Answering the Detroit Tigers buring questions: Lynn Henning edition

With the Tigers playing out the string, and not very well at that, the Detroit News' Lynn Henning asked a few questions in regard to what the team could learn over the last days of the season. As always, I took the opportunity to try and answer those same questions, make them burn, so to speak...

1. Can Edgar Renteria win a job for 2009?

It's going to take a Ruthian (or is Phelpsian the new Ruthian?) end of the season for Renteria to win the '09 shortstop gig. Even then, a 34 year old who has the infield range of a sumo wrestler, declining offensive stats and makes $11 million, won't keep a spot on the Tigers, no matter how good his September.

I think the Tigers will cut their losses and pay Renteria his $3 million contract buyout. They could get the near the same offensive production, and much better defense, at a much better price, in going with Ramon Santiago.

Renteria for Jair Jurrjens will be discussed, probably unfairly, as one of the worst Tigers trades in decades. The jury is still out, long-term, on Jurrjens, but you have to admit he's performed better than anyone expected for the Braves. I guess Dave Dombrowski was overdue for a bad trade...

2. Will Magglio Ordonez win a second consecutive batting title?

No, and I'm perfectly fine with it.

If Ordonez doesn't finish in the top 10 in batting average (as Henning ponders), I really don't care. BA is overrated. His other stats (SLG, OPS, OBP) are just fine, right around his career averages.

Enough with the comparisons to Magglio's marvelous 2007. To even expect Ordonez to repeat to his MVP quality year is asking too much from most any player. '07 will end up as his career year, without a doubt. But his '08, even with the power stats being down somewhat, was plenty good.

This season Ordonez proved it would not be a good idea for the Tigers to even think about trading him. He's just too good of a hitter, and when paired with Miguel Cabrera, makes for one of the best middle of the order lineups in baseball.

3. Can Freddy Garcia pitch his way into the rotation?

I don't see why not, if healthy. The Tigers' rotation is anything but settled. In fact, it's a disaster zone.

Kenny Rogers isn't coming back. Thanks for your wonderful 2006 season, but it's time.

Nate Robertson is a question mark after his ugly season. Could he be better suited for the bullpen, even though he's making starting pitcher money?

On the flip, is Zach Miner better suited for the rotation, than the pen? Or is his late season revival only a tease we've seen before?

Dontrelle Willis is an even bigger question mark, with comparisons to Steve Blass all too apt.

Jeremy Bonderman is recovering from his 2nd injury in 2 seasons.

Justin Verlander, expected to be the staff ace, is having an awful, awful, awful season, to the point where Jim Leyland called him out in the media. So what happened to Verlander? Is there something wrong? Could it be a one year delayed sophomore slump? I have no idea, and from all accounts, the Tigers don't have answers either.

Given the current pitching situation, which is crap, I'd be upset if the Tigers didn't give Garcia a shot, as desperate times call for desperate measures. And the Tigers' rotation is in shambles...

He may not be the answer, but the Tigers don't have a lot of solutions, either.

4. Will the Tigers' backup catcher be Dusty Ryan?

At this point, there is no one else in the Detroit system remotely capable of backing up Brandon Inge, save for...possibly, maybe...Ryan. Defensively, he's fine. But Ryan has stepped up as a prospect this season, thanks to his showing offensive punch for the first time in his career.

If it's not Ryan, your guess is as good as mine, as then the number 2 catcher for next season isn't in the Tigers 40 man roster yet. He'll be found via trade or free agency. Considering the lack of quality catching in the bigs, depending upon either of those options is a big risk. You're guaranteed to overpay in either prospects or money.

The Tigers have bigger issues to worry about other than a damn backup catcher. If they decide to go with Dusty Ryan, I don't have an issue with it.

5. Is Jeff Larish ready for the big leagues?

He hasn't looked like it this season. The power Larish displayed in the minors has yet to show up in Detroit. He also has an OBP that is in Pudge Rodriguez/Craig Monroe territory. We've seen flashes of his offensive talent, but nowhere near enough to guarantee him a spot on the 25 man roster. Hitting .225 won't guarantee you anything, let alone a spot on the Tigers, unless you're Brandon Inge.

The kid is struggling at the plate, and being a player without a position (as 1st base will be unavailable for quite some time), has been asked to learn a new position. Larish is now learning to play 3rd base while on the job. It makes sense to move positions, as he's nothing but trade bait otherwise.But is he capable of doing so? That's what the Arizona Fall Laegue is for.

But to answer the question... The Tigers' do have a big time need for a left handed bat for next season. From what we've seen from Larish during his pair of callups, he hasn't shown near enough to prove he's ready to fill that role. He may prove me wrong, and I hope he does. But Larish has to show a Hell of a lot more to even get into the discussion for 2009.

Answering the Detroit Tigers smoldering questions: Sleepwalking thru September edition

It's been a couple of weeks since I touched on the Tigers, for a few reasons. The biggest being they have gone on my mental back burner with so much else going on in the world. The Olympics, the DNC and soon to begin RNC, football season is quickly approaching (One look outside here in SE MI tells you football is on the way, it's cool and overcast.), there's plenty to keep my mind off of the most disappointing Detroit team in a generation, if not ever.

It's a painful process watching a much anticipated season end in such a down note. At this point, with the Tigers 12 games back and 5 games under .500, I'm ready for the season to officially end.

I'm not the only one attempting to put the 2008 season behind themselves, as the Tigers have played the last few weeks like the season has already ended. If you go by the just concluded series with the Tribe, the Tigers' are on a quest to quickly and quietly sleepwalk through the remainder of 2008. For all intents and purposed, the Tigers, regardless of Jim Leyland's claims to to the contrary, have folded up shop.

Despite the Tigers' malaise, there remain a few questions in need of answering. But they aren't burning so much as they are smoldering. Let's kick through the embers of this burned out hulk of a season, and answer a few smoldering questions, shall we?

Todd Jones' shoulder is still sore, and it's not responding to treatment. Thus, the Tigers have allowed the Rollercoaster to go home to the land of double-wides and the Crimson Tide, essentially ending his season. Is the man responsible for giving Tigers fans millions of gray hairs, and ulcers galore, done?

Jonesy has worn ye Olde English D for the last time. At 40, he's not only done as a Tiger, he's done as a baseball player.

I know I did more than my fair share of bitching and moaning about Jones. But we fans has the reality of the situation slap us in the face as to the true difficulty of being a closer. When Jones went on the DL, the old adage was proven true. "Be careful what you wish for, as you just might get it."

Watching younger and more physically gifted pitchers like Rodney, Zumaya and Farnsworth struggle to get those final 3 outs, failing in spectacular fashion to close a game, quickly had we fans wishing the much maligned Todd Jones was back in his 9th inning role.

Jones will finish as the Tigers' leader in career saves. An amazing feat when you consider he did so with a fastball that couldn't break 85 MPH on a good day. Jones' lengthy career is testimony to just how far you can go, and long you can last in the majors by throwing strikes consistently.

We should wish Todd Jones well, as he will always consider himself, first and foremost, a Detroit Tiger.

Jim Leyland has said he doesn't like to play many September call ups as it, in his nicotine addled mind, isn't fair to teams in playoff contention, or to the fans who bought tickets to see "stars." Is the Marlboro Man's thinking correct?

Coming from a manager who runs a 4A team onto the field thank to his Sunday lineups, it's total bullshit! Screw fairness! Call me a selfish prick of a fan, but fuck being a spoiler.

I'm a fan of the Tigers, I couldn't give two shits about being "fair" to teams trying to make the playoffs. As for ticket holders, those are the chances you have to take, you knew the possibility of the game being meaningless when you bought them.

I don't care if one team has to face a Chris Lambert making his first appearance in the bigs, and another has to face the Tigers' best, Armando Galarraga. Tough shit, them's the God damn breaks.

I'd much rather see Leyland give playing time to current back ups and minor league call ups who may help the Tigers in 2009, and shutting down players who have been struggling to play through injuries. (I'm looking at you, Carlos Guillen.) If that means the White Sox have an advantage over the Twins for the Central division title because of the lineup the Tigers trot out onto the field, then so be it. No skin off of my nose, and I honestly don't care if that knocks the noses of Twins fans out of joint.

I'm sure most, if not all, Tigers fans feel the same way. They'd rather sit through a game like last night's, with Jeff Larish at 3rd, Ramon Santiago at 2nd and Gary Glover coming in to relieve, if it means the Tigers will have a better idea as to what needs to be fixed in this coming off season.

If losing now leads to winning next year, for all I care, the Tigers can finish the season 0-30.

It's been leaked that Gary Sheffield and Kenny Rogers, and likely the entire roster, were placed an revocable waivers. Anything we can read into this?

No.

Come on, Al. there's got to be more to the answer than "No."

Not really. The Tigers were trolling for a playoff contending team on the prowl for arms and bats, hoping to sucker them into a trade.

Placing a player on trade waivers is just standard operating procedure. If you are a Tiger on the sweet side of 30, have a big contract, don't have a long-term future with the team or any combination thereof, you were put on waivers. The other 29 MLB teams went through the same process. It's a fact of baseball life.

