In their most important game of the year RON GARDENHIRE & JIM LEYLAND made just
the opposite moves. Gardenhire played his number 2 hole hitter, ORLANDO CABRERA, and
he delivered with a bases loaded triple which sealed the game for the Twins.
On the other hand, Leyland chose to make an unbelievable and unforgivable move by
“resting” his number 2 hitter, PLACIDO POLANCO! Placido’s replacement came up with the
bases loaded and popped up to the catcher, ending the Tiger’s chance to make a come-
back. Yes, YA GOTTA’ BE KIDDING?! Resting your best clutch hitter in a show down battle for the Central Division Championship? Once again the fans get screwed. They
pay their hard earned money to see the best lineup on the field, but instead Polanco
is sitting on the bench and NATE ROBERTSON, who shouldn’t even be on the roster,
is the starting and losing pitcher giving up seven hits in four innings to a bunch of
happy Twins!
But, remember, the Twins used their best pitcher, SCOTT BAKER, and therefore he will
not be available in their important three game series against KC. On the other hand,
ZACK GREINKE, Cy Young candidate for the Royal’s, will pitch either tonite or tomorrow.
Maybe that will end up being an important factor.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ have JUSTIN VERLANDER AND EDWIN JACKSON ready for their
season ending three game series against the White Sox, who don’t have a thing to play
for except knocking the Tigers silly. And, don’t underestimate that point. THEY WOULD
LOVE TO TAKE THE TIGERS DOWN! At least they won’t have that Comerica bomber,
JIM THOME, in their lineup. That could prove to be another huge factor.
For Minnesota to even tie the Tigers for the Central title, the Tigers would have to lose
all three games to the Sox while the Twins take two out of three from KC. We just can’t
see that happening, can you? BUT, IF IT DOES, YESTERDAY’S LOSS (9-31-09) WILL
HAVE A ZILLION RAMIFICATIONS IN THE TIGER’S DEN OF INIQUITY ALL WINTER LONG!
Really? Other than pitchers, who possibly gets “rest days” in the middle of a pennant race? Even pitchers have been known to come back on three days rest vice the typical four.
That’s a really strange move. I wonder if Polonco is hurt?
As for the White Sox – you’re so right. There is nothing Ozzie Guillen wouldn’t like more than to sweep the Tigers. I wouldn’t put it past him that he’s got the White Sox thinking that this is their championship weekend. The last thing he wants to see is the Tigers, especially Ordonez, celebrating.
My bet though is it ends tonight. Both the Tigers and Royals win.
Wow–unthinkable–why not play Palanco yesterday and rest him the next three days after the win??? Santiago in the lineup is good–put him at short if you need his bat in the lineup so bad. Ugg–I hope this is a mute point.
Too pad the Tigers dropped three to the Sox and they had to use Verlander’s arm to salvage a chance at making the playoffs, They needed him fresh to start against the Yanks. Oh well it doesn’t matter who’s pitching if the bats are silent! The hitters have to “step up to the plate” today or go home with their tails between their legs.