Wednesday, July 28, 2010

TIGERS ACQUIRE JHONNY PERALTA FROM CLEVELAND INDIANS

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired infielder Jhonny Peralta and cash considerations from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Giovanni Soto.

Peralta hit .246 (82x334) with 37 runs scored, 23 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 43 RBI in 91 games with the Indians this season.

He saw action in 923 games during eight seasons with the Indians (2003-10), hitting .264 (906x3435) with 477 runs scored, 201 doubles, 16 triples, 103 home runs and 456 RBI. Peralta saw action at both third base (204 games) and shortstop (706 games) during his career in Cleveland.

Soto started 16 games with Single A West Michigan this season, posting a 6-6 record and 2.61 ERA (82.2IP/24ER). Soto’s contract will be assigned to Single A Lake County by the Indians.

In a related roster move, the Tigers today designated the contract of outfielder Wilkin Ramirez for assignment to create room on the club’s 40-man roster for Peralta.

Denny McLains Tigers Report July 23

By Denny McLain
In Play on Facebook

CLICK HERE for Denny's weekly Tigers Report, brought to you by In Play! magazine, can be heard every Friday morning at 8:50am on 100.7 FM The Rock.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Tigers Roster Update for Sunday July 25

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers today announced the club has made the following roster moves prior to today’s games versus Toronto:

Second baseman Carlos Guillen has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, effective today, with a right calf strain.

Outfielder Magglio Ordonez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, effective today, with a right ankle fracture. He is expected to be sidelined approximately six-to-eight weeks with the injury.

The Tigers today have purchased the contract of first baseman/third baseman Jeff Larish from Triple A Toledo. He hit .275 (82x298) with 43 runs scored, 21 doubles, 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 84 games with the Mud Hens. Larish will be number 19.

The Tigers today have purchased the contract of infielder Will Rhymes from Triple A Toledo. In 88 games with the Mud Hens, he batted .304 (102x336) with 54 runs scored, 19 doubles, six triples, two home runs, 34 RBI and 20 stolen bases. Rhymes will be making his major league debut and he will wear number 28.

To create room on the club’s 40-man roster for both Larish and Rhymes, the Tigers today have released righthanded pitcher Billy Buckner and designated the contract of righthanded pitcher Casey Fien for assignment.  

TIGERS HOST CANADIAN NIGHT AT COMERICA PARK AUGUST 10

In Play on Facebook


JOIN THE TIGERS AS THEY HONOR THEIR CANADIAN TIGERS FANS WITH SPECIAL EVENT & FESTIVITIES

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers will host Canadian Night in honor of fans across the border on Tuesday, August 10 at Comerica Park as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

Highlighting the special event will be Canadian-themed features at Comerica Park with music from Canadian artists played between innings all evening long. Additionally, baseball trivia relating to Canada and the Tigers will be showcased throughout the game. There will be a special appearance from Canada’s own 2010 Ice Dancing Olympic Gold Medalists, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, as they will present the game ball prior to the start of the game. They will also be available 6:00-6:30 p.m. to meet with fans for photos and autographs at the Big Cat Court.

The United Way of Windsor-Essex County is participating in the event. “The Detroit Tigers organization is a leader in supporting community organizations. We appreciate being one of the recipients of the proceeds of this event,” said Janice Forsyth, Senior Director with United Way of Windsor-Essex County. Fans can purchase a Canadian Tigers Fan Package for $35 which includes an upper box seat ticket to the game, a hot dog, small soda, and bag of chips, as well as a Canadian Tigers Fan T-shirt (pictured to right). For every package sold $5 will be donated to the United Way of Windsor-Essex County. To purchase a Canadian Tigers Fan Package visit the special events page on tigers.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Tigers lose seventh straight game

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

Pre-game notes:
-Brandon Inge placed on 15-day DL; Casey Fien recalled from Triple-A Toledo.
-Tonight's catcher Alex Avila enters the game having thrown out 37.5% of would-be base stealers.
-Last night's game against the Rangers lasted four hours and 53 minutes, the longest game of the season for both clubs.

