2011 AL Central Thread

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers win, pull 3 games ahead of Cleveland. Chicago and Minnesota also lose.

[AshevilleApp2]

Thanks Gil!

[Gil Dobie]

Tiger open a 4 game lead as the Tribe and Pale Hosers lose.

With Penny pitching today, a win is questionable for Detroit, right now I have more faith in any other pitcher on the staff

[PaladinFan]

Better late than never!

[darell1976]

Cleveland needs to start playing like they did in April. GO TRIBE!!!!

[Gil Dobie]

Cleveland needs to start playing like they did in April. GO TRIBE!!!!

I like Hafner because he's from North Dakota.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tiger open a 4 game lead as the Tribe and Pale Hosers lose.

With Penny pitching today, a win is questionable for Detroit, right now I have more faith in any other pitcher on the staff

Texas is a good team, so a win would be questionable with any pitcher. Penny has had some rough starts this season, but he's also lost some games due to a lack of run support. I agree that he may be the weakest link in the starting rotation right now, if Fister's outing last night is any indication. But I think that reflects more on how strong Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello have been lately.

[AshevilleApp2]

Cleveland needs to start playing like they did in April. GO TRIBE!!!!

Cleveland has a great opportunity next week hosting the Tigers for three games. And from what I can tell, they won't have to face Verlander or Scherzer.

[darell1976]

Cleveland has a great opportunity next week hosting the Tigers for three games. And from what I can tell, they won't have to face Verlander or Scherzer.

Even if Cleveland doesn't win the central they are one of the surprising teams of baseball. They were picked towards the bottom with KC now they are challenging Detriot for a title, I think this club is back on the right track. Now if we can get the team to play like they did in the mid to late 90's.

[darell1976]

I like Hafner because he's from North Dakota.

I saw his billboard 2 weeks ago outside Sykeston that says Welcome To Sykeston home of Cleveland Indians Travis Hafner. His parents have a huge farm there that says Hafner Farms.

[AshevilleApp2]

Even if Cleveland doesn't win the central they are one of the surprising teams of baseball. They were picked towards the bottom with KC now they are challenging Detriot for a title, I think this club is back on the right track. Now if we can get the team to play like they did in the mid to late 90's.

I agree it's good to see Cleveland back in the mix. As a Detroit fan I find myself also pulling for other rust belt teams. Cleveland has a good fan base and a cool stadium.

[darell1976]

I agree it's good to see Cleveland back in the mix. As a Detroit fan I find myself also pulling for other rust belt teams. Cleveland has a good fan base and a cool stadium.

I think with the exception of KC the Central is hard to pick a champion. The AL East its always Red Sox and Yankees.

[AshevilleApp2]

I think with the exception of KC the Central is hard to pick a champion. The AL East its always Red Sox and Yankees.

I think the Central is still a four team race. Minnesota and Chicago have underperformed so far. But the Twins have a tendency to finish strong, and Chicago has a lot of talent. I'm hoping the Tigers have enough to win this year, but I've learned not to believe until it's a fact. And I think that KC will be good within a couple of years.

[Gil Dobie]

Texas is a good team, so a win would be questionable with any pitcher. Penny has had some rough starts this season, but he's also lost some games due to a lack of run support. I agree that he may be the weakest link in the starting rotation right now, if Fister's outing last night is any indication. But I think that reflects more on how strong Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello have been lately.

Tigers lose today, with Penny giving up all 5 runs.

[Gil Dobie]

Thome gets #598, Twins lose, Sox lose, but the Tribe win and gain a game.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers lose today, with Penny giving up all 5 runs.

Yeah. Like I said he's struggling in some games. He also got only two runs in support.

[Gil Dobie]

Yeah. Like I said he's struggling in some games. He also got only two runs in support.

Tigers are still 6-2 against Texas this season, both losses to Ogando.

[darell1976]

Cleveland got a huge win against the Red Sux....only 3 back of the Tigers.........Cleveland @ Texas, Detriot @ KC, and Chicago @ Minnesota. Should be an exciting weekend for baseball.