It's nothing personal, just business. And any business willing to take on Gary Sheffield's $14 million contract for 2009 is a badly run one. Because of the numerous contracts like Sheffield currently on the Tigers books, I seriously doubt we'll see anyone traded before the playoff eligible deadline at the end of August.

With doom and gloom surrounding the Tigers, have there been any bright spots recently?

Miguel Cabrera is showing why trading for him was the smartest thing the Tigers have done in years. Galarrarga has continued to pitch well.

And...Uh...Hmm...Um...I got nuttin'.

Nuttin'? There's got to be something else...

Well, the blown saves, late inning losses and playing like a lower division team stopped hurting so much. That's got to count for something.

Answering The Daily Fungo's burning questions: 2009 Tigers edition

With the current Tigers season spiraling into oblivion, over at The Daily Fungo, in looking back at the transitional season of 2005,  Mike has been pondering Detroit's future.

Today, well, the team has probably more questions than the 2005 team did. One thing we can be assured of is Jim Leyland returning as manager. And that’s a good thing. Of course, some may disagree with that, but I believe there are very few buttons he could’ve pushed this year that would make up almost 10 games in the standings.

Here are 17 questions about the 2009 season rattling around in my head:

I thought I'd throw my 2 cents out there, and answer Mike's 17 questions.

1. Who’s the closer in 2009?

Honestly, I don't think the Tigers know the answer to this question. I think it's safe to say the '09 closer is not on the roster right now. Could the Tigers make a big run at K-Rod? It's not out of the question. If there is one spot the Tigers absolutely have to improve is the bullpen, and how better way to do it than signing the best free agent closer on the market?

2. Does Chuck Hernandez return as pitching coach?

Mike Ilitch will want a scapegoat, and someone is going to have to pay for what's turned into a nightmarish season. Hernandez is the likely sacrifice. Not that it wouldn't be for cause, as the pitching has backslid horribly over the past 2 seasons. Justin Verlander looks like Nate Robertson, for chrissakes. It's time the pitchers heard a fresh voice.

3. Is Nate Robertson a Tiger next season?

Robertson is coming back, as the Tigers will have enough holes in the rotation to plug. Kenny Rogers will likely retire. Jeremy Bonnderman has to be considered a question mark after missing most of this season. Dontrelle Willis is an even bigger question mark. Dumping Robertson would mean finding another starter, and it's not as if legitimate MLB starters just drop out of the sky. The Tigers struck lighening in a bottle with Armando Galarraga, I doubt it can stike again.

I think the Tigers give Robertson another chance, as he's making too much money not to. You can't trade him, unless you eat a TON of the contract. He'll be back.

4. Can Dontrelle Willis bounce back?

It's a coin flip at this point, and even that's being generous. Even though no one is saying it out loud, we're all thinking the same thing aren't we? He's done.

The Tigers have to give the D-Train every opportunity, and then some, to make it back. There's too much at stake, both in money and the Tigers' need of pitching.

But if I had to bet? Let's just say I'd be selling short.

5. Can the Tigers deal Carlos Guillen?

Can they? Sure. Should they? I don't think so. I know his stats are down some this season, but if there is one player who should get the benefit of the doubt, it's Carlos Guillen.

For all the bitching and moaning Brandon Inger did about losing the 3rd base job, Guillen has played 4, count 'em (SS, 1B, LF, 3B), 4, in less than a year. It had to affect him at the plate. The man has been moved all over the diamond, and he did so without complaint, unlike a certain bitchy catcher.

I'd be willing to bet Guillen, left at 3rd base for all of next season (He's been just fine defensively once he got confortable), will rebound nicely at the plate.

6. If the Tigers can get a catcher, do they — and do they move Brandon Inge back to third?

To directly answer the question, not if Carlos Guillen is a Tiger. Even if he's not, I wouldn't do it as Inge can't out hit most of the Tigers' pitchers.

As for Inge, someone hitting .220 shouldn't being playing anywhere full time. 3rd base, catcher, I don't care, you have to hit better than Inge has the past 2 seasons. But if you are going to have to hide a bat, catcher is the position where you can get away with it. Considering the the market for MLB caliber catching is thinner than a bulimic Paris Hilton, and the fact the Tigers have more pressing issues, Inge keeps the catching job by default.

7. Does Vance Wilson return at long last?

As dependent as a catcher is on his arm, it's a stretch to think Wilson can come back to contribute. He's basically missed 2 entire seasons to his arm injury and Tommy John surgery. Not many players can come back at the same level after missing so much time. I doubt Wilson, who, let's not forget, is 35 years old, will be the exception to the rule.

8. Who’s the shortstop?

Ramon Santiago. He's earned a shot at a full-time job with his play this season.

9. Would they deal Magglio Ordonez as some suggest?

No, and the fanbase would go apeshit if the Tigers did.

Ordonez has been the most consistent Tigers' hitter the past 2 seasons, it'd be silly to trade him. It' would have to take a massive offer of pitching to get the Tigers to even think about it. Let alone there is the fact the Tigers would have to replace a ton of production in the middle of the lineup. A 3-4 of Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera would be as good as any middle of the order 1-2 punch in baseball.

10. How does Jeremy Bonderman recover?

He's young, and will have plenty of time to recover. Bonderman will be fine. In fact, it could be a blessing in disguise. Bonderman has thrown a ton of innings for someone so young. All this time off to rest could be the best thing for his powerful right arm. Or I could be having a bout of wishful thinking...

11. Is Clete Thomas on the big club to stay?

Yes, as Clete has shown the Tigers he can hit enough to play at the MLB level, and the team needs the things Thomas brings. Specifically, Outfield speed and defense. I think he's the 4th outfielder or possibly part of a LF platoon, in 2009.

12. Who is 2009’s Matt Joyce?

Brent Clevlen.

13. Are the Tigers counting on Freddy Garcia?

I don't know if you could say "counting on." I think it's more like "fingers are crossed" and "knock on wood."

14. Will Brent Clevlen finally break through?

See 12.

OK, to go more in depth, yes he will. Clevlen is having an excellent season in Toledo, and looks ready to take the next step. It's possible all 3 young outfielders, Joyce, Thomas and Clevlen, all make the team in '09. Marcus Thames seems to have fallen out of favor again thanks to his tailing off (.197 BA in July, .056 (!) so far in August) badly as this season has gone on.

I'm sad to say Thames is playing his way out of the Tigers 2009 plans, and with the coming out of the young outfielders, is expendable.

15. What can the Tigers expect out of Joel Zumaya?

After suffering that freak shoulder injury, I think the Tigers were expecting too much out of Zumaya this season. As for next season, I wouldn't be expecting much, as Zumaya has yet to return to the level we saw in 2006. Why thinking another off season would change that is beyond me.

The Tigers should not automatically give him a spot on the roster. Make him earn his way on, and if he doesn't show enough in spring training, send him down to work on his stuff. Get that curve ball working again.

I know some think Zumaya should go back to starting. But if he can't stay healthy enough to pitch 70-80 innings, can you seriously expect him to remain healthy for 180-200 innings?

16. Do they sign Placido Polanco to an extension before the season?

That's a tough, tough question. Polanco is still a very good 2nd baseman, but an extension would take the Tigers well into his 30's. They already have a handful of questionable extensions, I'm not too sure they would want another. As the Tigers have to get younger, and Polanco's starting to show signs of slowing down, if only a tad, I think both parties let this one play out to see where things stand at the end of next season.

17. What’s Gary Sheffield’s role — if any?

Full-time DH, at least to start the season. He's making far too much money, and hitting far too little, to trade, and there is no way in Hell Sheffield will retire when there is $14 million left on his contract. He'll be kept on a short leash, though. If it gets to the point where Sheffield has shown he's lost it, the Tigers will grit their teeth and let him go, however much money left on the deal be damned.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Asshattery in Tigertown edition

Garcia's on board, Sheffield's bitching, Verlander is being abused and the Tigers are slowly fading into the sunset when it comes to the pennant race. You know what that means, right? Burning questions? I thought you'd never ask!

In news that broke this afternoon, free agent pitcher Freddie Garcia signed with the Tigers. Garcia, who not long ago was at the top of the White Sox rotation, is recovering from arm surgery and hasn't pitched in the majors in over a year. Smart signing or wishful thinking?

Smart signing. It seems like a solid move on the Tigers' part to me. Garcia signed a minor league deal, and will going to Lakeland to build up his arm strength. We'll know soon enough if Carlos Guillen's BFF has anything left.

It's worth taking a flier on a solid starter who averaged 15 wins a season before he got hurt. All Garcia cost Detroit was time and money. When you consider the holes (now, and in the future) in the rotation, the former White Sox ace could easily fill one quite capably...if healthy. And that's the caveat.