In-game:
The Tigers, who have lost six in a row, didn't start off Tuesday's game well either. Detroit skidded quickly with a first inning RBI triple off the bat of Ian Kinsler. Josh Hamilton, who bats after Kinsler, knocked him in with a sacrifice fly to deep righ-center field. A 427 foot home run in the second inning by David Murphy made the score 3-0.

Early on, the Tigers showed no signs of offensive life. In fact, they were no-hit through three innings.

The Rangers scored another run in the sixth, putting Texas up by four. In the bottom half of the inning, Don Kelly, who is playing third base in place of Brandon Inge, singled to center field. Kelly advanced on a fielder's choice. However, Austin Jackson struck out. So, with two away, and Johnny Damon at the plate, the inning ended with a fly ball to left field.

In the meantime, rain started pouring and so did the fans, up to the concourse to avoid the heavy downpour. The rain, though, didn't last long at all and play continued.

The Tigers had their chances, but simply couldn't produce. In the bottom of the seventh, with runners on the corners and two outs, Alex Avila lined out to the second baseman.

The Rangers, meanwhile, kept pounding away at Detroit pitching. They even laid down a suicide squeeze. Kinsler blasted a 345 foot two-run home run off of the left field foul poul shortly after. Jsoh Hamilton knocked one out right after Kinsler did. It is a fact that Tiger's pitching got absolutely rocked this evening. Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Rangers led 8-0.

The Tigers weren't able to rally. Shortly after the inning began, it ended -- the final score being 8-0.

Jim Leyland's postgame comments:

"He did a good job. [I] thought he made a couple nice defensive plays. So, we'll see what unfolds in the next few days."
-On Don Kelly's performance at third base in the absence of Brandon Inge

"I thought Galarraga did good. I thought he gave us a chance to win [and] that's all you can ask for."
-On Galarraga's pitching performance

Denny McLains Tigers Report July 16

By Denny McLain
In Play on Facebook

Denny's weekly Tigers Report, brought to you by In Play! magazine, can be heard every Friday morning at 8:50am on 100.7 FM The Rock. Click here to listen.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Inge-ured: Brandon out with fractured hand in Tiger's loss

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

Brandon Inge will be out 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his left hand. Inge injured the hand as he was hit by a pitch in the third inning with two men on. The tough third baseman went out to play the field in the fourth, but was taken out and replaced by Don Kelly in the top of the fifth.

The Tiger's organization reports that Inge's X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal -- essentially a fractured bone near the base of Inge's pinky finger.

Aside from the poor news of injury, the Tigers lost the game in the 14th inning on a 2-run home run by Nelson Cruz.

Additionally, the club today recalled the contract of righthanded pitcher Casey Fien from Triple A Toledo.

Fien has appeared in 31 games with Toledo, posting a 1-1 record, 2.33 ERA (46.1IP/12ER), four saves and 31 strikeouts.


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Update: Cabrera threat to win Triple Crown

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

A mere month ago, In Play! Magazine posted a blog which may have left viewers saying, "Ya, right!"

Well, it seems even more possible than it did a month ago.

Miguel Cabrera has a phenomenal chance to win baseball's hallowed Triple Crown. Carl Yastrzemski did it last in 1967 with the Boston Red Sox.

At the time of the last blog, (6/10/10) In Play! said:
"His one downfall may be his batting average. Although it's a staggering .339, Robinson Cano (.376), Justin Morneau (.362), and Ichiro Suzuki (.346) all have better averages and could continue at the phenomenal paces they are currently at. Still, it will be possible for Miggy to manage to keep his batting average at a level of competitiveness which could give him the opportunity to win the title."

Now, during the All-Star break, Miggy is tied with fellow slugger Josh Hamilton for best batting average in the league at a staggering .346.