Det 59-52 0.0
Cle 55-54 3.0
CWS 52-58 6.5
Min 51-60 8.0
KC 48-63 11.0

[Gil Dobie]

Detroit and White Sox win, Tigers up by 4 again as Cleveland loses a close one to Texas.

Verlander going today for the Tigers.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 16 win, as Cleveland and Chicago also win

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers and Indians lose. Chicago beats Minnesota.

Big series starting tomorrow in Cleveland. BTW I just checked the season schedule and the Tigers play the Indians 12 more times this year. They have 33 games within the division from here on out.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers and Indians lose. Chicago beats Minnesota.

Big series starting tomorrow in Cleveland. BTW I just checked the season schedule and the Tigers play the Indians 12 more times this year. They have 33 games within the division from here on out.

Hoping for a great finish for the Tigers

[darell1976]

GO TRIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AshevilleApp2]

Hoping for a great finish for the Tigers

Yup

[Gil Dobie]

Twins radio talk shows are getting pretty nasty. Calling out everyone from the GM to the last player on the bench. Turning into a biatchfest.

[AshevilleApp2]

Twins radio talk shows are getting pretty nasty. Calling out everyone from the GM to the last player on the bench. Turning into a biatchfest.

Twins have had a lot of injuries this year, correct? I would think that has a lot to do with the struggles. I have to say though, that they did look pretty bad this past weekend against Chicago.

Did the Twins make any moves before July 31st?

[Gil Dobie]

Twins have had a lot of injuries this year, correct? I would think that has a lot to do with the struggles. I have to say though, that they did look pretty bad this past weekend against Chicago.

Did the Twins make any moves before July 31st?

They had a lot of injuries. Lots of complaints about the GM not making any moves, making bad moves, etc. Pitching has been bad, Mauer Overpaid, etc. Pretty funny to listen to.

[Gil Dobie]

White Sox still creeping up, Twins still falling down after last evening.

[AshevilleApp2]

Somebody needs to cool Chicago off, they've been playing very well lately.

[AshevilleApp2]

Big win for Cleveland last night. Great defensive plays by both teams. Hopefully the Bengals can bounce back tonight.

[Gil Dobie]

White Sox gain again..............

[darell1976]

Big win for Cleveland last night. Great defensive plays by both teams. Hopefully the Bengals can bounce back tonight.

Very big win for the Tribe. Funny how it was won on a HBP. But its the final score that counts. Cleveland now only 3 back of Detriot.

[Gil Dobie]

Twins get nailed the next week or so, Cle (3), Det (3), NYY (3)

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers riding a 12 game losing streak at Progressive field. xsmhx

[ngineer]

Although I'm a National League guy and Phillies fan, I'm enjoying the battle in this division. I lived in DeeeTroyt for three years and adopted them as my "AL" team and still have my Tigers cap from 1975. While pulling for the Tigers, I wouldn't mind the Indians or White Sox winning it (can't see the Twins making that big a rally). Of course, whoever survives will have my prayers (;-)

[Gil Dobie]

Twins beat the Roid Sox, Chicago finally loses, but Cleveland defeats Detroit and move closer

[Gil Dobie]

Hopefully Verlander can stop Cleveland today.

[darell1976]

Only 2 back....GO TRIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AshevilleApp2]

Hopefully Verlander can stop Cleveland today.

Amen. I guess I lost count, but I thought that Penny was pitching today. Glad I'm wrong.

[AshevilleApp2]

Although I'm a National League guy and Phillies fan, I'm enjoying the battle in this division. I lived in DeeeTroyt for three years and adopted them as my "AL" team and still have my Tigers cap from 1975. While pulling for the Tigers, I wouldn't mind the Indians or White Sox winning it (can't see the Twins making that big a rally). Of course, whoever survives will have my prayers (;-)

The Tigers need all the fans they can get, even a National League guy. xthumbsupx So you lived in Detroit during the Mark "The Bird" Fidrych era? My family moved from Detroit to NC in 1973. But I was back visiting in 1977 and caught him pitching against, and beating, the Reggie Jackson led Yankees, 2-1. The game was also televised on the old Monday Night Baseball.

