Last night’s game seemed like 2 games in one.

Innings 1-3:  the Tigers looked like the Bad News Bears (before they gelled and got good just in time for the end of the movie).  Bonderman had control problems - again - racking up his pitch count and giving free passes.  “Bad luck” plays: hot shots to Lowell and Youkalis that turned out to be amazing plays to record outs against the Tigers.  Polanco and Guillen are supposed to have “soft hands” - each made errors (Guillen wasn’t charged with the error - Miguel Cabrera was - but I think that was scored incorrectly).  Soon enough it was 2-0 Red Sox, and it looked like Bonderman might only last 4 innings.

Innings 4-9:  It’s the names that aren’t well known contributing the most.  Thames with the 2 run homerun to take a lead the Tigers haven’t seen most of the early season.  Renteria, well known with baseball ethusiasts, isn’t a household name…he’s been fairly consistent/productive in these early games had a solid 3 hit game and racked up a few more RBI.  Clete Thomas - in AA Erie last year is doing most of the little things right, including a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt.  Brandon Inge has adjusted his batting stance this year and it’s producing.  He shouldn’t even be playing and he’s leading the team in RBI including 2 more last night that helped put the game out of reach for the Red Sox.  The bullpen was solid: Bobby Seay (who?), Francis Beltran (who?), Denny Bautista (who?), Todd Jones (Mr. Rollercoaster - typical outing but got the job done).

Observations:

• I miss Sean Casey being on the team.  Nice he’s got a new home in Boston. 
• Pudge has been trying to hard to get his 2500 hit.  He got it.  Now relax and produce.
• Sheffield.  He’s still able to draw walks, but WTF…he’s been swinging at junk and looking foolish.
• Polanco.  For a guy that is automatic at the plate, why is he struggling so much? 
• Cabrera.  Same.
• Most of the hitters are getting jammed inside.  Make the adjustments already!
• Starting Pitchers.  Hit your spots already!  These walks are ridiculous.  It ruins your efficiency and puts more pressure on your offense to constantly produce for your mistakes/laziness/fear.

It’s Robertson v. Wakefield tonight.  A bit unusual for the last game of the series to be at night since the Tigers have to catch a flight to Chicago.  Could be a little nasty for Friday since there’s supposed to be high winds in the area.  The Tigers, if the weather cooperates and they play, may have a tough time getting the win due to the travel schedule.  Which makes getting the win today that much more critical.  I wonder if Pudge will catch today.  He usually doesn’t in the last game of a series.  So will it be Inge behind the plate and Clete Thomas in centerfield?  Has Clete ever faced a knuckleballer?  Nice test for the rookie.  He’s delivered so far with every test.  Wait and watch!