Watching the Tigers blow the game Tuesday night vs. the Royals was really, really irritating. Edgar Renteria is an experienced player, a World Series champion, and he doesn't have enough sense to hold onto that two-out infield single last night? He makes a wild relay. The ball rolls into the middle of the infield. And the winning run scores. From second base.
Renteria told media after the game that making the play to second was the "only chance." He said he had one thought, to get the inning-ending out. What a chump. How about making the Royals get a hit with the bases loaded instead of throwing the play away and allowing the go-ahead run to score?
The Tigers are starting to look like a team that has good numbers, batting average, etc., but can't win. Renteria has virtually no range at short, and I have no doubts the deal for him will come back to haunt Detroit. Jair Jurrjens is going to be a superb pitcher in the National League, and he'll be winning games when Renteria is in a rocking chair.
The Tigers needed a shortstop who could pick it and really help the team's pitching staff. Last summer, at the trading deadline, they made a bid for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson (.296, 12 HR, 56 RBI). Wilson is hurt this year, but I believe that was the deal to make. Detroit could have kept Jurrjens and still plugged its hole at short with a younger player and one who appears to be in much better shape. Wilson is 31; Renteria is an old 33. And if you think I'm being too harsh, look at Edgar's gut.
Get used to this, folks. Tigers are a bad team. No bullpen. Erratic starting pitching. Porous defense. Lack of situation hitting. Gee, what a mess. Did anyone see this coming?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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