And yes, he still holds the RBI lead, which now stands at 77. That RBI total is two ahead of Vlad Guerrero and seven ahead of A-Rod. As far as home run numbers go, Cabrera should win that category with ease. Even though he's behind Jose Bautista, whose numbers at the All-Star break either match or beat past numbers, he should be able to hold firm and have a great shot at winning the Triple Crown.

Note: In Play! Magazine was one of the first to publish writings on Cabrera winning the Triple Crown. So, when he does win the coveted award, remember who told you first!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

All-Star winning streak ends tonight?

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

Can the National League end the 12-year losing streak at the 2010 All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim? Eh, probably not.

While the NL's three and four hitters, Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard, respectively, are phenomenal hitters, they can't hold up the otherwise weak lineup compared to the AL's lineup.

The AL lineup has more experience and has speed and place-hitters throughout the lineup. Starting with Ichiro and Derek Jeter, and ending the lineup with a 7, 8, 9 of Joe Mauer, Robinson Canoe, and Carl Crawford.

Even the pitching seems to be better. While NL starter Ubaldo Jimenez threw a no-hitter this year and is on pace to win the Cy Young Award with his 15-1 W/L and 2.20 ERA, All-Star Game pitchers don't last more than two or three innings. So, aside from Jimenez, the NL pitchers don't pack the punch as much as the AL pitchers.

Visit this link to see the full AL and NL rosters for the All-Star Game.

TIGERS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF STEINBRENNER

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT -- The following statement is attributable to Michael and Marian Ilitch. (Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers and Michael and Marian Ilitch are co-owners of the Detroit Red Wings.)

"We are saddened by the passing of George Steinbrenner and extend our condolences to the Steinbrenner family and the New York Yankees organization.

“George was a tremendous competitor. His passion for winning motivated all of us in baseball. When George took over the ballclub, he reinvented the Yankees.

He did everything within his power to put a championship team on the field.

“George was personable, friendly and truly cared about his franchise and the fans. We always admired his drive to be the best.”

Monday, July 12, 2010

Denny McLains Tigers Report July 9

By Denny McLain
In Play on Facebook

Denny's weekly Tigers Report, brought to you by In Play! magazine, can be heard every Friday morning at 8:50am on 100.7 FM The Rock.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

New American League Rule Makes Room for Detroit Tigers Justin Verlander

In Play on Facebook

AMERICAN LEAGUE ADDS PITCHERS BAILEY, VERLANDER AND WEAVER


Bailey and Verlander Will Complete A.L.’s Active Pitching Staff

Major League Baseball announced today that pitchers Andrew Bailey of the Oakland Athletics, Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers and Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been added to the American League All-Star roster.

The roster spots became open as a result of the new rule that makes pitchers who started games for their clubs on Sunday ineligible to pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Because A’s pitcher Trevor Cahill and New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia started games for their clubs on Sunday, they will not pitch in the Midsummer Classic. Cahill and Sabathia are recognized as All-Stars with full honors, will attend the festivities and will be introduced before the All-Star Game.

With two spots to fill, A.L. All-Star manager Joe Girardi first chose to recognize Weaver, naming the Angel right-hander to his first All-Star team. Because Weaver (8-4, 2.97 ERA, 115.0 IP, 96 H, 130 SO) also was a Sunday starter, he is ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game, but he will be introduced to his home crowd at Angel Stadium. Thus, with two spots still open, Girardi selected Bailey and Verlander to complete the A.L. pitching staff. This is Bailey’s second career and second consecutive All-Star Game. He enters play today with a 1.75 ERA (36.0 IP, 26 H, 10 BB, 26 SO) and 17 saves. This is Verlander’s third selection to the Midsummer Classic. Verlander has an 11-5 record, a 3.82 ERA and 110 strikeouts in his 115.1 innings pitched.

