The role of backup catcher on a major league team, is one frequently overlooked. Entering the 2009 season, the Tigers had added two catchers to replace Ivan Rodriguez, who was traded at the deadline last season, Brandon Inge, who was making his return to third base, and Vance Wilson, who had missed most of the previous two seasons with injuries.
Enter Gerald Laird as the new starter and Misty May-Treanor's husband, Matt to back him up. The Tigers appeared to be set at catcher with two good defenders and a starter that was capable of producing solid offensive numbers.
So far this season, Laird has been as advertised with the glove and has done a very good job working with the pitchers, as the staff currently leads the American League in ERA. His hitting has been erratic at best however, as he has been prone to long slumps. Entering play today, Laird is sporting just a .221 batting average, with a .645 OPS, contributing to overall below average performance of the team's offense. Laird, however has proven his worth with the glove and his game-calling. He is not the glaring weakness of this team.
That honor undoubtedly goes to the backup catcher. Matt Treanor began the season with a hip problem, and it was soon discovered that he needed more surgery and would be lost for the year. Before the surgery, Treanor managed to record an out in each of his 13 at bats for Detroit. In his stead, the Tigers recalled veteran minor leaguer Dane Sardinha.
Sardinha spent 17 games with the Tigers in 2008, following the trade of Pudge Rodriguez. He has always been regarded as a good game-caller from his days in the minors. Unfortunately, he has never really hit. 2008 was no exception, as he posted a .159 BA, with an OPS of just .434, albeit in only 44 at bats. His minor league numbers haven't exactly inspired hope, either. In parts of nine seasons on the farm, he has a career line of .222/.262/.336. So the Tigers didn't have any reason to think he could hit major league pitching. And hit, he has not.
So far this season, Sardinha has been worse than advertised. He has just three hits in 31 at bats, one of them a double. He has also failed to draw a single walk. He has struck out 16 times, an alarming 52% of his at bats. His line (.097/.091/.129) is just poor, and only one player in the major leagues with as many as 31 AB's has been worse, and that player is Randy Wolf, a pitcher, with the Dodgers. Defensively, Sardinha has failed miserably to control the running game, nabbing just two of the 12 runners who have attempted to steal against him. By all accounts however, he does call a good game, and seems to work well with the staff.
But the Tigers need a catcher who can do something measurable. In several games this year, Sardinha has started, only to see Laird have to enter in the late innings as a pinch hitter, then catch the rest of the game. Laird will need rest at some point this season, but Sardinha's poor performances, especially offensively, just don't allow for that. He has become the glaring weakness on a team that is trying to distance themselves from the rest of the division.
Where else can the Tigers turn? With Treanor probably lost for the year, they could look back to Toledo for another catcher. Dusty Ryan has seen some time in the majors last year with Detroit, and did reasonably well. He showed enough that many a Tiger fan wondered why the team signed Mr. Misty May to begin with.
As a 23 year old last year, Ryan caught six of the 13 potential base stealers against him, and put up very good numbers offensively, though in just 44 at bats. He finished at .318/.380/.500, with two homeruns and seven RBI. A very good showing, indeed. Ryan's minor league career line is slightly lower at .238/.331/.391, but he has improved his hitting as he has progressed though the minor leagues, posting an .817 OPS in AA and an .848 OPS in AAA.
Laird does have one arbitration year remaining, so he is under team control through 2010, but Ryan may be the Tigers catcher of the future, although they also like AA prospect Alex Avila, as well. But the future needs to be now for Dusty Ryan and the Tigers. Ryan was kept in Toledo in part to get him more seasoning, but with the failure of Sardinha, and the loss of Treanor, the Tigers have no choice but to bring in a new catcher.
The Tigers' farm system is largely void of talent, so a trade for a capable backup catcher seems unlikely. Dusty Ryan should be getting the call to come to Detroit soon, if the Tigers are serious about winning this year. His recall would allow for more rest for Laird, and get Ryan acclimated to the pitchers on the major league staff, while working a couple of games per week. I'm sure there will bumps along the way, but he would be a huge upgrade to the performance Sardinha has offered.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Another Exciting Adventure with Dontrelle
With the Red Wings playing game six of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, I had planned on a nice evening watching hockey. Unfortunately, I cannot turn away from a Dontrelle Willis start. This is must-watch stuff here. For all the people that complain about how boring baseball is, I say "just go watch D-Train pitch sometime". Each pitch that he throws is a new and exciting adventure, which is not necessarily what you ideally would want from a guy pitching for your club. But boring, he is not.
His outing can best be summed up by a post made by Kurt from Mack Avenue Tigers, on the gamethread at Bless You Boys.
Kurt, I couldn't agree more.
The bottom of the fifth inning yesterday was one of the more intense frames of baseball I have ever watched. Willis was obviously not completely healthy after hurting his knee in the first, and was visibly limping. But he battled through the pain, and battled his command issues to finally retire A.J. Pierzynski with the bases loaded by making a diving sprawl on a slow roller just past the mound, then threw wildly to first from his belly, only to see Miguel Cabrera preserve the tie with a great stretch to stay on the bag.
When it was over, I could finally exhale.
Dontrelle Willis is exhausting to watch. He began his evening with six consecutive balls. He allowed the White Sox first run on a wild pitch. Over his five innings of work, he allowed 10 baserunners (five walks, five hits). He also allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Brain Anderson. As he has in the past, he also had good moments. His fastball reached 94 MPH, he consistently got ground balls, and was able to limit the damage to three runs over his start.
But he battled all day. Trainer Kevin Rand twice went to the mound to check on Willis, once after the play in the first when Willis hurt himself covering home, and once in the second. Twice Willis persuaded Rand and Jim Leyland to leave him in. On the second trip, I could read his lips when he said "There is no way I'm coming out of this game".
