MLB FanHouse

Is Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade?

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove

There are a lot of questions concerning what the Detroit Tigers are going to do this winter. Some are speculating that there will be a firesale as the team tries to shed payroll going into the 2010 season, while others are saying that any such talk is ridiculous.

Still, that hasn't stopped rumors from spreading around the league that players like Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson are being shopped, and now there's a much bigger name floating around. According to a report by The Detroit News' Lynn Henning, even Miguel Cabrera -- he of the rogue first-place AL MVP vote -- is on the trading block.

Nor has anything irresistible been offered for first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who might be as available as Granderson, Jackson, or seemingly any Tigers player as the team attempts to pare payroll and prepare for a fresh start heading into a new decade.

"I'm not getting into any names," Dombrowski said Monday, when asked about Cabrera, who would figure to be just the brand of hitter the Boston Red Sox would welcome to Fenway Park in their eternal quest to one-up the New York Yankees.

The idea of the Tigers trading Cabrera would have seemed ridiculous a year ago considering that the team signed him to a seven-year contract extension in March 2008, only a few months after they brought Cabrera along with Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins via trade.

Now it still seems ridiculous on a baseball level, as Cabrera is the centerpiece of the Tigers offense and should be for years to come, but economically, the team may not have much choice. The economy in Detroit isn't doing the team any favors, as it's likely the Tigers lost money in 2009 and could stand to lose even more in 2010.

So clearing the $126 million the team would owe Cabrera through 2015 would no doubt bring some relief to the team's bottom line.

Still, I wouldn't put too much stock into this rumor just yet. It seems like Henning's just playing with doomsday scenarios.

Is Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Tigers

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Detroit Tigers are in a unique position this offseason. They missed the playoffs in 2009 after blowing their division lead during the final weeks, and then losing a one-game playoff against the Twins in Minneapolis, but they remain one of the most talented teams in the AL Central. The question is how much of that talent will be back in 2010?

Dave Dombrowski and the Tigers are usually one of the more aggressive teams during the offseason in both the free agent market and with trades, and have no problem paying top dollar for players. Still, there's a lot of speculation that things will change this winter as the economy in Detroit is still causing problems. Some are saying that the Tigers are going to be selling off a lot of that talent this winter. So odds are that, either way, the team Tigers fans see on Opening Day in April could look a lot different than the one they saw in the Metrodome last October.

More Footprints in the Snow

Who Might Leave

Placido Polanco, 2B; Jarrod Washburn, SP; Fernando Rodney, RP; Brandon Lyon, RP

Shopping List

One of the biggest reasons the Tigers division lead disappeared last season was their bullpen's inability to hold leads, so there's no doubt they'll be looking to bolster that area of the roster. Still, with the rumors that they may be trying to shed payroll, don't expect them to break the bank doing so. It's possible they bring back Fernando Rodney to close or set up, and it's easy to see the Tigers showing interest in someone like Billy Wagner or maybe even John Smoltz. After all, Smoltz began his professional career as a Tiger.

They'll also be looking to add to their starting rotation as odds are Jarrod Washburn -- a mid-season acquisition -- won't be coming back next year, and there's even talk that the team is looking to move Edwin Jackson. They're going to need arms behind Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello. While there haven't been any hints at the team making such a move, the Tigers are likely to look for a pitcher who they can get relatively cheap and has a high ceiling. Think someone like Justin Duchscherer, who won't be able to get a long-term deal this winter due to injury concerns, but is a very good pitcher when healthy. They could also toy with the idea of Smoltz as a fifth starter if they bring him to town.

Money Matters

This is where things get tricky. If the Tigers are serious about shedding payroll, then all those rumors you've heard in recent weeks about the team possibly moving Curtis Granderson could come true. It also seems that the Tigers are serious when you hear they're willing to move Jackson in return for younger, cheaper pitching.

It may seem odd that the team would want to trade a player like Granderson, but let's remember that any money saved could be used to sign Verlander to an extension this winter rather than going to arbitration with him.

Even if the Tigers don't start dumping salaries, the odds are that the 2010 payroll will come in below 2009's number of $115 million, which means that they team will likely have to let Placido Polanco walk whether they want to or not. They'll also likely be looking around to see if anybody is interested in Dontrelle Willis, who is in the last season of his deal and is due $12 million in 2010.

No matter how badly the team is looking to shed salary, don't believe the rumors that they're willing to trade Miguel Cabrera. The quickest way to help lose a fanbase that the organization has only recently won back would be to dump the team's best player.

Offseason Goals

The main goal for the Tigers this season is to find a way to keep the team as competitive and talented as they have been in recent years, but at the same time, to spend less money doing so. Any time you have a talented young trio like Verlander, Porcello and Cabrera to build around, you are going to be competitive, so the Tigers need to find the smaller pieces to surround those parts. If they do, they'll be fighting for a division title again next October.

Footprints in the Snow: Tigers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Money Worries Could Force Reds to Move All-Star Phillips, Others

Ed Price — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:48:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Blue Jays, Giants, Nationals, Red Sox, Reds, Tigers, Yankees, MLB Inside Scoop

Editor's Note: FanHouse's Jeff Fletcher contributed to this report

CHICAGO -- The Reds' need to slash payroll, according to a major league source, could lead them to explore trading second baseman Brandon Phillips as well as right-handers Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang.

Cincinnati's 2009 payroll was about $71 million. General manager Walt Jocketty said during a break Tuesday at the GM Meetings that he "might" have to move some high-salaried players to meet the 2010 goal.

"We're going to probably have less to spend this year than we have in the past," Jocketty told FanHouse. "It just depends on how [ticket] sales go this offseason."

Boras: Holliday Can Play in Either League

Cincinnati's total attendance fell from 2.06 million in 2008 to 1.75 million this year, a drop of more than 15 percent.

The source above said the Reds plan to cut back to $65-70 million, which is a challenge in part because of raises due Harang ($11 million to $12.5 million), Arroyo (from $9.5 million to $11 million) and Phillips (from $4.75 million to $5 million).

With their salaries and so-so 2009 seasons, the pitchers would be hard to trade without the Reds taking on some of their pay. So Cincinnati's best bet could be finding a taker for Phillips, who last season hit .276 with 30 doubles, 20 homers, 98 RBI and 25 stolen bases.

The source said the Reds would prefer to keep closer Francisco Cordero, who has two years and $25 million left on his deal. They also need a shortstop and a catcher and have a decision to make at first base, where Joey Votto hit .322 but prospect Yonder Alonso (.838 OPS in the minors last season) seems close to being ready.

o. In a 180-degree turn from predecessor J.P. Ricciardi, new Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos declined any comment on whether he will trade ace Roy Halladay. But baseball sources expect that to happen this winter, with one GM predicting the Dodgers as a landing spot.

o. Detroit is probably content to let second baseman Placido Polanco sign elsewhere as a free agent and replace him with prospect Scott Sizemore, who by spring training is expected to be recovered by from a broken ankle suffered in the Arizona Fall League. It would seem to make sense for the Tigers to re-sign shortstop Adam Everett, a defensive specialist who could help a rookie double-play partner.

o. Washington should name its manager by the end of the week. A source confirmed the FOXSports.com report that Jim Riggleman, who finished out the 2009 season as interim manager, and Bobby Valentine are the finalists. One major league source said the decision will be based on who can help the team develop -- rather than public personality -- which seems to point to Riggleman.

Once that is settled, the Nats may target a veteran starting pitcher to top off and mentor their young rotation. Jon Garland and Randy Wolf are free agents who fit the profile.

Washington seems committed to Adam Dunn at first base with an outfield of Josh Willingham, Nyjer Morgan and Elijah Dukes. And Ian Desmond (.280 as a September call-up) will get a chance to be the everyday shortstop.

o. One official from another team expects the Red Sox to trade for a left fielder to replace Jason Bay, in part because they see Bay's rough two-month stretch from late June to late August -- .214 average with 59 strikeouts in 168 at-bats -- as a red flag. But another major league source said Boston is still engaged with Bay, a free agent. The Giants, in dire need of offense, could also get involved with the slugger.

"Chronological age does not have anything to do with a player of his genetics."
-- Scott Boras on client and free agent Johnny Damon San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean said his team won't be used as a pawn in a bidding war.

"You've got to be realistic," Sabean said. "Do they really want to come to San Francisco versus the people they are going to be talking to, including their own teams? We'll gauge in that way. People who are interested in San Francisco sincerely, we'll be interested in. Are we going to chase people we have no chance of signing?"

The Giants may have a tough time convincing a slugger to play in San Francisco because AT&T Park is so pitcher-friendly.

"If you can hit, you can hit," Sabean said. "The ballpark shouldn't bother you."

o. Johnny Damon just turned 36, but, as you'd expect, that's not going to deter Scott Boras from seeking as long a contract as he can get.

"The thing I'll say about Johnny is his durability is off the charts," Boras said. "It's like when I had Maddux on the market at age 37 and he got a four-year deal. Johnny Damon is at the point he's played 12 years and played 140-plus games and put up this remarkable career. Then you are talking about Pete Rose and all those players who went on to play till they were 40 at very high levels. Chronological age does not have anything to do with a player of his genetics."

Boras also said that Damon would not necessarily want to wait until he goes on the open market to re-sign with the Yankees, even though he conceded that it is customary for Boras clients to test the waters.

"If there is a deal that comes across the table that Johnny is happy with, I'm sure he'd sign quickly," Boras said.

o. The Angels have started a dialogue with all of their free agents, including the two big ones, John Lackey and Chone Figgins. General manager Tony Reagins said it's too early to tell how those negotations will go.

