papalawrence

Nice to see Matt Boyd having a very successful comeback. Only 5 starts, but so far 2.20 era and .077 whip. Doubt we'll see another reunion, but maybe..... Edit - should be in the 2024 mlb thread

The Tigers can thank Oakland's defense for the win. The second baseman must have had some money riding against the As today.

I grew up in Kentwood, MI and played little league there in the 70s. One of the adults who started the league was Dolly Konwinski. I knew her son and I got to know Dolly. She was extremely kind and giving, and she really knew baseball. She played several years in the all-American girls professional baseball league, mostly for the Grand Rapids Chicks. She made a big impression on me in my youth, when most adults in my life were not so kind. She passed in 2018. So this post is given to honor Dolly. And to ask if anyone knows if there is a decent documentary out there that is focused exclusively on the GR Chicks? I've seen AAGPBL docs, and would love to see one specific to the Chicks. TIA

Hinch also blew tonight - I knew tonight's game was over when Hinch put Miller in to pitch with a 2 run lead.

Anyone hear an update on how Austin Meadows is doing? Haven't heard anything in over a year

Did the Tigers have a bullpen cart in the 1970s? I don't recall seeing one.

Very cool. Wonder if there were any tobacco or other cards produced of them? A quick Google came up empty.

Hope so, but he has yet to pitch 100 innings in a season. He should barely get there this year. Going 7 yesterday was a big step

As I recall every draft site had Mize going 1-1. His fb hit 98 last eve. First full season back from TJ and it's been full of injuries. I'm a sucker, but I still think he can be a mid-to-end of rotation guy for several years.

Big Papi (and Bird steals the ball) are my lowest points as a Detroit fan of 50+ years. Feels good to be on the right side tonight. Something definitely feels different about the Tigers the past month or two. That "core" Harris talks about seems to finally be in place, although most were actually drafted by Avila. Great win!

Just about a perfect game and day. Good to see the 84 guys. Evans got emotional. Then Skubal dominated for 8.

What set is that from? I don't recall that card

Me too. But I wasn't factoring in 7 consecutive games vs the White Sox and Angels. The way AJ has been patching the pitching together has been impressive

Meadows has his avg up to .225, impressive given his start. And of his 36 hits, 18 are xbh - 8 2b, 5 3b, 5 hr. Also 9 sb

Imho Perez is a nice bench piece and fits the mold they are building, but also replaceable.

Mize was pretty irked when Det put him on the 60 day IL. I won't be surprised to see him go the Spencer Turnbull route and end up leaving

Max Clark with 3 hits, 5 RBI inc triple

5.5 back of Twins for last WC. It's a dream, but stranger things have happened

I'm fairly sure Jung gets the remaining 2024 and 2025 to prove himself at 3rd. Keith is locked in. From Harris' last presser, I still hear patience. I do think these final ~35 games are important for Sweeney. Not sure he also gets 2025. Other than SS, who is Harris going to upgrade? If Tork flops to end this season, maybe 1b? I hope priority 1 is they find a way to keep Skubal. I'm pleasantly surprised at Meadows. He'll taper off, but with his D and the SB, he impacts the game in many ways. Greene and Carp, maybe an upgrade in for one OF position and dh Carp? I haven't given up on Malloy yet. Maybe a platoon piece, or even more. If a heavy offer is given, I hope it's first to Skubal. I'm starting to buy into Harris' "core" plan. Of course, Avila drafted these guys. They're close and the "core" should improve. Hate to say it, but I forsee another year of patience before a splurge

Verlander isn't going to reach 140 innings so he will be a FA. But as I said, neither JV nor Max, if healthy, will accept a cheaper contract. So if healthy, they're not coming to Det.

Like I said, if either are healthy they're not taking a cheaper deal. That was my point. Bringing either back is not just a warm fuzzy thing for fans. Starting pitching depth is crucial - look at the Tigers this year. If Jobe comes up his innings will be very limited. Others will have limits too. If JV or Max is healthy it would be good for the Tigers to have them on board, or some pitching depth if they want to challenge for a playoff run next season. Doesn't have to be JV or Max, but if the deal is right, why not?

That's my thinking too. Judge didn't blossom until he was 25. Tork isn't going to be anything like Judge, but imho it's too early to give up if he has similar struggles through another year I can see them moving on. Not yet

If JV or Max came for a 1 yr/15-20 plus incentives I could see Harris going that route. If they are healthy, neither JV nor Max are agreeing to such a contract

Game was blacked out on mlbtv, was able to see highlights. Jung looks like he belongs in the show.

#4 dropped in right at the top of the zone. Was hi, dropped in. To naked eye it did look hi. Was a great pitch. Jung struck out his prior at-bat on a pitch that was also painted. Jung took walks first 2 at-bats. Showed a decent eye and didn't chase.