First game: Today at 1:05 pm

What's the weather like up there? Will :we: be playing today?

Currently: Detroit, MI
Temp: 42° F


Texas (3-0) at Detroit (1-3)

Game info: 1:05 pm EDT
Fri Apr 10, 2009
TV: FSH, FSD

By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO, STATS Writer
14 hours, 17 minutes ago

The Texas Rangers are off to their best start in 13 years, when they won the first of the only three division titles in franchise history.

They hope Kris Benson, who hasn’t pitched in the majors for more than 2 1/2 years, can help them remain the AL’s only unbeaten team Friday night when they open a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers.

The Rangers (3-0) are coming off Thursday’s 12-8 win over Cleveland, completing a series sweep. Texas last opened with three consecutive wins in 1996 when it started 7-0 and went on to win the AL West, something it has not accomplished since 1999.

The Rangers, who join Florida as the only teams yet to lose in 2009, swept a series only once last season—at Kansas City in August.

“You couldn’t be more excited right now coming off this first series, playing with energy and passion,” Rangers right-hander Brandon McCarthy said after earning a win Thursday. “The team chemistry in here is second to none, and right now it’s a special team to be part of.”

Texas now gives the ball to Benson, who hasn’t thrown a pitch in the majors since Sept. 27, 2006, with Baltimore.

The Rangers signed the oft-injured Benson to a minor-league contract in the hopes that he could add some depth to the rotation.

The right-hander, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft by Pittsburgh, missed 2007 after having surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff. He went 1-4 with a 5.52 ERA in 11 starts last year for Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate, before the Phillies released him Aug. 30.

Benson has a career record of 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA in 195 games over eight seasons with the Pirates, Orioles and New York Mets.

“I paid my dues last year,” Benson said. “I have nothing in the back of my mind that says I’m going to go to the minor leagues. I just want to get to the big leagues and back to the way I was before the surgery.

“It’s been so long since my shoulder has been feeling this good. I’ve put in a lot of hard work the last two years just to get to this point, especially over the last three months leading up to spring training.”

Benson proved his shoulder could hold up through five spring training games, going 2-0 with a 4.76 ERA to win a spot in the rotation.

“He’s a veteran pitcher,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He’s had some success. We’re going to take a chance on him, put him in the mix and see what happens. He’s healthy and ready to go.”

Benson’s last win came against the Tigers (1-3) on Sept. 21, 2006, when he allowed three runs and eight hits in eight innings of a 4-3 victory. He’s 2-1 with a 2.38 ERA in three career starts against them.

Texas, though, went 3-6 against Detroit last season, and has dropped five in a row at Comerica Park since winning there on Sept. 11, 2007.

The Tigers turn to Armando Galarraga (13-7, 3.73 ERA) in their home opener, as they attempt to rebound from Thursday’s 6-2 defeat at Toronto.

Galarraga emerged as Detroit’s most reliable starter last season as a rookie following his acquisition from Texas in February 2008. The right-hander led the Tigers in wins while posting the lowest ERA of any member of the rotation.

He also won his only start against his former club on Aug. 19, giving up three runs and six hits with five strikeouts in six innings of an 11-3 victory.

Brandon Inge went 0-for-3 with a walk Thursday after going 4-for-11 with three homers and four RBIs in the first three games. The third baseman went 3-for-9 with a homer and three RBIs in three home games against Texas last year.

Wow, Kris Benson. I haven't heard that name in a long time.

I wonder if Anna will be there?

Texas, for all their pitching woes, can flat out hit. Probably the most prolific offense in baseall today (even better than the Yankees, IMO).

Guaranteed to lead the league in runs scored come September.

ITs too fuCKiNg eraly for that fucKced upS FUCkn sonG

Days 'til May 1: 20.

<--Gameday Avatar

Solid.

http://byroncrawford.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/annabenson.jpg

^ Thats not cleavage, thats a valley or something

Saginaw Valley?

