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The Tigers Need Bonderman To Solidify Rotation
The Tigers’ last-place finish in 2008 was a monumental surprise, but it isn’t when considered they were without Jeremy Bonderman and Dontrelle Willis for most of the season.
Before 2008 began, a reasonable expectation was the two combining for 30 wins. Armando Galarraga made up some of it, but a subpar season by Justin Verlander pretty much gave what Galarraga accomplished back.
The anticipation within the Tigers organization for Willis this season is minimal. That wasn’t the case with Bonderman entering spring training.
He wasn’t throwing as hard the last two seasons because there was a circulation issue in his shoulder that was corrected by surgery. That’s what the Tigers were told by doctors. There has been hope Bonderman will not only come back this season, but also throw as well as ever in terms of velocity. Fifteen wins was being looked at as a real possibility, but it’s becoming more remote because of the shoulder issues Bonderman has experienced from the start of camp.
Edwin Jackson should help the rotation, but Bonderman can’t be counted on at this point. With Willis still in his funk, the Tigers will likely be depending on Nate Robertson and Zach Miner to fill out their rotation to begin the season. A wildcard still could be Rick Porcello - especially if Miner continues to pitch like the did the other day against the Pirates.
Random Thoughts
- Given what Richard Hamilton has done for this town - and what Allen Iverson hasn’t - it’s understandable Iverson will likely become the fall guy for the Pistons’ downturn this season. In truth, the fault lies with neither. The Pistons started winning regularly, too, when Hamilton went out of the lineup earlier this season. It’s not about the ingredients, but rather the mix, which is why it becomes addition by subtraction when either Hamilton or Iverson goes out of the lineup.
- I think it was a good think for the Lions that linebacker Ray Maualuga didn’t light it up at the NFL scouting combine. He’s a great football player - regardless. Maybe he will fall into the Lions lap at 20th overall.
Before 2008 began, a reasonable expectation was the two combining for 30 wins. Armando Galarraga made up some of it, but a subpar season by Justin Verlander pretty much gave what Galarraga accomplished back.
The anticipation within the Tigers organization for Willis this season is minimal. That wasn’t the case with Bonderman entering spring training.
He wasn’t throwing as hard the last two seasons because there was a circulation issue in his shoulder that was corrected by surgery. That’s what the Tigers were told by doctors. There has been hope Bonderman will not only come back this season, but also throw as well as ever in terms of velocity. Fifteen wins was being looked at as a real possibility, but it’s becoming more remote because of the shoulder issues Bonderman has experienced from the start of camp.
Edwin Jackson should help the rotation, but Bonderman can’t be counted on at this point. With Willis still in his funk, the Tigers will likely be depending on Nate Robertson and Zach Miner to fill out their rotation to begin the season. A wildcard still could be Rick Porcello - especially if Miner continues to pitch like the did the other day against the Pirates.
Random Thoughts
- Given what Richard Hamilton has done for this town - and what Allen Iverson hasn’t - it’s understandable Iverson will likely become the fall guy for the Pistons’ downturn this season. In truth, the fault lies with neither. The Pistons started winning regularly, too, when Hamilton went out of the lineup earlier this season. It’s not about the ingredients, but rather the mix, which is why it becomes addition by subtraction when either Hamilton or Iverson goes out of the lineup.
- I think it was a good think for the Lions that linebacker Ray Maualuga didn’t light it up at the NFL scouting combine. He’s a great football player - regardless. Maybe he will fall into the Lions lap at 20th overall.
posted by Pat Caputo at
2:08 PM
8 Comments:
Zumya has looked pretty sharp this spring thus far. If he continues to pitch at this pace will he get the nod at closer to start the year or no matter what does that go to Brandon Lyon? I agree Bonderman is so key. That being said I think with Bondermans health being an unknown. I think it is equally as important if not more so that Nate Robertson and or Willis steps up in a major way this season. I have more confidence in Zach Miner as as tarter then I do either one of those 3 at this point. Time remains to be seen. However, I feel if Zumya keeps throwing like he is I'd love to see him have the closers role to start the season. With Lyon as a set up guy.
I think all this lions talk is hilarious. Me I think we should go for the instant impact players this year. I say that cause I have a feeling we will win 3 or 4 games tops next year. So my mind why not go for Curry and a larinittus with your first 2 picks. JL, Sims, Curry as your three LBs not bad.
I wanted to let you know, I thought the article you wrote about Oakland men's basketball team was excellent!!! I am glad they are starting to get some more press. Hopefully we will bring another Tournament crown!
Come on, Pat. The Lions could have every single pick in the first round and they'd still be horrible. You know it, I know, and everyone knows it. They're doomed to be terrible forever.
Hey Pat, Bondo coming back is good.
Not an Ace but a 2,3 or 4 guy. He has two pitches that are above average. I think it would be great if he would work both sides of the plate especially on the righties. I wonder if a splitter would be more effective than his change-up as his third pitch.
Maddog52,
I think it will be Lyon to start with - unless he is totally awful this spring. Zumaya may get his shot at closer sooner instead of later, though, if he keeps pitching well.
Caputo
Detroit Sports Guru,
Like I wrote in my column, Kampe and his players deserve all the credit in the world for the way they have overcome Nelson's injury.
Caputo
Anonymous,
The Lions' record is a matter of record. I don't blame anybody for feeling about them like you do.
Caputo
Barry,
We'll see. He is already behind the curve in terms of getting ready for the season.
Caputo
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