He said neither player has closed the door on re-signing with the Angels before the end of the 15-day exclusive negotiating window.

o. After the main portion of the GM Meetings on Tuesday morning, there was a second meeting just for the assistant GMs. Essentially, that's the meeting where they discuss topics so mundane that MLB officials know that the GMs would leave if they were invited.

"We spent 20 minutes talking about urine samples," one assistant GM said.

Money Worries Could Force Reds to Move All-Star Phillips, Others originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twins Ride Dome Field Advantage Past Tigers in AL Central Playoff

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:09:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Metrodome erupted in a jet-like roar as Carlos Gomez zoomed home with the winning run to finish off an AL Central race -- and a thrilling tiebreaker -- that didn't want to end.

Minnesota wouldn't quit, while the Detroit Tigers finished their historic fade. And there was little time for the Twins to celebrate, because the New York Yankees were waiting.

Alexi Casilla singled home the winning run with one out in the 12th inning and the Twins rallied for a 6-5 victory Tuesday night, completing a colossal collapse for the Tigers.

"This is the most unbelievable game I've ever played or seen," Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera said.

How was that for bonus baseball?

As Gomez scored from second -- well ahead of a late throw from right field -- Homer Hankies spiraled. The Twins celebrated and scrambled: They had 21 hours to get ready for Game 1 of the AL playoffs at Yankee Stadium against New York ace CC Sabathia. He'll face rookie Brian Duensing.

The Tigers will head home instead. They became the first team in history to blow a three-game lead with four games left.

"I guess it's fitting to say there was a loser in this game because we lost the game, but it's hard for me to believe there was a loser in this game," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "Both teams played their hearts out. You can't ask for anything more than that."

The Twins overcame a seven-game gap in the final month, went 17-4 to pull even on the final weekend and won their fifth division title in eight years.

"We just feel like we have nothing to lose, man," outfielder Denard Span said.

Both teams had chance after chance to end it earlier, and each club scored in the 10th. Casilla was thrown out at the plate to end that inning by left fielder Ryan Raburn after tagging up.

The Tigers thought they'd taken the lead in the 12th. But with the bases loaded, plate umpire Randy Marsh ruled that Brandon Inge was not hit by a pitch by Bobby Keppel. The replay appeared to show the pitch grazing Inge's billowing uniform.

"I did not have the ball hitting him. We looked at replays, too, and the replays we've looked at, to be honest with you, were inconclusive," said Marsh, the crew chief.

Said Inge: "No matter what we did, it seems like it wasn't meant to be. This is the best game, by far, that I've ever played in no matter the outcome."

It was the first AL tiebreaker to go to extra innings, making up for Minnesota's disappointment last year when it lost 1-0 in Chicago to the White Sox in an AL Central tiebreaker. Had the Twins lost, it would've been the final baseball game at the Metrodome. Instead, the Twins get the Yankees -- New York was 7-0 against Minnesota this season.

"We're not afraid. I can guarantee you that," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Said Yankees manager Joe Girardi: "We're not going to have to face questions like 'Can you beat them?' like we've had to answer during the course of the year. Once the playoffs start though, it's a new series and we know the importance of each game. You can pretty much throw everything else out the window."

A day after Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers at the Dome -- "Monday Night Football" is what delayed this tiebreaker for a day -- the Twins pulled off a Tuesday Night Frenzy.

Gardenhire and Leyland made so many moves for defense and relief that the lineups and pitching staffs were depleted by the end.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney (2-5) worked his longest appearance of the season, getting the last two outs of the ninth. But he didn't have enough to get out of the 12th. The Twins rushed out of the dugout in celebration even before Gomez reached the plate, and their comeback from a seven-game gap with 20 to play was complete.

Joe Mauer, who heard thunderous "M-V-P!" chants from the largest regular-season baseball crowd in Metrodome history throughout the game, led his team on a sprint around the warning track as they slapped hands with fans in the first rows.

"One of the best games I'll ever play in," Mauer said.

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with teammates in the locker room after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins ccelebrates with Carlos Gomez #22 in the locker room after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer;Carlos Gomez

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Minnesota Twins players celebrate with fans after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins circles the field after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer

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Detroit Tigers' Brandon Inge argues with home plate umpire Randy Marsh after Inge thought he was hit by a pitch during the 12th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 in 12 innings, advancing to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Orlando Cabrera #18 of the Minnesota Twins dances in the dugout with Carlos Gomez #22 after hitting a home run off the Detroit Tigers during the 7th inning of the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Don Kelly #32 of the Detroit Tigers slides safely into home plate to score as Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins applies the tag during the 10th inning of the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Don Kelly;Joe Mauer

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Minnesota Twins' Alexi Casilla hits the game-winning single during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 to advance to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

Minnesota Twins' Delmon Young talks on his cell phone on the mound at the Metrodome after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings in a baseball game Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis and advanced to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Minnesota Twins mob Alexi Casilla after Casilla hit the game-winning single during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 and advanced to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

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Keppel, Minnesota's eighth pitcher, loaded the bases with one out in the 12th. After the non-call on Inge, second baseman Nick Punto then scooped Inge's grounder and fired home in time to get the runner on the force. Then Keppel struck out Gerald Laird to squelch that rally.

Twins closer Joe Nathan found trouble in the ninth when consecutive singles put runners at the corners, but he got a strikeout and a line-drive double play to end that threat. The four-time All-Star gave two huge pumps of his right arm as he spun to thank his defense and run to the dugout, preserving the tie.

Inge's two-out double in the 10th gave the Tigers a 5-4 lead, but Michael Cuddyer sliced a triple past Raburn in left and scored on Matt Tolbert's bouncing single through the middle in the bottom of the inning.

On the potential winning sacrifice fly, though, Casilla strayed a bit too far from third and was thrown out by Raburn trying to score to end the inning. The split-second Casilla needed to retouch the base might have cost him the run.

He more than made up for that mistake later.

According to sports researcher STATS LLC, only three teams since 1901 have blown a three-game lead in the standings with four games left. The Houston Astros lost three straight games to Los Angeles in 1980, but they recovered to defeat the Dodgers in a tiebreaker game for the NL West. Milwaukee lost three in a row to Baltimore in 1982 to force a tie, but beat the Orioles in the final regular season game to win the AL East.

After splitting four in Detroit last week -- a loss in the series finale Thursday would've given the division to the Tigers -- the Twins came home for the final scheduled series in the bubble needing a sweep of the Kansas City Royals and did just that.

So with 54,088 fans in attendance, the place was erupting with noise and excitement. The chants for Mauer, who wrapped up his third batting title, were deafening. Leyland even told his players before the game to think of the loudest experience of their life and multiply it by four to anticipate the decibel level for this game. Dome ball came in handy again, on a day when the city was drenched by cold rain.

Rookie starter Rick Porcello pitched well beyond his 20 years for the Tigers, and Miguel Cabrera made up for a miserable weekend - on and off the field - with a two-run homer against Scott Baker in the third inning that made it 3-0. The crowd chanted ``al-co-ho-lic'' right before Cabrera went deep, a rude reference to the first baseman's fight with his wife after he came home late and drunk.

The Twins crept back, though, and Orlando Cabrera's two-run homer in the seventh gave them a brief lead that Magglio Ordonez ended with his leadoff homer in the eighth.

"We were dead and buried a couple times, and our team just kept coming back," Twins general manager Bill Smith said.

Notes: This was the ninth tiebreaker game in baseball history, and the third straight year with a 163rd game. Only two of them went to extra innings. ... Seven members of the Metrodome's cleaning and maintenance crews were honored on the mound before the game for the work of those groups in converting the field back and forth from baseball to football in light of Monday's Packers-Vikings game.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Twins Ride Dome Field Advantage Past Tigers in AL Central Playoff originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers: 1-Game Playoff Live Chat

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Live Blogging

For the third straight year, 162 games were not enough to complete the postseason. For the second straight year, the AL Central title and the Minnesota Twins are involved in the tiebreaker.

Minnesota's remarkable sprint to the finish was enough to catch the Tigers, who had a seven-game cushion exactly a month ago on Sept. 6. Lest you think that leaves Detroit in a fragile state as it heads to the Metrodome to determine the division champion once and for all, keep in mind it split with the Twins in a four-game series last week and its strength is starting pitching -- something which can take a team very far in October.

It's the Tigers' Rick Porcello against the Twins' Scott Baker for all the Central marbles. Here at MLB FanHouse, we're just getting warmed up for the month ahead. Join us after the jump for a wrapup of the chat that went from first pitch to final out of the one-game playoff.

Price: Pressure on Poised Porcello

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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers: 1-Game Playoff Live Chat originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tigers' Hopes Lie With Poised Porcello

Ed Price — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central

If the Tigers are going to pop champagne, they will need help from someone who is not allowed to drink it.

Detroit will start 20-year-old Rick Porcello in Tuesday night's one-game playoff at Minnesota for the AL Central title. But Porcello has already shown he is far from an ordinary 20.

"Oof," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said recently. "He's a nice pitcher. He's just got really good stuff. He's got a great sinker, slider. And you know what, quick arm action. A little deception to him. His ball moves all over the place."

Porcello is 14-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 30 starts, and this will be his third start out of four against Minnesota, against whom he is 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA this year.

More Coverage: 1-Game Playoff Chat, 4:45 PM ET | Twins-Tigers Preview

The Tigers drafted Porcello 27th overall in 2007 from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J. Although he was considered among the top five prospects that year, he was asking for a large signing bonus to give up a scholarship to North Carolina.

Ignoring MLB's "slotting" recommendations, Detroit signed Porcello to a $7 million big-league contract. And less than two years later, he made the team's rotation out of spring training.

And his poise has held up all year.

