Covering the Corner - Tigers 10, Indians 4Cleveland Baseball: A team that's accomplished some things.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52871/Covering_The_Corner_Favicon-ICO..png2013-05-11T04:00:38-04:00http://www.coveringthecorner.com/rss/stream/40851372013-05-11T04:00:38-04:002013-05-11T04:00:38-04:00Tigers 10, Indians 4: Reality hits
<figure>
<img alt="Bryan Shaw, one of the four relievers used to finish the game after Corey Kluber left in the fifth inning. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/50-HrzRr9F7fwje6i-el__RNkPU=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12998397/168534593.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bryan Shaw, one of the four relievers used to finish the game after Corey Kluber left in the fifth inning. | Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The difference between starters was stark last night, as was the final margin. </p> <p align="center"><i>May 10, 2013</i></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_10_clemlb_detmlb_1&mode=box"><i>Tigers 10, Indians 4</i></a></p>
<p align="center"><i>Chapter 33: Reality hits</i></p>
<p align="left">In his pre-game interview Terry Francona said that this series was only as important as all the other ones the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> would play this season. In other words, he and the Indians weren't placing any special emphasis on it. By emphasis he meant arranging the starters in order to throw his best pitchers at Detroit this weekend, which is impossible given the nature of the baseball season. He also said in that same interview that starting pitching makes all the difference, affecting almost all facets of the club; if a starter can at least keep you in a game, then the hitters wouldn't press when coming to the plate, and you keep the bullpen from being overworked.</p>
<p align="left">Last night's game (and this weekend's series) was going to be a test for the Indians. They came into the matchup having won 10 of 11 games, and winning practically all of those games in very convincing fashion. Both the offense and the pitchers were on a roll, the Opening Day lineup was back in place with the activation of <span>Michael Bourn</span>, and first place was within a games' reach.</p>
<p align="left">But, to go back to Francona's second point, starting pitching is often the main factor that drives a baseball game, whether it's a matchup in May like last night, a game in the midst of a pennant race, or Game 7 of the World Series. Usually whoever wins that starting pitching matchup wins the game. Not always, but usually.</p>
<p align="left">The Indians started <span>Corey Kluber</span>, who depending on who you ask is the Indians' seventh or eighth pitcher on their depth chart. I'm sure the Indians would rather have <span>Carlos Carrasco</span> pitching in the rotation, but thanks to the suspension that's impossible, and <span>Trevor Bauer</span>, who probably will be in this rotation for good sooner or later, is still working through some things in the minors in between spot starts. So, while <span>Brett Myers</span> is working his way back off the Disabled List, Corey Kluber will be a member of this rotation. He has the stuff to survive or even succeed at the major-league level, with two varieties of mid-90s fastballs (sinker and cutter) and a changeup/slider offspeed combination that can take hitters off his fastball. But like with any pitcher, to have success with those pitches, you need to throw them not only in the strike zone, but in the right part of the strike zone.</p>
<p align="left">Last night Kluber missed out of the strike zone and in the strike zone. Early on everything seemed to be high and outside to hitters. He fell behind in the count almost all evening, the complete opposite of what he did in Kansas City two starts ago. He was given an early 1-0 lead by the offense, but that quickly evaporated when he allowed three runs in the second inning, and was lucky to only give up three runs, as two of the three outs in the inning were line drives caught by infielders, and the third came on a base running blunder by <span>Torii Hunter</span>. An inning later, he served up a colossal home run off the bat of <span>Prince Fielder</span>, and an inning after that he hung something (not sure what) to <span>Miguel Cabrera</span>, who obliterated the pitch deep into the left field seats. Terry Francona tried to get at least an inning or two more out of him so that the bullpen wouldn't have to be worked too much, but after he allowed another run in the fifth, he had to be pulled. When he left the game, the Indians trailed 8-2.</p>
<p align="left">Had Corey Kluber been even mediocre, the Indians would have had a shot at winning, as they did score four runs on the evening, all off Detroit starter <span>Max Scherzer</span>. In contrast to Kluber, though, Scherzer didn't walk anybody and pitched eight innings, keeping the Detroit bullpen fresh for the rest of the series. So Detroit won the starting matchup and the game rather convincingly, and in doing so gave themselves an advantage. The Indians had to use four relievers to finish the game, and now that they are down to a seven-man bullpen, that puts a real strain on things, especially with a doubleheader looming on Monday afternoon.</p>
<p align="left">So the Indians had their string of good baseball snapped rather convincingly. The pitching was poor, the defense was below-average, and the hitting could have been better. A lot of that has to do with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>, though; they are the overwhelming favorite to win the division for a reason. But some of it was self-inflicted, starting with the starting pitcher, that portion of the club so emphasized before the game by Francona.</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left"><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-05-10&team=Tigers&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-05-10&team=Tigers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="center"><b>Roll Call (32 Commenters)<br></b></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/5/10/4320070/game-thread-indians-tigers-may-10-2013">Game Thread (352 Comments)</a></p>
<table border="1" align="center">
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<th style="width: 20px;">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tgriffith1992">tgriffith1992</a></td>
<td>58</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/johnf34">johnf34</a></td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ryan">Ryan</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mr.%20Bad%20Example">Mr. Bad Example</a></td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/emily522">emily522</a></td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bourn%20supremacy">bourn supremacy</a></td>
<td>20</td>
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<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jayme">jayme</a></td>
<td>15</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/no1ever">no1ever</a></td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
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<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/walter.white">walter.white</a></td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JustinHiggins">JustinHiggins</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mauichuck">mauichuck</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpecialBrownie">SpecialBrownie</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LosIndios">LosIndios</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/OPace">OPace</a></td>
<td>6</td>
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<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Zaza%20Braggins">Zaza Braggins</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/new%20zealand%20tribe%20fan">new zealand tribe fan</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
