Jacque Jones out

Jacque Jones designated for assignment and Matt Joyce called up. Jones wasn't hitting so no big surprise. Joyce is supposed to be a decent hitter and an outstanding outfielder. Joyce bats left-handed, so Leyland still has same amount of left-handed sticks to choose from. Also, Sheffield is playing left tonight.

Jones will probably be traded. I'm not sure they will be able to get much for him even if they pick up his salary. If Sheffield is back playing in the outfield then Marcus Thames may be on his way out soon as well.

This may help the offense and fielding, but it still doesn't fix the problems with the rotation. The bullpen is performed better than expected. If the rotation can't carry its weight than the Tigers have no chance no matter how much hitting then have.

It would be nice to fix all of the Tigers' woes at once, but I think it is too complicated for that.  It appears that the "easiest" fix right now is to improve the fielding defense.  They have the talent for all of the positions, but need to put the right player at the right spot.  Inge playing 3rd sure seems to be the right move from my vantage point.  Having Inge at 3rd and Guillen elsewhere probably would have meant that horrible 7th inning yesterday doesn't happen, and Detroit takes at least 4 of 6 on their last road trip. 

I think Sheffield, though a threat to be given a walk at any given at bat, is an offensive liability or distraction right now.  He needs to sit out some games, and either get his injury or his head back on track.  Once Detroit gets their defensive positions set solidly, it should take no time at all to see a positive difference.  What issue then is most likely next to be taken care of, hitting or pitching?

Well put, Iffy.  I've been saying the same thing... they sunk too many future prospects and too much money into the batting order.  Meanwhile, one of the worst bullpens in the majors in 2007 got NO ATTENTION AT ALL in the off-season.  The fact that Zach Miner still has a major league job is testament to the fact that their minor league pitching is gutted.  There's simply no one they feel is ready to replace him.  When he gave up that bomb in Minnesota Sunday to put the Twins ahead for good, I heard my brain quoting John Candy in Rookie of the Year: "And that'll raise his ERA to... oh, about three hundred or so!"

Unfortunately, outside of Verlander, I think the pitching is as bad as it looks right now.  Rodney and Zumaya won't be saviors coming off major injuries. The hitting is ridiculously streaky.  And as the Dopester mentioned, the defense is putrid. Guillen's error at third on a routine play opened the floodgates Sunday in that 5-run 7th. And he's only playing at 3B because Leyland has zero confidence in putting Cabrera there.

The only move they made in the off-season for the bullpen is Cruceta and we haven't seen if he is as good as advertised yet. I was surprised with the Grilli trade. I thought Miner should have been sent down instead. I don't know how effective Rodney and Zumaya will be when they return, but hopefully the get Miner off the roster. That would already be one big plus.

Guillen needs to move to DH permanently. He can't seem to field anywhere anymore. Inge goes back to third. Sheffield goes on the DL until he proves his shoulder is 100%. We need more than walks from him. Platoon Joyce and either Thames or Raburn in left.

The rotation, even Verlander, is a complete mess. Galaraga is only a short time fix, not a rotation savior. The season started with Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, and Willis unable to throw strikes. Robertson has become unwilling to throw inside. I'd say a lot of those problems fall on Chuck Hernandez in getting these guys ready for the season.

Verlander's velocity was down at the beginning of the season. He still loses his effectiveness when he goes deep into a game. It seems to point to his arm not being in shape at the beginning of the season.

Bonderman needs to keep using his changeup. His slider is starting to have bite again. He is a power pitcher and should be striking out a lot more batters with the stuff he has. His fastball is still off a few mph and is dropping off noticably as gets further into games. (Last season he topped out in mid 90s. Now he is lucky to hit 90 and is in mid-80s by the 6th inning.)

Robertson needs to start pitching inside more often. He has no command of the plate and hitters are taking advantage therefore his era has ballooned. He also has had a noticeable drop in mph. He is throwing in mid to upper 80s instead of low 90s.

Rogers age and focus may be catching up to him.

Willis needs to stay on DL until he can throw strikes. He may need a mechanical fix to his throwing motion.

Galaraga has filled in nicely. He is not the rotation savior though. He is not a top of the rotation starter.

I think I have too much time on my hands today in evaluating the Tigers so much.