He showed that in his last start, when he allowed the Twins one run in 6 1/3 innings but got no decision.

"You do what you always do," he said afterward. "You stay focused and you try to make every pitch."

Porcello has become the youngest to win 14 games since Dwight Gooden in 1984, and he has done it with almost all fastballs -- and most of those are two-seam sinkers.

His curve and changeup are still works in progress. But the sinker is so good he leads the AL in groundball percentage (69.4) and is fifth with 24 groundball double plays induced.

"It's diving all over the place," Gardenhire said. "It's really tough. His ball's diving -- hard."

In that game last Tuesday against Minnesota, Porcello allowed seven hits. But six were singles, and two of those were infield hits off Porcello's body and another than second baseman Placido Polanco should have fielded.

"It didn't surprise me that he pitched well," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

"But there was a built-in story with him no matter which way it turned out.

"If he did well, then, 'How about this kid's poise, a big game, what he showed?' If he hadn't done well, they'd have said, 'Well, You think it's because he's so young and in a big situation?' No. I think he's mature 20-year-old with very good stuff and a good pitcher and a very good competitor."

Tigers' Hopes Lie With Poised Porcello originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miguel Cabrera Fought With Wife, Picked Up by Dombrowski at Police Station

Pat Lackey — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central, MLB Police Blotter

Miguel Cabrera's facial cuts are a mystery no more. After the Tigers' win Sunday night, police gave a full report on just how the Tigers' slugger got his wounds. He was apparently out late on Friday night/Saturday morning, came home drunk, and got into a fight with his wife, which resulted in a 911 call from his wife at 6 AM Saturday.

It gets worse; police came to Cabrera's house and picked the All-Star up and took him in for questioning, leaving Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski to pick him up from the station at 7:30 AM Saturday morning. Cabrera hasn't talked about the situation publicly, but it's safe to say that the rumors that the Tigers were upset with him are probably true.

The same report also says Cabrera blew at .26 BAC at the police station, which is more than three times the legal limit to drive of .08. So with the Tigers season on the line and their playoff chances shrinking daily, Cabrera was out drinking, got into a fight with his wife, and ending up being picked up by the team's GM at the police station.

On the bright side (if there is one), neither Cabrera nor his wife suffered serious injuries and neither wants to press charges. And the Tigers almost certainly benefit here from their one-game playoff against the Twins being moved to Tuesday, because this would make for one heck of a distraction if the game were Monday night.

Cabrera issued a short statement on the eve of Detroit's one-game playoff against Minnesota.

"There was an incident that took place on Saturday and it is a personal matter," he said. "I am sorry this has become a distraction, and I apologize to the Tigers, my teammates, and all of the fans. I would appreciate it if you would respect my family's privacy as I prepare for our next game."

UPDATE: The Detroit News has posted audio of the 911 call by Cabrera's wife, Roseangel.

The News also has the details of an August altercation at the same Birmingham, Mich.-area bar that the slugger was reportedly at this past weekend. Cabrera was warned to stay away from the establishment then after a confrontation with a man and a teen in which he intimated that he had a gun.

In the August incident, according to the information, a man told Birmingham police that he and an unnamed teen encountered Cabrera at the Rugby Grille on Aug. 31 about 6:30 p.m. Cabrera allegedly asked the teen, who weighs about 300 pounds, "What's up, big boy? You need to work out," according to the information provided to The News.

The teen then asked Cabrera to stop taunting him and said, "Let me be."

But it became confrontational, the man told police: Cabrera allegedly challenged the man and the teen. "Let's go right now. I'll fight both of you right now. Let's go outside." At one point, the man told police he felt that Cabrera intimated that he had a gun, saying he was going to go to his vehicle and get his "click-clack" and making a motion with his hands that he interpreted as the racking of a handgun.

Richard Fenton, the Tigers security representative, told police that he later searched Cabrera's vehicle and did not find a weapon, and he said Cabrera indicated he did not have a gun. The incident prompted the Tigers to hold a meeting with Cabrera, General Manager Dave Dombrowski and a team lawyer, Fenton told police. It was then that Cabrera was told to stay out of the Townsend.

Miguel Cabrera Fought With Wife, Picked Up by Dombrowski at Police Station originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miguel Cabrera's Cut Face a Mystery

Matt Snyder — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers

Saturday night, the Tigers arrived at their ballpark for an incredibly important game against the White Sox, as they hoped to hold off the surging Twins for the AL Central title.

We now know the Tigers and Twins will meet Tuesday in Minnesota for a one-game playoff to determine the champ. What we don't know is how Tigers star Miguel Cabrera ended up with several cuts and scratches to his face.

If you take Cabrera's word for it, his dog worked him over. Many around Detroit don't seem to be willing to do so. There are rumors circulating among fans that Cabrera was scratched up by his girlfriend after they'd been drinking all night.

More MLB Coverage: Tigers Hold On for Tie | Playoff Game Times | Award Picks

Mike Stone of MLive.com has a pretty good compilation of everything surrounding this mysterious scratches. The basic gist is that everything's been pretty cloak-and-dagger from the Tigers and local authorities. Cabrera reportedly didn't answer when first asked about the cuts, and then responded it was a dog, emphasizing the large size of his dog.

Sunday, Cabrera was again asked about his face and had a simple response.

"I'm focused on one thing -- the game," Cabrera said.

It's hard to imagine why Cabrera would want everyone being so secretive if he really just got lit up by his pooch. One would think he'd just continue to stress it was his dog, maybe even making a few jokes about it. Still, that isn't to say he's lying. Nothing has surfaced in the past two days to prove anything otherwise to this point.

Prior to Detroit's 5-3 victory on Sunday, Cabrera told a handful of reporters that he would speak following the game, but he was unavailable to media according to MLive.com.

In an e-mail to the Associated Press, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski wrote: "It is a personal situation and I am not at liberty to discuss it further."

Detroit skipper Jim Leyland took a similar stance, refusing to acknowledge the situation was unfortunate. "Do you want to talk about today's game?" Leyland snapped back. "I manage the team on the field. That's my job -- to get this team ready to play today.

"If you want to talk about the game, we'll talk about the game. If you don't want to, you can excuse yourself."

Cabrera is the Tigers' best offensive weapon. He's hitting .325 with 33 home runs and 101 RBI and a whopping .940 OPS.

Miguel Cabrera's Cut Face a Mystery originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comeback Complete as Twins Force 1-Game Playoff for AL Central Title

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Playoffs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- More than 51,000 fans and dozens of players from Metrodome lore turned out on Sunday to say goodbye to this big, dingy building after 28 weird, wacky and sometimes wonderful baseball seasons.

Hang on to those Homer Hankies: The Metrodome showed this weekend that it still has some of that old magic left and isn't ready to let the Minnesota Twins go just yet.

Jason Kubel got those familiar white towels waving with a pair of three-run homers and Minnesota beat Kansas City 13-4 Sunday, putting the Twins into a one-game playoff with the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central title.

"The place doesn't want to go away quietly yet," Kubel said.

More: Verlander, Raburn Carry Tigers | MLB Sets Game Times

The Twins and Tigers, who beat the White Sox 5-3, will meet at 4 p.m. CDT Tuesday with the division title and a postseason date with the New York Yankees going to the winner.

"When we need a win, where do we go?" former first baseman Kent Hrbek asked the fans during a postgame ceremony. "We go to the Dome."

They need one more.

Scott Baker will start the tiebreaker for the Twins against Detroit rookie Rick Porcello. The teams get a day off because the Minnesota Vikings host Green Bay on Monday night.

Delmon Young added two solo home runs and Michael Cuddyer also went deep for the Twins, who overcame a three-game deficit by winning 16 of 20, including the final four, to reach the playoff.

"It's been fun to watch," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Just a group of guys that were on a mission."

Carl Pavano (14-12) pitched on three days' rest, giving up four runs and striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings in what was supposed to be the final regular-season baseball game in the Metrodome.

The Twins move outside to Target Field next year, but they're more than happy to keep playing under the shabby white roof for the time being.

Alex Gordon homered for the Royals, who fell behind 8-1 but rallied to bring the tying run to the plate in the sixth. Reliever Jon Rauch struck out Billy Butler with the bases loaded to end the threat, and the crowd was able to exhale.

Minnesota was seven games down to the Tigers on Sept. 6 and appeared all but finished after losing two of the first three games in their four-gamer at Detroit last week.

"Everybody's written us off and rightfully so," Gardenhire said. "We looked pretty ugly. But we didn't write ourselves off and that's all that matters."

They came home needing a sweep of the Royals and the Tigers to lose two of three to the floundering White Sox in Motown.

That's just what they got.

"I guess it just says a little bit about the tenacity of this baseball team," Gardenhire said. "They keep playing until the end. The fans want a full 162-game schedule and they're getting it."

And then some.

The Twins have been here before.

Last season they went to a one-game tiebreaker for the AL Central against the White Sox, losing a 1-0 heartbreaker in Chicago to miss out on postseason. That game was played in the Windy City because the White Sox won a coin flip, something that infuriated the Twins after they won the season series.

Major League Baseball changed the tiebreaker rule this season, giving home field to the team that won the head-to-head season series. The Twins went 11-7 against the Tigers this season, including 7-2 at the Metrodome.

"We've been in these games before," Cuddyer said. "We're not a stranger to big games."

Homer Hankies that first made the national scene with the Twins' run to the World Series title in 1987 were back on display, and 51,155 fans -- the largest crowd since opening day of 1993 -- got an early reason to use them.

Luke Hochevar (7-13) walked Denard Span, who stole second, to start the game. Then, with chants of "MVP! MVP!" raining down, he pitched around Joe Mauer with one out and first base open. Kubel followed with an upper deck homer to right field and, two batters later, Young hit a solo shot to make it 4-0.

