On Inge Back to Third

OK, I know this happened a couple days ago now, but since this is a new blog, I'm reserving the right to go back and comment on things not immediate.  

Why does Brandon Inge, with a final 2008 BA of .205, get handed the 2009 starting third-baseman's job, when just the other day, Leyland said everyone will have to earn his spot, regardless of name (and salary?)?

.205???

I mean, I love Brandon's defense, it is highlight reel every night at third with him, and he's a quality individual, and you can see he plays with a real joy at third.  But, I'm sorry .205 is not going to get it.

For Jacque Jones and Craig Monroe, a BA higher than that meant designated for assignment.  For Ramon Santiago and Marcus Thames, they hit better and don't even get a shot at being an everyday player.  Leyland said Thames would get a shot this  year, but never stayed with him for any length of time.  

Granted Thames' defense isn't like Brandon's, but Ramon's nickname is Pacman for goodness sake.

September 30, 2008 One last thing...

OK.  I was done with my new blog for today (I mean yesterday now that's officially 28 minutes past midnight).   However, I could not "put this blog to bed" without saying this:

I'm aghast at all the trade rumors surrounding Magglio Ordoñez.  

Here's how you reward a player that has done nothing but hit an ALCS-clinching home run, hit two home runs in an inning, vie for 2007 MVP with Alex Rodriguez, win a batting title, contend for a second straight batting title, and endow a college scholarship fund for needy youth in the city of Detroit. 

You trade him to another team.

Please, shoot me now before I impale myself.

I know, I know, baseball's a business and the Tigers need fixing.

Still, I don't see why Magglio and the fans have to pay for mistakes management made last year in putting this team together.

I had to say my goodbyes to Magglio at Detroit's last home game yesterday.  It wasn't easy, and if a trade goes down, I'll be bitterly expressing myself here and to anyone at the Tigers who will listen.  I think I'll bring some protest signs with me to Tiger Fest.

I'll say this.  If he does get traded, Magglio went out in style, hitting a two-run shot to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth to send us to extras against the playoff-bound Rays.  Gracias for the parting gift, Magglio, and mucha suerte y felicidades to you if you're not with the Tigers next year.

September 29, 2008 It's all over but the crying.

I'm already nose-diving into my post-season, no Tigers in the playoffs depression, but to combat it, I'll try to sum up this travesty of a season.  Actually, that will only make it worse, but here goes anyway (with hopes that a much needed catharsis will result).  

Pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen.

Shutouts, defense, shutouts, defense.

Injuries--but every team has those, so no excuses there.

Players shuffling to various positions, learning new positions in season.

Under-performance by key personnel--notice that no names are mentioned here--is it because this post would become too lengthy?

Did I mention bullpen implosions so tragic and so prolific they nearly led to severe stomach ulceration?

Poor team speed, and lack of green light to would-be runners (Granderson).

OK.  I can't go on any further.  It's far too painful to relive the multi-faceted dysfunction that led to this season's monumental failure.

There has already been a lot of activity in looking forward to 2009.  More on that tomorrow.