[darell1976]

The game tonight is on the MLB network (213 on Directv) at 6pm Central time!!

[AshevilleApp2]

The game tonight is on the MLB network (213 on Directv) at 6pm Central time!!

Two out of three games in one series on MLB! And it's not the Yankees vs Sawx.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 17th win tonight defeating Cleveland 4-3.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 17th win tonight defeating Cleveland 4-3.

The win was also Verlanders 100th career win.

[AshevilleApp2]

The win was also Verlanders 100th career win.

And Valverde set a Tiger record for consecutive saves. Now they need to get Martinez and Boesch healthy in a hurry.

[darell1976]

Indians only 3 back with a date with the Twins at Progressive this weekend.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers lead down to 2.5 games

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers lead down to 2.5 games

Guillen back on the DL. Big series with the Twins starting tonight.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers pickup Delmon Young from the Twinkies, he's reportedly batting 3rd tonight.

Tigers gave up a Minor League Pitcher and the Player to be named later.

[Gil Dobie]

Delmon gets a dinger for the Tigers in his first At Bat. Game tied at 3

[Gil Dobie]

Jim Thome gets #599, Twins up 5-3

[darell1976]

Twins win 9-6. Cleveland now just 2 back of Detriot....Thank you Minnesota!!! Tomorrow Cleveland @ White Sox.

[PaladinFan]

Cleveland fans. Serious question.

How on earth could the Indians (as bad as they've been the past few years and given the number of injuries to key outfielders) not find a spot on the 40 man roster for Jose Constanza? The Braves picked him up and he has been an absolute terror on opposing pitching both at the plate and on the bases.

[darell1976]

Cleveland fans. Serious question.

How on earth could the Indians (as bad as they've been the past few years and given the number of injuries to key outfielders) not find a spot on the 40 man roster for Jose Constanza? The Braves picked him up and he has been an absolute terror on opposing pitching both at the plate and on the bases.

I never heard of him, so I don't know.

[PaladinFan]

I never heard of him, so I don't know.

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/08/11/constanzas-bat-licking-hot-hitting-and-grotesque-knuckle/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog

Speedy Dominican outfielder that spent six years in the Cleveland system, making it to AAA. Braves signed him as a minor league free agent, called him up three weeks ago, and he's gone on to hit .414 in his first 16 games as a big leaguer. That is to say, the only major leaguer that has been a better hitter this August is Dan Uggla.

I was curious as to whether any Indians fans could identify why he never got a shot in Cleveland. He hit over .270 his last few years in Cleveland's system, and has hit over .300 over the past two years in AAA.

[bodoyle]

Twins win 9-6. Cleveland now just 2 back of Detriot....Thank you Minnesota!!! Tomorrow Cleveland @ White Sox.

My Sox need to take atleast 2/3 from the Tribe. Unfortunately we are Jekyll and Hyde this year. Playing much better on the road than at home.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 18th win and goes over 200 K's for the season, Tribe and Sox still battling it out.

[AshevilleApp2]

Verlander gets his 18th win and goes over 200 K's for the season, Tribe and Sox still battling it out.

The rest of the starting staff needs to step it up soon. They've been inconsistent of late.

[darell1976]

Tribe 3 back after Sox win in 14.

[Gil Dobie]

Big weekend series in Detroit with Cleveland coming to town 2 games down. Sox play Texas.

[AshevilleApp2]

Big weekend series in Detroit with Cleveland coming to town 2 games down. Sox play Texas.

Time for the starters not named Verlander to step up. I saw a stat this morning that seems crazy. Cleveland plays 45 games in the next 44 days.

[darell1976]

Time for the starters not named Verlander to step up. I saw a stat this morning that seems crazy. Cleveland plays 45 games in the next 44 days.

Do or die for the Tigers and Tribe. Only 1 1/2 games separate them. Playoffs are coming up and its either division title or nothing as the wild card will go out east.