Caveats or not, this is a no risk signing. If Garcia shows he has big league stuff and joins the rotation, the Tigers could decide to lock up Garcia for next season, taking care of the spot likely to be vacated by Kenny Rogers. If he shows he can't cut it, the Tigers are only obligated to pay a relatively small amount of cash, as the current contract only runs through the end of this season. When you've already dropped $138 million this season, what's another few thousand?

Gary Sheffield, bitchy prima donna or...

There is no reason to finish the question, as Sheffield is proving to be a petulant, bitchy, prima donna whiner.

"I don't wanna be DH and you can't make me! I wanna be a REAL baseball player"

Real baseball players hit more than .230. I might take his complaints seriously if Sheffield had a legitimate complaint. He doesn't, so please shut the fuck up and play ball, both at the plate and in the locker room.

Really, what does taking his petty complaints to an out of town reporter accomplish? It undercuts his manager, it pisses off the fans who've looking for a scapegoat (They have one now!) and makes Sheffield look fucking clueless. He knew coming into Detroit he would be a full-time DH. All playing in the outfield did was ruin the next 1 1/2 seasons for everyone involved.

I've been as big of a defender of Sheffield as anyone in Detroit, but I've reached my limit with Glass Shoulder Joe. You're being paid $14 million to go to the plate 4 times a game, and be successful 3 out of 10 times. When you can't even do that, let alone stay healthy enough to swing a bat, yet still complain about not playing in the field and some non-existent platoon?

I can now understand where the people saying Sheffield was an ass were coming from.He's a hall of fame talent with a bigger talent for pissing people off.

So what do you do with the glass shouldered one?

Not much, actually.

The $14 million Sheffield is owed for next season makes him essentially baseball kryptonite. You can't trade him, as no one in their right mind would take Sheffield off the Tigers' hands with that much guaranteed money left on the table. You can't release him, even though fans have been screaming for it, as Mike Ilitch would gag at the thought of paying someone $14 million to just go away. As much as Sheffield bitches, you can't risk playing him in the field, as his shoulder would turn into so much hamburger.

All you can do is keep your fingers crossed, hoping Sheffield stays healthy and regains his hitting stroke. You pick your spots with him, and hope he's successful. You also keep putting out feelers for any takers in a trade, and hope to God some desperate GM finally says, "Sure, we'll be happy to take Mr. Sheffield off your hands." (Hey, it could happen!)

You then get him out of town ASAP, before he gets hurt again, nullifying the deal.

In Justin Verlander's last start, Jim Leyland left him on the mound to throw 130 pitches. (My arm twinged just writing about it) Last night, in his first rotation turn since that marathon outing, Verlander had nothing, looked for all the world that he had a tired arm, was shelled by the Blue Jays, lasting only 4.1 innings. Thoughts?

I actually have a question. Who in the HELL is advising Leyland? The young pitcher killer and all around clueless fuckhead, Dusty Baker? Someone needs to grab Lelyand, AND SLAP HIM SILLY!

As rough as a season Verlander is having, his right arm is the future of the Tigers franchise. To leave him on the mound for 130 pitches is on the bad side of abuse. It's fucking moronic. Hell, it's stupendously idiodic and I'd have the Tigers' manger checked for signs of mental retardation.;

Pitch counts have been an issue with Verlander all damn season. You'd think Leyland (or Chuck Hernandez, Dave Dombrowski, even the God damn batboy!) would have realized it, and prepared for it. They could have called someone up from the minors. Leyland could have put in a position player to pitch if he was so motherfucking adamant about not using the bullpen. He could have forfeited, for all care. Anything but leaving your franchise pitcher on the mound till his arm is hanging by shredded tendons.

I could give a shit about winning a MEANINGLESS game when it comes to keeping the Tigers' current and future ace healthy. Asshattery abounds in the Tigers' dugout.

I don't want to give anyone nightmares, but...I'd hate to look back in a few years, and say, "Remember that year the Tigers let Veralnder throw 110+ pitches a game? 2008? When Leyland "Mark Prior'ed" him? That's the season he was ruined."

Am I overstating things? More than a little. But wouldn't it be smart to err on the side of caution when handling young starters?

//Al throws hands into the air, walks away muttering to himself//

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Cabrera is no bust edition

If it's Tuesday, it must be...No, not Belgium, Prince spaghetti day or time to make the donuts. It means it's time for another round of burning questions!  

As the All-Star break rapidly approaches, the Tigers continue to hover just above the .500 mark, 7 games back of the White Sox. Should the Tigers be considered contenders?

When you factor in their slower than slow start, crawling back to the break even line is an impressive accomplishment. After that awful beginning to the season, falling 12 games under .500, I think all any of us wanted was the Tigers not being out of the playoff hunt when the season was half over. Best case being they'd have a shot for redemption from July on. Well, mission accomplished.

So using all the above as your measurment, the Tigers are indeed, "contenders." Though the Tigers are not occupying a playoff spot, they are far from out of it. Considering all of the first half adversity, you'd hope the Tigers might catch a few breaks in the season's second half.

We've seen the Tigers catch a few breaks already, with the emergence of Armando Galarraga, a squadron of Mud Hens keeping the Tigers afloat after the injury bug struck, the Tribe essentially ending their season by trading C.C. Sabathia, and the fact that no one in the Central has taken a stranglehold on the division. The Tigers are going to need a few more breaks, as making up 7 games and leapfrogging 2 teams in the standings will not be an easy task.

Are the Tigers going to make up those 7 games and jump the 2 teams ahead of them? I wouldn't put big money on it, but it's not out of the realm of possibility, not at all. They have too much talent to not, at the very least, make things interesting in August and September.  

Miguel Cabrera has been hitting the cover off the ball the past couple of weeks, last night's 4-4, 2 home run, 3 RBI game being his best of the season. Miggy is now hitting .291 with an .851 OPS, and rising. Thoughts?

So much for the knee-jerk mouth breathers (Just check the comment thread at the Freep or Mlive after any Tigers loss, and you'll understand why I used the term "mouth breathers." It's those morons who soured me on continuing with a COTD) who called Cabrera trade a bust all of 2 months into the season. It's moronic to think Cabrera would be a massive bust, especially when taking into account his changing leagues, adjusting to a new team and position, dealing with a nagging hip injury and the expectations a $150+ million contract brings.

He's hitting his stride, and finally looking like the player we expected back in December. Despite his slow start, I'll bet you dollars to donuts Cabrera ends up with stats comparable to the numbers he put up the last 4 seasons in Florida.  

So the trade isn't a bust, even with Dontrelle Willis doing nothing but playing catch down in Lakeland?

Not even close to being a bust.

 I'll make that trade 10 times out of 10, even if it meant taking on Dontrelle Willis and his aversion to the strike zone. The mistake wasn't in taking on Willis, as Detroit had no choice in the matter if the trade for Cabrera was going to be consummated. The mistake was giving him such a big contract before even throwing one pitch in anger. (Hey, 20/20 hindsight is great, huh?)

The reason the trade was made is the Tigers were receiving a young superstar in Cabrera. Young superstars rarely hit the open market. So when a talent the age of Cabrera is available, you do what it takes. In this case, doing what it takes meant Willis being included in the deal.

I'll admit I thought the Willis signing was a good one at the time, as I believed the Tigers wouldn't have shelled out so much dinero if they weren't confident he would be, at worst, competent. I don't think they saw the Steve Blass-esquse issues coming. No one did.

Willis' knee injury just exacerbates things, though we now know there's no serious structural damage. The only silver lining to the knee problem being the Tigers can keep Willis on the DL, and give him all the time he needs to figure out his issues, whatever the Hell they may be.  

So what do you with the D-Train?

If I were in charge, Willis wouldn't pitch for the Tigers again this season.

Willis is a sunk cost for the next 2 1/2 seasons, so he won't be released. His expensive contract, when combined with the control issues, make him untradeable. So Willis is a Tiger at least through next season, good, bad or ugly. The Tigers are doing the right, and only, thing they can do. Keep Willis in the minors and let him work through his issues. Be they mechanical, mental, or a combination thereof.

He's in the right place to be doing so, that being far, far away from Detroit.  

Marcus Thames is still playing well as the everyday left fielder, hitting his 17th home run last night. (A stunner, in that it was to the opposite field!) Is he the long-term solution in left field?

I'm still not entirely sure the Tigers think so, even though Thames is the only pure power hitter on the team. Personal;ly, I think he's earned the full-time job for the foreseeable future. At least until one of the young outfielders prove they are ready offensively. Either way, I don't think we'll see the Tigers going outside the organization anytime soon for a left fielder. We'll see no more experiments with the likes of Jacque Jones.

I'll just say this about Marcus Thames. If a home run is needed, Thames is the Tiger I want at the plate. Sure, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco and Cabrera are better overall hitters, but no one on the Tigers is more of a threat to go yard than Thames. His ratio of 9.9 at bats per home run is by far the best on the Tigers, and one of the best in all of baseball. He's earned the full-time gig.

Actually, I really like how Jim Leyland is currently handling left field. Thames normally starts, getting the majority of at bats, but is pulled late in most games for the much much better fielding Matt Joyce or Clete Thomas. (Not that Thames is awful in the field, but Joyce/Thomas have much greater range and better arms) It gives the Tigers the best of both worlds, Thames' massive power, with solid late inning defense. I'd be just fine if that remained the status quo for the rest of the season.  