Willis has a long way to go. But unlike Jeremy Bonderman right now, his stuff is good enough. And he competes on every pitch, even if sometimes just with himself. Consistency has got to improve, though. Just as Dontrelle refused to leave the game last night, he needs to refuse to yield to his demons, and refuse to give up his fight to keep a starting job.
His determination may be the only thing keeping him in the major leagues right now.
His outing can best be summed up by a post made by Kurt from Mack Avenue Tigers, on the gamethread at Bless You Boys.
typical willis start
which is an improvement over last time.
scares the hell out of you, pisses you off a few times, scares the hell out of you a bit more and does uhm, OK I guess.
Mack Avenue Tigers
by MackAveKurt on Jun 9, 2009 9:52 PM EDT
Kurt, I couldn't agree more.
The bottom of the fifth inning yesterday was one of the more intense frames of baseball I have ever watched. Willis was obviously not completely healthy after hurting his knee in the first, and was visibly limping. But he battled through the pain, and battled his command issues to finally retire A.J. Pierzynski with the bases loaded by making a diving sprawl on a slow roller just past the mound, then threw wildly to first from his belly, only to see Miguel Cabrera preserve the tie with a great stretch to stay on the bag.
When it was over, I could finally exhale.
Dontrelle Willis is exhausting to watch. He began his evening with six consecutive balls. He allowed the White Sox first run on a wild pitch. Over his five innings of work, he allowed 10 baserunners (five walks, five hits). He also allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Brain Anderson. As he has in the past, he also had good moments. His fastball reached 94 MPH, he consistently got ground balls, and was able to limit the damage to three runs over his start.
But he battled all day. Trainer Kevin Rand twice went to the mound to check on Willis, once after the play in the first when Willis hurt himself covering home, and once in the second. Twice Willis persuaded Rand and Jim Leyland to leave him in. On the second trip, I could read his lips when he said "There is no way I'm coming out of this game".
Willis has a long way to go. But unlike Jeremy Bonderman right now, his stuff is good enough. And he competes on every pitch, even if sometimes just with himself. Consistency has got to improve, though. Just as Dontrelle refused to leave the game last night, he needs to refuse to yield to his demons, and refuse to give up his fight to keep a starting job.
His determination may be the only thing keeping him in the major leagues right now.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bonderman, Willis Make Pitch for Starting Jobs
Armando Galarraga seemingly put to rest any thoughts that he was about to lose his spot in the Tigers' starting rotation yesterday. After a rough first inning, he settled in and pitched very well. He pitched into the seventh inning, and left with lead, as Detroit bested Chicago 5-4 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader, and the start of a five game series with the White Sox. He was very good after his 33 pitch first frame, allowing only a homerun to noted Tiger-killer Jermaine Dye thereafter.
In the nightcap, Jeremy Bonderman made his first start in the major leagues in over a year. His stuff was underwhelming, his location was poor, and the results were unimpressive. Granted, he was starting in Chicago against the Sox, so you had to figure that homeruns could be a problem for any pitcher in that spot, and I'm sure nerves were a factor. That being said, I was not at all encouraged by what I saw.
Bonderman no longer possesses the great fastball and power slider he used to, those have been replaced by versions 5-6 MPH slower. He did feature a changeup, but he lacked command with it and the differential between that pitch and his fastball was only about 5 MPH, which is not ideal.
All six of Chicago's runs last night were charged to Bonderman, I had the feeling that it could have been worse. Bonderman has a long history of first-inning struggles, but last night he wasn't unlucky in that frame, he was bad. From the first hitter of the game, it felt like he was in trouble. The outs he recorded were on hard hit balls, he wasn't fooling anybody. Things never really improved.
Dontrelle Willis will get another chance to keep his rotation spot tonight, as he tries to bounce back from a poor performance last week versus Boston. In that start, Willis managed to yield five earned runs without allowing a hit, or making it out of the third inning.
When I watched Bonderman last night, I tried to compare his outing to what I saw from Dontrelle in his first start against the Twins last month. The finals numbers aren't far apart, but the feeling I took from each drastically differed. Bonderman threw 4+ innings, allowing eight hits, three walks, and six runs, with one strikeout. He gave up three homeruns. Willis, on May 13, went 4.2 innings, allowing eight hits, two walks, and four runs. He allowed one homerun, and was without a strikeout. Four of Bonderman's eight hits allowed went for extra bases, while only two of Willis' did.
As I wrote at the time, Willis looked like a pitcher with a plan and a purpose to each pitch. His stuff was there, but his command within the zone was not. But I could see that the talent had not eroded, it just needed to be harnessed. Conversely, last night Bonderman looked like a pitcher who was trying to pitch like he still had the stuff to blow past hitters. His once electric arm is gone, at least for now, and he was unable to make the adjustments that were necessary.
By no means am I calling this race over. Willis has been inconsistent at best, but did show promise in one start. Perhaps Bonderman can build on his effort last night and pitch better going forward. But Willis is getting his chance to keep his job tonight. If he pitches well and shows results, the job is likely his to keep. Bonderman's effort last night has put Willis in the driver's seat.
Bonderman can now only watch, his work is done. He may get one more start, as perhaps the first can be chalked up to nerves. Maybe, he will move to the bullpen, or accept a minor league assignment. But the impression that I got is that Bonderman wasn't ready. And I am not confident he will be soon.
In the nightcap, Jeremy Bonderman made his first start in the major leagues in over a year. His stuff was underwhelming, his location was poor, and the results were unimpressive. Granted, he was starting in Chicago against the Sox, so you had to figure that homeruns could be a problem for any pitcher in that spot, and I'm sure nerves were a factor. That being said, I was not at all encouraged by what I saw.
Bonderman no longer possesses the great fastball and power slider he used to, those have been replaced by versions 5-6 MPH slower. He did feature a changeup, but he lacked command with it and the differential between that pitch and his fastball was only about 5 MPH, which is not ideal.
