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Tigers Do Have Options For Starting Rotation Issues
Starting pitching is becoming a major concern for the Tigers. Dontrelle Willis will miss his start today because of illness. Eddie Bonine pitched yesterday, so they will go with Brad Thomas against the powerful Yankees.
I do think if Max Scherzer continues to struggle, he could find his way to the minor leagues. His issues are of command - and should probably be worked out at Triple-A for a period. Rick Porcello needs to get the sinking action back on his two-seam fastball. To me, it seems less logical to send him to the minor leagues to work on that. But a stint in the bullpen might be in order.
Question is, what are the options for the rotation. Bonine is one. He's pitched very well this season. A real step forward. Another could be Alfredo Figaro. He has been the best starter at Toledo this year - and is gradually improving as the season moves along. Armando Galarraga had been pitching well for the Mud Hens, but was lit up in his most recent start.
Random Thoughts
- I liked the Lions signing of C.C. Brown. He is not a ballhawking safety, but he is a solid tackler in the secondary and should be a good compliment for Louis Delmas. And he's a player who, at 27, is still in his prime with some so-called tread left - like their earler secondary additions, cornerbacks Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade. The Lions were sorely lacking options opposite of Delmas. The best options, Daniel Bullocks and Ko Simpson, are coming off major knee injuries. The key to the effectiveness of player like Brown is pass rush. He is not a good cover safety. Run support is his strength.
Now what are the Lions going to do address an obvious hole at linebacker?
- There was a time I was absolutely positive Tiger Woods would break Jack Nicklaus' all-time record for winning golf's major tournaments. Now I am not so sure. Almost seems unlikely.
My column in Monday's Oakland Press on where the Red Wings go from here: http://tinyurl.com/29rlfkz
I do think if Max Scherzer continues to struggle, he could find his way to the minor leagues. His issues are of command - and should probably be worked out at Triple-A for a period. Rick Porcello needs to get the sinking action back on his two-seam fastball. To me, it seems less logical to send him to the minor leagues to work on that. But a stint in the bullpen might be in order.
Question is, what are the options for the rotation. Bonine is one. He's pitched very well this season. A real step forward. Another could be Alfredo Figaro. He has been the best starter at Toledo this year - and is gradually improving as the season moves along. Armando Galarraga had been pitching well for the Mud Hens, but was lit up in his most recent start.
Random Thoughts
- I liked the Lions signing of C.C. Brown. He is not a ballhawking safety, but he is a solid tackler in the secondary and should be a good compliment for Louis Delmas. And he's a player who, at 27, is still in his prime with some so-called tread left - like their earler secondary additions, cornerbacks Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade. The Lions were sorely lacking options opposite of Delmas. The best options, Daniel Bullocks and Ko Simpson, are coming off major knee injuries. The key to the effectiveness of player like Brown is pass rush. He is not a good cover safety. Run support is his strength.
Now what are the Lions going to do address an obvious hole at linebacker?
- There was a time I was absolutely positive Tiger Woods would break Jack Nicklaus' all-time record for winning golf's major tournaments. Now I am not so sure. Almost seems unlikely.
My column in Monday's Oakland Press on where the Red Wings go from here: http://tinyurl.com/29rlfkz
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:43 PM
8 Comments:
Well, Book, the cool thing is that I think they WILL address the hole at linebacker. While a lot remains to be seen, I think GM and coach are on the same page and actually have a plan! (Did I really say that about the Lions?)
Pat, no sense having a young pitcher cost you ballgames. I think Bonine has pitched the best of the group you mention. Beside Tigers have half dozen relievers in the minors that are doing well. I think the Tigers could be better off putting Bonine in the rotation and bring up one of the hot relievers.
The starting pitching is very troublesome.
Way to many questions.
Odds are we are in trouble.
This is the first time in this early season that the skipper and front office have to earn their money.
I'm still much more worried about Bonderman and Willis than I am about Scherzer.
Larry Baker,
Seems that way to me, too, although I have to admit to being skeptical because they need to actually win some darn games.
Caputo
Barry,
I've been impressed by Bonine this year. He might have a pretty decent major league career after all. Would have said that before this year.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I do think the Tigers are living precariously unless their starters come around.
Caputo
Michael C,
Long-term, I'd agree. Scherzer has huge upside because of snap in his arm. But this is not good right now. Lack of command alarming.
Caputo
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