"These guys got a lot of momentum going right now," Royals manager Trey Hillman said.

Mauer went 0-for-3 and is hitting .364 for the season, all but assuring him of his second straight AL batting title and third in his career.

Kubel's second homer of the game landed just over leaping left fielder Willie Bloomquist's glove for a 7-0 lead. From then on, the crowd turned its eyes to the scoreboard, hoping the same White Sox that spoiled their season last year would help turn the day into a coronation.

Chants of "Let's go, White Sox!" filled the Dome, and one of the loudest roars of the day came when the scoreboard showed Chicago cutting Detroit's lead to 5-3. But the Tigers held on.

"We're happy to be here," closer Joe Nathan said. "A lot of people coming into September would have probably said there was no chance and I'm sure 99 percent of the people in Minnesota probably thought there was no chance either. So to be where we are, we've got a good feeling."

So, to paraphrase the late, great Jack Buck's call after Kirby Puckett's game-winning homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series against Atlanta ...

And we'll see ya Tuesday afternoon!

Notes: Royals head athletic trainer Nick Swartz worked his last game. He is retiring after 21 years with the team and 33 in the organization.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comeback Complete as Twins Force 1-Game Playoff for AL Central Title originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baseball Brunch: Joe, Albert and the Rest Of the Award Winners

Ed Price — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cardinals, Nationals, Phillies, Reds, Rockies, Royals, Tigers, Twins, MLB Awards, MLB Inside Scoop, Baseball Brunch

Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.

Ron Gardenhire was asked how teams try to pitch Joe Mauer.

"I can't give you all that information," Gardenhire, the Twins manager, said of his No. 3 hitter. "You'll write it and then other people might figure it out."

So you know, Ron, how to get him out?

"Hell, no, I don't! That's why I don't want to say anything.

"You just better have your defense standing in the right place, and that's where he's going to hit the ball hard -- that normally works. Catch the rocket that he's going to hit somewhere."

It's awards time here at Baseball Brunch, and we're casting our lot in the AL MVP race with Mr. Mauer.

Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, Miguel Cabrera, Kendry Morales -- nice years, guys. Very nice.

But come on.

Mauer leads the American League in batting, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. And he's a catcher. Maybe as not as good a catcher as Teixeira is a first baseman, but at least as good a catcher as Jeter is a shortstop.

And better offensively, this year, than both of them.

If Mauer was playing in New York, teammate Michael Cuddyer said, "It would be ridiculous. He'd be everywhere. He would be on every billboard, every magazine cover.

"He's having arguably the best year in the history of the position. Not even arguably, really. It's pretty much the best year in the history of the position."

And that's a pretty good MVP argument.

With one caveat. We had some hesitation on Mauer because he missed the first month because of an inflamed joint in his lower back. So he has fewer total bases than Teixeira and fewer hits than Jeter. And playing time is an explicit criterion for picking the MVP.

But Mauer will end up playing in 137 or 138 games, only eight or nine fewer than last year, and with about 600 plate appearances. That's about 100 fewer than Jeter or Teixeira, but more than Youkilis. He will have been the DH more, with nearly 300 fewer innings caught than in 2008 -- but still sixth- or seventh-most innings caught in the league.

Our conclusion: his overwhelming production, and his near constant playing since returning, make up for the missed month.

Just for icing, Mauer leads the AL in batting average at home, on the road, against right-handers and in night games. He is second in average with runners in scoring position, third in average in day games and fourth in average vs. lefties.

o. NL MVP: Even an easier pick than in the AL. St. Louis' Albert Pujols also leads his league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage -- plus homers, runs scored, total bases, grand slams and extra-base hits. Like Mauer, he's second in batting average with men in scoring position.

Also worthy of being on the ballot: Hanley Ramirez, Chase Utley, Prince Fielder, Derrek Lee, Troy Tulowitzki, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier and Ryan Howard.

o. AL Cy Young Award: There should not be a debate. The MVP award should -- in our opinion, because that is what it has come to represent -- contain an element of contributing to a contender. But not the Cy Young.

And Kansas City's Zack Greinke is the best pitcher in the AL. Period. Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander and CC Sabathia are great. And if Greinke wasn't around, it would be a tasty three-way debate.

But this year, that debate is about second place.

o. NL Cy Young Award: A similar three-way choice between San Francisco's Tim Lincecum and St. Louis teammates Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They're 1-2-3 in ERA and 1-2-4 in wins.

Carpenter has been the most brilliant and dominant, but he's not in the top 10 in the NL in innings pitched because of early-season health issues. Lincecum has the lowest OPS allowed, but he plays in a great pitcher's park. And while we don't want to give wins too much weight, they are significant, and Wainwright leads the league.

So Wainwright, by a hair.

o. AL Rookie of the Year: What a great season for rookie talent, in both leagues. The White Sox are pushing third baseman Gordon Beckham, who has hit well (he has a ways to go defensively) but wasn't called up until June. And if Beckham is a candidate, Baltimore outfielder Nolan Reimold should be as well. Reimold leads Beckham in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and homers.

Texas' Elvis Andrus, meanwhile, has played all season -- excelling at shortstop with acceptable production at the plate for a 20-year-old.

And here we have to compare apples and oranges. How do we judge these position players against a closer (Oakland's Andrew Bailey with his .168 opponents' average) and starters (Detroit's Rick Porcello, Toronto's Ricky Romero, Tampa Bay's Jeff Niemann and Oakland's Brett Anderson)?

Tough call, but we go with Porcello. He's 20, he made 30 starts while pitching in a pennant race to the finish and he went 14-9 with a 4.04 ERA.

o. NL Rookie of the Year: Just as loaded, with Philadelphia's J.A. Happ, Atlanta's Tommy Hanson, Randy Wells of the Cubs, Milwaukee's Casey McGehee, Florida's Chris Coghlan, Colorado's Dexter Fowler and Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones and Andrew McCutchen.

If we whittle it down to one position player and one pitcher, we get Coghlan (229 total bases, 82 runs scored and .319 average) over McCutchen and Jones and a very close call between Happ (12-4, 2.85 ERA) vs. Hanson (11-4, 2.89 ERA).

The cop-out would be to go with Coghlan to avoid the choice between the pitchers. But while Hanson is a terrific prospect, Happ threw 164 innings and the Phillies would have been in big trouble without him.

o. AL Manager of the Year: Great job by Ron Washington to help make the Rangers relevant. Jim Leyland may take the Tigers from worst to first -- their first division title since 1987!

But Mike Scioscia didn't just guide the Angels to another division title. He kept the team from falling apart through a rough first few months, not only because of a rash of pitching injuries but also because of the death of Nick Adenhart. Managing a team is about managing people, and Scioscia did a great job this year.

(Amazingly, Joe Girardi will manage his team to 102 or 103 wins and not get a sniff of this award.)

o. NL Manager of the Year: We have a vote on this award this year, so due to BBWAA rules, we can't reveal our vote before the award is announced in November.

But there are good candidates. Fredi Gonzalez kept the Marlins in contention for 25 weeks. Tony La Russa had little in his lineup other than Pujols for the first three months. Charlie Manuel got the Phillies back on top, as did Joe Torre with the Dodgers. And Colorado has gone 74-41 since Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle -- the equivalent of a 104-win season.

Overheard and Understood

o. The Angels could look a bit different in 2010. Unless owner Arte Moreno puts his foot down, they seem likely to not pick up the option on Vladimir Guerrero. Then, if Bobby Abreu comes back -- no slam dunk -- he could be the DH. Otherwise, it could rotate among a few players. Ace John Lackey is bound to go elsewhere, as mentioned last week in this space, meaning the Angels will probably try to add a mid-rotation pitcher.

Chart of the Week
No team has ever been more efficient at stealing bases than the recent vintage Phillies -- who have three of the seven best seasons ever in stolen-base percentage:
Team	SB%
2007 Phillies	87.9
2008 Phillies	84.5
1994 Orioles	84.1
1995 Blue Jays	82.4
1975 Reds	82.4
2004 Mets	82.3
2009 Phillies	82.3
2007 Diamondbacks	82.0
STATS LLC

The potential free agent the Angels feel the best about keeping, although it isn't a sure thing, is leadoff man Chone Figgins. And if he comes back, he'd likely move to left field, with Juan Rivera going from left to right and Brandon Wood taking over at third.

o. The Reds, whose attendance will drop about 15 percent from 2008, have to cut payroll for 2010. Which could make some pitching available on the trade market.

o. By going 57-24 at home, the Yankees tied the record for most wins in the first year at a new park. The Red Sox went 57-20 at Fenway Park in 1912.

o. We have gone six years without a World Series going to a deciding game, the longest such stretch since 1913-23. In fact, there hasn't been more than one winner-takes-all postseason game in any year since 2004 (the two LCS).

o. Through June 14, Washington had 16 losses in its opponent's final at-bat and just three wins in its final at-bat. But since then, the Nats have 12 last-at-bat wins and eight last-at-bat losses.

o. Jason Bartlett is likely to be the second Tampa Bay player ever to finish in the top 10 in the AL in batting average. The other? Aubrey Huff, when he hit .311 in 2003 to finish ninth in the league.

o. The Rockies are the second team since the 1989 Blue Jays to reach the playoffs after being 12 games under .500 at some point. The other was the 2005 Astros.

o. Pujols has an NL-record 184 assists from first base. He also the big-league record of 184, set by Bill Buckner in 1985. In other words, don't leave Pujols in for the ninth inning of Game 6 of the 2010 World Series.