[AshevilleApp2]

Do or die for the Tigers and Tribe. Only 1 1/2 games separate them. Playoffs are coming up and its either division title or nothing as the wild card will go out east.

It's definitely a big series, but the teams play six more times after this weekend, including the last series of the season. I'm not ready to write Chicago off just yet either.

I have to say that I'm really impressed how Cleveland is hanging tough. There's no question that they have good talent, but I thought a lack of experience would cost them by now. They just keep scrapping.

[darell1976]

It's definitely a big series, but the teams play six more times after this weekend, including the last series of the season. I'm not ready to write Chicago off just yet either.

I have to say that I'm really impressed how Cleveland is hanging tough. There's no question that they have good talent, but I thought a lack of experience would cost them by now. They just keep scrapping.

Cleveland has won 7 out of the last 10 and if there is anytime to get hot its now.

[Gil Dobie]

Time for the starters not named Verlander to step up. I saw a stat this morning that seems crazy. Cleveland plays 45 games in the next 44 days.

No kidding...............

[Gil Dobie]

Scherzer comes through with his 13th win as Detroit beats Cleveland, and the White Sox lose.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers win, Sox win. Cleveland 3.5 out, Sox 5 out.

[Gil Dobie]

AL Central Stat of the Day - Joe Mauer has only 1 Career HR at Target Field

[AshevilleApp2]

Good weekend for the Bengals! I hope they can take the momentum to Tampa.

[Gil Dobie]

Good weekend for the Bengals! I hope they can take the momentum to Tampa.

Hopefully the Verlander train continues to roll, going for his 19th win today.

[Gil Dobie]

Twins place Thome and Kubel on waivers. Wonder if the Indians will pick Thome up.

[AshevilleApp2]

Twins place Thome and Kubel on waivers. Wonder if the Indians will pick Thome up.

That may well happen. Their DH hurt his foot in yesterday's game.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 19th win, Tigers now 5.5 up on the Tribe and Sox

[darell1976]

Verlander gets his 19th win, Tigers now 5.5 up on the Tribe and Sox

Indians falling fast!

[darell1976]

Cleveland wins the earthquake game 7-5 with Choo's 3 run HR in the bottom of the 9th. Cleveland now 5 back with game 2 tonight.

[eiu1999]

Cleveland wins the earthquake game 7-5 with Choo's 3 run HR in the bottom of the 9th. Cleveland now 5 back with game 2 tonight.

Just as long as it's not the White Sox.

[Gil Dobie]

Cleveland loses the 2nd game, Detroit wins, Sox are losing. Tigers could be 6 up by the end of the night.

[AshevilleApp2]

Cleveland loses the 2nd game, Detroit wins, Sox are losing. Tigers could be 6 up by the end of the night.

xnodx

Big win for Detroit. Penny gets the win, Coke gets a two inning save that lets Valverde and Benoit rest, and the Tigers can do no worse than a split on the road against a good team.

[darell1976]

Unless Cleveland has a September like April stick a fork in them.

[Gil Dobie]

Ugly loss for the Tigers on bad pitching and a bad defensive play in the 10th inning. Good thing Cleveland and Chicago both lost.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers enjoying a 6.5 game lead with the disjointed Twins on the weekend schedule.

[darell1976]

Thome is back home in Cleveland and with Hafner gone, we could really use him.

1. Tigers - @ Twins
2. Indians 6.5 vs Royals
3. White Sox 7 @ Mariners
4. Twins 16 vs Tigers
5. Royals 17.5 @ Indians

Go Indians and Twins!!!!!!!!

[Gil Dobie]

Thome is back home in Cleveland and with Hafner gone, we could really use him.

1. Tigers - @ Twins
2. Indians 6.5 vs Royals
3. White Sox 7 @ Mariners
4. Twins 16 vs Twins
5. Royals 17.5 @ Indians

Go Indians and Twins!!!!!!!!

Hopefully Detroit can take care of the Twins, because the Indians and Sox look to have an easy weekend.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander and the Tigers up 6-4 in the 7th

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander wins #20, Tribe and Sox also win.