All six of Chicago's runs last night were charged to Bonderman, I had the feeling that it could have been worse. Bonderman has a long history of first-inning struggles, but last night he wasn't unlucky in that frame, he was bad. From the first hitter of the game, it felt like he was in trouble. The outs he recorded were on hard hit balls, he wasn't fooling anybody. Things never really improved.
Dontrelle Willis will get another chance to keep his rotation spot tonight, as he tries to bounce back from a poor performance last week versus Boston. In that start, Willis managed to yield five earned runs without allowing a hit, or making it out of the third inning.
When I watched Bonderman last night, I tried to compare his outing to what I saw from Dontrelle in his first start against the Twins last month. The finals numbers aren't far apart, but the feeling I took from each drastically differed. Bonderman threw 4+ innings, allowing eight hits, three walks, and six runs, with one strikeout. He gave up three homeruns. Willis, on May 13, went 4.2 innings, allowing eight hits, two walks, and four runs. He allowed one homerun, and was without a strikeout. Four of Bonderman's eight hits allowed went for extra bases, while only two of Willis' did.
As I wrote at the time, Willis looked like a pitcher with a plan and a purpose to each pitch. His stuff was there, but his command within the zone was not. But I could see that the talent had not eroded, it just needed to be harnessed. Conversely, last night Bonderman looked like a pitcher who was trying to pitch like he still had the stuff to blow past hitters. His once electric arm is gone, at least for now, and he was unable to make the adjustments that were necessary.
By no means am I calling this race over. Willis has been inconsistent at best, but did show promise in one start. Perhaps Bonderman can build on his effort last night and pitch better going forward. But Willis is getting his chance to keep his job tonight. If he pitches well and shows results, the job is likely his to keep. Bonderman's effort last night has put Willis in the driver's seat.
Bonderman can now only watch, his work is done. He may get one more start, as perhaps the first can be chalked up to nerves. Maybe, he will move to the bullpen, or accept a minor league assignment. But the impression that I got is that Bonderman wasn't ready. And I am not confident he will be soon.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Playing Pepper with J. Ellet Lambie
When I began this blog about a month ago, I had no idea where things might go, or if anyone would even read it. What I have found so far, is that I truly enjoy sharing my thoughts about Tigers baseball with other fans and bloggers, and that at least of few of you are reading.
Recently, J. Ellet Lambie of Hazaa, asked me to participate in a segment he runs regularly called "Five for Fighting", where he and another blogger trade five questions and post each other's answers. I have been a big fan of his work since I first stumbled upon it, and was humbled to be asked to join him for this piece. John is perhaps the most talented writer I have encountered in the blogosphere and I encourage all of you to be sure to visit his site and read through his archives.
The questions I asked him will appear here with his answers, while the questions he posed to me will appear at Hazaa, along with my answers. Think of this like one of those old episodes of Law and Order that would overlap with an episode of Homicide. Always a good time, as I'm sure this will be. Let's get started...
Q: In light of the offensive struggles so far this year, what are the changes you would like to see? (Are there players in the minors you feel should get a look? or Name some players that the Tigers should target via trade.)
I'll probably be in the minority here, but I don't think a whole lot of external change is required to right the ship. Magglio Ordonez started slowly, but has raised his batting average significantly and is beginning to drive in runs when it matters. Placido Polanco is better than a .250 hitter, I expect he'll rebound soon as well. Marcus Thames will soon be available to provide a little more punch, although consistency has always been his Achilles heel. Slumps come at odd times and tend to bring about a knee-jerk reaction among fans. I'm willing to be patient, for at least the next month.
There are however a few players rumored to be available in the trade market that I think would provide some injury security and eliminate the need to carry youngsters such as Jeff Larish and Ryan Raburn.
Nick Johnson of the Washington Nationals is one of those guys. He's hitting .332 as of this morning with a .434 on-base percentage and 30 RBIs. He's also walked 33 times against 37 strike outs, which would give the Tigers a truly patient hitter in the lineup. He'd provide depth at first base, a considerable upgrade over Larish. I'm not sure what his price tag would be, but it's probably higher than we think. Left handed hitters of his quality don't grow on trees.
Aubrey Huff is another potential free agent that could help the Tigers, and he's publicly admitted his man-crush on Edwin Jackson so that might help clear the way for his mid July transfer, but don't count on it yet. The Orioles will seek more than he's worth, as they always do.
In terms of another proven outfielder with some pop, which this team could certainly use, names like Jermaine Dye and Matt Holliday will be mentioned but neither will end up here. The Tigers are more likely to pursue a Marlon Byrd (whom I would love to have) or a Rick Ankiel (whom I wouldn't).
Q: Lynn Henning of the Detroit News, recently spoke with Mike McClary on the podcast and suggested it was time to cut bait with some big contracts (Ordonez, Willis, Roberston), how realistic do you feel his suggestions were and do you agree with him?
The release of Gary Sheffield this spring opened the door for this kind of thinking, and while it has happened before with guys like Damion Easley I don't know that the same circumstances apply here. Let's start with Maggs. The bulk of the rationale from writers who support cutting him loose comes from the impending contract option kicking in for next season. If Ordonez plays 135 games or reaches 540 plate appearances that ginormous option is guaranteed. While he isn't the player he once was he can still hit, and there is no one in line to replace him except Wilkin Ramirez, and let's face it, he's not ready yet. I don't expect the team to cut Ordonez, although it will be very interesting to see how they handle his playing time late in the season. I believe the organization would like to see Magglio quietly slip away after the '09 season and find his replacement on the deeply discounted free agent market.
As for Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson, Dave Dombrowski made his bed and he's gonna have to lie in it. Both players were given expensive extensions based on questionable results. Both players have struggled more since signing those contracts, making them near impossible to trade. At least with Dontrelle you can make the argument that there was once great talent in him, talent that possibly, maybe, could be re-kindled. Nate Robertson, and pardon me for being so blunt, is not a good pitcher and not going to get better. Be it in the rotation or the bullpen he has proven unable to do what he needs to do in order to be successful, get left-handers out. Lefties have hit .267 against him over his career. He'll be 32-years-old come September. Maybe Dombrowski can con some young GM into giving up a hot-dog cart and a few rolls of tape for him if the Tigers pay 90% of his contract, but that's the best deal out there.
