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On Tigers Pitching Staff, Jimmy Howard And Prediction About MSU-Northern Iowa
Injuries can have a ripple effect on what transpires with a pitching staff.
If Bobby Seay's arm ailment lingers for a long period, it will make it less likely Phil Coke will eventually assume a spot in the Tigers' starting pitching rotation. And Coke to the rotation is part of Plan B should Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson and/or Jeremy Bonderman not pan out.
And, as encouraging as spring training has been for that high-priced, underperforming trio, it remains the more likely scenario none will pitch effectively this season.
Another "X" factor in this equation is Daniel Schlereth. It remains difficult at this point to know exactly what the Tigers can expect from him this coming season - and when.
Random Thoughts
- If Jimmy Howard keeps this up, how can he not win the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year?
- Red Berenson's Michigan hockey team was fabulous, after a mediocre regular season, while winning the CCHA tournament as a seventh seed. It would be a great story - and a terrific thing for this state and area - should the Wolverines advance to the Frozen Four at Ford Field. Backup goalie Shawn Hunwick - all 5-7, 165 pounds of him - has been brilliant for the Wolverines.
- Prediction: Michigan State won't miss Kalin Lucas as much as anticipated Friday against Northern Iowa because Korie Lucious will emerge as bonafide floor leader.
- My column in Tuesday's Oakland Press about how Sidney Crosby proved again Monday against the Red Wings he is more hype than substance: http://tinyurl.com/y8a5hrn
- Transcript of my live chat Tuesday on Tigers' prospects, Lions draft, minor league team in Oakland County, MSU in NCAA tournament, Red Wings-Penguins game and high school basketball: http://tinyurl.com/yc4bojk
If Bobby Seay's arm ailment lingers for a long period, it will make it less likely Phil Coke will eventually assume a spot in the Tigers' starting pitching rotation. And Coke to the rotation is part of Plan B should Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson and/or Jeremy Bonderman not pan out.
And, as encouraging as spring training has been for that high-priced, underperforming trio, it remains the more likely scenario none will pitch effectively this season.
Another "X" factor in this equation is Daniel Schlereth. It remains difficult at this point to know exactly what the Tigers can expect from him this coming season - and when.
Random Thoughts
- If Jimmy Howard keeps this up, how can he not win the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year?
- Red Berenson's Michigan hockey team was fabulous, after a mediocre regular season, while winning the CCHA tournament as a seventh seed. It would be a great story - and a terrific thing for this state and area - should the Wolverines advance to the Frozen Four at Ford Field. Backup goalie Shawn Hunwick - all 5-7, 165 pounds of him - has been brilliant for the Wolverines.
- Prediction: Michigan State won't miss Kalin Lucas as much as anticipated Friday against Northern Iowa because Korie Lucious will emerge as bonafide floor leader.
- My column in Tuesday's Oakland Press about how Sidney Crosby proved again Monday against the Red Wings he is more hype than substance: http://tinyurl.com/y8a5hrn
- Transcript of my live chat Tuesday on Tigers' prospects, Lions draft, minor league team in Oakland County, MSU in NCAA tournament, Red Wings-Penguins game and high school basketball: http://tinyurl.com/yc4bojk
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:04 PM
7 Comments:
Pat, It doesn't look good for Seay at all this season, does it.
But I will suggest that if the Willis, Bonderman, Robertson trio fold on us this season, Coke will have to start and we are much less likely to contend.
I'm starting think the Tigers defense this year is Fragile - with Sizemore at second and Inge at third as well. And then Cabrera staying clean is yet another dimension.
If all this potential DL scenarios are avoided - this team looks good in the AL Central. But the ripple you suggest could become a tsunami.
I bet one of trio (Willis, Bonderman, or Robertson) has a comeback year that draws national attention - but not all three.
Not meaning I won't be the homer rooting for the old English D with all I got - but my expectations are lowered and my emotional investment will be wisely brokered this year.
Love watching your "Tuesday's with Patrick" chat by the way (sorry Mr. Album). Must be quite the mental challenge getting hit from all sides - I was exhausted for you when it was over.
Pat, Eddie Bonine probably can handle the 5th starter slot, if the big contract guys all fail. They could use Coke as the 4th starter, if Brad Thomas makes the team as the 2nd lefty in the pen Ni, being the other. Hopefully, Bobby Seay won't be out the whole year. Dave
Fred, Fred, 'Willis, Bonderman, Robertson' - one having a comeback year drawing national attention?
Gosh, Mr. Illitch should be so happy.
I love your enthusiasm and by the way, how do you mix that cool-aid?
Fred Brill,
That's why schlerth could be very important for the Tigers. Also Ni. And don't forget, Rodney was very good against left-handed hitting. Agree on this Tigers season. Can see it going either way based on certain breaks of the game.
Caputo
Dave,
I think Bonine could - for awhile. I think the second and third time teams, particularly those in the division see him, they will lay off his sinker, and he could get hit hard.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I have to agree with Fred on Willis. If he does come back this and have a respectable season, it will get a lot of national attention. He is a big name nationally and no pitcher has ever come back from this.
Caputo
Yeah, Pat and Fred, but there is a reason why no pitcher has ever come back from this.
If he changes his delivery drastically, he will have trouble getting movement on the ball.
But who knows?
Hope you're right.
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