Tigers Blog

From Magglio: No comment

From Minneapolis ...

If you're wondering how relieved Magglio Ordonez was on Saturday to put a productive game together -- a double and three-run home run being his first game this season with more than one extra-base hit -- sorry.

He didn't comment.

The media waited for him, but he didn't come out of the trainer's room. Finally, he sent word through the Tigers' PR rep that his absence was by design and that he wouldn't be talking.

It's not been an easy time for Magglio -- and obviously still isn't.

More Magglio - not benched

From Minneapolis. . .

For the first time that I can remember, the print media did not meet with manager Jim Leyland before the game - so it was not determined how long Ordonez will sit this time.

I don't think it'll be "indefinitely" as it was before. In fact, I think he'll be back in the lineup Saturday against lefty Francisco Liriano.

But those of you thinking there will be far more platooning in right field than there has been are on the right track.

What's next for Magglio?

From Oakland ...

It's becoming a matter of simple math. The Tigers have 84 games remaining but Magglio Ordonez has about 44 games left before his $18 million option for next year kicks in.

I say 44 because he's 184 plate appearances shy of it kicking in now and he's had 183 plate appearances in his last 44 games.

That means for it not to kick in, if he stays with the team, he'd have to miss 40 of the next 84 games.

I don't think the Tigers want to get into that kind of murky predicament. I don't think they want it to become an issue at all, in fact. They can hope that Ordonez begins to hit and keep playing him, but at what point if he doesn't hit, do they shut him down?

And with the second half of the season nearly here, do they need a personnel issue getting in the way of what they want to accomplish as a team.

I don't think so.

That's why the dynamics of this matter lead me to believe the Tigers are as close to releasing him as they've ever been.

I say that without the suggestion that they should or shouldn't. Just with numbers, his lack of production, and the calendar in mind.

Nobody wanted this to happen. In the perfect world, Magglio would be hitting .330 with his future in Detroit assured. But he's in the throes of a deep slump, has had an utterly non-productive first half, and is now making his future a gamble.

I don't see the Tigers taking that risk. The matter could be resolved soon.

Time is now, Magglio

From Oakland. . .

He went 0-for-8 in Houston, but the Tigers are facing three left-handers here - and chances are that Magglio Ordonez will be in the lineup for all three games.

This, therefore, becomes a hugely important series for him. I'm mnot saying do-or-die, but when does it become that?

Are any of you on the Forum willing to be patient beyond this series?

Category: Magglio Ordonez

Magglio's hair on sale now

Magglio Ordonez's hair is already for sale on eBay. It's listed under Magglio Ordonez's hair and the starting bid is $5,000. Shipping is free.

A suite for a game and autographed bat are included. Ordonez showed up to the ballpark yesterday with his long locks gone. He'll donate the money from the sale to charity.

How high do you all think the bidding will go?

Category: Tigers

FINAL: Tigers 5, Cubs 3; Tigers lead series, 2-0

DETROIT -- I know, Fernando Rodney makes people more nervous than Todd Jones ever did. But somehow he manages to get the job done. Tonight made it 15-for-15 in save chances for Rodney despite walking Derrek Lee and giving up a single to Micah Hoffpauir. He requires a bit of Pepcid or something while watching but he's been effective. It was an interesting end to the game with the fireworks going off in the background. It was a loud and lovely backdrop as the Tigers took the second game of the series, giving them a chance to sweep tomorrow.

Category: Tigers

5-3 Tigers in the top of the 9th

DETROIT -- Josh Anderson takes over in right field and Fernando Rodney is in to close. Both teams have been great at leaving runners on base. Each has left 11 on. The fireworks look good, though.

Category: Tigers

5-3 Tigers in the bottom of the 8th

DETROIT -- The fireworks are on and the Cubs' relievers are not. Carlos Marmol just walked Placido Polanco and Miguel Cabrera. The only problem with the Cabrera walk for him was the bases were loaded. They still are for Marcus Thames.

Magglio Ordonez led off with a single. Josh Anderson pinch ran for him and then was out on Gerald Laird's bunt single. After Adam Everett's hit, lefty Sean Marshall is in to face Curtis Granderson.

That was more like it. Joel Zumaya struck out Ryan Theriot on a 102 mph fastball after throwing him a few in the 80s. The Cubs will have Jose Ascanio start the inning, replacing Aaron Heilman.

Category: Tigers

4-3 Tigers in the top of the 8th

DETROIT -- If you hear "Voodoo Child," it must be time for Joel Zumaya to come into the game. Now, I'm sure someone told him not to throw what he threw to Micah Hoffpauir last night. That was not good.

That last pitch to Mike Fontenot was 101, the one before was 103. This is according to the scoreboard out there so you never know.

Category: Tigers

4-3 Tigers in the bottom of the 7th

DETROIT -- How often do we see this happen? A player catches the routine grounder and then leads off the next inning with a base hit up the middle?