I think Nate will be cut at some point, Willis probably not.
Q: Does Jeff Larish have a future in Detroit, this year or beyond?
No. He's a poor defender with a big swing that has too many holes in it. He's not going to see time at the corner infield positions and isn't the outfield answer the team needs. He'll be headed back to AAA the moment Marcus Thames returns, probably never to return.
Q: How do you see the rotation shaking out after the next week or so of games?
Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello are safe, we know that. The other two spots will be filled by some combination of Galarraga, Bonderman, Willis, Miner and perhaps a Toledo Mudhen. I know it's a vague answer, go ahead and poke fun at me, but I'm a writer not a clairvoyant. Armando has shown he can dominate, and has looked better in his last two outings after a brief rough patch, so I'd say he was the favorite for the 4th spot. Bondo hasn't pitched in a Major League game in a year, Willis has had more ups and downs in the last month than a recovering alcoholic and Zach Miner is, well, Zach Miner.
If I had to handicap it I would say the 4th spot is Galarraga's to lose and the 5th spot would ideally go to Willis simply to have a leftie in the mix, but he may pitch himself out of that decision. Jeremy Bonderman is going to be a part of this club, and I believe it will be as a starter, although it may take a few weeks to find his place. Bondo will get the audition in the Monday double-header and Willis will get another start next week as well - may the best man win.
Meanwhile Zach Miner can continue to serve as the long-dstance mop-up man and emergency long-relief option.
Q: How do you feel about the Leyland contract situation? Has he earned his extention yet?
I've been critical of Leyland this year, and last year, although I generally like and respect him very much. My biggest question is how motivated is he? He's been around, he's won championships, he's not getting any younger. As much as people ask does he deserve it I ask does he really want it? He looks conflicted to me, but I'm hardly an FBI profiler. Jimmy Leyland has had a tremendous career and I'm not saying it's over yet, but I believe certain parts of the game are beginning to wear on him and dare I say, even pass him by.
To be fair, Dave Dombrowski certainly hasn't made his job very easy these last two years. The gargantuan contracts given to players who have drastically under-performed have been an ulcer waiting to bleed in Leyland since last spring. If upper management is paying those kind of salaries on a multi-year basis it's tough to move those guys out of the lineup, even when players like Edgar Renteria, Gary Sheffield, Pudge Rodriguez (last season) and the aforementioned pitchers Willis and Robertson along with Brandon Lyon have struggled.
A manager must work with the roster he's given and Jim Leyland may have some stars, but he has more than his share of liabilities as well.
Bottom line, It's too early in the season to know if Jim really wants it, and if he deserves it. Ask me again in late August or September. If I had to guess, and let's say I did, I expect he'll return for one more year, if only out of the loyalty Mike Illitch is known for.
--end--
Once again, I would like to thank J. Ellet Lambie for including me in this work. I think we tackled a good number of issues here, and I had a lot of fun doing this. If nothing else, I got a chance to talk Tigers with another knowledgeable fan, which is always enjoyable for me, and was really the whole purpose of my blog to begin with. As a reminder, check out Hazaa to see the other side of this story, and see my answers to the questions he asked.
Recently, J. Ellet Lambie of Hazaa, asked me to participate in a segment he runs regularly called "Five for Fighting", where he and another blogger trade five questions and post each other's answers. I have been a big fan of his work since I first stumbled upon it, and was humbled to be asked to join him for this piece. John is perhaps the most talented writer I have encountered in the blogosphere and I encourage all of you to be sure to visit his site and read through his archives.
The questions I asked him will appear here with his answers, while the questions he posed to me will appear at Hazaa, along with my answers. Think of this like one of those old episodes of Law and Order that would overlap with an episode of Homicide. Always a good time, as I'm sure this will be. Let's get started...
Q: In light of the offensive struggles so far this year, what are the changes you would like to see? (Are there players in the minors you feel should get a look? or Name some players that the Tigers should target via trade.)
I'll probably be in the minority here, but I don't think a whole lot of external change is required to right the ship. Magglio Ordonez started slowly, but has raised his batting average significantly and is beginning to drive in runs when it matters. Placido Polanco is better than a .250 hitter, I expect he'll rebound soon as well. Marcus Thames will soon be available to provide a little more punch, although consistency has always been his Achilles heel. Slumps come at odd times and tend to bring about a knee-jerk reaction among fans. I'm willing to be patient, for at least the next month.
There are however a few players rumored to be available in the trade market that I think would provide some injury security and eliminate the need to carry youngsters such as Jeff Larish and Ryan Raburn.
Nick Johnson of the Washington Nationals is one of those guys. He's hitting .332 as of this morning with a .434 on-base percentage and 30 RBIs. He's also walked 33 times against 37 strike outs, which would give the Tigers a truly patient hitter in the lineup. He'd provide depth at first base, a considerable upgrade over Larish. I'm not sure what his price tag would be, but it's probably higher than we think. Left handed hitters of his quality don't grow on trees.
Aubrey Huff is another potential free agent that could help the Tigers, and he's publicly admitted his man-crush on Edwin Jackson so that might help clear the way for his mid July transfer, but don't count on it yet. The Orioles will seek more than he's worth, as they always do.
In terms of another proven outfielder with some pop, which this team could certainly use, names like Jermaine Dye and Matt Holliday will be mentioned but neither will end up here. The Tigers are more likely to pursue a Marlon Byrd (whom I would love to have) or a Rick Ankiel (whom I wouldn't).