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<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/westbrook">westbrook</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Gradyforpresident">Gradyforpresident</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/woodsmeister">woodsmeister</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/themadlibs">themadlibs</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MooneysRebellion">MooneysRebellion</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kennesawmountainwahoo">kennesawmountainwahoo</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/pdxtribefan">pdxtribefan</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/barsham">barsham</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/janic_13">janic_13</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tabler84">tabler84</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PyroKinesis">PyroKinesis</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cols714">Cols714</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Matt%20Y.">Matt Y.</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Lukehart80">Lukehart80</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bmgiblinindians">bmgiblinindians</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Action%20Paxson">Action Paxson</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/5/11/4321058/mlb-final-score-recap-detroit-tigers-10-cleveland-indians-4-coreyRyan2013-05-10T18:30:09-04:002013-05-10T18:30:09-04:00Game Thread: Indians @ Tigers - May 10, 2013
<figure>
<img alt="Comerica Park" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/03phuyhWmmYNvHY-Hm_-Eb-8Xfo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12983375/20130503_ter_aa1_075.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Comerica Park | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LET'S GO TRIBE</p> <p><br><br><br></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>3 game series vs Tigers @ Comerica Park</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr style="background: none;"><td style="background: none;" colspan="3"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_98796520"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_98796520_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/community_logos/426/letsgotribe_m.gif" alt="Letsgotribe_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let's Go Tribe</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1065713472"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1065713472_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/community_logos/47589/blessyouboys_m.png" alt="Blessyouboys_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Friday, May 10, 2013, 7:08 PM EDT</span><br> Comerica Park</p> <p class="pitchers"><strong>TV: FSD-HD (DET)/STO-HD (CLE)/MLB.TV </strong></p> <p class="pitchers"><strong>RADIO: WXYT (DET)/WTAM (CLE)/MLB Audio</strong></p> <p class="pitchers"><strong><span>Max Scherzer</span> vs. <span>Corey Kluber</span></strong></p> <p class="weather"> Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60.</p> <div class="coverage"><div class="entry"> <h5><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/5/10/4317550/mlb-news-can-indians-keep-their-hot-start-going">MLB news: Can Indians keep their hot start going?</a></h5> <p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/authors/jason-lukehart">Jason Lukehart</a></span> <span class="time">about 8 hours ago</span></p> <p class="byline">89 comments | 0 recs</p> </div></div> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 05/11</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>7:08 PM EDT</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 05/12</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>1:08 PM EDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p></p>
<p><strong>Pre-Game Reading Material</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/5/10/4318358/cleveland-indians-series-preview-detroit-tigers-may-10-may-12">Series Preview - Detroit Tigers, May 10-12</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/5/10/4317366/2013-game-33-preview-cleveland-indians-at-detroit-tigers">Game 33 Preview: Indians at Tigers @ Bless You Boys</a> (SBN'S Tigers Blog)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Latest News</strong></p>
<ul><li>This isn't really breaking news, but the Indians <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2013/5/9/4317114/cleveland-indians-transactions-michael-bourn-activated-from-dl-scott">activated Michael Bourn from the DL</a> yesterday; he will be in the lineup tonight.</li></ul>
<p><strong>Latest 25-Man/40-Man Roster</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2603167/May_10_2013.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2603167/May_10_2013_medium.jpg" alt="May_10_2013_medium"></a> <br id="1368223417358"></p>
<p><strong>Tonight's Lineups</strong></p>
<table class="sbn-data-table" border="1"><tbody> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center"><strong>Cleveland</strong></td> <td align="center"><strong>Detroit</strong></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">CF <span>Michael Bourn</span><br> </td> <td align="center">CF Austin Jackson<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">2B <span>Jason Kipnis</span><br> </td> <td align="center">RF Torii Hunter<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">SS Asdrubal Cabrera<br> </td> <td align="center">3B <span>Miguel Cabrera</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">DH Nick Swisher<br> </td> <td align="center">1B <span>Prince Fielder</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">C <span>Carlos Santana</span><br> </td> <td align="center">DH Victor Martinez<span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">1B <span>Mark Reynolds</span><br> </td> <td align="center">LF Andy Dirks<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">LF Michael Brantley<br> </td> <td align="center">SS Jhonny Peralta<br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even ui-state-odd"> <td align="center">RF Drew Stubbs<br> </td> <td align="center">C <span>Alex Avila</span><br> </td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd ui-state-even"> <td align="center">3B <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span><br> </td> <td align="center">2B Omar Infante<span> </span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/5/10/4320070/game-thread-indians-tigers-may-10-2013Ryan2013-05-10T12:00:24-04:002013-05-10T12:00:24-04:00Series Preview: Detroit Tigers, May 10-May 12
<figure>
<img alt="Yes, that's me, Miguel Cabrera" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NZ_q2l6so8QjDoGNZpwtlzm24hc=/0x97:2766x1941/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12955133/20130509_jla_au3_082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yes, that's me, Miguel Cabrera | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Indians start a short five game road trip (with a quick detour home on Monday) with their first meeting with the division leading rival Detroit Tigers. </p> <p></p>
<p>The Tribe heads to Michigan for their first 2013 tangle with the rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> in Comerica Park. The three game set is scheduled for Friday May 10 and Saturday May 11 with 7:08 PM start times and a matinee on Sunday May 12 at 1:08 PM. After that, they will come home on Monday to make-up the rainouts from the April series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> by playing a doubleheader. Then they will head to Philadelphia for two games to complete their interleague series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>.</p>
<p><b>Team in a Box</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="606"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="192">
<p align="center"><b>Detroit Tigers</b></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="134">
<p align="center"><b>Offense</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>AL Rank</b></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="136">
<p align="center"><b>Pitching</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>AL Rank</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">2013 Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">19-13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">Runs/Game</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center">5.3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">4th</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">Runs/Game</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="49">
