An Observation

[QuickStrike]

Ever seen the pompous man who, somewhere in time between when he gets cracked in the eye and he hits the ground, he smiles?

I've noticed this phenomenon on two separate occasions from Justin Verlander. Both times, he gave up crucial home runs and put the Tigers out of a chance for a comeback. The first time I saw it was last year in the World Series when he got tee'd up by St. Louis, and the other was last night when a Cleveland player did the same thing in the 5th inning to put the Tribe ahead by a few of runs.

Granted, it's a game, and must be measured as such. I don't mind seeing the Tigers lose games; it's part of life, really. But to see one of our players smirk when an opposing player yanks his pants down and gives him a spankin', frankly, it's shameful.

Anybody else feel this way, or am I out of bounds here?

[augustus0603]

I don't thing you're out of line for thinking that way. But you gotta remember, this kid is only 23 years old. He's probably still just having fun out there. I ran into Verlander at Maggiano's the other day. I have to say he's one of the most layed back people I've ever met. Didn't care if people came up to him, he would talk with anyone who came up.

I like that type of attitude. It relays the whole team's "laid back" approach. In time I'm sure he'll get angry but I have to think he was aggressive and the guy guessed right. When this kid develops all of his pitches with confidence, he will be dominant. Last night all he was throwing was fastballs and changeups.

That's what I love about this team, their core is young and will be around for a long time.

[Brown duck]

I know the smile from the WS you're speaking of - I don't think it was a "that was fun" type smile, more like a wry smile - knew he made a mistake, couldn't do anything about it, what else can you do?

[badger]

:yeahthat: Just his way of dealing with it.........it's good he doesn't let it get him down.

[QuickStrike]

Good points, guys. I'll keep that in mind next time.

Go Tigers, Come on ZoomZoom! We need you back badly.

[theredmission]

I know the smile from the WS you're speaking of - I don't think it was a "that was fun" type smile, more like a wry smile - knew he made a mistake, couldn't do anything about it, what else can you do?

That's how I see it. I mean, I would rather see a guy just grin it off and be like "That was one dumb-a pitch! That 'prolly cost us the game, oh well I guess I'll just do my best to not let that happen again." Rather than some guy watch the ball fly over the wall, turn red in the face with anger at himself and just start flinging pitches everywhere in frustration. For some reason I picture Rodney more as the second kind of guy.:rolleyes:

[ESOX]

I consider it to be a sign of maturity beyond his years. He knows he can't make the perfect pitch every time, much less win every game. The competitive fire burns strong in him, but he will never let it burn him. He handles mistakes with aplomb, he knows he doesn't consistenly make them, and he learns from them. He handles good pitches geting crushed by good batters even better.

[QuickStrike]

I consider it to be a sign of maturity beyond his years. He knows he can't make the perfect pitch every time, much less win every game. The competitive fire burns strong in him, but he will never let it burn him. He handles mistakes with aplomb, he knows he doesn't consistenly make them, and he learns from them. He handles good pitches geting crushed by good batters even better.

I have a new appreciation for you, Esox. I think that's the first "aplomb" I've seen on a web post. I never knew . . .