Baseball Brunch: Joe, Albert and the Rest Of the Award Winners originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Game 162 Arrives With Lone Race Undecided

Jeff Fletcher — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Dodgers, Rockies, Tigers, Twins, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the final day of the regular season has arrived and there are still two meaningful baseball games to be played. There would have been three if the Dodgers hadn't snapped their five-game losing streak by beating the Rockies, clinching the National League West and relegating the Rockies to the wild card.

Meanwhile, the Tigers kept sliding and the Twins kept climbing. Minnesota's 5-4 victory over Kansas City and Detroit's 5-1 loss to the White Sox left the two teams dead even. The Tigers had been alone in first since July 24.

If it's not settled on Sunday -- the Tigers host the White Sox at 1:05 PM ET and the Twins host the Royals at 2:10 PM ET -- the teams will meet on Tuesday at 5 PM ET at the Metrodome to determine who goes on and who goes home.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

From The Trainer's Room...
Rockies lefty Jorge De La Rosa had to come out of Saturday's game with a groin injury after three innings. The Rockies aren't yet sure of the severity, but they haven't ruled him out for the playoffs. He could be pushed all the way back to Game 4, next Sunday. The Rockies have until Wednesday to set their playoff roster, so they can take some more time to evaluate him. The Rockies were going to pick between Jason Hammel and Jason Marquis for the final spot, so both would start if De La Rosa can't go.

Numbers Game ...
Angels lefty Scott Kazmir finished off his regular season with more of the same solid work. Kazmir pitched five scoreless innings against the A's. He has a 1.74 ERA with the Angels after bringing a 5.92 ERA over from Tampa Bay. Kazmir is in line to start Game 3 of the Division Series in Boston.

In Their Own Words ...
"It was ugly. ... There's not one thing I can take out of it that was positive." -- Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, who gave up five runs (three earned) and four walks in a loss to Tampa Bay in his final tuneup for the playoffs.

Advance Scouting ...
Other than the three games that impact the postseason race, there are a handful of games featuring top starting pitchers trying to put the final touches on outstanding seasons. Two games in particular might be worth watching if you just like to see good pitching. In Philadelphia, the Marlins' Josh Johnson goes against the Phillies' J.A. Happ (1:35 PM ET). In Seattle, the Mariners' Felix Hernandez pitches against Texas' Scott Feldman (4:10 PM ET).

Starting Five: Game 162 Arrives With Lone Race Undecided originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Wild West Weekend on Tap

Andrew Johnson — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Dodgers, Marlins, Rays, Rockies, Tigers, Twins, NL West, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the NL West race will come down to the final weekend of the regular season.

The Rockies held on for a 4-3 win over the Dodgers Friday night, cutting Los Angeles' lead in the division to one game behind shortstop Troy Tulowitzki's 32nd home run of the year and 10 strikeouts from Ubaldo Jimenez.

The Dodgers, who lost their fifth straight, have already won the season series, meaning that Colorado will have to win the final two games of the regular season in L.A. to win the division since both teams have already clinched playoff spots.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Marquis, winners of a combined 31 games this year, will start the Rockies' final two games, but 21-year-old Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who will face De La Rosa on Saturday, will pose a significant obstacle to Colorado's hopes of stealing away the NL West.

From the Trainer's Room ...
Don't expect to see Cody Ross again this season. The Marlins outfielder, sidelined since last weekend after getting hit on the wrist by a pitch, hasn't played since Saturday because of lingering soreness in the area. It's unlikely Ross will play again this season, but that won't stop him from trying.

"I want to get back out there," Ross said. "I want to finish the season. I don't want to finish on the bench."

Numbers Game ...
CC Sabathia and Adam Wainwright fell short in their respective bids to win 20 games Friday, marking the second time in the last four years that Major League Baseball will not have a 20-game winner. Wainwright was well on his way to a 20th win, carrying a 6-1 lead into the seventh inning, but the Brewers scored six times in that frame (two of the runs were charged to Wainwright) erasing him from the decision.

"This is right there with the most disappointing, toughest regular-season losses that I can remember," manager Tony La Russa said. "It was an important win for us if we can get it with what was at stake. Adam has been so great all year long. I'm really, really disappointed."

The Cardinals rallied to win the game 12-6.

In Their Own Words ...
"Every one of those balls was just scorched. I mean, I don't think I've ever hit five balls hard like that in a row. He hit them all really hard, too." -- Rays utilityman Ben Zobrist on B.J. Upton's cycle -- the first in Tampa Bay franchise history and a feat Upton accomplished in just five innings. The Rays center fielder finished with five hits and six RBI.

Advance Scouting ...
The Twins are within a game of the Tigers in the AL Central, but their biggest hurdle to tying Detroit awaits Saturday against the Royals. Minnesota must face top Cy Young contender Zack Greinke (4:10 PM ET), who is 16-8 with a 2.06 ERA this year, needing to win out and the Tigers to lose on of their remaining games just to force a playoff. Nick Blackburn, starting on three days of rest, will go for the Twins.

Starting Five: Wild West Weekend on Tap originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Carpenter Builds Cardinals Win All on His Own

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Rockies, Tigers, Twins, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
Chris Carpenter may win one of the closest NL Cy Young races in years, but his final start of the regular season will be better remembered for what he did with that bat.

The right-hander threw five shutout innings in a 13-0 win over the Reds. Six of those Cardinal runs were driven in by Carpenter, who hit the first home run of his career, a grand slam, in the second inning. He added a two-run double later.

"That was one of the funner days I've ever had," Carpenter said. ... "I think the only other home run I hit had to be in high school. I was a really good hitter, I guess, but I grew up in New Hampshire, and we didn't see many 90 mph fastballs."

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

The win kept St. Louis in striking distance of Philadelphia and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Cardinals are a game behind the Phillies in the standings, but because Philadelphia won the season series between the two clubs, St. Louis must pass Philly in the standings to host the first two games of the NLDS.

From the Trainer's Room ...
Bad news for the Phillies' rapidly thinning relief corps. Chan Ho Park, sidelined since Sept. 16 with a strained right hamstring, re-aggravated the injury in an instructional league game. Park faced five hitters and recorded just two outs before removing himself from the appearance. The right-hander will be re-evaluated in Philadelphia, but it certainly doesn't bode well with less than a week to go before the Phillies open the playoffs.

"Evidently, he didn't do real good," Charlie Manuel said before tonight's game. "They told me he got two outs and that he had to leave the game That don't sound good."

Numbers Game ...
Things weren't much better for another Philadelphia pitcher. Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee was shaky in his final start before the National League Division Series, allowing three earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-3 loss to the Phillies. Lee, who was traded from Cleveland to Philly just before the July 31 trade deadline, was dazzling in his first five starts with his new team, going 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA. Since then, he's 2-4 with a 6.13 ERA.

"There's a few games I'd like to take back," Lee said. "For the most part, I feel pretty good about how I've done. I'm excited to see what (the playoffs) are all about. I have to try not to let the heat of the moment and the emotions get the best of me, and focus on getting hitters out."

In Their Own Words ...
"You can't throw behind their players and expect nothing to happen. If I'm going to get hit, it's going to be because I did something stupid." -- Delmon Young, who was hit behind the knee by Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman in Minnesota's 8-3 win over Detroit. Young showed his anger at the pitch, and both benches cleared, but the Twins outfielder was angry with his own teammate, rookie reliever Jose Mijares, who threw behind Adam Everett's back earlier in the game.

Advance Scouting ...
The Rockies and Dodgers have both punched their tickets to the postseason, but they still have the little matter of the NL West to settle. Colorado comes to Los Angeles Friday night (10:10 PM ET) for the final three games of the season, and it will have to sweep to steal the division away from Joe Torre's club. The Dodgers come into the series cold, having lost four straight, but they have dominated the season series, taking 12 of 15 from the Rockies in 2009.

Starting Five: Carpenter Builds Cardinals Win All on His Own originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clinch Eludes Tigers, Command Doesn't

Ed Price — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, Yankees, AL Central, American League Division Series

DETROIT -- It couldn't be playing out any better for the Yankees. At least, that's how it seems.

Whether that's true remains to be seen.

Ask the Yankees, and they'd wish for the AL Central race to go down to the wire, to a Tuesday one-game playoff preferably. Don't let the Twins or Tigers rest their players, or line up their pitching for the Division Series.

Well, Detroit lost 8-3 on Thursday to Minnesota, leaving the magic number at two and keeping its drought without a division title at 22 years (longer than every franchise but Milwaukee, Kansas City and Washington/Montreal).

So the champagne remained corked. But eventually it should flow.

More Coverage: Mauer Answers Cheating Claim | Twins Salvage Split

"I felt like we did what we had to do," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said after the four-game series ended in a split, "and not necessarily what we wanted to do."

Realistically, the Twins had to win at least three of four to either gain a tie or take a two-game lead. Instead they trail by two games with three to play.

"The worst-case scenario didn't happen," Detroit shortstop Adam Everett said, "which is getting swept or losing three out of four."

And even though Detroit has to face Jake Peavy Friday, Minnesota is in more dire straits.

With the rotation muddled after Monday's rainout, the Twins will go with rookie Jeff Manship (5.81 ERA) on Friday against Kansas City. Then Nick Blackburn, who threw 111 pitches Tuesday, is scheduled to come back on short rest Saturday against Royals ace Zack Greinke.

We're not going to declare the Twins dead just yet; they're too good to just roll over.

Let's put it this way; we like the Tigers' chances in a five-game series against the Yankees more than the Twins' chances of winning the division.

Sure, the Yankees will be overwhelming favorites. That's hard to dispute. They'll go in as baseball's only 100-win team with their choice of series schedule, their postseason rotation aligned and (it seems) healthy.

