Send Message
Add Friend
Block User
All StarAs the Tigers shift their focus to the death pit known as the Metrodome the next three days, a different kind of black hole has developed for the club this decade. It's called the West Coast, in particular, Anaheim and Oakland. For some reason the Tigers have really struggled when heading out west since 2000. Including the first half of this season, the Tigers are 10-32 at the "Big A" and 15-29 at the Coliseum. That's a lot of losses. Granted, the Angels have had some really good teams this decade and the A's were not too shabby either in the Zito, Hudson and Mulder era, but the Tigers have been pretty competitive since 2006. Their record in those two parks since '06: 8-18
So why is it so difficult for teams from the midwest and east coast to win in California? Could be the time change. The grind of the schedule is difficult enough to deal with, but losing three hours is a tough adjustment for the body. Just when you get used to west coast time, you move on to the next city and time zone. One other theory that I have, and admittedly it might be a little out there, is that so many players are from California. When they roll into town, their friends and families are waiting, and that may be a bit of a distraction. Not a bad one, but a distraction nonetheless. I have seen many a player scurrying around the clubhouse trying to scrounge up extra tickets to accomodate everyone. Does this explain why the record is so bad out west? No, but it does play a role. I've seen it time and time again.
As for the next challenge, the Tigers have to find a way to get a win or two this weekend. The Twinkie Dome is only as tough as you make it. Yes, the Twins have sculpted their teams to fit this park and yes Ron Gardenhire is a terrific manager that knows how to use this field to his advantage, but the Tigers have Jackson and Porcello going in two games here. They need to forget the past.
By the way, the next time you are in San Francisco, make sure to stop and one of my favorite places on the road, the Buena Vista Cafe on the corner of Hyde and Beach. They are famous for their Irish Coffee.
Looks like a real dump. Heard a line tonight that topped them all. When Rod was talking about Verlander being excited to get a shot errr chance to meet the President. How can you make a flub like that when talking in the first inning. Aren't your topics rehearsed for at least the first inning? Even in the post game, the poor guy can't even think straight. "they went after Bloomquist all night with the breaking pitch and Zumaya comes in and throws a breaking ball errr I mean fastball." Is Rod a nervous wreck or just doesn't have enough experience dealing with the english language? Tigers seem to be stumbling along. Rodney giving up the bomb tonight should test the team but I just don't see them holding on unless they get another bat. Leyland in the post game was pleading for someone to put some excitement into the lineup. I'm concerned this season will eventually be a let down but its still exciting to be in first as July is here.
MarioandRodAreAwful11:38 PM EST