The Puppet Master pulled the right strings tonight. In an unconventional, but much needed move, Jim Leyland shook up the lineup in hopes of waking up this pathetic offense.
It worked. At least for today.
Leyland moved the first 7 batters up a spot and put the struggling Austin Jackson in the 8th slot. The revamped lineup scored 7 runs.
Importantly, Austin Jackson seemed comfortable hitting down in the lineup. He was on base 4 times with 2 hits and 2 walks.
The only Tiger not to reach base tonight was Prince Fielder.
Victor Martinez continues to rake with two more hits tonight and Alex Avila, although he didn’t get a hit, walked twice and got hit by a pitch.
It was nice to see Iggy chip in today with a hit, an RBI, and flashin serious leather.
Fister pitched well. He went 6 complete, allowed 1 run on 8 hits, struck out 7 and walked only 1. He turned it over to the pen, they got the job done, and the Tigers evened the 2013 ALCS at 2 games apiece.
Even with a 7 run lead, after Sunday’s disaster, the bull pen makes me nervous.
The one move I have to take exception with is bringing Benoit in for the 9th. Smyly retired the last two outs in 7th and got the Red Sox 1-2-3 in the 8th. He was, in a phrase, ‘”smokin balls”. I was hoping he’d come out for the 9th. But Jim Leyland didn’t agree with me.
Apparently, Jimmy was trying to give Benoit a chance to regain his confidence by bringing him in with a 5 run lead. In my humble opinion, this is not the time to worry about a player’s confidence, it’s time to win ball games. That being said, it worked out and the series is even. Kudos in Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
I’d like to extend a Happy Flashin Leather birthday to regular reader Al, who shares a Birthday with former Tiger Juan Gonzalez and FOX broadcaster, Tim McCarver.
Sanchez against Lester tomorrow.
“God I love baseball.” -Roy Hobbs | The Natural
Flashin' Leather 
Looks like I picked the wrong game to attend last night…. It was good to see the hitters much more patient today. They have literally been getting themselves out by swinging at non-strikes.
But once again the Tigers starting pitcher was absolutely dealing. They probably thought they were getting a break with Fister on the mound today, but they got more of the same. Not no-hitter same, but still virtually no runs. You think we’re pissed about our hitting, imagine what they’re saying in Boston. I love it!
If JL is reading this blog, and he must be because all the lineup suggestions have been made by Chris, and a few readers. I have another two suggestions:
1. It’s time to remove Fielder from the lineup. Put VMart at 1st, DH Miggy, and play DK or Santiago at 3rd. Fielder is completely useless and is nothing more than a clog in the middle of the batting order. Of course most are not hitting, but Fielders at-bats are not professional. If not removing him, then please put him 7th or lower.
2. In these 4-run or 6-run leads please bring in Porcello to finish the game. What is the point of expending 3 pitchers to get through one inning with a six run lead? Instead of bringing Ricky when the bases are loaded with no outs, and the game on the line, bring him in to a situation that is more familiar to him.
I still like our chances, and I fully expect them to hit Lester tomorrow.
P.S. I wonder how they can get rid of Fielder? Maybe just buy him out for $50M and let him sign elsewhere? I don’t think I can handle watching him for 7 more years. In fact I know I can’t.
Sark, I agree completely with sitting Fielder. Not only is he not hitting, he can’t play defense either. It is going to be next to impossible to move him though. I’m so disappointed. I really like him, but HE BLOWS!
Second, I agree again with bringing in Porcello. Especially in a game like tonight’s. But I really don’t understand the move to take Smyly out. He showed not signs of trouble.
Bullpen management is not one of Leyland’s strengths. He always manages like he is protecting a one or two-run lead.
Nice to see runs on the board. Should build confidence and comfort among the players. But I don’t want to lose sight of the key to the five run second inning. Lets not forget we got help from some wildness of Peavy. After the bases loaded walk and only one out, It was Iglaesias’s speed that prevented the inning ending double play. I know the ball was botched but he was still barely safe. No one else on our team would have been safe. And after Tori’s double I don’t believe anyone other than Iglaesias would have scored from first. Could have been a 0 or 1 run inning otherwise and who knows how the rest of the game would have played out.
Agree we did not hit the cover off the ball, except for a couple of doubles. Hitting or not, our chances tonight (or tomorrow depending on the rain) will go up greatly if we can keep Ellsbury off the bases. Similar to Coco in the prior series. He is capable of doing serious damage if we’re not careful. All it takes is one hot bat.