Where will the Tigers stand when they reach the defacto halfway mark, the All-Star break?

Not where I thought they'd be going into the season, but still in decent shape for a second half run. I'll say they'll be in 3rd place, 5 games back of the Sox. I have nothing to back it up, just a gut feeling. //knock on wood//

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: I hate the Baggiedome edition

It's burning questions time, kids! Let's roll tape...or something lile that...

So the Tigers lost 2 of 3 to the Minnesota Twins, falling to 42-42 for the season. A sign of trouble, or a momentary speed bump?

Not that I normally answer a question with another question, but after winning 6 consecutive series, don't you think the Tigers were due for a bump in the road? They weren't going to continue playing .800 ball, it's an impossibility. (Though the Red Wings might challenge that thought thanks to their recent signings...HOSSA! WOOOO! Dude, get back to the subject at hand, huh? You have plenty of time to talk Wings.)

Compound the Tigers being due for a fall with the fact they rarely play well, let alone win, in that farce of a stadium called the Baggie/Hefty/Homer/Horrodome, I expected them to lose. The Tigers did manage to win a game in Minnesota, always a tough place to play, and that's fine by me. I've seen far too many weird and awful things happen to the Tigers in Minnesota to be upset with losing a couple of games.


Do you have a grudge against the Twinkies? You seem to have quite a chip on your shoulder.

A grudge?! Jesus, where do I start? That's easy, the 1987 playoffs.

I still have nightmares thinking about '87. The talent difference between the Tigers and the Twins wasn't even close. The Tigers were by FAR the better team that season. You'll never convince me otherwise.

But thanks to the the Twins’ huge home field advantage their house of horrors gave them (The God damn whistles blowing and the white hankies waving for 9 innings non stop? That's my idea of the sixth circle of Hell), and the Tigers being gassed due to the east division title battle going down to last game of the season, they never had a chance. The Tigers were a World Series quality team in 1987, and so were the Blue Jays, for that matter, yet a barely over .500 team in Minnesota won it all.  God damn Twins.

I've never forgotten, or forgiven.

Obviously...

Wait! I'm not done!

There is also that utter monstrosity of a stadium.  I HATE that place. Nothing good ever happens to the Tigers there, ever. I’ll dance a jig the day they implode that arcade football stadium masquerading as a baseball field. They don't play the game we know as "baseball" in Minnesota. Thanks to their Mickey Mouse stadium, rock hard turf and the roof colored so lazy fly balls disappear from sight, it’s an arcade version of the game.

The Baggiedome is also horrific to look at, with 1000’s of yards of cheap looking blue plastic draped everywhere. It's as if the designer looked at a Tupperware bowl, and said "Eureka! That's what I want the interior of the Metrodome to look like! Make it happen"  And they did...

The Baggiedome is an assault to the eyes. Right field is a fucking joke, with that huge sheet of saran wrap standing in for a wall. Plus I just plain DESPISE astroturf for baseball, where ground ball singles roll all the way to the outfield wall, and fly balls bounce like super balls when they hit the turf.

The whole scene in Minnesota, thanks to their embarrassment of a stadium, is a bastardization of the great game of baseball. How anyone could enjoy a game there is beyond me.

Feel better? 

Much!

Now your Minny rant is over,where do the Tigers go from here?

Seattle, duh!

Seriously, I expect the Tigers to continue to play fairly well. Seattle is far from being a juggernaut, and if you have to play on the road, as good a place as any for the Tigers to get their winning mojo back. Though the injuries piling up is becoming a major concern, and could throw a money wrench into the works...if they haven't already.

The likes of Clete Thomas, Matt Joyce and Michael Holliman can add a spark for a few games, even a week or two. They've played well, but are scarcely replacements for Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers need them to get well, and get well quick.

Or? 

Or the Tigers will soon find themselves too far back to mount any sort of serious threat to the White Sox and Twins. They don't need to be fighting for the division lead at the All-Star break, but the Tigers do need to keep the division leaders in reasonable sight.

They could be 7 games behind the White Sox after tonight's games, and I really don't want to see the Tigers fall much farther in arrears. I wouldn't exactly be happy if the Tigers find themselves closer to 10 games back of the Sox, than...let's say 5 games, at the break. I can live with it, though the fewer games behind and teams to leapfrog within the division, the better.


Now that the Tigers have passed the halfway mark, and conisdering their awful start and numerous injuries, what would be their mid-term grade? 

They get an "I", for incomplete. They've had too many injuries to their core, and it's taken most of the first half to gel as a team, so I take issue with giving them a letter grade. I also believe Detroit's brain trust will be doing their damnedest to shore up their pitching at the trade deadline. The team we see now may not be the same team we see at the end of the month.

Isn't that sidestepping the question? 

Sure is, but it also what I actually believe. The season won't truly start for the Tigers till after they return from their road trip, when 5 of their next 6 series are against divisional rivals. After the All-Star game, they'll be on the road for the rest of the month, save for a quckie 3 game home stand against the White Sox.

If the Tigers are still within shouting distance of the division lead August 1st, then we'll be watching a tight playoff race the rest of the summer. But if they fall on their collective faces?

The rest of the season is gonna suck. Big time.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: The Tigers should join the NL edition

After a successful 4-2 west coast swing (one that could have been 6-0, save for a pair of Fernando Rodney 8th inning implosions), the Tigers are back home to finish off interleague play against St Louis and Colorado.

In winning 8 of their last 10, and 12 of their last 15, the Tigers find themselves only 3 games under .500, a mere 5 games back in the Central, and for all intents and purposes, back in the division race. My saying the season was over 2 weeks ago sure looks silly now, huh?

Let's answer some burning questions before the fire goes out, shall we?

Gary Sheffield is being recalled from his minor league rehab, even though he only went 2-13 during his minor league stint. Are you good, bad, or indifferent about Sheffield's return?

I'm good with this, with one large caveat. Sheffield's shoulder best be totally and unquestionably healthy. Otherwise it'll be just more of the same. I've seen enough of those weak ground balls to the left side of the infield.

When healthy, Sheffield is, by far, the Tigers' best option at DH.

What about The Hammer? Won't Sheffield's return take away at bats from Marcus Thames?

I don't see how it will. Thames has earned his playing time in left field, he's going nowhere. He'll be backed up by Clete Thomas and Ryan Raburn. Sheffield is strictly a DH, as it's been proven, time and again, he's too fragile to play in the field. Sheff is out of the outfield picture.

Thus, Thames' playing time should not be affected at all by Sheff's call up. If it is, Jim Leyland should be considered certifiable.

Why are you fine with Sheff's return? He was a black hole in the lineup!

Thanks to Sheffield's health (or should I say, lack thereof) and severe under performing from everyone else who has regularly played DH, the Tigers have gotten no production from the position. DH remained a black hole with Sheffield on the DL. Jeff Larish, who has gotten most of the DH AB's in Sheffield's absence, has struggled to hit .200, with an awful .273 OBP.

Even though he hit only .213, Sheffield managed to put up a decent .344 OBP. Even when he was not hitting, Sheffield's excellent eye still got him on base at a respectable clip. That alone will increase the production from the DH spot. If he's healthy, I'll bet the farm Sheffield's average won't remain in the low .200's.

(As I write this, it's just been announced the Jeff Larish era is, for the time being anyway, over. Sheffield has officially been activated, and Larish optioned to Toledo.)

So, what of Larish?

Larish showed flashes, but not often enough, as his .200 average attests. It's obvious he still needs seasoning.

More importantly, if Larish is to remain a prospect in the Tigers' system, he needs to switch positions. At the very least, he should learn another position, either right, left or 3rd base. Larish is NOT going to play 1st base on a regular basis for the Tigers, as he's blocked by Miguel Cabrera, and his $151 million contract. I'm confident in saying, barring injury, Larish will never play 1st on a full-time basis in Detroit.

If Larish continues to hit AAA pitching like he was before his cup o' coffee in Detroit, he's more valuable to the Tigers is as trade bait. He's a prime candidate to be included in a trade deadline deal to obtain pitching. (Yes, that means I think the Tigers will be buyers at the trade deadline.)

Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya are back in the bullpen, and the results have been mixed, at best. Rodney can't seem to throw a strike, and was the direct cause of the 2 losses on the west coast trip. Zumaya hasn't been a whole lot better. He's been unable to controll his curve, allowing hitters to sit on his fastball. Can the Tigers entrust late inning leads to either pitcher?

First off, I have to say...Thank God for Freddy Dolci. The kid has done nothing but impress after being thrust into the late inning set-up roll. Without his contributions, I shudder to think what the Tigers' record might be.

I won't call Rodney a lost cause, but his current ERA of 135.00 (!!!) has me wondering. That said, the Tigers cannot chance using him in late inning situations. Not till he fixes his control issues. Thanks to their awful start, the Tigers don't have much room for error, and can't afford running a question mark out to the mound as the 8th inning set-up man.