Other announcements regarding the All-Star rosters will be made as they become necessary.

Complete American League and National League rosters are attached.

The 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and Le Reseau des Sports, and around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. (EDT)/5:00 p.m. (PDT). ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Game coverage.


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins (7/10/10)

By Matt Harding

Saturday's nationally televised bout saw the Detroit Tigers (47-37) face off against the Minnesota Twins (45-41). Dick Stockton and Detroit's own color commentator Rod Allen called the game on FOX Sports.

The Tigers jumped off to an early lead, as they did Friday night, with a 2-run home run by Miguel Cabrera in the first inning. In the second inning, Alex Avila knocked a solo home run to the opposite field, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

The score wouldn't stand for long as the Twins Orlando Hudson came through with runners on second and third, singling to left field, scoring a pair.

The Tigers power hitters, however, were not backing down; Magglio Ordonez blasted a 374 ft. home run down the left field line, extending the lead 4-2. Another home run, this time by Twins first baseman Michael Cuddyer, was a no-doubter that was blasted well beyond the bullpen in left field.


With a 3-game lead on the Twins in the American League Central, and the score 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Ramon Santiago doubled over the head of left fielder Delmon Young, who was playing shallow. Austin Jackson was walked by starting pitcher Nick Blackburn. After a visit by pitching coach Rick Anderson, Blackburn didn't quite settle down. He gave up a 3-run dinger to DH Johnny Damon.

That would be it for Blackburn, who gave up seven runs on seven hits in five innings pitched.

Twins woes continued even after Blackburn left. He gave way to lefty Brian Duensing who walked Cabrera, gave up a double to Brennan Boesch, and intentionally walked Brandon Inge to load the bases. But, Duensing managed to work his way out of the jam with an Avila fly ball.

Fast forwarding to the top of inning number nine with the score 7-4 Tigers, in came closer Jose 'Papa Grande' Valverde to shut down the game. He came into the game with a 0.95 ERA and will represent the Tigers and the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Valverde's first batter, Jim Thome, stuck out swinging on a 3-2 count. Jason Kubel, his second batter, also struck out swinging on a full count. With Cuddyer stepping up to the plate, the crowd rose to its feet. Valverde got Cuddyer to Inge who made a nice play to end the game, as he did Friday night.

The Tigers lead the series 2-0.

Before the game:
Miss USA 2010, Dearborn native Rima Fakih threw out the first pitch.
Fakih high-fives a friend after throwing out the first pitch

Comerica Park is a ballpark like no other

A sellout crowd of 41, 461 packed Comerica Park Saturday afternoon

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Friday, July 9, 2010

Cabrera extends hitting streak to 17 games

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

Miguel Cabrera continued his hitting streak on Friday night against the Minnesota Twins. Cabrera's lone hit of the night was an RBI single.

Cabrera getting ready to head to the plate

While Cabby's hitting streak remains, Austin Jackson's streak has ended. His 11-game hit streak was the longest by a club rookie since 2002 when Omar Infante hit safely in 12 straight games (Sept. 13-27-2002).

Jackson's hitting streak ends at 11

At Friday's games, along with postgame fireworks, the Tigers celebrated Elvis night. The second annual Elvis night saw performances by Elvis tribute artists as well as Elvis giveaways. Even Paws was dressed as Elvis!

One of the many Elvis tribute artists poses for In Play!

Paws, dressed as Elvis, is always gracious to fans

Magglio Ordonez fools around with In Play! Magazine.

This Tiger fan celebrates her 90th birthday at the ballpark

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Damon crushes one in the 11th!

By Justin Cousineau
In Play on Facebook

The Tigers held a 1-0 lead until things on the mound slipped from Galarraga. He went nearly seven innings pitched but gave up 10 hits, 3 earned runs and the lead for the Orioles.