Meanwhile, the Tigers don't have a reliable fourth or fifth starter, are shaky in middle relief and can't come up with big hits (.263 for the four-game series with runners in scoring position).

After the chance to celebrate slipped away for a day, someone asked Detroit losing pitcher Nate Robertson if he was reminded of 2006 -- when the Tigers lost the final five games of the regular season to go from home-field advantage in the first round to a wild card that had to face the Yankees.

"Nothing slipped away," Robertson said. "We got to the playoffs, and that's your goal.

"We draw off the good stuff, not the bad."

And they can.

Despite "backing in" in 2006, despite having to open on the road, Detroit won the Division Series in four games.

And maybe it could happen again. There are reasons to believe other than some kind of mystical "Motown Mojo," where the people of an economically depressed state get a happy ending from their athletic heroes (a la the Final Four).

Reason No. 1 is Justin Verlander. If the Tigers can just clinch before his turn comes up Sunday, they can save their ace for the playoff opener, and he could also pitch Game 4 (presuming the Yankees pick the series with the extra off day). While Verlander would be matched up with CC Sabathia, Detroit always has a chance to win when he pitches.

In fact, Verlander and No. 2 starter Edwin Jackson have both allowed two runs total in two starts against the Yankees this year.

And if the Tigers can steal a game at Yankee Stadium, they have gone 50-28 at Comerica Park -- including 35-17 in their past 52 games at home. The atmosphere will be inspiring, as it was Thursday; despite playing a weekday afternoon game in a city with 17 percent unemployment, Detroit sold 7,000 tickets on the day of the game to get its first sellout since July 25.

The Yankees won the season series 5-1, but their three wins at home were by a total of four runs. So the Tigers know they can play with the Yankees, and they also have the manager with more postseason (and overall) experience.

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Minnesota Twins' Delmon Young is intercepted by manager Ron Gardenhire, right, after he was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 in Detroit. Young was hit after Detroit's Marcus Thames was hit in the eighth. The Twins defeated the Tigers 8-3. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Chris Smith, left, holds a towel to his face after getting hit by a ground ball as head trainer Roger Caplinger guides the pitcher to the dugout in the eighth inning of the Colorado Rockies' 9-2 victory to clinch a spot in the National League baseball playoffs, in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies' Garrett Atkins follows through on an RBI single as Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jason Kendall looks on in the sixth inning of the Rockies' 9-2 victory, to clinch a spot in the National League baseball playoffs in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun, left, watches his solo home run as Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta looks on in the sixth inning of the Rockies' 9-2 victory to clinch a spot in the National League baseball playoffs in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A fan holds up a sign with two outs left in the Colorado Rockies' baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. The Brewers won 9-2 to clinch a spot in the National League playoffs. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester delivers to the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Aaron Cook works against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning of the Rockies' 9-2 victory to clinch a spot in the National League baseball playoffs in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, left, follows the flight of his RBI single as Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jason Kendall looks on in the third inning of the Rockies' 9-2 victory to clinch a spot in the National League baseball playoffs, in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies outfielders Dexter Fowler, left, and Carlos Gonzalez celebrate after the Rockies' 9-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers to clinch a spot in the National League playoffs, in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester delivers to Cleveland Indians' Jhonny Peralta during the first inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

DENVER - OCTOBER 01: Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies lays on the floor as the Rockies celebrate in the clubhouse after they defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 9-2 and clinched a National League playoff berth at Coors Field on October 1, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Gonzalez

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While there's no evidence of any connection between playoff results and going in to them hot or cold or having clinched early or having had to play hard to the end, it is a fact that the Yankees have not felt pressure to win since an early August four-game sweep of the Red Sox that extended their division lead to 6 1/2 games.

Not only will the Tigers (if they hold on) enter the postseason accustomed to the pressure -- even more so than in '06, when they had the safety net of the wild card wrapped up before that final week -- they won't be rattled.

Leyland cited a professionalism as his favorite thing about his team.

"This is the best group of guys I've had since I've been here," he said. "Overall, I think it's been a less stressful group.

"I just think that when your veterans buy into the program, you've got a big advantage. ... I think we've got good guys that do things right, even though they're not boisterous. I don't need somebody yelling all the time, getting on guy's asses. They quietly take care of their business. I think we've got a bunch of guys that do things right, that set an example. It's not just one or two.

"It takes a lot of stress off the manager and coaching staff."

Of course, if the Yankees play the next five weeks like they have the past five months, they will roll through the playoffs. Asked if all his team's attitude shows up in the win-loss record, Leyland said, "I don't know about that. It's just been a fun bunch to be with."

So the good guys may not win. But they have a chance.

Clinch Eludes Tigers, Command Doesn't originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mauer's Teammates Laugh at Allegations Of 'Pitch-Tipping'

Ed Price — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, MLB Video

DETROIT -- Justin Morneau wants to know why Joe Mauer never gave him signs.

"I've been batting behind Joe for five years," Morneau said Thursday. "I haven't gotten a sign yet. I'm still waiting."

An amateur analysis on YouTube accused Mauer, the possible AL MVP, of tipping the catcher's signs from second base Tuesday.

But Jason Kubel, the hitter at the time, said he wasn't looking for the help.

"Not that I know of," Kubel said.

The YouTube video -- put together by a user named "rolemodel2008" who in an e-mail identified himself as Tony Faust of Maple Grove, Minn. -- alleges, with subtitles, that with Mauer on second base during Kubel's sixth-inning plate appearance against Detroit's Justin Verlander, Mauer touched his helmet in certain places to let Kubel know what was coming.

Kubel wound up hitting a sacrifice fly.

"Joe, even at first base, is always touching his face or his ear," Kubel said.

"It's hard to fit his head in that helmet, I guess," Morneau said.

Mauer declined interview requests before Thursday's game. Morneau was partly amused, partly annoyed at the accusations.

"I think it's funny," Morneau said, "but at the same time, you can look at anybody standing on second base and make the connection.

"That's funny because he's giving [Kubel] the fastball, and [Verlander] throws 100. He's not looking for the fastball?"

Manager Ron Gardenhire laughed at the topic.

"That's why we're three games back," he said. "We scored two runs last night. We're stealing a lot of signs."

Gardenhire shook his head.

"Chrysler! " he said. "You're giving people too much credit here boys."

There were a few problems with the allegations. With a runner on second base, catchers use a sequence of signs to disguise the pitch call. Runners can try to communicate location, but they know if they're not subtle, the defensive team will retaliate with inside pitches. At some points, Mauer doesn't even look at catcher Gerald Laird.

And Kubel, who watched the video Thursday morning and called it "funny," said it misidentified some of the pitches.

Responded Faust: "I'm just a fan of Mauer's, but I saw it plain as day in real time, so I recorded it on my iPhone and posted it. I am 100 percent confident that is what was going on, but obviously have no way to prove it. ... I just think it's interesting and love inside baseball.

"I didn't want Mauer to take heat for this, just wanted to point it out for people that he is trying REALLY hard to make the playoffs."

Of course, no one denies that there is sign-stealing, or at least attempts at it.

"I wish we could steal signs," Gardenhire said.

"If somebody is stealing your signs, then you're probably not doing a real good job protecting your signs."

Said Morneau: "Guys do it, but Joe's not one of them, I know that."

Mauer's Teammates Laugh at Allegations Of 'Pitch-Tipping' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twins' Magic Appears to Be Running Out

Ed Price — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central

DETROIT -- Jose Morales hit the ball so hard he burst the Twins' bubble.

Minnesota was up two runs on Detroit in Wednesday's first inning when Morales smacked a grounder for an inning-ending double play.

From there, all the breaks, all the synchronicity, that the Twins had built up in a three-week charge that created a pennant race in the AL Central -- pop! -- was gone.

A 7-2 loss dropped Minnesota three games out with four to play. A loss in Thursday's series finale means mathematical elimination.

"It's kind of a tough, losing now in this situation," right fielder Jason Kubel said. "We've been so hot lately. We really had no business being that close anyway, until that last push we put on. So that's pretty good.

"There's still a little chance. Hopefully we can make something happen. ... We've seen it happen before."

Yes, the Twins are saying the right things. But after winning Tuesday's doubleheader opener to get within a game of the top, they have lost two in a row for the first time in 18 days.

Their charge seems to have stalled, and it would be hard not to be deflated.

"Frustrated, yes," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But this team doesn't quit, hasn't quit all year. And we'll come out tomorrow and we'll probably play a pretty good baseball game tomorrow too.

"It's not over with. It's not looking really good. But it's not over with."

If the Tigers finish off the Twins, Thursday or over the weekend, Minnesota's month will scarcely be remembered. But just making this week's games meaningful was an accomplishment.

On the morning of Sept. 8, the Twins were 68-68, seven games out. They had not been more than three games over .500 all year.

"We had been so up and down around .500," Gardenhire said, "that it was just plugging along hoping you could get on some kind of roll offensively and match your pitching with your hitting. It seemed like we would hit one day and not pitch and then pitch one day and not hit."

Said Michael Cuddyer: " 'Hoped,' I think that was the best word. You hoped. And then we started getting good pitching, we started getting timely hitting, we didn't make mistakes any more. All that kind of happened at the same time."

And as much as everything clicked for three weeks -- even as first baseman Justin Morneau and third baseman Joe Crede had to be shut down for the year with injuries -- nothing went right Wednesday.

There were baserunning mistakes -- Matt Tolbert missing a sign and getting caught stealing after leading off the second with a single. The pitching wasn't good; Carl Pavano coughed up a 2-0 lead by allowing seven runs in 4 2/3 innings.