More like San Joaquin Valley. Saginaw Valley isn't that big.

I know, but it was a play on words.

Bases juiced

Set on the curve Carlos

double play

CG is a good 2 strike hitter

Carlos will score 1 somehow

I hope so, Tahoe.

That'll do alright. Let's try and get more.

double play

Carlos will score 1 somehow

and Tahoe wins

Not what we were looking for, but I'll take it.

Larish cracks me up. He's like a statute up there. Move around a lil bit.

Me no likie Everett or Larish so far this year.

No shit, he looks so amateur.

gotta come away with more than one there

Hold on to the best times
THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS Time

Man, that Comersh isn't quite as bas as April in the D, but its trying.

give it about 50 more plays

gotta come away with more than one there

Yep, can't waste another good outing by one of our starters. That Jackson game hurt.

Ya know with Bonderman, Cornejo, JV and a couple of other young pitchers a few years ago, who'd a thunk it that Jackson and Galaraga might be the best pitchers on the staff this year.

What, guys that throw strikes? Who woulda thunk?

Everett FINALLY contributes something.

Also, I like your who woudla thunk thing better

What the hell was Cruz looking at?

There you go Grandy!

A gapper would be great right here

Actually, we don't need a gapper with Grandy at 2nd.

FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING BITCH BENSON

Benson is a pos

Cmon Maggs! Let's get your RBIs a rollin.

Benson won't come to the plate but he can throw at players.

OH BABY

FUck yeah Miggy! Manbeast!

GRAND SLAM BITCHES

He's a frickin Beast!

hell yes

I don't even remember who we traded to get him, but it was worth it. Even if D Willis ends up on the scrap heap.

That was sweet. Hopefully our bullpen can hold this lead!

I'm going to send my brains to the wall. That did just happen, right? Not my imagination?

Basically it was Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller for Miggy and Willis.

I don't know how those 2 are doing, but I'm likin Miggy on our team.

Same here.

I can't believe those bitches just sang April in the D.

Keep it up Galarraga! bad ass mofo

I'm going to send my brains to the wall. That did just happen, right? Not my imagination?

You mean what those chicks just did? I won't get more specific than that.

What? Wait...

Larish hits when shit don't matter.

Well, maybe it will matter later when our bullpen gets in.

Keep it up boys. Get this win and then, with one more, we're back at .500.

over 9.5 please

I'd like to see Perry for a longer stretch today, but they say the Tigs might be grooming him for a closer, so I don't know if he'll get long stretches.

It's nice to know that I am safe from AITD whilst listening to the game on the radio, but Jim Price is basically the radio equivalent, IMO.

over 9.5 please

Alpacas > Tigs for Gl'enn

BOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Wanting them to win 10-0 doesn't make me anti-Tigers, sucka

Baseball snuggy....Oh for Chris sake! Get back to the game.

Wanting them to win 10-0 doesn't make me anti-Tigers, sucka

I'll know the Tigs have a shot when you buy in to the team. Thats not a knock on you, btw.

Everytime they check the range of the pitch speeds, Rod says it's pretty good, followed by no analysis. I don't think he really knows what to say when that comes up.

Elvis is in the building, I see.

Friggin Everett...just going for a jog to center field to keep warm or something

81 pitches DrRay

Thanks 'hoe.

Let's get through this Armando, bear down now.

Hey Detroit, it's getting better.

Thanks for reminding me to put on mute, Mud Glenn.

So should that be it for Galaraga?

86 pitches.

If he feels good, I'd probably let him go one more.

He only needs to go once a week and there's no need to tax the bully if he still feels strong.

Worst case, let him come back out and continue until a runner gets on and then if you have to go get him he'll get to hear the crowd.

No clue. But here's something to chew on til we find out.

http://djchaos.com/wp-content/random-image-girls/hot-girl%20%2861%29.jpg

That's cogent.