Fans got their money's worth seeing a total of 30 hits in tonight's game and both teams made for a dramatic finish seeing the Tigers lose the lead in the 7th. But in the bottom of the ninth Johnny Damon leads off with a walk and then with one out Cabrera steps in and crushes one over the bull pen in left field and the Tigers are tied at five with the Orioles.

After a couple of extra innings Austin Jackson led off in the bottom of the 11th and reaches with a hard line drive up the middle. Then Damon steps in the batter's box and takes a couple of pitches before he drills one right over Nick Markakis' head.

Not only did Damon win the game for his team tonight, he also earned his 2,500th hit earlier as well.

With a struggling bull pen tonight and seeing numerous pitching changes on both sides, the Tigers kept their emotions aside and played hard baseball all the way through and picked up an eventful and wild win.

Galarraga Optioned to Toledo

In Play on Facebook

Following Tuesday night's game, the Tigers optioned the contract of righthanded pitcher Armando Galarraga to Triple A Toledo.


The club announced it will purchase the contract of righthanded pitcher Robbie Weinhardt from Toledo on Wednesday. Weinhardt will wear number 34 for the Tigers.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

TIGERS REINSTATE PERRY FROM DL, FIEN OPTIONED

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers today announced the club has recalled the injury rehabilitation assignment of righthanded pitcher Ryan Perry and reinstated him from the disabled list.


To create room on the club’s 25-man roster, the Tigers today optioned the contract of righthanded pitcher Casey Fien to Toledo.

Perry had been sidelined since June 7 with right shoulder bicipital tendinitis and in three outings with Toledo, he allowed an unearned run on one hit in 3.2 innings of work as he allowed four walks and fanned four batters.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Tigers activate Ryan Perry

By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook

Ryan Perry was activated from the 15-day DL Saturday. Perry last pitched with the Tigers on June 6 before being diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis is his pitching shoulder. A week ago, Perry began pitching with a rehab start with Triple-A Toledo. However, Perry encountered some struggles. His second rehab outing on Tuesday saw him throw just 16 of 36 pitches for strikes.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Friday, July 2, 2010

Tigers Recall Daniel Schlereth

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers today have recalled the contract of lefthanded pitcher Daniel Schlereth from Triple A Toledo.


Schlereth compiled a 1-2 record, 2.83 ERA (35.0IP/11ER) and 45 strikeouts in 28 outings with the Mud Hens this season. He is fourth among all International League relievers with 11.57 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

Schlereth will be in uniform tonight for Detroit's game versus Seattle and he will wear number 55.

Tigers Recall Daniel Schlereth

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers today have recalled the contract of lefthanded pitcher Daniel Schlereth from Triple A Toledo.

Schlereth compiled a 1-2 record, 2.83 ERA (35.0IP/11ER) and 45 strikeouts in 28 outings with the Mud Hens this season. He is fourth among all International League relievers with 11.57 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

Schlereth will be in uniform tonight for Detroit's game versus Seattle and he will wear number 55.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Minnesota takes the lead

By Justin Cousineau
In Play on Facebook

The Tigers opened up their series against the Minnesota Twins swinging. They scored four runs in the 1st inning and Jeremy Bonderman fought hard on the mound. They came up with the win took a .5 game lead over the division rival.

The rest of the series did not play out the same as they dropped the following two games and losing the lead falling 1.5 games behind. The month of June played out better than May for the Tigers but in order to contend this season they need more than 2 starters to pitch above .500.

Verlander and Galarraga were most dominate for their team, as well as Phil Coke and Brad Thomas picking up five wins for the Tigers.

Rick Porcello went 0-2 and posted a 9.36 ERA, Bonderman went 2-3 with a 5.08 ERA and his second win coming late in the month on Monday.

With Verlander pitching good baseball the rest of the rotation needs to pitch better in the month of July if they hope to stay close to the Twins. Unless Verlnder is pitching great, and one or two other are pitching good baseball the Tigers could find themselves in a hole this month.