Alex Avila's George Clooney-like voice calms Tigers' Daniel Norris

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[size=32]Alex Avila's George Clooney-like voice calms Tigers' Daniel Norris[/size]

George Sipple , Detroit Free Press7:10 p.m. ET April 15, 2017

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Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler fields a ground ball hit by Indians rightfielder Abraham Almonte during the second inning of the Tigers' 13-6 loss Saturday in Cleveland.  Jason Miller, Getty Images

CLEVELAND – Daniel Norris received some sound advice from George Clooney on the mound Friday night.
Actually, Norris received some sound advice from Alex Avila, who Norris said sounds like Clooney, the Hollywood megastar.

Whatever the case, Avila’s voice was the calming influence on Norris, who struggled with his command through six scoreless innings of work.

“He was effectively wild,” Avila said. “He was a little effectively wild in his first start as well. He has unbelievable stuff, so you’re kind of walking a fine line as far as trying to call a game to make sure he’s throwing enough strikes for them to honor that and get the swings you need to get.

Avila said Norris’ fastball was effective on Friday, which wasn’t the case in his first start of the regular season. While the change-up and slider worked in the first outing, Avila said Norris just had the fastball against the Indians.

“He’s finding it,” Avila said. “Once he’s able to command his fastball a little bit better, have a better feel for being able to throw in and out on a much more consistent basis, he’s going to really take off.”

As for the Clooney comparison, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus wasn’t sure.

“I never notice that and I talk to George all the time,” Ausmus joked.

Norris said he was frustrated when umpires issued warnings to both teams after Miguel Cabrera had words with Indians manager Terry Francona in the first inning, after Trevor Bauer threw inside to the former Triple Crown winner.

Norris (1-0) earned the win, allowing two hits and four walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out five.
Norris said Avila hates the Clooney comparison.

“Ocean’s Eleven,” Norris said. “Makes it happen.”

“He’s George Clooney,” Norris added. “When he talks I tell him he’s George Clooney. He comes out there and calms me down.”

Avila bristled when asked about Norris referring to him as Clooney. But asked about “Ocean’s Eleven”, Avila said: “Those movies are awesome. Not going to lie.”

No. 42: Players from every MLB team wore No.42 on Saturday to honor the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947.
Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler said it was “pretty special.”