Holyshit, who's this guy?

Looks like a toad.

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players_l/20090407/8286.jpg?

"Panama" by Van Halen on the radio bump

That's Warner Madrigal, resident toadman.

CHick on the right....I like it when a chick moves her engagement ring to a different finger. To me it means, I was fuckin somene, but we broke up and am looking to start fucking someone else.

You odds go up, is all I'm trying to say.

I wouldn't have guessed "Warner", that's for sure.

I like the pic you posted better anyways.

I've got to give PotG to Armando over Miguel. Sorry Miguel!

Some interesting stuff here to read in between innings.


Opening Day observations, tidbits, rumors and complaints

Posted 4/10/2009 2:51 PM EDT on crainsdetroit.com

The bums are panhandling, the dirty pigeons are annoying, the street saxophonists are wailing, the drunks are obnoxious and the sun is out on a not-too-chilly April afternoon.

Must be Opening Day at sold-out Comerica Park, where the Old English D was on proud display by teeming throngs of the Detroit Tigers faithful.

Enough with the Grantland Rice purple prose and onto some random observations from Opening Day:

~ The feel-good Detroit 3 marketing story — Tigers owner Mike Ilitch donating the outfield fountain area as gratis advertising for all three local automakers after General Motors said it wouldn’t re-up for the $2 million spot — has an interesting subplot. The GM logo is clearly larger than that of Ford and Chrysler. Hmm. Of course, the words “General Motors” take up more space, but they take up a LOT more space.

~ Other than the scaled down outfield fountain display, there didn’t seem to be any less advertising at the stadium. No significant amount of space exists at Comerica that’s devoid of advertising except the concourse floor and the outfield grass … for now.

~ I’m waiting to hear back from management on how the team is doing today on corporate suite occupancy and revenue compared to Opening Day 2008.

~ The most popular items at the merchandise shops were commemorative baseballs, sweaters and hoodies — the last two because it’s 50 degrees outside, a clerk said. No one had bought the $23 bobblehead of the dearly departed Gary Sheffield. If it come with a selection of his best quotes-that-make-management-squirm, I might have bought it. I ended up on a quixotic quest to find my girlfriend some tiger ears that she’s wanted for two years, but they’re either not yet in or not on the merchandise list this year. They’ve got every other Tigers themed imaginable gimcrack, gewgaw and tchochki, but not the one I need. Figures.

~ It’s $40 to park at the Gem garage next to the ballpark? Really? $40? Some examples of supply and demand economics are immune to global fiscal meltdowns.

~ There were at least four small airplanes towing banners above the park, including a large airborne placard for the Playhouse, a gentleman’s club near Detroit Metro. Do the owners think that’s the best way to get the word out, or would no one else touch such advertising?

~ Bums 1, firefighters 0: Firefighters on Brush Street were out in force doing their “boot” campaign to raise money for muscular dystrophy. They had to compete with the panhandlers, who appeared to be doing a far more brisk business judging by their full cups of change. It was a good lesson in literal street-level marketing economics: If you set up farther from the stadium, you can panhandle the crowds as they filter in. If you’re near the ballpark, like the firefighters, then more people have given up their loose change.

~ Celebrity sighting: Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano being hustled into the elevator lobby before I could ask him about Oakland County’s Brooks Patterson saying yesterday he won’t run for governor. Speculation is that Ficano will run, so I’d like to know what he thinks of his powerful political nemesis taking his hat out of the ring.

~ Press box report: It was full of sports writers. ‘Nuff said.

~ Priceless moment of the day: Crain’s multimedia reporter Nate Skid determined to hit 60 mph on the pitching radar gun. His speeds: 46, 47, 53, 51 mph. But if the Tigers repeat last season’s performance, he may end up pitching middle relief.

~ The Hebrew National dogs are still outstanding, the bun-length kielbasas are good and the fresh-squeezed lemonade (once the woman behind the counter figured out how to work the machine) was a delight. And all for just $19!