Q: Lynn Henning of the Detroit News, recently spoke with Mike McClary on the podcast and suggested it was time to cut bait with some big contracts (Ordonez, Willis, Roberston), how realistic do you feel his suggestions were and do you agree with him?
The release of Gary Sheffield this spring opened the door for this kind of thinking, and while it has happened before with guys like Damion Easley I don't know that the same circumstances apply here. Let's start with Maggs. The bulk of the rationale from writers who support cutting him loose comes from the impending contract option kicking in for next season. If Ordonez plays 135 games or reaches 540 plate appearances that ginormous option is guaranteed. While he isn't the player he once was he can still hit, and there is no one in line to replace him except Wilkin Ramirez, and let's face it, he's not ready yet. I don't expect the team to cut Ordonez, although it will be very interesting to see how they handle his playing time late in the season. I believe the organization would like to see Magglio quietly slip away after the '09 season and find his replacement on the deeply discounted free agent market.
As for Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson, Dave Dombrowski made his bed and he's gonna have to lie in it. Both players were given expensive extensions based on questionable results. Both players have struggled more since signing those contracts, making them near impossible to trade. At least with Dontrelle you can make the argument that there was once great talent in him, talent that possibly, maybe, could be re-kindled. Nate Robertson, and pardon me for being so blunt, is not a good pitcher and not going to get better. Be it in the rotation or the bullpen he has proven unable to do what he needs to do in order to be successful, get left-handers out. Lefties have hit .267 against him over his career. He'll be 32-years-old come September. Maybe Dombrowski can con some young GM into giving up a hot-dog cart and a few rolls of tape for him if the Tigers pay 90% of his contract, but that's the best deal out there.
I think Nate will be cut at some point, Willis probably not.
Q: Does Jeff Larish have a future in Detroit, this year or beyond?
No. He's a poor defender with a big swing that has too many holes in it. He's not going to see time at the corner infield positions and isn't the outfield answer the team needs. He'll be headed back to AAA the moment Marcus Thames returns, probably never to return.
Q: How do you see the rotation shaking out after the next week or so of games?
Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello are safe, we know that. The other two spots will be filled by some combination of Galarraga, Bonderman, Willis, Miner and perhaps a Toledo Mudhen. I know it's a vague answer, go ahead and poke fun at me, but I'm a writer not a clairvoyant. Armando has shown he can dominate, and has looked better in his last two outings after a brief rough patch, so I'd say he was the favorite for the 4th spot. Bondo hasn't pitched in a Major League game in a year, Willis has had more ups and downs in the last month than a recovering alcoholic and Zach Miner is, well, Zach Miner.
If I had to handicap it I would say the 4th spot is Galarraga's to lose and the 5th spot would ideally go to Willis simply to have a leftie in the mix, but he may pitch himself out of that decision. Jeremy Bonderman is going to be a part of this club, and I believe it will be as a starter, although it may take a few weeks to find his place. Bondo will get the audition in the Monday double-header and Willis will get another start next week as well - may the best man win.
Meanwhile Zach Miner can continue to serve as the long-dstance mop-up man and emergency long-relief option.
Q: How do you feel about the Leyland contract situation? Has he earned his extention yet?
I've been critical of Leyland this year, and last year, although I generally like and respect him very much. My biggest question is how motivated is he? He's been around, he's won championships, he's not getting any younger. As much as people ask does he deserve it I ask does he really want it? He looks conflicted to me, but I'm hardly an FBI profiler. Jimmy Leyland has had a tremendous career and I'm not saying it's over yet, but I believe certain parts of the game are beginning to wear on him and dare I say, even pass him by.
To be fair, Dave Dombrowski certainly hasn't made his job very easy these last two years. The gargantuan contracts given to players who have drastically under-performed have been an ulcer waiting to bleed in Leyland since last spring. If upper management is paying those kind of salaries on a multi-year basis it's tough to move those guys out of the lineup, even when players like Edgar Renteria, Gary Sheffield, Pudge Rodriguez (last season) and the aforementioned pitchers Willis and Robertson along with Brandon Lyon have struggled.
A manager must work with the roster he's given and Jim Leyland may have some stars, but he has more than his share of liabilities as well.
Bottom line, It's too early in the season to know if Jim really wants it, and if he deserves it. Ask me again in late August or September. If I had to guess, and let's say I did, I expect he'll return for one more year, if only out of the loyalty Mike Illitch is known for.
--end--
Once again, I would like to thank J. Ellet Lambie for including me in this work. I think we tackled a good number of issues here, and I had a lot of fun doing this. If nothing else, I got a chance to talk Tigers with another knowledgeable fan, which is always enjoyable for me, and was really the whole purpose of my blog to begin with. As a reminder, check out Hazaa to see the other side of this story, and see my answers to the questions he asked.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Bloggers of the World, Unite! 300 wins, Sad Days in Motown
J Ellet Lambie of Hazaa recently offered his opinions on Randy Johnson's persuit of 300 wins, which came to a successful end yesterday at Washington. You might recall that the Nationals are the former Expos, which is the team Johnson broke in with, and where he won exactly three games before being shipped off to Seattle.
Many kudos to the Unit on that historic accomplishment. From a freakishly tall guy who had no clue where the ball would go when he pitched, to a 5-time Cy Young winner, it has been an honor to watch his greatness develop.
So much for the good news:
Over the past three days the Tigers have been pounded into submission by the bullies from Boston. Sadly, Detroit offered little resistance, both from the offense (if you can even call it that anymore), to the pitching staff. Only Armando Galarraga offered a decent performance among the starters, and the bullpen was a combined terrible at worst, shaky at best in all three games.
Getting swept is never fun, getting swept at home is worse, and getting swept at home, by Boston, without putting up a real fight is maddening. A quick check of this morning's standings show the Kitties still sporting a 2.5 game lead though. It can't be that bad, right? Right? The Tigers' blogosphere disagrees.