The question remains, can Rodney find his control? I have no idea, but until he does, it's mop up duty for the man with the once killer change up.

The bigger shame over Rodney's struggles is the Tigers may end up losing Denny Bautuista. There's just no room for him with the return of Rodney and Zumaya. Speaking of which...

I'm more bullish on Zumaya. Surprisingly, he hasn't lost any velocity on his fastball after the shoulder surgery. He's consistently in the high 90's, and occasionally touching 100, but big leaguers can hit a triple digit fastball when they know it's coming. I'm willing to give Zumaya a little more slack than Rodney, as you can't teach 100 MPH fastballs.

What made Zumaya so devestating was his knee-buckling breaking ball. Unfortunately, he hasn't had the command to be able to throw it for strikes.

It's also worth remembering Zumaya has barely pitched since 2006. After appearing in 62 regular season games in '06, he's played in only 30 since. In many ways, Zumaya remains a raw pitcher who needs to reign in his immense talent.

Once again, just as in '06 and '07, the Tigers seem to play their best against NL teams. Can the Tigers petition the commissioner to join the National League?

The Tigers sure seem to perform damn well whenever they play against NL teams, don't they? (Well, save for the pesky little aberration called the 2006 World Series) They just rampage through the NL like Sherman through Atlanta.

Can we ask the Brewers to come back to the NL, and have the Tigers take their place? Even if that means the Tigers have to play that awful NL style baseball. Wait a sec...

Then again, I think back to one of the Tigers' west coast games when the Giants had their number 3 hitter SACRIFICE BUNT (I believe it was Randy Winn) early in the game. I hate teams wasting an out anytime, but having your 3 hole hitter sacrifice bunt in the 4th/5th inning goes against all I hold dear and holy about baseball. It's insanity. NL ball drives me NUTS, and I'd have to watch it for 6 months?

As much as love the Tigers beating up on the NL, I also love the DH and 3 run home runs.
Thinking about the NL's strategy insanity brings me back to my senses, and has me appreciating the AL style of power baseball all the more.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: NL baseball is a soul sucking endeavour edition

As it's been a couple of weeks since the last round of burning questions, and the Tigers are showing signs of life, and could be turning their season around...Let's light this candle...

When it was announced Jeremy Bonderman was out for the season, you said the Tigers' "season was over." They then went out and won 6 straight games, looking to all the world like the team we thought they were the darlings of the off season. Have you changed your mind about writing off the Tigers, Mr. Chicken Little?

Honestly, I never should have said it to begin with, as saying something so absolute goes against my normal "Let's not panic" attitude.

When the Tigers opened the season so horribly, and damn near every Tigers fan was wanting to break up the team and fire Jim Leyland, pronto, I tried to not go off the deep end. Here's what I said about the Tigers on April 9th.

If they are struggling by the time the All-Star game rolls around, double digits back of 1st place, I'd feel safe in writing them off. But baseball is a funny game. The Tigers could, just as easily as they have suffered through a 7 game losing streak, whip around and run off a 7-8 game winning streak. Especially once they get past their gauntlet of an April schedule.

Yet, a couple of weeks ago, I went all Chicken Little, and dived off that same deep end...

Well, that's all, folks. A bad season, a nightmare season, just got that much worse. If this isn't the last nail in the Tigers' coffin, there sure as Hell can't be many more left.

Between a suddenly looking aged, badly under performing offense, a shaky bullpen besieged by injuries to their 2 best set up men, and a rotation that has BOTH underperformed and been besieged by injuries, can we seriously expect this team to recover enough to make a run at the playoffs?

Being in a division filled with underachievers has helped immeasurably, but recover they did, at least in a small way. Over the past week, the Tigers did have that winning streak I talked about back in April, and are only 6.5 games back of the White Sox. They aren't out of the woods by any means, as Fernando Rodney's less than impressive return cost the Tigers what would have been their 7th win a row, but they've demonstrated the season is far from over.

With your mea culpa out of the way, let's move on to the latest and greatest. What's your thoughts in regard to media reports of the Tigers showing a keen interest in Freddy Garcia?

I have to say I'm not surprised. Not so much that it's Garica they are looking at, but the fact they have to be on the prowl for starting pitching. The Tigers have been hit by a perfect storm when it comes to their pitching staff. It's been one crisis after another, though some were expected, but most were not...

• Trading most of their top pitching prospects in the trades for Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera.

• Thinking they wouldn't miss those prospects due to Dontrelle Willis being included in the Cabrera trade.

• Injuries to Rodney and Joel Zumaya throwing the pitching staff into chaos.

• The bullpen becoming baseball's version of musical chairs.

• The starters underperforming as a unit, lead by Justin Verlander's 9 (!!!) losses.

• As kyptonite is to Superman, the strike zone became to Willis.

• Bonderman's blood clot.

So the news coming out the Tigers are looking to buy some starting pitching should have been expected.

As for their search leading them to the doorstep of Freddy Garcia? I have no idea if Garcia has recovered from the shoulder issues that made him a MASSIVE bust in Philly. Even so, I don't have a problem with the Tigers taking a flyer on Garcia, as I'm thinking it would be a low risk, high reward sort of signing.

Give Garcia a minor league deal, and see if he can show flashes of his 1999-20006 form. If so, get his ass to Detroit ASAP. It's a win-win. Garcia will be back in the bigs pitching for his next contract, and the Tigers have a top of the rotation starter that only cost them money. when you are spending $138 million, what's a few million more, right?

Brandon Inge and Pudge Rodriguez have are now fully sharing the catcher position, playing on alternating days. Is Inge the Tigers' catcher of the future?

Let's do the math, shall we?

Inge is owed 2 more years on his contract at $6 million per, making him untradable. His bat is not acceptable for a 3rd baseman, but much more palatable for a catcher. Inge seems to finally realize catching is the best way he can remain an everyday player at the major league level. He is saying all the right things about catching, claiming he'll do whatever the team asks.

Rodriguez is what he is, a rapidly aging, very highly paid, but no better than average at best, catcher. His bat closer to being a liability than a threat. Pudge's defense, while still acceptable, is not what it once was, world-class. The odds say this is the 1st ballot hall of famer's last season wearing the Olde English D.

Catching is at a premium in MLB. The Tigers have no real catching prospects in their system. To trade for one would cost them talent they aren't willing to give up. Going the free agency route isn't much better. If the Tigers had not picked up Pudge's contract, he still would have been the number 1 free agent catcher available. I think that says it all about using free agency to fill the position.

Once you look at the options, it really becomes a no-brainer. Of course Inge will be the everyday catcher in 2009. The Tigers really don't have any other choice. At least not one that's realistic or cost effective.

Though...if Pudge is willing to come back at a much reduced rate of pay, I'd be willing to talk about his coming back. But considering the dearth of big league caliber catching, some team is likely desperate enough to give him a one big albatross of a contract

What about Marcus Thames?

His last 7 hits have all been home runs, and he's gone yard in 4 straight games. Thames is on one Hell of a streak, huh?

I've said it over and over and over, the man will hit 40 bombs if given the playing time. Hell, he'll go deep 20 times if only by accident. He can hit .220 for all I care, as long as he slugs a ton. Actually, when you think about it, Thames is the only pure power hitter on the roster. He could go deep at any time, in any situation.

Thames has hit more home runs (12) than both Magglio Ordonez and Cabrera (10), in less than half their at bats (113 to 262 and 257, respectively). This season Thames has an insane at bat to home run ratio of 1 HR per 9.4 AB's. I doubt he keeps up that pace, but Thames' career average of a HR every 14.5 AB's certainly is attainable. That's 35+ home runs when given 500 at bats.

Shoot, Thames has hit 30 bombs in his last 362 at bats, going back to the start of 2007. That appoximately 1 HR every 12 AB's. That's a man you have to keep in the lineup, ya think?!

Leyland needs to keep Marcus in the lineup as his every day left fielder, and not just give the media lip service...Unlike every other lineup move the Marlboro Man has claimed to have set in stone, only to change his mind the next day.

One more thing...

What do you think about the National League style of baseball?

It's overrated! Everything about the NL's so-called "strategy" is overrated. So is the double switch, sacrifice bunts, small ball, the constant parage of pitching changes and pitchers flailing away helplessly at the plate. I can't stress it enough, NL ball BLOWS!

Give me the DH, 3 run home runs, the bunt rarely being used or needed, and not yanking your starting pitcher after the 5th inning anytime you are down a run or 2, every day of the week.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Steve Blass Disease edition

As Dontrelle Willis went down in spectacular flames in his latest start, not getting out of the 2nd inning, I felt the need to do a quick round of burning questions. Shoot, we all have them after the D-Train was D-Railed, D-Stroyed and D-Feated.

Dontrelle Willis' pitching line against the Indians:

1.1 IP, 3 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 2 HR, 2 SO, Pitches-Strikes 64-27.

After this latest debacle, Willis has pitched 11.1 innings this season, and has walked 22 batters. 2 an inning? What the Hell?