"It's not over with (the AL Central race). It's not looking really good. But it's not over with."
-- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire And the breaks weren't there.

"It just didn't go our way tonight," Gardenhire said.

Especially for Morales.

Minnesota had rookie Eddie Bonine on the ropes in the top of the first, with two runs in, the bases loaded and one out. Morales worked the count full, fouled off a 3-2 pitch and then hit a grounder so sharply that second baseman Polanco couldn't glove it cleanly. But after knocking it down, he started a 4-6-3 double play.

Inning over.

If Morales' ball gets through, Pavano gets a lead of four or more, Bonine throws 30-plus pitches in the first, and who knows how the game goes?

"We came out on fire right away," Gardenhire said. "We looked like we were going to do some serious damage there.

"Then we hit into a rocket double play. What are you going to do there?"

The two-run margin wasn't enough for Pavano. He gave up four runs in the second inning and three more in the fifth when he left a sinker over the middle of the plate and up and Magglio Ordonez whacked it for a three-run double.

"I need to step up, and I didn't do the job," said Pavano said. "Not only did I let myself down, I let the team down.

"I definitely didn't do my job. They gave me two runs in the first inning. That should have been enough for me to go out there and catch a breather and get a rhythm and go."

(Pavano has pitched in two Septembers that mattered -- 2003 and now, since he missed the 2005-07 Yankees stretch runs with injuries too numerous to list -- and in those two months is 3-4 with a 4.95 ERA.)

What Detroit can not do now is give Minnesota any kind of opening, because the Twins have a knack for taking advantage.

"It's simple," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said this week. "You have to beat them. That's just the way it is. You have to beat 'em."

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Philadelphia Phillies pay tribute to former announcer Harry Kalas after beating the Houston Astros 10-3 and winning the National League East on September 30, 2009 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kevin Kouzmanoff #5 of the San Diego Paders is congratulated by teammates Chase Headley #7 and David Eckstein #22 after Kouzmanoff's three-run home run during the bottom of the third inning of the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodger and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 30, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Eckstein;Chase Headley;Kevin Kouzmanoff

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Starting pitcher Clayton Richard #41 of the San Diego Padres throws the ball from the mound during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodger and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 30, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Clayton Richard

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Joe Torre of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodger and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 30, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Torre

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Closing pitcher Brad Lidge #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies winds up on the last pitch of the game beating the Houston Astros 10-3 and winning the National League East on September 30, 2009 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brad Lidge

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Kyle Kendrick #38 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets out of the way while teammate Ryan Howard #6 steps on first base to put out Geoff Blum #27 of the Houston Astros on September 30, 2009 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 10-3 and the National League East title. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Howard;Kyle Kendrick;Geoff Blum

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Raul Ibanez #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home-run during the game against the Houston Astros on September 30, 2009 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 10-3 and the National League East title. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Raul Ibanez

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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland, right, gets support from pitching coach Mike Maddux as catcher Ivan Rodriguez walks back to the plate, during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels in a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics right fielder Travis Buck dives for, but misses, a double by Seattle Mariners' Jose Lopez in the second inning during a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

The Los Angeles Dodgers watch the San Diego Padres build a lead in the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Gardenhire said he could "guarantee" a good effort Thursday.

"It's one thing that hasn't gone away is them busting their tails," he said. "It hasn't been pretty all year, and we've had some stretches where it doesn't look good. But the attitude and getting after the game has not stopped."

Said Morales: "We play a good game tomorrow, and we go back home for three games in front of our crowd and see what happens."

But the situation is a notch above bleak.

After the Twins leave town, the Tigers host the White Sox -- who scored all of two runs Wednesday in a doubleheader against the Indians and have lost nine of 14.

Meanwhile, Minnesota will have to face Kansas City ace Zack Greinke on Saturday, and Monday's rainout means the Twins are scrambling for rested starters over the weekend.

"It's not over," second baseman Nick Punto said. "We're going to need some help. But this team showed so much character, so much heart, so much determination. I'm just really proud to be a part of this team.

"Come out, try to get a win tomorrow and get some help from the Tigers and White Sox."

Twins' Magic Appears to Be Running Out originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special Verlander Difference in Nailbiter

Ed Price — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:19:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central

DETROIT -- When Gerald Laird saw Jim Leyland stride quickly to the mound in the eighth inning of Tuesday's nightcap at Comerica Park, he knew Leyland wasn't coming to take out Justin Verlander.

No one else could be sure. The Twins had already scored two runs in the inning, cutting the Tigers' lead to one, and Verlander had thrown 125 pitches.

Verlander was alternating glances between Leyland and the bullpen gate. Left fielder Clete Thomas started walking over to center fielder Curtis Granderson, anticipating a break for a pitching change. But Leyland said about six quick words to Verlander, turned around and headed back to the dugout. The fans roared their approval, and it turned out to be the right decision.

"I basically told him that, 'I don't have anybody better than you [in the bullpen],' " Leyland said later. "That's the line I usually use. And with him I mean it.

"Once in a while, you're not quite so sure. But with him I mean it."

Said Verlander: "He said that a while ago. I think he said that in Chicago. That wasn't his go-to line today."

But Verlander was his go-to guy.

"I basically told [Justin] that, 'I don't have anybody better than you [in the bullpen]"
-- Tigers manager Jim Leyland Verlander got Michael Cuddyer to ground out to end the eighth and Detroit hung on for a 6-5 victory and a doubleheader split that guarantees Minnesota will leave town Thursday night no better than tied for first place.

The Twins had won the opener, 3-2 in 10 innings, to close within a game in the AL Central.

"All the momentum could be over there [with the Twins]," said Laird, the Tigers' catcher. "But I feel like we answered."

With some bad situational hitting and sloppy defense, the Tigers didn't show much on the day to inspire confidence they will hold on through the week.

Except for Verlander.

Leyland knows, and he showed everyone else, he has something special in Verlander -- the rare kind of pitcher where pitch counts don't matter , who can block out the pressure and who has something in reserve late in the game when a win is on the line.

And if the Tigers get to a Division Series against the Yankees, their best reason to hope for an upset will be two Verlander starts. Even if Verlander has to come back in Sunday's regular-season finale because Detroit hasn't clinched, he'd be able to pitch Games 2 and 5 of the Division Series on normal rest (assuming the Yankees choose the series with the extra off day).

Verlander's final line Tuesday wasn't spectacular -- eight innings, eight hits, four runs -- but it was an ace performance.

"I think this is the most important regular season game I've ever thrown," he said. "This is basically a playoff game in September."

Verlander followed his usual schedule for a night game, so he stayed in bed past noon, which was the start time of the opener. He tried to watch some of the first game but found it made him anxious, so he went out for lunch. The game was on TV there, so that's how he found out he was pitching to prevent a tie in the standings.

"I knew we had to win," he said. "But you can't think that."

Verlander (18-9) has thrown 125 or more pitches in five of his past seven starts, including three in a row.

But he was as sharp as ever Tuesday. He had the 96-98 mph fastball that made his 84 mph diving changeup that much more effective, plus command of a big-breaking curve. And when he had to, he reached back for 99 mph.

With some rare early run support, Verlander cruised through five innings, striking out six and allowing two singles. In the sixth, the Twins scored two runs, keyed when Joe Mauer somehow pulled a double on a 98 mph fastball that was shoulder high and about a foot away from his body. ("That was a joke," Verlander said. "That's the only thing I've got for that.")

So it was 5-2 going into the eighth. Then two singles, a wild pitch, a run-scoring groundout and Jason Kubel's double on a 96 mph fastball cut it to 5-4. Which brought about Leyland's brief visit.

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Minnesota Twins reliever Bobby Keppel walks back to the mound after giving up a two-run base hit to Detroit Tigers' Brandon Inge in the fifth inning of Game 2 of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in Detroit. The Tigers defeated the Twins 6-5. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees is presented with a milestone memorabilia by former General Manager of the Yankees Gene Michael before the game on September 29, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Derek Jeter;Gene Michael

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees is presented with a milestone memorabilia before the game on September 29, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Derek Jeter

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Milwaukee Brewers manager Ken Macha, front right, confers with relief pitcher Todd Coffey, left, and catcher Jason Kendall, back right, in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Denver on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton follows the flight of his RBI-double against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning of a baseball game in Denver on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Cesar Ramos throws a pitch in the first inning of his first major league start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez throws to Oakland Athletics' Rajai Davis in the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson fires a throw across his body after fielding a slow roller off the bat of San Diego Padres' Everth Cabrera in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in San Diego. Hudson got the out at first. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

San Diego Padres' Tony Gwynn Jr. high-fives his teammates after his solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

New York Yankees' Juan Miranda, right, celebrates with a coach after he hit a ninth-inning single to drive in the winning run in the Yankees' 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Bobby Abreu #53 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 29, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bobby Abreu

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"He's our horse," Leyland said. "He had to be out there. ... I don't think you can take him out.

"The pitch-count thing, it pertains to some people and to other people it probably doesn't."

Leyland's actual words at the mound, according to Verlander and Laird: "This is your guy. Go get 'em."

"I didn't have to say a word," Verlander said.

He couldn't. Leyland was gone before he could open his mouth.

"It just goes to show you how much 'skipper' has confidence in him," Laird said. "I feel like he earned that, he earned that hitter (Cuddyer)."

All he had to do was give his team some badly needed breathing room. At the end of the day, after each team had scored eight runs, the Tigers were two games up with five to play.

"Everybody keeps talking about the pressure," Leyland said. "There is pressure. There's pressure on both teams. I mean, there's supposed to be. But it's something that you embrace. It's good pressure.

"This is October baseball in September. That's what it is."

And Verlander rose to the occasion.