Rogo of DesigNate Robertson thinks the Tigers are rapidly becoming the Knicks and compares Dave Dombrowski to Isaiah Thomas. Ouch.
Ian at Bless You Boys leads the parade of fans leaping from the D-Train bandwagon.
Kurt at Mack Avenue Tigers passed along some notes from Lynn Henning, and outlined what he believes the Tigers must do going forward. He's been banging the Zach Miner to the rotation drum for a while now, and I agree. I just hope to see him starting for Colorado or Seattle soon.
Rock n Rye of (746 miles) From the CoPa offers a short post on the train wreck that was, and wonders if Dontrelle has thrown his last pitch as a Tiger.
Blake at the Spot Starters gives us some historical perspective on Dontrelle's efforts yesterday.
Jen of Old English D laments the inconsistencies of this Tigers team so far.
To all of this I say that I agree, to a point. From what I saw of Willis yesterday, he was getting squeezed a bunch in the third. If he gets a call on one or two of those pitches to Pedroia or Drew, the Sox have to start swinging, and maybe the inning ends differently. But he didn't get those calls and they didn't have to swing, and the end was what we all witnessed. Ugly.
Jim Leyland seems likely to stick by Willis at least for now though. He mentions in Jason Beck's blog that control hasn't really been a problem until now for Dontrelle. I certainly hope we have not seen the last good performance of Willis' days as a Tiger.
The winds of change are certainly blowing in Tiger Town, however. The imminent return of slugger Marcus Thames and pitcher Jeremy Bonderman will mean roster moves. There has been talk of possible trades, as the Tigers look for a bat.
Could Thames be moved? That may depend on the severity of the Miguel Cabrera injury, as Thames could have to fill-in at first base until El Martillo gets back. I look for Ryan Raburn to head back to Toledo when Marcus is activated.
Bonderman's rehab stint is over, he figures to start game two of Monday doubleheader with Chicago. When Bondo is activated, someone has gotta go.
Could this be the right time to DFA Brandon Lyon? I barring a trade, I'd doubt you would see someone else released. Ryan Perry is the only real candidate to be optioned out, and I don't see that happening yet. Freddy Dolsi has been having a very good year in Toledo, and can provide depth in the bullpen to fill Lyon's role once a starter is moved out.
And make no mistake, a starter must be moved out. The way it stands, Detroit figures to carry 7 or 8 starting pitchers on their staff, for only five slots. The cost of moving Robertson or Willis will probably mean a trade could be on the horizon, likely involving a less expensive pitcher, like Miner or Galarraga.
The Tigers are also in need of a left handed bat to hit in the middle of the order. From what I've seen, Jeff Larish is not the answer. I'd like to see him as part of a package to Colorado, maybe with Miner and some minor league arm to try to get Brad Hawpe. I wonder if that would be enough?
Many kudos to the Unit on that historic accomplishment. From a freakishly tall guy who had no clue where the ball would go when he pitched, to a 5-time Cy Young winner, it has been an honor to watch his greatness develop.
So much for the good news:
Over the past three days the Tigers have been pounded into submission by the bullies from Boston. Sadly, Detroit offered little resistance, both from the offense (if you can even call it that anymore), to the pitching staff. Only Armando Galarraga offered a decent performance among the starters, and the bullpen was a combined terrible at worst, shaky at best in all three games.
Getting swept is never fun, getting swept at home is worse, and getting swept at home, by Boston, without putting up a real fight is maddening. A quick check of this morning's standings show the Kitties still sporting a 2.5 game lead though. It can't be that bad, right? Right? The Tigers' blogosphere disagrees.
Rogo of DesigNate Robertson thinks the Tigers are rapidly becoming the Knicks and compares Dave Dombrowski to Isaiah Thomas. Ouch.
Ian at Bless You Boys leads the parade of fans leaping from the D-Train bandwagon.
Kurt at Mack Avenue Tigers passed along some notes from Lynn Henning, and outlined what he believes the Tigers must do going forward. He's been banging the Zach Miner to the rotation drum for a while now, and I agree. I just hope to see him starting for Colorado or Seattle soon.
Rock n Rye of (746 miles) From the CoPa offers a short post on the train wreck that was, and wonders if Dontrelle has thrown his last pitch as a Tiger.
Blake at the Spot Starters gives us some historical perspective on Dontrelle's efforts yesterday.
Jen of Old English D laments the inconsistencies of this Tigers team so far.
To all of this I say that I agree, to a point. From what I saw of Willis yesterday, he was getting squeezed a bunch in the third. If he gets a call on one or two of those pitches to Pedroia or Drew, the Sox have to start swinging, and maybe the inning ends differently. But he didn't get those calls and they didn't have to swing, and the end was what we all witnessed. Ugly.
Jim Leyland seems likely to stick by Willis at least for now though. He mentions in Jason Beck's blog that control hasn't really been a problem until now for Dontrelle. I certainly hope we have not seen the last good performance of Willis' days as a Tiger.
The winds of change are certainly blowing in Tiger Town, however. The imminent return of slugger Marcus Thames and pitcher Jeremy Bonderman will mean roster moves. There has been talk of possible trades, as the Tigers look for a bat.
Could Thames be moved? That may depend on the severity of the Miguel Cabrera injury, as Thames could have to fill-in at first base until El Martillo gets back. I look for Ryan Raburn to head back to Toledo when Marcus is activated.
Bonderman's rehab stint is over, he figures to start game two of Monday doubleheader with Chicago. When Bondo is activated, someone has gotta go.
Could this be the right time to DFA Brandon Lyon? I barring a trade, I'd doubt you would see someone else released. Ryan Perry is the only real candidate to be optioned out, and I don't see that happening yet. Freddy Dolsi has been having a very good year in Toledo, and can provide depth in the bullpen to fill Lyon's role once a starter is moved out.
