WASHINGTON -- You'd figure the Tigers wouldn't have too much to complain about, given their high position in the standings. But Tigers manager Jim Leyland, ever the crusty one, lambasted the schedule-makers for having Detroit end its season in a National League ballpark, and Miami in particular. They'll be in town next weekend.
Check out the Detroit News story on what Leyland had to say by clicking here.
Leyland pulled few punches.
"I think it's totally unfair for an American League team to finish in a National League city for the last three games of a season," Leyland said. "I'm not trying to open a can of works, or upset the people who make out the schedule, but I think it's ridiculous to send an American League team. By (finishing in an NL city), you risk a pitcher getting hit by a pitch, pulling a muscle in batting practice or running the bases. It's silly, Point blank silly."
Leyland also bemoaned the fact he won't be able to use a designated hitter, Victor Martinez in the Tigers' case.
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In case you missed it in the print edition, here's a note I had on Logan Morrison talking about his season:
Logan Morrison cited several factors for what has been a mostly disappointing season: his continuing recovery from two knee operations in two years, inconsistent mechanics at the plate, inconsistent playing time, and the large dimensions at Marlins Park.
“I think, honestly, what it is is not playing for a long time and then coming back and trying to be consistent, and just not really knowing how to do that, forgetting how and trying to remember,” Morrison said.
Morrison, who missed the first two months of the season while working his way back from a second surgery to his right knee, has hit only .229 since the All-Star break and his six home runs are tied for the fewest among major league first basemen with at least 300 plate appearances. Morrison has hit only one home run all season at home -- albeit a tape-measure blast -- compared to five on the road.
“It’s definitely a factor,” Morrison said of the Marlins’ huge ballpark. “And that translates into the average not being there, too. You drive balls to the wall and they get caught. Not only is it not a homer, it’s not a hit.”
Morrison is not alone among Marlins players who would like to see the team bring the fences in.
“I think that would make it fair,” Morrison said. “But it’s not my decision.”
Morrison said he is looking forward to his first surgery-free offseason since 2010-11.
“I hope it makes all the difference,” Morrison said. “Actually being able to build strength in my legs instead of having to rehab and get my other leg as strong as my non-surgical leg, and having a nice relaxed offseason without adding scars would be good.”
He’ll also begin the salary arbitration process for the first time following the season, too.
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