Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Detroit Rock City

The Detroit Tigers are 4-10 after a blow out victory tonight still sitting last in the AL Central. Many people (including me) believed the Tigers would take the Central. Perhaps not with ease, as Cleveland didn't get any worse, but would probably come out on top in the end. On paper, it would appear they had all the tools to get it done. I know it's early, and they have plenty of time to turn the ship around and runaway with it, however I'm no longer convinced. Here's why:

Aside from Justing Verlander, who's off to a shaky start, they're starting pitching is poor at best. Dontrelle Willis just isn't what he was and isn't going to be again either, Jeremy Bonderman is a sub .500 career pitcher with an era approaching five. Nate Robertson is shockingly the EXACT SAME, and Kenny Rogers is just fucking old. That isn't a recipe for success if you ask me.

With no Zumaya, a 100 year old closer (who's actually been decent in 08) and a suspect pen at best, there aren't a whole lot of guys on the staff that are very good at getting opposing players out. Pitchers need to be able to do that shit in order to have some success.

Gary Sheffield is old and busted. Ivan Rodriguez is....on his way to becoming old and busted. Brandon Inge has had one good season, but so did Erik Hinske. Polonco should be better than he is right now, who the fuck knows if he'll turn it around, though he is capable. Cabrera, Ordonez, Renteria & Guillen are all solid and should have decent seasons. Which leaves you with rookie Clete Thomas who looks good so far, but is a rookie after all.

So is this enough to get these guys to the promise land? It hasn't looked like it so far, and on paper you'd think it is. But the more I think about it, the more I'm of the opinion it's just a lot of smoke and mirrors down in Motown. I could be wrong, and I'm sure I will be, that's just how I see it.

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