What is it about playing in Kansas City. They’re one of the worst teams in the entire league, yet we can’t manage to win a series out there.

A great pitching performance went to waste last night, as Mike Maroth threw a gem. He had a career high eight strikeouts, and gave up only six hits. Unfortunately, Joe Randa crossed the plate, and that was all the Royals needed.

The loss takes them down to eleven games below .500. I can’t recollect, and I don’t really have the time to check, but I think this is the farthest they’ve been to .500 all season. Maybe they can win 2 of 3 against the Devil Rays this weekend and change that.

The Red Sox continue their run, and now stand with a nice comfortable 3 1/2 game lead in the Wild Card standings. They also stand the same 3 1/2 games back of the division leading Yankees. It’s not in the bag, but both of these teams look like they’ll make the playoffs.

In the NL, it’s a little less clear. Five teams are seperated by three games, and even the Astros are back in the mix. Both they and Chicago could be tough playoff opponents once you get down to a shortened rotation.

Permalink | Posted in 2004 Tigers

Kind of typical for sports teams around here. The Tigers clawed their way back up to around .500, and now they’ve dropped two in a row to one of the worst teams in baseball (record wise), the Royals. All this despite outhitting them 12-10.

One of the many surprises, but possibly the biggest, is Alex Sanchez. He again had a good game yesterday, going three for five. I am an OBP advocate, and Sanchez still isn’t drawing many walks. But in his defense, that bunt he has might actually make up for it. If someone has numbers on how effective that is when he does (bunting for a hit) and they’d be willing to share them with me, I’d appreciate it. But if it’s more then 40%, then I’ll take those odds. Bunt for the hit instead of going for the walk.

But his average is up to .361, and he’s had multihit games in five of the last six games.

The Tigers go this afternoon. Hopefully they avoid the sweep.

And for the people who wrote me about writing for the site, I’m still having problems with my email. Basically I can read email, but can’t send any. I did get one out yesterday, but it’s back to crashing IE, which I think is the problem. Thank you for your patience.

Permalink | Posted in 2004 Tigers