<p align="center">3.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">3rd</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">AL Central</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">1st</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">OBP</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center">350</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">1st</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">H/9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="49">
<p align="center">7.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">4th</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">Last 10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">7-3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">SLG</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center">423</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">3rd</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">BB/9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="49">
<p align="center">2.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">6th</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">Last 30</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p align="center">18-12</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">Steals</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center">12</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">13th</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
<p align="center">SO/9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="49">
<p align="center">9.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">2nd</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Tiger's lineup has two significant changes from last season, the return of <span>Victor Martinez</span> as the DH (with <span>Delmon Young</span> let go) and <span>Torii Hunter</span> replacing <span>Brennan Boesch</span>. They are in the lower third in home runs and have more caught stealing than stolen bases. The rotation has been very healthy this year, with nobody but the opening five taking their turns. All but Porcello have been above average with Verlander and Sanchez dominating. The bullpen is a bit of a mixed bag. The setup guys have been excellent, but the signing of Valverde is their latest attempt at a closer role and the long relief has not been great so far. Luckily they haven't had to use the long relief much due to the excellent starters. And as much as they got ripped for fielding in 2012, they currently sport only 11 errors (13th) and the second best fielding percentage in the AL.</p>
<p><b>Projected Lineup</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="586"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center"><b>Pos</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="192">
<p><b>Player</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>Bats</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>PA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>BA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>OBP</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>SLG</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>OPS+</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">CF</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p>Austin Jackson</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">156</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">282</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">342</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">387</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">96</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">RF</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p>Torii Hunter</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">137</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">344</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">387</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">461</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">127</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">3B</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Miguel Cabrera</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">151</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">382</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">457</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">595</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">181</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">1B</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Prince Fielder</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">149</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">300</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">423</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">558</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">161</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">DH</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p>Victor Martinez</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">S</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">132</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">217</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">273</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">292</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">52</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">LF</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Andy Dirks</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">95</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">235</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">330</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">346</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">83</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">SS</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Jhonny Peralta</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">133</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">317</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">364</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">417</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">110</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">C</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Alex Avila</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">99</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">189</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">263</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">333</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">59</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="48">
<p align="center">2B</p>
</td>
<td width="192">
<p><span>Omar Infante</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">118</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">304</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">331</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">429</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">102</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>This lineup has been fairly explosive in 2013, leading the league in batting average and on-base percentage. Cabrera has picked up right where his triple crown season left off and Prince Fielder is also crushing it. Hunter has proved to be a significant upgrade, but Victor is really struggling at less than 60 OPS+. Avila has yet to return to his 2011 level. The only two holes in the lineup have been LGFT Victor and Avila. <span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> could get some time in left, but he is the only bench player to be hitting well. With him and Dirks sharing left and former Royal Brayan Pena spelling Avila, the other two bench guys, <span>Don Kelly</span> and <span>Ramon Santiago</span>, have amassed only 71 plate appearances.</p>
<p><b>Projected Starters</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p align="center"><b>Date</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="180">
