MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning

Throughout the week, there are so many smaller stories hitting the media.  They may be bite-size, but often they are just as important as the headline-grabbing news.  Sometimes, even more.

And that’s what brings me to today.  A way to discuss some of these stories. A way to bring them out in the open for discussion.

And that’s the plan for Mondays.  Keeping track of these mighty little bits that hit my radar throughout the week and sharing them with you today because I know one or more will also resonate with you. So, let’s kick off this week’s musings…

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Is it just me or are you also somewhat concerned that the Tigers had to be told by their opponent that Elvin Rodriguez was tipping his pitches?

After getting slammed in the game where he gave up 4 HRs and over 10 runs, you would think that someone in the Tigers’ dugout would be entertaining this possibility.  Then, on Friday night, he gave up another 3 HRs and 6 runs in just 4 innings.

It was Yankees’ player, Anthony Rizzo, who kindly told his friend, Tucker Barnhart, about Rodriguez’s gaffe.

No surprise now that Elvin, whom the Tigers acquired for Justin Upton, has been sent down.  But maybe they should have ensured that he eliminated his tipping before allowing him to take the mound again.

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Speaking of pitchers, Justin Verlander will be pitching through age 40 at least.  He has often said he wants to duplicate Nolan Ryan’s career and assuredly, the Astros will be picking up the option year on his contract.

He currently has a 2.11 ERA, 73 strikeouts and 14 walks over 71⅔ innings (in 11 starts).  And he set another strikeout record the other night with 12 SOs in just 7 innings.

One reason why he’s so good?  His fastball is back, hitting just under 95 MPH on radar.

Oh, and he’s now the active strikeout leader in MLB.  #2?  It’s Max Scherzer.

Oh, what could have been…..

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A national article recently detailed many tidbits about Dave Dombrowski that few knew.  Let’s just say that Dave was a much better trader than he was at evaluating management.

First of all, he admitted that Jim Leyland continues to be one of his best friends and they talk at least several times a week.  When Dave recently fired Manager Joe Girardi, one of his first calls was to Leyland.  Yes, you head that correctly.  He was interested in having JL come manage but was turned down.

So who is on his managerial short list?  Brad Ausmus.

We know from previous stories that Dombrowski tasked Leyland in helping him find his replacement. That JL recommended Ausmus because Gene Lamont was pushing Brad.  Lamont is one of Leyland’s best friends.  And it didn’t hurt that Leyland was helping his friend keep his bench coach position.

Dave admitted that he really likes Ausmus, always has.  There were some in the Front Office who wanted Ausmus gone in 2015.  It was also rumored that Mr. I was not happy with Dombrowski’s managerial choice and was pushing for a new manager.  But Dave said he argued and fought for keeping Brad throughout the 2015 season.

Er, well, until Dave was “released” in August of that year.  His stance may have been the final straw for Mr. I.

Which one of these stories resonated the most with you?

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• It was great to see a familiar face return to Comerica. But can he still hit? Asking for a friend….

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