Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2011 17:26:21 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300] Detroit Tigers (9-4) @
Tampa Bay Rays (7-6)[/shadow]
DET: Javier Vasquez (2-0, 3.14 ERA)
TB: Jair Jurrjens (1-1, 4.22 ERA)
After a disappointing season missing the playoffs, Detroit has reloaded with even more talented, expensive pitchers. As a result, the Tigers lead the AL in pitching two weeks into the season.
Javier Vasquez is off to a much better start in 2015, helping the Tigers lead the lead in pitching. He had a decent start in Seattle, a week after a dominating performance against Portland. Mostly a breaking ball pitcher at this stage of his career, Vasquez doesn't have a huge margin for error with his location. Fortunately for him, he may have some margin for error with Tampa Bay's lineup.
The heart of the Tampa lineup has not produced to start 2015. Ryan Westmoreland, Brent Peterson, Guillermo Pimentel, and Derek Norris are each hitting .171 or lower, the main reason why the Rays are second to last in the AL in runs. They've struggled against questionable pitching staffs in Houston, Oakland, and Los Angeles.
Brent Peterson had a grand slam and Michael Sheridan a bases loaded triple in Sunday's series-opening win over the Tigers, though they still needed a booted ground ball by Nate Sampson to escape with a 9-8 win. The hope is that the offensive outburst means that the Rays are exiting their offensive doldrums.
The miscue was a wasted opportunity for the Tigers to improve to 10-3 and tie the Indians for the AL Central, but they're still looking like a formidable team. Michael Roberts is leading the second best hitting team in the American League with a .346 average and 11 RBI's. He had two hits and an RBI as he makes an early push for an MVP run.
These two teams may be two of the very best in the AL with the series a proving ground on just how good each is.
Questions for the GM's: For Nick Pickard, you've really shelled out big bucks for pitchers like Javier Vasquez. Have you gotten your money's worth?
Nate Samson only has a job because of his defense. When he makes critical defensive mistakes, does it hurt his job security?
You have an extremely young bullpen. Do you have any concerns that it can hold up against a team like Tampa Bay?
For E.J. Joseph, after a disappointing first full season, Ryan Westmoreland looks like he's pressing to start 2015. Is he as good as he's been projected to be?
Your offense has been a disaster. How do you jump start it against a good pitcher in Vasquez?
Despite the offensive problems, you're over .500. How have you managed to win games this season?
Tampa Bay Rays (7-6)[/shadow]
DET: Javier Vasquez (2-0, 3.14 ERA)
TB: Jair Jurrjens (1-1, 4.22 ERA)
After a disappointing season missing the playoffs, Detroit has reloaded with even more talented, expensive pitchers. As a result, the Tigers lead the AL in pitching two weeks into the season.
Javier Vasquez is off to a much better start in 2015, helping the Tigers lead the lead in pitching. He had a decent start in Seattle, a week after a dominating performance against Portland. Mostly a breaking ball pitcher at this stage of his career, Vasquez doesn't have a huge margin for error with his location. Fortunately for him, he may have some margin for error with Tampa Bay's lineup.
The heart of the Tampa lineup has not produced to start 2015. Ryan Westmoreland, Brent Peterson, Guillermo Pimentel, and Derek Norris are each hitting .171 or lower, the main reason why the Rays are second to last in the AL in runs. They've struggled against questionable pitching staffs in Houston, Oakland, and Los Angeles.
Brent Peterson had a grand slam and Michael Sheridan a bases loaded triple in Sunday's series-opening win over the Tigers, though they still needed a booted ground ball by Nate Sampson to escape with a 9-8 win. The hope is that the offensive outburst means that the Rays are exiting their offensive doldrums.
The miscue was a wasted opportunity for the Tigers to improve to 10-3 and tie the Indians for the AL Central, but they're still looking like a formidable team. Michael Roberts is leading the second best hitting team in the American League with a .346 average and 11 RBI's. He had two hits and an RBI as he makes an early push for an MVP run.
These two teams may be two of the very best in the AL with the series a proving ground on just how good each is.
Questions for the GM's: For Nick Pickard, you've really shelled out big bucks for pitchers like Javier Vasquez. Have you gotten your money's worth?
Nate Samson only has a job because of his defense. When he makes critical defensive mistakes, does it hurt his job security?
You have an extremely young bullpen. Do you have any concerns that it can hold up against a team like Tampa Bay?
For E.J. Joseph, after a disappointing first full season, Ryan Westmoreland looks like he's pressing to start 2015. Is he as good as he's been projected to be?
Your offense has been a disaster. How do you jump start it against a good pitcher in Vasquez?
Despite the offensive problems, you're over .500. How have you managed to win games this season?