What the Hell, indeed. Willis' outing against the Tribe was one of the ugliest you'll ever see from a starting pitcher. Willis couldn't find the plate with...Screw it, I'm out of comparisons. Willis couldn't find the plate, period. When he did somehow get a ball near the strike zone, it was a grooved meatball over the heart of the plate the Indians crushed.

If it wasn't so sad, it would be...No, it's just sad.

To watch such a nice guy, a pitcher who is a credit to the game of baseball, lose the ability to throw strikes is an awful thing to watch. There's no humor in it.

So why don't the Tigers just cut his ass? Send him to Toledo? Trade him? Just get rid of him!

Because he's guaranteed $29 million greenbacks, for one thing. That makes him an untradeable albatross. Willis is baseball kryptonite. If the Tigers could find a trading partner, they would have to pick up the vast majority, and more likely all, of that contract. It's not going to happen.

As for releasing him, even for a very rich man like Mike Ilitch, that's too big a contract to eat. It would make any owner choke.

As for sending Willis down, as a 5 year vested veteran, he cannot be sent down to the minors without his approval. (But don't quote me on the exact details in regard to roster rules) You just can't say, "See ya in International League!" What I am sure of is you can't give him a bus ticket out of town to Toledo unless he agrees. The Tigers should have a long sit-down with Willis, and convince him he needs to go back to the minors and work out his issues, otherwise they have no choice but leave him on the roster. Or as much as I hate to say it, hope he gets injured

They could try to hide him as the highest paid bullpen long man in history. They could keep rolling him out there every 5th day, and hope for the best. There really isn't any good scenario in using a pitcher who can't throw strikes.

I think we can all agree that sending Willis out to the mound again in his current state would be akin to sending a lamb to slaughter. It won't last long, it'll be gruesome and there will be blood shed.

It's obvious Willis going down to the minors and working out his issues would be best for all involved. But if he won't go, and he has every right to say no, the Tigers are, for lack of a better word, screwed.

So what do you do with Dontrelle Willis?

The Hell if I know. If you watched Jim Leyland talking to the media after the game, the Tigers don't either, as he outright refused to talk about Willis' outing.

The D-Train has "IT," doesn't he?

I think so. From everything we've seen, it sure looks like Willis as come down with the dreaded "Steve Blass Disease." I can't think of a better explanation, as Willis is perfectly healthy (Or so we're told).

From all accounts, there is no cure. A few sufferers immediately come to mind.

• The poster boy, Blass, never recovered. He nearly won a Cy Young in 1972, yet was out of baseball by 1974.

• The most recent case, the Cards' Rick Ankiel, ended up back to the low minors, and became an outfielder.

• Mark Wohlers was a young, fireballing, shut down closer for the Braves from 1995-1997, getting 97 saves. Wohlers was essentially done after going wild in '98. He bounced around, trying to hang on, and was out of baseball for good after the '02 season.

• The Tigers had another case back in the early 80's, with closer Kevin Saucier. (One of my all time favorite Tigers, by the way) It got to the point where he was afraid to pitch, thinking he would kill a batter, as Saucier had no idea where the ball was going. "Hot Sauce" was out of baseball within a year.

I can't think of any seemingly healthy pitchers, who abruptly lost the ability to throw strikes, and got that ability back. Damn, it doesn't look good for the Tigers or Willis, does it?

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: The Tigers are at a crossroads edition

With the first place Chicago White Sox coming to town for 3 games, and my saying this season is toast over the weekend, it's a good time for another round of burning questions...

Al, last Saturday you went all dramatic, full of doom and gloom, and claimed the season was over, then the Tigers end up taking 2 of 3 from the Tribe this weekend. Still feel the same way?

As of today, Monday, June 9th, 2008, I sure do. (Of course, as your typical knee-jerk, reactionary blogger, I do reserve the right to change my mind.)

Sure, the 2 wins, one in the Tigers last at-bat, and the other a possible coming out party for Freddie Dolsi, were nice, and desperately needed. But the Tigers still have to leapfrog 3 teams in the Central, are still 10 games back of the White Sox, have a .419 winning percentage, and are 10 games under .500. The Tigers have a long way to go before I can buy into the idea they can salvage their season.

Think about it. General consensus is the Tigers need to win at least 90 games to contend for a playoff spot. To just contend, in order to win 90 games, the Tigers would have to finish the season 64-36. Meaning they have to play 28 games over .500 for the next 100 games. That's a mighty tall order for a team barely playing .400 ball.

So? Don't you think the Tigers are capable of playing .640 ball from here on out?

Capable? Going by track records, past performances before this season, and if they stay healthy, yes. I'd say it's possible. But is it probable? Going by their current performance, injuries, slumps, and general malaise in 2008, no.

The odds increase in the Tigers favor if Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, as rumored, return in the next few weeks. (Though that also means there's going to be a logjam in the pen, it's going to be an interesting decision as to who gets sent down. I say Miner and one of the lefties, probably Fossum.) Those odds increase even more so if the offense finally comes around, and it has shown recent signs of life. So as dire as things appear, there have been some encouraging signs.

But...I know, there's always a but...

• The Tigers are without their number 2 starting pitcher in Jeremy Bonderman, and their DH, Gary Sheffield. (Though many would say Sheffield's injury was a blessing, giving the Tigers an excuse to get him out of the lineup)

• Dontrelle Willis was OK in his first start back from the DL, but was still more wild than actually effective.

• New multi-gazillionaire Miguel Cabrera has been closer to Sean Casey than Albert Pujols in offensive production at his new position.

• If you go by the constant shuffling around the diamond, Carlos Guillen has taken Brandon Inge's place as the man without a position.

• Watching Todd Jones close is scarier than watching an Eli Roth film.

• Several players expected to come through (Granderson, Polanco, Pudge, Renteria, Verlander, Robertson) are having down (Some are extremely down) seasons.

• None of the minor league position call ups (Joyce, Raburn, Clevlen, Larish and to an extent, Thomas) have really broken through as a long-term solution to what ails the Tigers. Though one call up has been a marvelous surprise. Armando Galarraga has saved the Tigers' bacon by pitching very well as part of the rotation. With Bonderman out, he's a starter for the duration. But he's been the only surprise...
  

As you can see, the Tigers have issues. More issues than a contending team should expect. After reading the above bullet points, do the Tigers have to look of a team that could play 30 games over .500 from here on out?

OK, you have a point. So what's next? What about a trade or 3?

There is no "next."

There will be no trades. Not of anyone who's part of the core, anyway.

The Tigers really don't have many options. I seriously doubt they do much at the trade deadline as buyers or sellers. Their hands are tied for several reasons.

The Tigers won't likely be buyers as they used up most of their tradeable commodities in the Cabera/Willis/Renteria transactions. There's some talent in the minors, and their recent amateur draft got raves, but there's not much in he way of current prospects the Tigers can, or would be willing, to trade. Unless Detroit throws caution to the wind, and increases their already bloated payroll by picking up another team's salary dump for essentially warm bodies, there isn't much else they could do.

They aren't going to be sellers either, as the Tigers have committed to this group of players, Hell or high water, thru 2009. Let alone there's the fact the way they've been playing you'd be trading when their value is low, so the Tigers would be getting pennies on the dollar in any trade involving one of the veterans. I can't see them suddenly change their long-term plans midyear, and blow up this team after half a season, their record be damned.

What's your outlook for the next few weeks?

The Tigers have reached a crossroads of a sort. They need to do more than tread water during a long homestand, with a first place team in the Central in town for 3 games.

They are gradually running out of time. Look at the numbers, the season is almost 40% gone. Over what's left of this home stand, and then the upcoming 2 weeks of inter-league play (Where they've punished their NL opposition the past 2 seasons.), the Tigers need to win, and win in bunches.

The Tigers need...No, they have to put together a winning steak. A stretch where the Tigers go 15-5, 20-8, 25-10. No more of this win 2, lose 5, win 1, lose 2 stuff. The Tigers need to win several games in a row, win several series in a row. They have yet to put together a long, consistent stretch of good baseball this season. It's time they do.

Tonight would be as good as anytime to start, as they could take 3 of 4 from the Indians, and then have 3 games at Comerica with the first place ChiSox. Winning both series, and shaving a couple of games off of their lead would be welcome. When you are playing a team that could bury you in the standings if they sweep, beating them wouldn't only be welcome, it's absolutely necessary.

If the Tigers fall flat during this home stand, especially over the next 3 games against Chicago, there will be plenty more in the way of fans, media and observers saying the 2008 season is over...

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Panic in Detroit edition

The Tigers are another losing streak, have just lost a pair of gut punch games and are still in last place. Sounds like a good time for a round of burning questions...

We've been witness to 2 consecutive walk off losses for the Tigers, dropping them to 10 games under .500. The last few nights sure sucked, haven't they?

It's the worst I've felt about the Tigers since their pitchers were throwing the ball all over the good earth in the 2006 World Series. But at least that implosion was happening in the WORLD SERIES. Those heady days sure feel as if it's been longer than only a season and a half ago.