<p><b>Player</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center"><b>Throws</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center"><b>ERA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p align="center"><b>IP</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
<p align="center"><b>ERA+</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center"><b>H/9</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center"><b>BB/9</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="55">
<p align="center"><b>K/9</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p align="center">May 10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="180">
<p><span>Max Scherzer</span> (Kluber)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">3.43</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p align="center">39.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
<p align="center">125</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">7.3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">2.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="55">
<p align="center">12.4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p align="center">May 11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="180">
<p><span>Justin Verlander</span> (Jimenez)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">1.55</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p align="center">46.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
<p align="center">275</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">7.4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">2.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="55">
<p align="center">9.7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p align="center">May 12</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="180">
<p><span>Rick Porcello</span> (McAllister)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">7.52</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p align="center">26.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
<p align="center">57</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">11.3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p align="center">1.7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="55">
<p align="center">5.1</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Since coming over from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> in 2010, Scherzer has struggled against the Tribe. He is 5-4 in 11 starts with a 5.26 ERA. Since being the second overall pick in the 2004 draft (after Matt Bush), Verlander has set his career trajectory towards the HOF. But Cleveland is one of the few teams he has not fared well against. Lifetime he is 14-13 in 30 starts with a 4.55 ERA although they only have a 230/312/382 slash against him. However, Porcello has yet to live up to his first round pick billing with a career 92 ERA+. He has been efficient against the Tribe, 5-3 in 15 starts with a 4.10 ERA and just under 6 innings per start.</p>
<p><b>Key Relievers</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="192">
<p><b>Player</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center"><b>Throws</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>ERA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>IP</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>ERA+</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>H/9</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>BB/9</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>K/9</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="192">
<p><span>Jose Valverde</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">0.00</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">5.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">-</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">0.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">1.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">5.4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="192">
<p><span>Al Alburquerque</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">2.08</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">13.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">208</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">6.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">6.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">15.9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="192">
<p><span>Joaquin Benoit</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
<p align="center">R</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">1.76</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">15.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">244</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">4.7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">4.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">11.2</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>After leaving as a free agent in the offseason, Valverde did not sign with anyone. The Tigers re-inked him in early April. He was scary good in 2011 and much more human in 2012. The Tigers planned on using a committee of Coke, Benoit and hotshot phenom Rondon, but now have Valverde in the role. 2012 was the first year the Tribe had any success against him. Alburquerque has been dominant in his career 9.1 innings against us, 0.00 ERA and 13.5 K/9. Benoit has always been a very solid set-up guy. 2011 was the last year we had any real success against him. The top lefties in the pen are <span>Drew Smyly</span> and <span>Darin Downs</span> who both have also been effective.</p>
<p><b>On the Shelf</b></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>RP Phil Coke (left groin strain) - 15-day DL, possible mid-May return</li>
<li>RP Octavio Dotel (right elbow inflammation) - 15-day DL, no return noted yet</li>
</ul>
<p>Coke had an excellent 2012 but struggled this season before ending up on the DL.</p>
<p><b>Almanac</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="528"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96"></td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>W</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>L</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>Pct</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>RS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>RA</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center"><b>Pythag</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p>2013</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">N/A</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p>2012</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">556</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">68</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">83</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">410</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p>Last 5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">40</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">50</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">444</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">385</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">460</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">419</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p>Last 10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">91</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">92</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">497</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">855</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">922</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">466</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
<p>All-Time</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">1038</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">1071</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">492</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">9435</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">9674</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p align="center">489</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p></p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2013/5/10/4318358/cleveland-indians-series-preview-detroit-tigers-may-10-may-12talonk