Somebody please explain Leyland’s infatuation with Zach Miner? Seriously, why do we keep trotting this guy out there? To recap the game, Bonderman gives us a strong outing, pitching 6 innings. He gets in trouble in the 7th, and who do we call on? No, not Rapada and his .93 ERA. No, not Lopez and his 1.85 ERA. Leyland instead brings in good old Zach and his 8.14 ERA. That’s right, 8.14. Nice move coach. 2 runs and a blown lead later, we have to call on Bobby Seay to bail us out. Predicable? Apparently not for coach.
And just to prove we can’t entirely blame a terrible season on just the coaches, Carlos Guillen gives up the lead run on a throwing error. Classic.
Can this team do anything right?
Frankly, Zach Miner must have pictures of Leyland, Chuck Hernandez and Gene Lamont in some kinky studded leather for them to keep playing this kid. He’s AWFUL. Really. I didn’t see Bondo’s face when he noticed Miner warming up, but I can imagine they all do what I do. Throw up in their mouths. It’s just Pavlovian at this point.
This is not backed up by data, but I swear that every time he inherits a runner, the guy scores. I haven’t been able to locate his (IRA-Inherited Runs Allowed), but I would guess this is a high number. I’m thinking MLB leading.
Well. I did find the stat. His number is 9, leading the Tiger slingers. The only other pitcher in all of baseball with more is Hideki Okajima of the Red Sox who has allowed 11 of 14 IRAs. HOWEVER, Okajima has an ERA of just .93, because he is stellar when starting an inning. Another interesting fact that readers of the dettigers blog would appreciate, following Miner in IRA in MLB are Franklyn German with 8 for the Rangers, and Jamie Walker with 7 for the Orioles. (There are others with 8 and 7 runs, just thought this fact was interesting.)
Ok, that’s all I got.
wow chirod, that’s the type of meaningful input this blog needs. nice research. thanks for backing the story.
where else can you get this kind of collaborative insight?
I think you’re beating up too much on the pitching staff here. While Miner sucks and he’s automatic runs for men on base, the issue is hitting and lack thereof.
I say we punish these guys and send them all down to Toledo and pull all the Mudhens up. They’re hungrier anyway. I’d much rather have mediocre guys who give 100% than top guys who give mediocre effort. Why not? What’s the worst that can happen? A losing streak?
When you look too much at numbers, you forget about heart. And these guys looked good on paper, but the look in their eyes say, “only 4 more months until I’m on a beach.” We’ve lost the underdog mentality that this town and its teams need so badly.
Oh, and send Inge down too.
If I may … This guy is as slippery as Jon BonJovi in 1986. Ya gotta be careful how spit you put on the ball, man! The umps will sniff this out like tar on or mud on your hand. Right Kenny? The best part about Palmolive is that is softens your hands WHILE you do the dishes, which clearly need to be done!
Oh Inge-baby, don’t get me wrong, the hitting is pitiful. And I agree with the lack of heart. But you have to admit that trotting that Miner kid out dangerously follows the storyline to the Major League movie. Is the Ilitch family pining for a warmer climate??
The Toledo move?? Hmmm, well I guess the worst that could happen is that everyone could play like Clete has since he’s been demoted. What’s that batting average? .204…..hoooo doggy. Those are Gary Sheffield numbers.
Guillen…all I got to say is SHOT THROUGH THE HEART AND YOU”RE TO BLAME…..