GDT - Tigers @ Indians 7/4/05 (Game 2)

This is Justin Verlander's first-ever start. It's his first-ever appearance in MLB. The original is found here. This thread contains both threads from 7/4. The thread for game 2 starts on post 33.

From: tigerfanfromchicago 7/4/2005 7:07 pm
To: ALL (33 of 44)
15817.33 in reply to 15817.32

Come on everybody. We're not going to win the division, and we probably won't get the wildcard, but it's not the end of the world. If we can get up to .500 by the end of the year, the playoffs will be in reach next year. We are only half way through the season. If you want to be a fairweather fan, go cheer on the White Sox. If you would rather be a true fan, keep following the Tigers.

It's time for game two. Verlander vs. Davis.

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From: michwolverine 7/4/2005 7:25 pm
To: tigerfanfromchicago (34 of 44)
15817.34 in reply to 15817.33
I wish I could see this game since Verlander's throwing but have to settle for GameCast instead. Could someone fill me on what type of pitches he's relying on tonight?

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From: fraquar 7/4/2005 7:26 pm
To: tigerfanfromchicago (35 of 44)
15817.35 in reply to 15817.33

A true fan has already seen enough of this team to accurately guage thier chances for the rest of the season - and they have seen little to no improvement in the fundamental breakdowns that have led this team to underperform. Maggs will be unable to make a significant impact because there are so many undisciplined hitters behind him pitchers will just walk Maggs and take their chances with the free swingers. Don't be suprised to see Maggs pass all but Inge in the walk totals by early August. If he stays healthy for the remainder of the season he may even pass Inge by season's end.

Unless a series of drastic measures are taken in the next 3-4 weeks (highly unlikely and I mean drastic with a capital D) it will be business as usual for the Tigers till the end of the season.

It is a shame because by and large the Pitching (which has always been seen as the Achilles Heel of this team) has performed to a playoff caliber level in the first half. It's a shame it has been squandered.

Now if blind hope is what your asking for, I have no patience for that. When I pray it is about much more important things than whether the Tigers can ever right the ship. I'll be back in the off-season to re-evaluate the 2006 Tigers and see if any REAL progress has been made. Hopefully 2003 will be so distant by then that people will stop trying to guage this teams progress against the worst season in ML history and instead measure it against more recent developments (or lack thereof).

Added: BTW it is not looking good for the youngster Verlander as they are showing him no mercy early - everthing they are hitting is HARD. (2-0 Tribe bottom of the first)

Edited 7/4/2005 7:30 pm ET by fraquar

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From: ktpinnacle 7/4/2005 8:48 pm
To: ALL (36 of 44)
15817.36 in reply to 15817.35
Young found a way to get on - I think he stuck his head in the way of a pitch!

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From: joemac1960 7/4/2005 9:24 pm
To: ktpinnacle (37 of 44)
15817.37 in reply to 15817.36
Prediction...Rodney chokes.

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From: joemac1960 7/4/2005 9:28 pm
To: joemac1960 (38 of 44)
15817.38 in reply to 15817.37
Glad I'm wrong. Six outs, need 4 runs. GO TIGERS.

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From: ktpinnacle 7/4/2005 9:44 pm
To: joemac1960 unread (39 of 44)
15817.39 in reply to 15817.38

Sure - 2 out - time for an INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN!!!!

Did Nook let a routine ground ball go under his glove again? How does this happen!?!?!?!

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From: joemac1960 7/4/2005 9:45 pm
To: joemac1960 unread (40 of 44)
15817.40 in reply to 15817.38
Guess you've all gone to sleep. A couple of cappers to the game. Inside the park homer...it just doesnt get any more embarrassing. Then ofcourse Hafner explodes off Rodney.


From: ktpinnacle 7/4/2005 9:46 pm
To: ktpinnacle (41 of 44)
15817.41 in reply to 15817.39

Now Hafner?!?!?!?

This is b#llsh!t.

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From: ktpinnacle 7/4/2005 9:49 pm
To: joemac1960 unread (42 of 44)
15817.42 in reply to 15817.37
You just didn't give Rodney enough time!

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From: pronk45hrs 7/4/2005 10:17 pm
To: ktpinnacle (43 of 44)
15817.43 in reply to 15817.42

wow!!!...
My hafner really pounded u guys tonight...i cant believe he didnt get onto the all star team...

no offense but i think u guys r done this season...white sox most likely got thedivision, unless my tribe continues playing like this for the rst of the season....but i thnik the tribes got the wild carg this year...ABOUT D@MN TIME

GO TRIBE!!!
and good luck next year tigers

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From: fraquar 7/4/2005 10:33 pm
To: pronk45hrs unread (44 of 44)
15817.44 in reply to 15817.43

Your fans should demand a refund for the trash the Tigers displayed on the field today. Outside of Verlander's gutty debut, we stunk to high heaven.

I can't speak for all Tiger fans, but I do appologize for this disgraceful performance today.

I've been telling fellow board members that the Indians smell blood in the water, and that you guys will bury us and put us 10 games back by Wednesday.

Good luck on the rest of your season, this series just confirms that we will be waiting "till next year" again. Time to jump on the Lion bandwagon, Go Lions! and what the hey, Go Browns!