And make no mistake, a starter must be moved out. The way it stands, Detroit figures to carry 7 or 8 starting pitchers on their staff, for only five slots. The cost of moving Robertson or Willis will probably mean a trade could be on the horizon, likely involving a less expensive pitcher, like Miner or Galarraga.
The Tigers are also in need of a left handed bat to hit in the middle of the order. From what I've seen, Jeff Larish is not the answer. I'd like to see him as part of a package to Colorado, maybe with Miner and some minor league arm to try to get Brad Hawpe. I wonder if that would be enough?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Lefthanders Provide Blueprint for Bonderman
Jeremy Bonderman is working his way back to Detroit. He is making progress toward becoming a major league pitcher again. The righthander first appeared in the big leagues as a 20 year old flamethrower with a wicked slider, and learned on the job for the 2003 Detroit Tigers, losing 19 games as a rookie. The potential for greatness has always been there. Bonderman was acquired by Detroit in a 2002 trade the sent Jeff Weaver to the Yankees, Ted Lilly to the A's, and Carlos Pena, Franklyn German, and Bonderman to the Tigers. His best season was in 2006, when the then 23 year old lead the AL with 34 starts, posting 202 strikeouts and a 14-8 record for the surprise pennant winners. But consistency has eluded Bonderman throughout his career.
Although he featured a mid-90s fastball and high-80s slider, he has never been able to master a quality third pitch. Early in the 2008 season, it was apparent Bonderman was losing velocity. He was diagnosed with a clotting disorder in his throwing shoulder and had season ending surgery after just 12 starts.
Bonderman's numbers in his past few minor league starts have been very encouraging, with the exception of the number on the radar gun. The nerve damage in his shoulder has been corrected, but the velocity has not returned. The guy who used to be able to touch 98 with his fastball, has routinely been clocked 10 MPH slower. This has been cause for alarm for many, including Bonderman himself, but he has been making adjustments. He is now featuring a changeup, a pitch he has toyed with unsuccessfully in the past. Reports form Toledo have been encouraging regarding his location and command of his off-speed pitches. With an 88 MPH fastball, Bondo knows he needs to become more of a pitcher, less of a thrower if he plans to get hitters out consistently.
Like Bonderman, Frank Tanana got the big leagues at an early age. For parts of six seasons with the Angels, Tanana dominated the AL. Although teamed with Nolan Ryan, it was Tanana that posted the better numbers for much of their time together. Tanana suffered an arm injury in 1979, and faced many of the demons now facing Bonderman. The lefthander with the great fastball was gone, left behind was Tanana to rebuild his game.
Eventually, Tanana re-emerged. Armed with a big, slow curveball and high-80s fastball, he once again became an effective starting pitcher. The southpaw had routinely racked up 200 strikeout seasons before the injury, but would never again top 160 in one season. Still he pitched 14 years after the injury, and finished his career with 240 wins over his 21 seasons.
Bonderman's old velocity may yet return, or it may not. At this point, he will have to make due with the arsenal he has. Bonderman has been in contact with Kenny Rogers. The former Tiger and 200 game winner had similar surgery during his career, and was able to come back as a finese pitcher when he returned to action.
Bonderman will need to heed the advice of Rogers moving forward. If he is to become a successful pitcher again, it may be that the career paths that Kenny Rogers and Frank Tanana took are the same as the one Bonderman needs to take. Bonderman must learn to pitch without his old velocity. He will no longer be able to overpower hitters. He'll have to mix his pitches, change speeds, and spot his fastball on the corners. He'll have to pitch like a "crafty lefthander", but he'll have to do that from the right side.
Although he featured a mid-90s fastball and high-80s slider, he has never been able to master a quality third pitch. Early in the 2008 season, it was apparent Bonderman was losing velocity. He was diagnosed with a clotting disorder in his throwing shoulder and had season ending surgery after just 12 starts.
Bonderman's numbers in his past few minor league starts have been very encouraging, with the exception of the number on the radar gun. The nerve damage in his shoulder has been corrected, but the velocity has not returned. The guy who used to be able to touch 98 with his fastball, has routinely been clocked 10 MPH slower. This has been cause for alarm for many, including Bonderman himself, but he has been making adjustments. He is now featuring a changeup, a pitch he has toyed with unsuccessfully in the past. Reports form Toledo have been encouraging regarding his location and command of his off-speed pitches. With an 88 MPH fastball, Bondo knows he needs to become more of a pitcher, less of a thrower if he plans to get hitters out consistently.
Like Bonderman, Frank Tanana got the big leagues at an early age. For parts of six seasons with the Angels, Tanana dominated the AL. Although teamed with Nolan Ryan, it was Tanana that posted the better numbers for much of their time together. Tanana suffered an arm injury in 1979, and faced many of the demons now facing Bonderman. The lefthander with the great fastball was gone, left behind was Tanana to rebuild his game.
Eventually, Tanana re-emerged. Armed with a big, slow curveball and high-80s fastball, he once again became an effective starting pitcher. The southpaw had routinely racked up 200 strikeout seasons before the injury, but would never again top 160 in one season. Still he pitched 14 years after the injury, and finished his career with 240 wins over his 21 seasons.
Bonderman's old velocity may yet return, or it may not. At this point, he will have to make due with the arsenal he has. Bonderman has been in contact with Kenny Rogers. The former Tiger and 200 game winner had similar surgery during his career, and was able to come back as a finese pitcher when he returned to action.
Bonderman will need to heed the advice of Rogers moving forward. If he is to become a successful pitcher again, it may be that the career paths that Kenny Rogers and Frank Tanana took are the same as the one Bonderman needs to take. Bonderman must learn to pitch without his old velocity. He will no longer be able to overpower hitters. He'll have to mix his pitches, change speeds, and spot his fastball on the corners. He'll have to pitch like a "crafty lefthander", but he'll have to do that from the right side.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Final Goodbye to Tiger Stadium
Today is a truly sad day for Tiger fans. But its a day that was perhaps long overdue. It was announced today that the final remaining piece of historic Tiger Stadium will be leveled, at the behest of the Detroit Economic Growth Commision. Much of the stadium was brought down last year, and the remaining structure, spanning dugout to dugout, could be demolished in as few as two weeks.