[AshevilleApp2]

Chicago moves into second place. Tigers going back to Detroit after a 5-2 road trip.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers win, Sox lose, now a 6 game lead going into the big weekend series with Ozzie & Co.

[darell1976]

Chicago moves into second place. Tigers going back to Detroit after a 5-2 road trip.

With Chicago losing to Minnesota, Cleveland is back in second and a win will keep them 1/2 game ahead of the Sox but 5 1/2 behind Detroit.

[AshevilleApp2]

With Chicago losing to Minnesota, Cleveland is back in second and a win will keep them 1/2 game ahead of the Sox but 5 1/2 behind Detroit.

It took awhile, but they got the win. xnodx I'm wondering how their bull pen is going to hold out, playing more games than there are days left in the season. Do they have some young talent they can call up today?

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers win, Sox lose, now a 6 game lead going into the big weekend series with Ozzie & Co.

Hopefully Jacob Turner has a strong start today and they pick up a half game on the Sox heading into tomorrow. Either way I like the move though, the Tigers need Verlander facing Chicago and Cleveland every chance they get.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers and Indians lose, 5.5 lead going into the weekend.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers and Indians lose, 5.5 lead going into the weekend.

I had a meeting get canceled yesterday afternoon, so I cut out early and watched the last three innings of Detroit and KC on the MLB network.

BRUTAL!!

Hopefully tonight will be a different story.

[darell1976]

Note to Cleveland: If Detroit loses....you win!!!

[AshevilleApp2]

Note to Cleveland: If Detroit loses....you win!!!

The only thing that made watching the Tigers piss yesterday's game more bearable, was seeing the score of the Indians game.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander vs Danks tonight

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander and Tigers up 5-0 in the 5th. Delmon Young even gets a triple in this game. :)

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers up 8-1, looking good in the bottom of the 8th

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander now 21-5 as Tigers take the first one of the weekend.

[Gil Dobie]

Flipped over to catch the Tigers/White Sox score and wasn't expecting a good result with Brad Penny on the mound. Watched 1 pitch, Penny gave up a home run. Well tomorrow is another day.

[Gil Dobie]

Gave up too soon, Detroit came back from a 6-1 deficit to win :)

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers and Sox on ESPN2 tonight.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers have two chances to gain some breathing room in Cleveland. Fister pitched a great game yesterday.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander pitching today at 11 EST

[darell1976]

Let me know when its April. Tribe is done!

[Gil Dobie]

Rough outing for Verlander, gave up 2 dingers and 4 runs, but got the win, now 22-5

[AshevilleApp2]

Rough outing for Verlander, gave up 2 dingers and 4 runs, but got the win, now 22-5

White Sox lose as well. Tigers go up nine games on Chicago and 9 1/2 on Cleveland.

Interesting series this weekend with Cleveland and Chicago playing four of the eight games they have left against each other. One or the other pretty much needs to dominate the eight games to make a serious run at the playoffs.

[Gil Dobie]

Tigers offense bails out Brad Penny's 4 run hole and take a 9.5 game lead. Scherzer today, Fister Sunday against the Twins, with Porcello going against the Sox on Monday and Verlander Tuesdzy.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers-White Sox on MLB network tonight. Any hope Chicago still has rides on a sweep in this series.

[AshevilleApp2]

Tigers-White Sox on MLB network tonight. Any hope Chicago still has rides on a sweep in this series.

Magic number is now 6 for the Bengals! Verlander goes for number 23 tonight.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander gets his 23rd, Tigers getting closer.

[AshevilleApp2]

And closer still. Magic number is 2.

[Gil Dobie]

Looks like the Roid Sox or Rays in the playoffs

[AshevilleApp2]

Looks like the Roid Sox or Rays in the playoffs

Could be. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers keep their focus down the stretch. Texas and Anaheim will be playing for their playoff lives.

[Gil Dobie]

Verlander goes for #24 today.

[Gil Dobie]

Justin Verlander 24-5 :)