I know I've asked this before, but it's worth asking again. Is there anything the Tigers can do?

Not a damn thing. This is our Detroit Tigers, an older team saddled with mostly untradable long-term contracts, for better or for worse. We've seen little in the way of better, and as bad as the season has gone, I doubt we've seen the worst.

Worse than this?

Let's not forget the Tigers are on the first leg of a 3 city, 9 game road trip. The Angels and A's are good teams, and the M's are as bad as the Tigers, but will be at home. The Tigers' season could essentially be over in a little more than 10 days.

A bad road trip, and it's off to an awful start, would crush the Tigers' chances. The only reason they aren't already 10+ games back in the Central is only in thanks to the utter mediocrity of the division.

7.5 games back isn't season ending, but if something doesn't turn around soon...God forbid someone in the Central gets hot...Well, I'd rather not think about it.

Why can't the Tigers make a few trades, unload a couple of older players?

Who would you suggest trading? Gary Sheffield? Always injured and still owed $14 million for next season does not make for an attractive trade target.

Edgar Renteria? First off, the Tigers would never give up on Renteria 50 games into the season. Not going to happen. But for the sake of argument, do you seriously want to play Ramon Santiago every day? If he and Brandon Inge end up as the left side of the infield, it'll be the 1960's all over again. Remember .200 hitting 3B Don Wert and .135 hitting SS Ray Olyer? In 2008, you just can't carry a pair of good field-no hit players as your starters for an entire season. Inge and (I know he's hitting .353, but Santiago is a career .235 hitter) Santiago are excellent defensively, but couldn't hit Paris Hilton's weight.

Brandon Inge? .220 hitters with a superiority complex and owed $19 million aren't much in demand.

Magglio Ordonez? He's the most tradable commodity, but he's also the Tigers best offensive player. Think the offense is struggling now? Think of it without your number 4 hitter. Gives you the willies...

Ok, I get it. Trades are out of the question. So what can the Tigers do?

It's not difficult to figure out. Jim Leyland can only keep penciling in those under performing players in the lineup every day, and hope a roster full of athletes with excellent offensive track records finally start producing. It's not what people want to hear, but it's the truth.

But I can't handle the truth!

Get used to it. This is our Detroit Tigers, the good, the bad, and the ugly. (My apologies to Sergio Leone...)

There's a rising cry for the Tigers to fire someone, anyone. Fans want a head on a platter. Even the once untouchable Jim Leyland is under fire. Anybody going to get the ziggy?

Nope. Ilitch has the utmost trust in Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowki loves Jim Leyland, having been to a pair of World Series' together. Leyland is uber-loyal to his coaches. Who's going to fire who? No one is in jeopardy. Not yet, anyway.

I'd bet on Leyland walking at the end of the season first, rather than anyone being canned. But that's a long ways off, and it's possible the season could still turn around. Seriously, it could happen!

In other news, Jeff Larish was called up to take Sheffield's place on the roster. Will he help?

He's a 25 year old left hand hitting 1st baseman who hits for power, and had put together a nice season in Toledo. It's time to see if he's ready. for that matter, the Tigers need a left handed bat, even if it's another 1B/DH type. If anything else, as I doubt he has a long-term future in Detroit, Larish can be showcased around the league. The Tigers may be able to trade him for help at another position of need.

Why doesn't Larish have a future in the the D?

1st base is taken for the next 8 seasons by a certain player who is making $150 million. The Tigers already have a pair of DH's in waiting, namely Guillen and Ordonez. (Let alone the fact Sheffield is still under contract.) Unless Larish can play corner outfield, or 3rd base, he has no position in Detroit. Larish's value to the Tigers is as trade bait.

Why not call up Mike Hessman? He leads the International League in HRs' and RBI. Plus he plays 1B and 3B, giving the Tigers more flexibility. Wouldn't he bring more to the team than Larish?

Larish has upside, that nebulous thing called "potential," while we already know what Hessman brings. The occasional home run, and not much else. Hessman is what he is, and that's a 30 year old 4A depth player. He's not a long term solution of any kind, and has little value in trade. The Tigers are better off with the much higher upside of Larish.

All this doom and gloom! Is there any good news?

Only if you are a fan of the Red Wings and/or Pistons. They are playing great! It's very possible Detroit will have champions in both the NBA and NHL.

God help the Tigers when the playoff runs end, as the entire focus will finally be upon them. Fans aren't going to be happy with what they see.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: I don’t wanna hear any weak shit from Jason Grilli edition

The shit hit the fan in Tigerdom yesterday. Jim Leyland went off like Mt. Vesuvius in regard to players insinuating to the media there are locker room issues. The Tigers responded to Leyland scorching the earth with 12 runs, and a relatively easy win.

Sounds as good a time as any to answer some burning questions. I don't need to go in what the topics will be, do I? Didn't think so...

Yesterday, in front of the assembled media, the Marlboro Man launched a profane tirade in response to an extremely unflattering USA Today article, with Jason Grilli as the McPaper's star witness. Grilli called the Tigers locker room "stale and stagnant." Think there is any truth to Grilli's accusations?

There's no way of truly knowing, but you have to wonder if something's rotten in Denmark Detroit. Be it locker room strife, an inability to handle pressure, or just a bad personality mix, there's a reason the Tigers seem so damn lifeless. I seriously doubt the loss of "The Mayor," Sean Casey is as big a deal as Grilli made it out to be, but something's been missing all season.

It's interesting that it took a national writer, Bob Nightengale, to shine a spotlight on the Tigers' (supposed) locker room issues. He doesn't have to face the team on a daily basis, unlike the beat guys, Were those issues overstated by Nightengale? Possibly, but the statement by Carlos Guillen about the pressure of expectations being unfair was extremely disturbing. If he's voicing it, and Guillen is an acknowledged team leader, other Tigers likely feel the same way.

Going into a season with the belief there's too much pressure to win isn't exactly confidence inspiring, to say he very least. It's as if the Tigers are already preparing excuses to be at the ready, in case they don't make the playoffs.

Was Leyland's response appropriate?

As long as you aren't offended by extreme profanity, sure. It was also hysterical! "I don’t wanna hear any weak shit from Jason Grilli!" Comedy gold, Jerry! Classic Jim Leyland! It'll just add to his cult hero status.

Sure, it was funny. But will it help?

The Tigers should be extremely embarrassed over their record. Up until last night's win, the Tigers had the worst record in the AL. Nothing Leyland had done to this point has been able to jump start a seemingly clueless Tigers team. Switching positions, juggling the batting order, cutting Jacque Jones, bringing up young players from Toledo, the verbal dressing down behind closed doors 3 weeks ago, none if it has worked, at least not for the long-term.

It was time Leyland said something other than "I don't know." This Tigers team has been scuffling along, lethargic as all Hell, and needed a swift kick in the ass. It was also well past time to publicly call out some under performing and divisive players.

Such as?

Gary Sheffield, for one. Brandon Inge, for another.

When Leyland went off about players "popping off" who are "hitting .200 and .220 and striking out or hitting .200 and .215," and Sheffield and Inge were quoted in Nightengale's article while being absolutely awful at the plate, well, you can add 2+2 together.

The Tigers have coddled Inge since the Miguel Cabrera trade, while all he did was bitch up a storm about wanting a trade all winter. Big talk from a player who would have trouble hitting in a slow pitch softball league. In the famous words of Dave Dombrowski, "You try and trade him!"

As for Sheffield, he continues to insist he can work through his shoulder pain, though all evidence points to the contrary, specifically his .180 average. He doesn't want and/or refuses to go on the DL, to the detriment of the team as a whole. Sheffield shouldn't be saying much of anything to anyone, when he can do little more than hit 10 hoppers to the left side of the infield. As Leyland said in his tirade, "Look in the mirror."

Now what?

Much like Leyland's now famous blow up in April 2006, which lit a season long fire under the Tigers' collective asses, we won't know if this tirade will go down in Detroit legend for quite some time. Last night was a good sign, but just that, a sign. One game does not a season make.

We'll have to wait and see if last night's win, with the Tiger bats pounding Mariners' pitching for 17 hits and 12 runs, was an aberration, or the start of a turnaround.

Will there be a turnaround?

If I knew, I wouldn't be telling you guys. I'd be in Vegas, betting the farm. But I hope so. I sincerely hope so.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Hernandez on the hot seat edition

Unlike the other 2 Detroit teams still playing, the Tigers aren't playing like title contenders, and continue to lose. In fact, they are finding new and creative ways to lose, if last night's loss is any indication.

Edgar Renteria's ill advised attempt to make ESPN's web gems, which ultimately allowed the winning run to score, is the latest loss to leave Tigers fans scratching their heads, wondering "What the Hell?" This entire season has been one long "what the Hell?"

With losses piling up, and the season being 25% over after tonight's game, the fans are getting restless. More correctly, they are getting pissed off. We are beginning to hear rumblings that some coaching staff blood must be spilled. Something, anything, that might light a fire underneath an underachieving team.

