Series Preview: Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Mariners
Seattle: 33-51
Tigers: 42-42
GAMES
Game 1: Carlos Silva vs Justin Verlander
Game 2: Erik Bedard* vs Kenny Rogers*
Game 3: R.A. Dickey vs Armando Galarraga
Game 4: Ryan Rowland-Smith* vs Nate Robertson*
Justin Verlander's first eight starts: 49IP, 30K, 28BB+HBP, 7HR
Justin Verlander's last nine starts: 59IP, 48K, 25BB+HBP, 3HR
Of course, two of those nine starts were against us and another three against the dregs of the NL West, so take it for what it's worth, but his velocity has also returned partially so if he was battling an injury at the start of the season he seems recovered from it at this point.
Kenny Rogers has reached the end of the line. His strikeout rate has plunged and his walks risen to the point that he's walked more than struck out on the year and in addition his groundball peak of last year has regressed heavily down to 43% from the 50% local maxima of 2007.
Armando Galarraga is nearly the epitome of average American League starting pitcher if it weren't for his .233 BABIP. Nate Robertson is exceedingly close to the being the same pitcher Galarraga is except with the opposite luck, victim to a .353 BABIP. Here's how similar they are:
| Name | Ball | Call | Swing | IF | GB | FB | LD | HR/BIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robertson | 36.9% | 18.0% | 7.5% | 6.77% | 31.2% | 22.1% | 14.5% | 6.77% |
| Galarraga | 36.9% | 17.9% | 7.9% | 6.36% | 34.2% | 17.9% | 14.9% | 6.20% |
Pretty similar huh?

Likely Starters:
C Ivan Rodriguez
1 Miguel Cabrera
2 Placido Polanco
3 Carlos Guillen^
S Edgar Renteria
L Marcus Thames
C Curtis Granderson*
R Magglio Ordonez
D Gary Sheffield
Not a lot of lefty hitters available to the Tigers so while that's good news for Carlos Silva, it's bad news for Bedard and Rowland-Smith. I guess it's something to hope that Carlos Silva can pitch like he did in 2005 the rest of this season and maybe a new wizard GM can offload him in the winter or possibly after 2009.
CONTEXT
It's Fourth of July weekend and there's several promotions going on at the Safe so I expect to see a large family-oriented crowd at all four games. I'm staying far away, most likely about 2.5 miles away to be exact, at Seattle Center, drinking my way to enough strength for another two months until Seahawks. If international beer festivals are of interest to you, I would encourage you to stop by and patronize the many breweries.
THIS SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

This thing
Seattle Center, WA
$20 one time entry, runs Fri-Sun. You get 10 tokens with entry, add'l tokens = $1.
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comments
Comments
Kick ass
Dickey time on Saturday
(Felix + Loafie + fruit salad + salsa dance) / Surprised Jeff = ?
by JI on Jul 3, 2008 11:22 AM PDT 0 recs
Hee hee.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 11:52 AM PDT
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It usually takes fewer comments.
(Felix + Loafie + fruit salad + salsa dance) / Surprised Jeff = ?
by JI on
Jul 3, 2008 11:33 AM PDT
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That would have been a kick ass record.
(Felix + Loafie + fruit salad + salsa dance) / Surprised Jeff = ?
by JI on
Jul 3, 2008 11:37 AM PDT
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It would be funny if he was just lit.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 11:58 AM PDT
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Since this is brought to us by the beerfest,
anyone have a suggestion for a good “all day” beer to get me through the fourth tommorrow?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on Jul 3, 2008 12:00 PM PDT 0 recs
Victory Prima Pale?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:18 PM PDT
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Prima Pils.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:19 PM PDT
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As in Pilsner?
Where might I find said beer in time for the 4th?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:20 PM PDT
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Yeah, it's a Pilsner.
I got it at the Ballard Market in a single bottle. I know Whole Foods carries it, as well. It’s one of the best Pilsners I’ve ever had; light, crisp, the perfect all day summer beer. If you’re unable to find it, there’s always Lagunitas Pils and Paulaner.
Or, to go in a different direction, how’s about:

