Something "Drastic" Coming
Admitting his team "can be pretty tough to watch sometimes" - and also troubled by inconsistent offense - Manager Jim Leyland is going to shake up his batting order on Monday for the start of the Boston series.
There will be no personnel changes, as in roster moves, but it looks like there will be a lineup shakeup.
Leyland won't say what those could be, but obviously Gary Sheffield hitting farther down in the lineup would be a move he's likely to consider. Sheffield isn't in the lineup at all today, so that's why Leyland is not implementing the changes today.
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Something
After watching all but one of the Tigers games this year, I've come to one conclusion, and it coincides with Leyland's.
Something has to be done.
I've been watching Guillen play third, and after that bobble in tonight's game, I'm left with one of two conclusions: either he can't handle the spot (which seems bizarre, as he was acceptable at SS last year), or his legs have reached the point where he can no longer field effectively. I'm not sure he would be able to handle left field, given those gimpy legs of his, so it seems the only way to keep his bat in the game is for him to DH, something he hates.
Brandon needs to be back at third, despite his anemic offensive production. He simply is not going to put up huge numbers. We all knew that in the beginning when he started playing. There's a reason he's batting in the nine spot.
So where does that leave Shef? Leyland states the man is a bone-fide number three hitter, but after watching him last year and this year so far, I think I have to dispute that. I think Gary's finally reached the point in his career where he can't be relied on as a starter to produce. Being able to 'drive the ball hard' does not make him a good player. Any idiot can smack the ball hard at this level. Maybe it's time to think about moving him off the team, or platoon him in Left with Thames. Another alternative is to send Gary down to Toledo to iron his offensive problems out.
I don't know what to do about Jacque Jones, but why not just make Thames the starting left fielder and keep Jones as a backup until we can unload him on another team? After that, we can recall Thomas or someone else as an outfield backup. Or platoon Sheffield and Thames in LF.
And maybe the Skipper needs to start breathing a little bit down player's necks. There is no excuse for sloppy play, no matter what kind of talent you have. That includes the starting pitching.
Tiger lineup
When will Jim Leyland understand the importance of defense? How many runs will the Tigers give up before they put Inge back at third? As frustrating as his hitting is at times, Inge is not a bad number 9 hitter. And when you add his runs saved (through his defense) to his RBI, he can be an important part of the lineup. Also, Sheffield and Jones must leave the lineup NOW. If Sheffield is hurt, then put him on the DL and send him to Toledo after for a "rehab" assignment. Cut our losses on Jones. Bring back Clete Thomas or Timo Perez. Either can be platooned with Thames.
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