Will coaches get the ax? Let's answer some burning questions, and read the smoke signals..

Jim Leyland defended his coaching staff, and more specifically, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez, to the media, amidst the cries for heads to roll from an increasingly anxious fanbase. Should the Tigers give the ziggy to a coach or two?

If you believe the message boards, where most of the knee-jerk calls for blood seem to be coming from, the Tigers need to can both Hernandez and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon immediately, if not sooner. (The fact former Braves pitching guru Leo Mazzone is looking for work has not gone unnoticed by fans) The Marlboro Man would never do such a thing, as he's not the type to bow under to any outside pressure, be it from the MSM or the fanbase .

There will be no one fired during the season. I'm confident in that assessment.

After the season? If the Tigers don't live up to expectations, I don't think anyone would be surprised if coaching staff changes are made. Someone is going to have to fall on the proverbial sword if the Tigers fail to make the playoffs, as it won't be Jim Leyland, or any players, for that matter.

Leyland isn't in hot water? How can that be?

Dave Dombrowski would never give Leyland the ziggy. No way, no how.

They go back too far, and have accomplished far too much as a tandem, for Dombrowski to ever broom Leyland. The Tigers' manager has his quirks (Batting Pudge leadoff, the odd love for any no-hit, good field players named Perez), but he is still considered one of the best managers in baseball.

The better question would be, could Leyland just walk away?

OK, I'll ask that question! Would Leyland walk away from the Tigers at the end of the 2008 season?

If nothing changes, and the Tigers struggle all season, I can't see Leyland leaving Detroit on such a down note. Though I wouldn't put it past him, as he has done it before, after his one season in Colorado. I do believe if he did decide to leave money on the table (I honestly think Dombrowski would keep Leyland in smokes for as long as he wanted to stay manager), it would be after next season. There was a reason Leyland agreed to only a 2 year extension after the end of the '07 season, even though Dombrowski would have been more than happy to lock him for 5+ years.

Leyland's not a long term guy, unlike a Sparky Anderson. He's older, has a title, a life away from baseball and probably all the cash he'll ever need. If Leyland believes he can no longer cut it, or can't get through to the team, he won't hang around. If this season is any indication, you do have to wonder...

After 39 games, the Tigers are 16-23. Sparky Anderson was fond of saying you can't judge a team till it's played 40 games. So what's your judgment?

Uh, the Tigers suck? It's being blunt, but it's also true.

The numbers don't lie, and neither do the standings. They say the Tigers are a last place team. They have earned that distinction, it's not an accident. Detroit is a bad team right now. What could go wrong, did go wrong.

Such as?

That's easy, as it begins and ends with the starting pitching. It's been awful. Christ, awful is an understatement. They've been putrid. If not for the emergence of Armando Galarraga, the rotation would be in a total shambles.

Kenny Rogers has pulled out of his tailspin, even if his ERA doesn't show it, pitching very well in his last 3 starts. But the younger arms, the pitchers the Tigers have pinned both their present, and future, upon? Their tailspin has turned into a death spiral.

Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis (Who just gave up 5 runs in 5 innings in his last rehab start) are a combined 4-14, all with sky high ERA's. (Bonderman's is the lowest, at 4.80. The other 3 are over 6.00) That will get you cut in little league, God forbid the major leagues.

It sure won't cut it over the next few seasons either, as those 4 will be part of the Tigers' rotation till 2010.

It won't matter if the bats do come alive (Which I still think they will), and score a 1000 runs. With their ugly starting pitching, 2000 runs wouldn't be enough.

So what can the Tigers do?

Nothing.

Nothing? You can't be serious!

I'm as serious as Leyland takes smoking. Serious enough for you?

As I said, 4/5 of the Tigers' rotation is set for the next few years. They've signed the contracts, they are the Tigers' rotation, for better or worse. So they can't do much of anything, other than hoping their rotation pitches to their capabilities. You run them out there every 5th day, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

In regard to the rotation, the Tigers have made their bed, and ow have to lay in it. Picked their poison. Made long-term commitments. Locked them up, and thrown away the key.

What the Tigers have, is what they have...6.00 ERA be damned.

Answering the Detroit Tigers burning questions: Galarraga or bust edition

The season is all of 4 weeks old, and the Tigers have begun to string together a few wins, recovering from their horrendous start.

They've raised their record to 11-15, only 4 games back of the Central leading White Sox, and 1.5 back of their main competition, the Indians. They are getting little help from the schedule makers, as the Tigers now play 10 of their next 13 games against the Yankees and Red Sox. Not exactly the best way to go about righting a listing Tigers ship.

The Tigers being 6-4 in their last 10 games isn't what I'd call great, but when factoring in the starting rotation has had little to do with the 6 wins, it's fairly impressive. Still, the team isn't playing up to anyone's expectations.

With that in mind, let's answer a few more "burning questions." Topics include (obviously) the starting pitching, the "Great position switch of 2008" and Gary Sheffield.

Let's light this candle...

What's up with the starting pitching?

You tell me! In fact, if you do have an answer, tell Jim Leyland! Seriously. I'm not kidding!

Rather than try to describe the Tigers starting pitching, or should I say, lack thereof, just take a look at the stats. I'm warning you now, they aren't fit to be seen by women, children, baseball purists or those with weak constitutions...

Justin Verlander: 1-4, 6.50 ERA, 1.47 WHIP

Kenny Rogers: 1-3, 7.66 ERA, 1.91 WHIP

Jeremy Bonderman: 1-2, 4.28 ERA, 1.79 WHIP

Nate Robertson: 0-3, 6.91 ERA, 1.47 WHIP

Dontrelle Willis: 0-0, 7.20 ERA, 2.00 WHIP (Currently on the 15 day DL)

That's some bad, bad pitching. If they, as a group, didn't have proven big league track records, and the contracts to match, it's the sort of performance which would get you either a bus ticket to Toledo, sent to the bullpen to pitch long relief or outright released.

If it wasn't for the unheralded Armando Galarraga (2-0, 1.50, 0.72) pitching well above his average (at best) ability, the Tigers would be...Well, let's not talk about it. What's even worse is Galarraga is bound to come back down to earth. He's not going to pitch like an ace indefinitely. He started the season in Toledo for a reason.

I know what you're going to ask. What can the Tigers do?

Nothing, save for running their highly paid (save for Galarraga) starters out to the mound every 5th day, and hope they pitch their way out of their collective slump.

Really, that's it. That's all the Marlboro Man can do. The Tigers have what they have, there's no saviors in the minors, no trades to be made, no one in the pen that will step into the rotation. We knew back in December this was the Tigers rotation. They aren't about to make changes now. Not a month into the season, anyway.

What if the rotation continues to suck like the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked?

The offense best start scoring 8 runs a game, or it's going to be a loooong summer.

The great Guillen/Cabrera position switch of 2008, how's it working out?

At their previous positions, Cabrera and Guillen were the equivalent of butchers attempting to carve meat while using dull, rusty cleavers. It's scary to watch, and someone was going to get hurt. I don't think either would have made it through the season in one piece without the move.

I know it's only been a few games since Cabrera has taken over duties at 1st, and Guillen played 3rd for the first time this season on Sunday. But no blood has been let at 1st or 3rd since the announcement. Thus, I'd have to consider the "Great position switch of 2008" a success! (to this point, anyway)

At the plate, it hasn't made a whit of difference, as long as they are healthy, Guillen and Cabrera are both going to hit, no matter the position. Guillen is off to a great start with the bat, and Cabrera as really begun to come around after his slow start. The Tigers need them to swing the bat, and swing it well.

If the position switch keeps both healthy, happy and their potent bats in the everyday lineup, while tightening up the infield defense at the same time, what's not to like? (Save for Brandon Inge supposedly having a hissy fit)

What should the Tigers do with Gary Sheffield, and his achy, breaky shoulder?

They are walking a fine line with Sheff. If he says he can play, you got to put him in the lineup. He's' THAT good when healthy. But when you see Sheffield at the plate, he's lunging at pitches, the timing is off, and he's not fluid. He's not buggy whipping inside pitches, as the bat speed isn't there. Are his struggles because of the pain, or just his needing at bats to find his rhythm?

I hope I'm wrong, but if you ask me, it looks as if Sheffield is still in pain. Probably a great deal of pain. He needs to get himself right on the DL, not while trying to DH every day.

We've all heard about Sheffield getting cortisone shots in his shoulder to relieve the pain. I've had cortisone shots myself, back in my high school football days. The only thing that would make the pain in my knees go away were the injections. But it was only a temporary fix, the pain always came back. They only thing that would help was rest.

As it stands, Sheffield is hurting the team trying to play through his shoulder misery. He needs to do whatever it takes to make him pain free. If that means spending time on the DL now, to assure he's healthy for the rest of the summer, then do so.

(Great minds think alike, even if out answers differ. Over at Mack Avenue Tigers, I see Kurt asked the same question, "What to do about Sheffield? I think he needs to sit, Kurt, on the other hand, says, "Keep playing him for now, but bat him sixth and return to the question in another two weeks or so.")