1. With two outs and men at the corner in the 2nd inning, Avila drew a clutch walk. Understanding his role, Alex took until he got a strike which never came. He watched four very close pitches which all would have ended the inning had he swung. As it was, his walk loaded the bases which eventually led to four runs in the inning (consequently, Donnie Kelly also showed his intelligence when he swung at the first pitch after a trip to the mound and a pitcher who just threw four balls - a dead red fastball that he smacked for a double). In the 4th inning, Alex drew seven pitches before walking with two outs again. This didn't lead to any runs but was a productive at bat nonetheless. Avila is proving to be one of the few Tigers who grasps the importance of a good plate appearance. With a .228 batting average, you're not expected to drive balls to the gap with two outs. In every situation early in a game, you should be taking until you get a strike. If you can't regularly do damage with your bat, force the starting pitcher to work. All too often, the Tigers are hacking at the first and second pitch. This leads to nine-pitch innings and negates out biggest advantage which is pitting our bullpen against theirs. Only Damon and Cabrera have a higher spread between batting average and on-base percentage, demonstrating Alex's intelligent approach at the plate. With more experience, he has a real shot at being a legitimate threat in the lineup.
2. Michael Saunders has the largest strike zone in MLB. At 6'5" and 210 pounds, there is no wonder this guy has a .211 batting average. You can close your eyes and still throw a strike against this mongoloid. He needs to be setting picks and not swinging a stick. You sir, are a goon and I'm glad you're not on my team. Eat more protein at the training table.
3. The double play combination of Santiago and Guillen is starting to look legitimate. Our infield is delivering offensively and defensively which bodes well if they can stay healthy late into the season.
4. Dan Schlereth was called up to the Tigers tonight. Schlereth came over in the Granderson trade and is a left-handed reliever with above average stuff and below average control. He had a rough spring and start for the Mudhens but like all pitchers that spend time with A.J. Sager, has improved dramatically. He has only given up two hits in his last five appearances and batters are hitting .200 against him. With Fu Te Ni struggling, this kid might be just what the Tigers need. In addition, he traded his goatee for a fine mustache which will undoubtedly sell a lot of jerseys in Downriver. Dan's father Mark is in attendance this weekend and we are missing a golden opportunity to sign the former Pro Bowl guard with Lewand in the clink.
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