I'm sure that when I'm 40 and thinking back on the Tigers during my youth I will think of Todd Jones fondly. Sure he's blown his fair share of saves but he also LOVES the Tigers. When he was traded to the Twins a few years ago by the Tigers he cried. He got the last out at Tiger Stadium and talked about how much that meant to him. He's a class act and probably a terrific guy.
However, I have been to a few games myself where he has blown games. I went to a game a few years ago with my parents and Jones entered the game in the ninth with either a 3 or 4 run lead and I said to my dad, "I can just feel he's going to blow this game for us." He did. It's almost part of his charm. I don't want to rehash yesterday's game agains the Angles too much, but here's a quick run down. Tigers were down 7-0 after 3 innings. Battled back to 7-6. Magglio hits a 2 run homer off the K-Rod giving the Tigers an 8-7 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th only to have Jones blow the game. I got on the phone last night with my dad and right after I said "Hi" he said, "I will never watch Todd Jones pitch again." I believe him. Here's what Jones had to say after the game...
"I screwed the whole game up"
"I knew I didn't want to lead off the inning with that kind of play."
"In retrospect, it would have spun foul."
"I've got to seal the deal."
"Pudge is a great catcher and bails me out all the time on that pitch," admitted Jones, "but I threw it in the dirt, and he wasn't able to come up with it."
"I blew it in the ninth and gave it up in the 10th."
Vintage Jones.
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Oh also, quick trivia question:
Who is in last place in the AL East right now?
Trivia answer: The Yankees.
Also, I was at that Todd Jones game with you. I just remember swearing loudly when he blew it. You forgot to mention that Chris Holt nearly pitched a perfect game that day. What's Chris Holt up to these days anyway?
At least Todd Jones recognizes his sloppy performance against the Angels. If it was later in the season it would have hurt a lot more. My confidence has been furthur rocked as we move forward
Blake, that is some grat trivia. BL, great job getting it.
Let's consdier what would happen if the Yankees were to stay in the cellar of the AL East and not make the playoffs:
1. You will see the most unreal spending spree in baseball history.
2. No player will be safe.
IF that were to happen, ol' George would personally go to each club house with a checkbook. Like I said, no one would be safe, fan favorites or otherwise. Your precious Bonderman? Verlander? Wearing pinstripes. THe beautiful locks of love that Maggs has would be trimmed and he would be occupying in outfield spot. Zumaya is a Yankee next year anyway. Write that one down.
They would on to ravage the rest of their farm system, er, I guess you other fans call it the rest of the major league.
As it is, the Yankees will get better and the best part about that is that you all know it. When you have 3 of your 5 starting pitchers on teh DL and a fourth pitching long relief, there are thigns that will turn around.
Don't worry. The empire will strike back.
I think if any of the young pitchers were to leave to Detroit it would be Zumaya. I have read SOOOO many interviews with Bonderman and Verlander saying how much they love Detroit (Bonderman just resigned). I don't see those guys going anywhere and I really don't see Zumaya leaving either. Detroit's not really a small market team, I think they'll spend to keep their own guys.
Blake, I have no doubt that you are speaking the truth. I mean, Verlander or Bondo going to NYY would be crazy.
It would be almost as crazy as some like Johnny Damon leaving the RedSox to go to their arch rival, NYY. There is no way something like that would happen.
Wait...
I was just using those guys as examples. I have nothing to base that on. However, anything is possible.
I believe that the Yankees need a closer. I would be willing to send TJ their in a heartbeat
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