Melton needs to be sharper the next time he sees the top of the order. The flat fastball and meh sinker need to be on the corners and not in the hitting zone
Fair enough. Their lack of LHP is s definite advantage for AJ. Doesn’t have to worry about them matching up against Keith, Carp, Greene, and McStink. Gives him some nice options settting his batting order as well.
Keeping Sweeney on the roster is another example of the overemphasis on defensive flexibility within the organization.
I’m not saying flexibility isn’t important. It absolutely is, but I don’t believe it’s nearly as much as they treat it.
There are 2 things that scare me about this series:
First is this video of Cal Raleigh’s 37th HR at Comerica in July.
This is insane. It’s an 85 mph change up well off the plate. He’s not on the pitch at all and still puts it out in a deep part of the field. Maybe a few other guys could stay back and hit one out to right, but nobody else in mlb does what Raleigh did with that pitch. This guy is a different level of dangerous.
The second is Playoff Randy. 2020 was the last time he got an extended taste of the postseason and he absolutely dominated. He’s super streaky so fingers crossed that he doesn’t catch fire. We’re done if he does.
I want them to win today but I’m not going to be upset if they lose. Without going full TP, I’m pretty much done with this team and their infuriating approach at the plate.
Not a surprise as yesterday’s 1st base ump that called every questionable check swing a strike is behind the plate today.
Just hope he calls it both ways
I don’t agree with that. If they trade him this offseason, there will be at least one team in the NL who would do it for the long term. They would most likely have parameters of a deal worked out with Boras before consummating any trade with the Tigers. If they were to wait until the deadline then yes the possibility exists of a rental deal that allows Skubal to hit the market and choose at the end of 2026. Another reason for the Tigers to move him this offseason.
I don’t think it’s possible for the Tigers to re-sign Skubal. Scott Boras wants him to hit the open market. It’s good for his business.
The Tigers have no choice but to trade him next year. They need to have some control over his destination and send him to the NL. They can’t afford to let him walk for a compensatory pick and then sign with the Yankees, Red Sox, or Blue Jays. It would be disastrous losing him to a team that you have to face in a short playoff series.
Forget who was batting. I’m wondering why AJ didn’t elect to bunt in the run with either Greene or Jones. Seems like that would’ve been a viable option in the 7th.