For the past ten years, following the Tigers' move to Comerica Park, there has been great debate about what to do with the near century old ballpark. Ideas for a museum fell flat, as did proposals that included apartment complexes, shopping centers, and even featuring the field as a ballpark for kids to play on. In the end however, a struggling Detroit economy simply could not justify the cost of upkeep on the vacant building.
Originally Navin Field, the stadium was opened for play in 1912, on the same day the the RedSox began play at Fenway Park. Through 87 seasons and many changes, both to the name, and structure, the park at Michigan and Trumbull was home to the Detroit Tigers. For the past ten seasons, the stadium has stood unoccupied, and poorly maintained.
I do not live in Detroit, and never have. I grew up two and a half hours south on I-75, in Lima, Ohio (coincidentally nicknamed "Little Detroit" for some of the city's less flattering elements). But every year, my father, my grandfather, and I would make the trip to Motown to see our Tigers play. The trip happened at least four times per season, but was always the same. Dad and I would get into Grandpa's car, though he was a terrible driver, and head north, always stopping on the way to eat in Perrysburg, Ohio, at the same Big Boy restaurant. Upon our arrival, we would park along the street, on some small side road across the interstate from the stadium, so we didn't have to pay for parking. Then we would make our way across the walkway above I-75, stop for peanuts, and head inside. We always got there early enough for batting practice, and our seats were usually just to the left field side of the fence the separated the reserved seats from the bleachers, in the upper deck. The memories I have of those trips are easy to recall. Through the great seasons in the 80's into the lean years of the 90's, those trips were always my favorite days growing up.
Once I finished high school, those trips came to an end. I enrolled in college in Bowling Green, Ohio, and the shorter distance meant more trips to Detroit for me. Several of my roommates were Indians fans, so the voyage always took place when the Tribe came to town.
My final trip to the stadium was on September 20th, 1999, when the Indians came in for the final home-stand in the park. Dwight Gooden, one of the idols of my youth, started for Cleveland. Dean Palmer hit a bomb in the first, Todd Jones blew a save, Bobby Higginson robbed a homerun with a leaping catch at the wall in right, and the Tigers won in the bottom of the tenth. It was a perfect way to say goodbye for me.
The trips to Comerica have been fun, the stadium is beautiful. But each trip coming from the south on I-75 leads you past the battered old park, and each time I pass her, I can only shake my head at what once was. The stadium had a long and glorious run, but now stood as an empty building, no longer living, but still in existence.
Several years ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and his health began to fail. My family watched his memory fade and his health slip until he passed away earlier this year. His illness left behind a shell of the man he once was, and although his passing was difficult, my pain was eased greatly with the knowledge that I would forever have the fond memories that I will always keep with me.
Tiger Stadium, like my Grandpa, will stand forever in my mind, and in my heart, with all of the memories of all the summers spent driving to Detroit.
For the past ten years, following the Tigers' move to Comerica Park, there has been great debate about what to do with the near century old ballpark. Ideas for a museum fell flat, as did proposals that included apartment complexes, shopping centers, and even featuring the field as a ballpark for kids to play on. In the end however, a struggling Detroit economy simply could not justify the cost of upkeep on the vacant building.
Originally Navin Field, the stadium was opened for play in 1912, on the same day the the RedSox began play at Fenway Park. Through 87 seasons and many changes, both to the name, and structure, the park at Michigan and Trumbull was home to the Detroit Tigers. For the past ten seasons, the stadium has stood unoccupied, and poorly maintained.
I do not live in Detroit, and never have. I grew up two and a half hours south on I-75, in Lima, Ohio (coincidentally nicknamed "Little Detroit" for some of the city's less flattering elements). But every year, my father, my grandfather, and I would make the trip to Motown to see our Tigers play. The trip happened at least four times per season, but was always the same. Dad and I would get into Grandpa's car, though he was a terrible driver, and head north, always stopping on the way to eat in Perrysburg, Ohio, at the same Big Boy restaurant. Upon our arrival, we would park along the street, on some small side road across the interstate from the stadium, so we didn't have to pay for parking. Then we would make our way across the walkway above I-75, stop for peanuts, and head inside. We always got there early enough for batting practice, and our seats were usually just to the left field side of the fence the separated the reserved seats from the bleachers, in the upper deck. The memories I have of those trips are easy to recall. Through the great seasons in the 80's into the lean years of the 90's, those trips were always my favorite days growing up.
Once I finished high school, those trips came to an end. I enrolled in college in Bowling Green, Ohio, and the shorter distance meant more trips to Detroit for me. Several of my roommates were Indians fans, so the voyage always took place when the Tribe came to town.
My final trip to the stadium was on September 20th, 1999, when the Indians came in for the final home-stand in the park. Dwight Gooden, one of the idols of my youth, started for Cleveland. Dean Palmer hit a bomb in the first, Todd Jones blew a save, Bobby Higginson robbed a homerun with a leaping catch at the wall in right, and the Tigers won in the bottom of the tenth. It was a perfect way to say goodbye for me.
The trips to Comerica have been fun, the stadium is beautiful. But each trip coming from the south on I-75 leads you past the battered old park, and each time I pass her, I can only shake my head at what once was. The stadium had a long and glorious run, but now stood as an empty building, no longer living, but still in existence.
Several years ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and his health began to fail. My family watched his memory fade and his health slip until he passed away earlier this year. His illness left behind a shell of the man he once was, and although his passing was difficult, my pain was eased greatly with the knowledge that I would forever have the fond memories that I will always keep with me.
Tiger Stadium, like my Grandpa, will stand forever in my mind, and in my heart, with all of the memories of all the summers spent driving to Detroit.
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