"This is what baseball's all about," he said. "We're here at the end of September, we're in the driver's seat a little bit. The Twins are playing catch-up, not the other way around."

Thanks to Verlander.

Special Verlander Difference in Nailbiter originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tigers Might Not Hear Footsteps, but Right Now Twins Just 1 Step Behind

Ed Price — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central

DETROIT -- After the Tigers lost the first game of Tuesday's key doubleheader in baseball's lone remaining pennant race, manager Jim Leyland had no intention of gathering his troops for a walk.

"I tell them to go to Wendy's, do whatever the [heck] they want," Leyland said. "Say a prayer? Have a meeting? Ah, [heck]. It's [flipping] September. There's [freaking] five days to go."

With a 3-2, 10-inning win in Tuesday's opener, the Twins closed within a game of the Tigers in the AL Central. Minnesota trailed by seven games a little more than three weeks ago, but Leyland and his team like to think they feel no pressure.

"If you let pressure bother you at this point in the game, you may as well just go home now," said Brandon Inge, who was 2-for-4 but was stranded in scoring position twice.

"I know our fate's in our hands, not theirs. If we just go ahead and play our game ... I don't really care what they do. If we show up and do what we're capable of, we'll be fine."

Said Leyland: "We're in first place by a game. This is the time of year it's a fun game. I don't think there any more pressure on us than them."

But pressure might explain Detroit's going 2-for-13 with men in scoring position and leaving eight men on base over the first four innings before Twins right-handers Nick Blackburn got straightened out.

"I could see they were swinging at bat pitches, a lot of checked swings at balls," Blackburn said. "You could tell we just had them off-balance and had them thinking a little bit."

Then again, the Detroit offense has underachieved all year. And Leyland pointed to that, which wasted Rick Porcello's fine effort, more than Brandon Lyon's two wild pitches in Minnesota's two-run 10th.

"You can't miss those chances like we did," Leyland said. "A sac fly or anything, it's a different game.

"The key to this game is the lack of offense, the lack of hitting, early in the game. ... We've kind of learned to live and adjust to that because that's been going on for most of the year. So you just hope that you break out, you come out for the second game and you whack the ball around a little bit. That's what we need to do."

In reality, Tuesday's first game was a must-win for the Twins more than the Tigers. If Minnesota had lost, it would have been three games out with six to play as it faced Detroit ace Justin Verlander.

"It's going to be tough to come back tonight if we lose that first one," Blackburn said. "It gives us a little bit of momentum. Hopefully it's wearing on them over there."

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Minnesota Twins' Alexi Casilla points to the dugout after hitting a double in the ninth inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Minnesota won 3-2. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, left, congratulates closer Joe Nathan after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in the first game of a baseball doubleheader in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers pitcher Brandon Lyon wipes his face after giving up an RBI single to Minnesota Twins Orlando Cabrera in the 10th inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Minnesota won 3-2. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Minnesota Twins' Orlando Cabrera hits a RBI single against the Detroit Tigers in the 10th inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Denard Span scored the go ahead run on the play as Minnesota won 3-2. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, left, talks with pitcher Nick Blackburn during the second inning of the first game of a day-night doubleheader in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers' Gerald Laird is hit by a pitch by Minnesota Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn in the second inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Minnesota Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning in the first game of a day-night doubleheader baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Marlon Byrd #22 Texas Rangers throws his helmet to the ground in frustration after striking to edn the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anahein during the baseball game at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. Angels defeated the Rangers, 11-0, and won the American League West title. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ervin Santana

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Fans of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hold a sign as they celebrate winning the American League West title inthe baseball game against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Tigers Might Not Hear Footsteps, but Right Now Twins Just 1 Step Behind originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Jurrjens, Braves Roll On

Ed Price — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, Tigers, Twins, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
This Jurrjens kid is pretty good.

Jair Jurrjens threw seven scoreless innings on Monday as the Braves downed the Marlins 4-0 and climbed within two games of the Rockies for the wild-card lead.

Atlanta has two more games with Florida and then four against Washington. Colorado hosts Milwaukee for three before finishing with three games at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Right now we feel like we're in control," [Chipper] Jones said. "We're dictating at-bats whether it be on the mound or whether we're hitting. And a lot of good things are happening."

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Jurrjens, 23, is 14-10 with a 2.61 ERA -- fourth-best in the National League -- and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 25 of his 33 starts. Since Aug. 14, he is 5-2 with a 1.70 ERA.

"I can make my dad's dream come true right now if I get to the playoffs," said Jurrjens who grew up a Braves fan in his native Curacao. "My mom said he's put the travel bag out already."

Florida fell 5 1/2 games out in the wild-card race and will be eliminated with one more loss or one Colorado win.

From the Trainer's Room ...
Boston lefty Jon Lester, hit near the right knee by a liner last Friday, threw a bullpen session Monday and is scheduled to start Thursday against Cleveland.

"I felt fine," said Lester. "No problems. Just the normal long tossing and everything. Right around 55 pitches. Everything was good. I felt good this morning when I woke up and walking around and everything. But there's that question in your mind, 'OK, when I get on the mound, is it going to bug me?' And it didn't. Everything was good. I'm sure Thursday is fine."

Meanwhile, third baseman Mike Lowell, who was hampered last postseason by a sore hip that eventually required surgery, received injections Monday in the hip.

"Heading into the postseason, I'd rather have more mobility than less. The docs said this would be a way to alleviate things," he said. "This would be a good time to take two, three days off to really get my hip feeling a lot better."

Numbers Game ...
The Orioles have been out-scored 77-35 in losing 11 straight, their longest skid since a 12-game losing streak in Sept. 2004. They have blown a lead in seven of the 11 losses.

Also -- cue the Boomtown Rats -- Baltimore is 5-14 on Mondays, with losses on 12 straight Monday games since a win on June 1.

In Their Own Words ...
"This is like Groundhog's Day -- I just want to wake up from it. It just keeps happening and keeps happening. It's just frustrating ... because no one likes to lose, and I'm definitely not someone who's going to sit there and say, 'Well at least I put forth a good effort.' I'm tired of losing. I hate losing." -- Mets right-hander Nelson Figueroa, who fell to 2-8 as he lost to the Nationals

Advance Scouting ...
Thanks to rain Monday, the Tigers and Twins start their AL Central showdown with a day/night doubleheader at Comerica Park (12:05 PM and 7:05 PM ET). Detroit goes into the series with a two-game lead and a magic number of six. After Tuesday, the lead will be zero, two or four games with five to play. Nick Blackburn and Rick Porcello are scheduled to start the day game, with Brian Duensing and Justin Verlander in the nightcap.

Starting Five: Jurrjens, Braves Roll On originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Greinke's Cy Case Grows

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, Red Sox, Rockies, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That Zack Greinke is doing everything in his power to win the American League Cy Young Award.

The Royals ace will not get anywhere close to 20 wins, but he did pick up his 16th of the year with seven innings of one-run ball against the Twins. He's now won five straight decisions dating back to Aug. 25 and his ERA is down to 2.06. As pointed out by FanHouse's Jacob Wheatley-Schaller, if Greinke pitches seven shutout innings in his final start of the year next Saturday in Minnesota, he'll finish the year with his ERA under 2.00.

Only one AL pitcher in the last 15 years -- Pedro Martinez in 2000 -- has thrown more than 200 innings in a season and finished with a sub-2.00 ERA

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Greinke departed the mound at Kauffmann Stadium to a loud ovation, a reaction that made him very uncomfortable.

"It's pretty annoying, actually," Greinke said of the cheers about the Cy Young Award. "I don't like it at all. I guess it's nice that they'll do that, but it's annoying to me."

No matter how much the right-hander wants to stay out of the spotlight, his performance has made him impossible to ignore.

"We knew he'd be good," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "We felt like he would be durable. But I don't think anybody could've predicted the impact of his statistics here before his final start."

From the Trainer's Room ...
Marlins ace Josh Johnson was scratched from his Sunday start with flu-like symptoms. The flu bug has been making its way around Florida's clubhouse, affecting a number of players over the last several days. Chris Volstad started in Johnson's place, and the Marlins fell 4-0 to the Mets, officially eliminating them from the NL East race.

Numbers Game ...
In losing to the Yankees, the Red Sox became the first team to start a season 8-0 against another team and then wind up not winning the season series. New York's sweep of Boston over the weekend leveled the season series at 9-all, not that the sudden turn in fortune in the rivalry has the Sox concerned.

"I think they have the best team in the American League East," closer Jonathan Papelbon said. "Sure. Facts are facts. I think there's a little sense of pride in trying to win the division every year. But realistically, the point is getting in and getting hot."

"As of right now, obviously they're the better team," left fielder Jason Bay said. "Once the postseason starts, everything else is kind of thrown out the window."

In Their Own Words ...
"There's been pitches of the year, innings of the year -- that's the defensive play of the year." -- Rockies manager Jim Tracy on Clint Barmes' diving catch that resulted in the game-ending double play of a 4-3 win over the Cardinals. The grab left the second baseman with a welt on his head, a sacrifice he was all too happy to make since it helped Colorado win a three-game series against St. Louis and kept its wild-card lead at 2 1/2 games over the surging Braves, who won in Washington.

Advance Scouting ...
Separated by two games in the AL Central, the Tigers host the Twins in the opener of a four-game set (7:05 PM ET) that will likely determine the division. Detroit, which carries the edge in the standings into this series, will send Rick Porcello to the mound against Minnesota's Nick Blackburn. The Tigers are 48-26 at Comerica Park this year, the third best home mark in the American League, but just 5-9 against the Twins.

Starting Five: Greinke's Cy Case Grows originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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