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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