~ When I got to my desk after walking back from Comerica, the Tigers were obliterating the Texas Rangers 8-0 on thanks to a Miguel Cabrera grand slam in the fourth inning. After watching the Rangers sweep my beloved Cleveland Indians to start the season, it's nice to see Detroit put the hurt on 'em.

97 pitches, that's probably it.

Set down Kid!

I was on the phone...is AG still pitching? I guess I can go find that on the internets somewhere.

"we" need another run to top this bizzotch off.

There WILL be at least 1 more run scored.

MUST KILL THE TOAD

Tigers on the prowl again

Wizzle, why do you have to be so negative?

I wish Bill Cowher was our Mgr. He'd light that ump up for no good reason.

VICTORY!!!

wait

Take your ticket reciept to any Alpaca farm for 1 free Alpaca and coke.

SUCK IT, TOAD

I could go for about 9 straight singles. That would be fun.

Wizzle, why do you have to be so negative?

what a Mom guy comment by gusman

wow, how many tickets to ride this carousel?

Its Walter Sharpe time

Alright boys!
we're getting shut out the next two games, aren't we...

Look at this gangsta...

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players_l/20090407/7671.jpg?

things that are ballin'

His hat today is a rag. Its giving Rod and Mario plenty to talk about.

Jesus Christ, Miggy.

Inches from a dinger?

^ Rod just confirmed that for me.

Thanks Rod!

Was it still rising when it hit the fence, Rod?

If a team called that had a SS, that could hit, to trade and they said they wanted Ordonez, would you do it?

I'd like to see Perry for a longer stretch today, but they say the Tigs might be grooming him for a closer, so I don't know if he'll get long stretches.

Could this game get any better?

^^I don't know, it totally depends on the player. If the player is great defensively also, I'd have to consider it... Is Clevlen gone then? He and Anderson would ideally platoon in right/left... Interesting thought, though.

Well, Perry looked a little wild today.

Phone won't stop ringing all of the sudden...I'm missing some of the game.

Eh, it's settled down considerably.

A good competitive baseball team makes summers sooooooooooooo much better, agree?

No doubt.

This could only happen here, I would say.

Game notes
Detroit closer Brandon Lyon, who blew a save in Toronto, was booed when he was introduced before the game. ... Hall of Famers Ernie Harwell and Al Kaline and George Kell's grandson raised a flag with Kell's initials before the game to salute the Hall of Fame third baseman and longtime broadcaster, who died during the offseason. ... Kid Rock sang "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."

LOL @ the Lyon bit. He is currently the difference between a winning and losing record... ;)

Let's see if Verlander decides to come out of his two year funk today. It's funny that he's the pitcher with the biggest question mark in our rotation.

Everett with 2 ribs and a nifty .200 average.

JV was wild again but it was good to see him bear down and get some outs. He used way too many pitches though.

This guy is pitching right now for the Rangers:
http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players_l/20090407/7571.jpg?x=65&y=85&xc=1&yc=1&wc=164&hc=215&q=100&sig=RpykZJVRRjeYv82NRuGGKQ--
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7571

I WANT THE TOAD

Rodney appears to be healthy again.

Saw Rodney blowing by people at the end of the game. It was great to see. We'll see if he can figure out how to do that more often.

Hamilton(?) hit a dinger in the 1st, but Jackson has settled down and pitched pretty well since then.

2-0 bad guys

Looks like Eddy lost his mojo.

Thats just Carlos being Carlos.

4-4 Tigs winning

The Toad!

6-4 Tigs

Inge with 3rbis in the inning

we killed the toad! Way to go Brandon.

I was snoozing until Placido's double woke me up. Here's hoping we can pull this one out for the win.

Where's the pic?

Where's the Brandon Inge blossoming thread?

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/entries/images/77/87/633576/original_image.gif?1233704953

So should we get back on the bandwagon?