The Tigers would have a great starting pitching rotation - if this was 2005. Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers and Freddy Garcia combined for 64 wins that season. Remember?
I found the signing of Garcia to be curious, although I understand it’s one of those minor league, no strings attached deals.
There is a bottom line about Garcia. It’s how hard he throws. When he was throwing in the mid-90s, he was a very effective pitcher. When his velocity dropped, he adjusted for awhile, but wasn’t able to maintain it as a finesse pitcher.
Everybody looked at the guy, and passed - except the Tigers. He is only throwing in the mid-80s.
Medicine has made great progress in getting pitchers to recover from elbow ailments. Because of Tommy John surgery, many pitchers come back throwing actually better than ever after suffering elbow injuries that used to ruin careers. The same, unfortunately, can’t be said for shoulders.
When Garcia comes back throwing in the mid 80s after surgery on his shoulder, it isn’t encouraging. Joel Zumaya’s velocity basically returned, so it wasn’t the issue it is with Garcia, who is also older.
It disconcerting, however, the Tigers are relying on pitchers to come back from shoulder ailments - Bonderman is another one.
People look at the Tigers next season and wonder what it entails. It will be a pretty good year if Bonderman, Willis and Garcia (assuming they sign him) are pitching like the did in 2005 (I don’t believe they will resign Rogers). But, boy, talk about questionable. The future is iffy at best for those three veteran starters - and the ever-unpredictable Zumaya.

Random Thoughts

- Nothing against the Olympics, but I like baseball a lot better. Lets put it this way: I would still rather watch a late-night game between the Padres and Giants that is basically meaningless than the finals of the men’s gymnastics. I do like the swimming a lot and still look forward to the track and field - despite the obvious substance abuse issues.

- What the Packers missed when they didn’t retain Brett Favre is that he never misses a game. Aaron Rogers has already had two major injuries in his career, even though he has hardly played. Can’t believe the Packers have so little backing up Rogers under the circumstances.

- Big Ten to watch out for: Iowa. The Hawkeyes aren’t that good, but they are one of the relatively few teams returning their starting quarterback. And their schedule is ridiculously easy: Cream puffs in non-conference and no Ohio State or Michigan in Big Ten play.