prediction that Miguel would win the MVP this season. Not a terribly bold call, I know, but I’m going to shout it from the mountain tops like I’m Rascal Flatts while Miguel is playing like an MVP. He continued his torrid start on Thursday, knocking three runs and hitting his 8th homer of the season (and remember his 9th was taken away when that game against the Indians was postponed). He leads the AL with a .376 BA and 36 HR in the Tigers’ 35 games. Yes, he’s well on his way to a monster season.
LOOKS AT THE ROOKS
Austin Jackson was 0-4, dipping his average to a very cool .345. Despite going 2-20 in the series, he still leads the AL in hits with 51, but his teammate Miguel is on his tail with 50. Ichiro is the next closest with 49. And even though he didn’t hit well this series, he played a strong center field, as usual.
Scott Sizemore is really struggaaaaalin. He was 0-for-the-series and has just four hits total in the month of May (4-32, which is .125). He’s now hitting .217 on the season and letting the likes of Gerald Laird start to catch up. Add in the fact that he made his 6th error today, the Tigers rookie that most believed would have the best rookie campaign, is having the worst, by far. Like I said, though, I think he’ll start to turn it around once the weather starts to warm up.
Boesch, that lucky sonofagun, got his own section again!
AROUND THE CENTRAL
Zack Greinke finally picked up a win for his efforts, beating the Indians 6-4. White Sox and Twins had the day off. The Tigers trail the Twins by 2.5, but here are your standings.
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