I know I’m in the minority on this one, but I love this stuff. Great at a party, and widely available. Never my first choice, but a solid summertime fall-back.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:34 PM PDT
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Little far away for me, but I can look up in the Everett area.
I can’t read the second suggestion, except for “LTD”.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:40 PM PDT
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That's what it's called.
Full Sail LTD. You’d recognize it if you saw it.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:47 PM PDT
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Full Sail makes some decent beers,
maybe I’ll look for that one. I think they have them at Top Foods, or I could try Central Market.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:51 PM PDT
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Central Market might have Prima Pils.
It’s the same chain as Ballard Market. But both places will definitely have LTD.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:55 PM PDT
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I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestions.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:57 PM PDT
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Eh
I wasn’t hugely impressed. It’s a belgian wheat-style summer ale, but some extra orange coriander flavor picks it up. There’s a little extra malt too, over what I would expect out of a standard Blue Moon belgian wheat. It’s not a bad choice, but it’s too heavy for an all day summer and too light for anything I usually prefer for pure flavor.
Free Stephen Awesome Strasburg!
by thejew4u on
Jul 3, 2008 3:56 PM PDT
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Hmm.
Then what would you suggest?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 3:59 PM PDT
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Two recommendations
Don’t let the girly packaging fool you, but Buffalo Bill’s Orange Blossom Cream Ale is the best “new” beer I’ve tried this summer (don’t think it’s a seasonal, but I didn’t see it in the grocery stores until about a month ago). Great body, orange creamsicle flavor without tasting more like a Mike’s than a beer. The cream isn’t potent like a Boddington’s either, just a nice touch to add some great texture.
Also, Deschutes’ Twilight Ale is decent, but it’s a little hoppier than most summer ales which might be why I like it above the competition. That said, still prefer the slightly fuller bodied Mirror Pond from them.
Free Stephen Awesome Strasburg!
by thejew4u on
Jul 3, 2008 7:49 PM PDT
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There are two differnt LTD's.
The green one is as you described. The orange one is totally different.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 4:02 PM PDT
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Maybe I'll get both and have a "sampler pack".
I’m actually hoping my buddy that works at Diamond Knot shows up, he always brings really cool micros. Last summer he had a black pepper beer that was a lot better than it sounds.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 4:13 PM PDT
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Diamond Knot is great.
I love their IPA.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 4:18 PM PDT
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My friend bartends for them, and is going to start distributing for them as well.
It’s pretty cool, he brings sampler packs to our softball games a couple times a year.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 5:09 PM PDT
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I have a bottle of the orange right in front of me
Pretty sure we’re talking about the same one… Haven’t tried the green yet.
Free Stephen Awesome Strasburg!
by thejew4u on
Jul 3, 2008 7:44 PM PDT
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I should probably make sure I read comments correctly before responding to them.
The green is the one I was pushing originally.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 10:44 PM PDT
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Ah, gotcha
Threw me off with the picture of the orange bottle in the original comment.
Free Stephen Awesome Strasburg!
by thejew4u on
Jul 5, 2008 11:22 AM PDT
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I say you booze up than go mess with the family oriented crowds at safeco.
by Robert on Jul 3, 2008 12:02 PM PDT 0 recs
I'm so going to do that.
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:04 PM PDT
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Roman candles get shot at anyone with a rally fries sign.
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:17 PM PDT
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That might be a felony.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:17 PM PDT
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Might?
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:19 PM PDT
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Depends if you get caught.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:19 PM PDT
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I didn't think sparklers would be much of a deterent.
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:22 PM PDT
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I was thinking about those little black snakes.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:23 PM PDT
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lol penis butt
(Felix + Loafie + fruit salad + salsa dance) / Surprised Jeff = ?
by JI on
Jul 3, 2008 12:23 PM PDT
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So are marshmallows, your point?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:41 PM PDT
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Can't say that I have.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:45 PM PDT
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Danger!
My friend cratered his back yard with one of those and the shrapnel messed his house and deck up.
by Sec 108 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:48 PM PDT
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Okay, that looks fun!
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:54 PM PDT
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Me and my buddies used to joust with roman candles and bottle rockets.
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:20 PM PDT
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Back in the day my best friends Dad was a truck driver,
and he’d bring us the illegal stuff from all over the country. We used to get into fireworks wars with the punk kids across the street. Needless to say, we were always in possession of the better weaponry.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:22 PM PDT
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Did you light them first?
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:22 PM PDT
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I think most little boys did that.
We shot the bottle rockets, roman candles, and also threw fire crackers at each other. Good times.
by Jed MC on
Jul 3, 2008 12:24 PM PDT
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And to think we all probably still have 10 fingers.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:24 PM PDT
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*flips you off with his right ring finger*
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:29 PM PDT
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I wasn't man enough to get beyond the poppers.
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:28 PM PDT
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Bottle rockets aren't too accurate.
It is hard to properly time a fire cracker, and roman candles only leave a little burn that heals. My dad bought it all for my brother and I and then would let us roam the neighborhood.
by Jed MC on
Jul 3, 2008 12:34 PM PDT
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You mean those Saturn Rocket packs that are shaped like a box?
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:54 PM PDT
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Yep.
Lined 3 of them up on a makeshift crossbow and fired them at my friends. I also used to play artillery shell football.
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:57 PM PDT
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Those would be a bit tough to aim I would think.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:58 PM PDT
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Doesn't matter
It was impossible for them to escape the carnage.
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:59 PM PDT
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Pretty tough for you to escape too.
Saturn rockets don’t exactly go in one direction.
by Jed MC on
Jul 3, 2008 1:00 PM PDT
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This reminds me of an awesome song
Bottle Rocket War – Pain. I wonder if there is a video…
The poster formerly known as Matt.
by bluemax on
Jul 3, 2008 4:24 PM PDT
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I work alone.
AKA "BRO-RAY" according to drunk Graham...
by Thingray on
Jul 3, 2008 12:13 PM PDT
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I currently have Sunday off but it looks like I will also be able to get Saturday off
Lets make this happen
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:15 PM PDT
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If I see you at the beer fest Saturday
I will buy Robert 120 Minute IPA just so I can hear the details of what followed recapped after he gets out of jail.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:36 PM PDT
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I am in 100 percent favor of people buying me a drink
regardless of the time i will spend in jail
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:51 PM PDT
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Drinking a pint of 120 Minute
is, in terms of alcohol content, like drinking a pint of Jager.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:56 PM PDT
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I did this once
I ended up at a rap concert taking pictures of my friends 15 year old sister’s ass.
by Robert on
Jul 3, 2008 12:58 PM PDT
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I...
nope, I’m not touching this one.
As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball.
by acblue on
Jul 3, 2008 12:58 PM PDT
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