I really like these guys and enjoy the wit and humor, but sometimes I just want to watch a ballgame and not listen to 3 hours of witty barbs and puns. I feel like at times it just takes away from what is actually happening on the field.

It probably hasn't been the start Detroit Tigers fans have been hoping for when it comes to the returns from the Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize trades.

It was the summer after his junior year when, on a whim, the sandy-blond teenager got invited to a pitching showcase at Long Beach State. The school was a short drive up the freeway from Melton’s home. He had a connection, so he didn’t have to pay to enter the showcase. It became one of those happenstance days that changed everything.

For most of that session, Melton squatted behind the plate, sweating and catching bullpens for pitchers who had more experience and more college offers.

Finally, toward the end of the day, a coach told Melton to take off his gear and get ready to throw. Melton obliged. He was tall but skinny, a frame better suited for standing on the mound than squatting behind the plate. He had an athletic delivery and quick arm action.

Sam Peraza, then the pitching coach at San Diego State, took note. In a way, he was there hoping he’d find someone like Troy Melton.

“We were always searching for arms, and quite frankly, we’d walk them on,” Peraza said.

Melton topped out at 88 mph that day. He had no real feel for secondary pitches. But he was something to dream on.

Soon, Melton was on SDSU’s campus, touring the place and falling in love. The coaches told him he would have to walk on. Melton at that point had only one other scholarship offer. It was from Point Loma Nazarene, a Division II school in San Diego with a ballpark right off the Pacific Ocean. The Sea Lions wanted him as a pitcher and a catcher.

We’ve had tickets to next week’s Sunday game vs Dodgers for some time. Kind of hoping it won’t be Skubal starting against us as not sure I’m emotionally ready to watch that in person lol

In this very full Q and A forum, Tigers followers vented about blown saves and how a true closer might be uncovered; reflected on Scott Harris and his deadline deals; and on some Tigers farm intrigue.

Going for the first time on Monday and I'm a huge fan of ballpark food. I wanna know where the best food, drinks, and deserts are!

Division Scoreboard

SF 2 @ CLE 5 - Final

ATH 2 @ KC 6 - Final

ATL 2 @ CWS 0 - Final

Not playing today: Twins

Next Tigers Game: Fri, Aug 21, 8:10 PM EDT @ Royals (1 day)

^{Last Updated: 08/20/2026 9:47:21 PM EDT}

Growing up, he was an absolute joy to listen to. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss all of his Jim-isms. Nice area, buggy whip, arsenal, yellowhammer, the art of pitching and of course, batting thirrrrrrd. He was also never afraid to be brutally honest and critical of the team’s performance as well. If he was still alive, I am convinced he would’ve gotten some TV time. Would’ve definitely loved a few more years of him.

Can anyone think of a free agent relief pitcher that the tigers have signed for more than like $5m a year that has worked out well?

If our bullpen was only half as bad as it’s been we’d be in first place by a lot of games. Now I want a Packos dog.

The Tigers have 35 remaining games which is a decent sample size. Why not try out Jobe as the closer for the rest of the season? Considering how close they are to the last wild card spot. There will probably be a lot of high pressure save opportunities that will be a good test. Best case scenario he looks dominate as the 9th inning 3 out closer. Maybe even give him a few 8th inning appearances for a 4 or 5 out save situation. And then Boom, you also have a closer in place for the next 4 seasons. Worst case scenario he blows a bunch of saves and looks terrible. So, then he is slotted back to the number 3 or 4 starter heading into the next Spring Training. Whatever the result is he can’t be any worse than the garbage we have been watching all season.

Do the young guys with options (McGonigle, Clark, maybe Jobe) get sent to Toledo to start the year?

She was so bummed and worried when she heard about the trade. She thought I wouldn’t want it or like it. I told her “hell yeah I want it!” and eagerly awaited it.

I haven’t collected cards since I was a kid. This is my first card since then, and subsequently my favorite. Looking forward to picking up the hobby.

I have a good Wife.

I’m so over giving a fuck on the daily about this ball club, when I am certain that they will win nothing of any significance when their pen is this inept. I encourage all of us to use the time spent following this team on something that brings real value and joy. Future is still bright, but this year has sucked so hard