Verlander update
For those of you looking for how Verlander did today, he gave up a run on four hits in 2 2/3 innings with a walk and two strikeouts. He gave up a home run to Michael Ryan, the first batter of the game, and worked into a lot of full counts early. He showed a nice pickoff move to retire Edgar Renteria straying off first in the third inning, but gave up a single and a walk after that and was pulled with 60 pitches, a lot of them fastballs.
Jason Beck
Verlander pitched well today, Saturday the 18th, as did Grilli. If Zumaya continues to pitch well also it will continue to make a case for all three to go north. I believe in them but it will take belief by Leyland in their ability to fill the rolls envisioned by him for his pitching staff for it to happen. I remember many a pitcher in Detroit’s past taking a relief roll on their way to starting fame. I think little stands in the way now of Velander becoming the #5 starter as anticipated. If they want another lefty in the pen it might mean Ledezma still has a shot or that an adjustment of the starting rotation is in order before next season. Making room for all three new guys could cause Leyland to have second thoughts about German, Rodney and Spurling. In German’s case I believe he is out of options so it would mean possibly losing him. Then again he may not want to remove two starting pitchers from Toledo. It would put them on hold as to their time in Detroit but also just a short trip away if someone falters big time in the rotation. What say you or any other followers of this situation?
Several things. It’s good to see that Leyland can lead a team not just coach it along. Providing the talent stream is good he should have some fun this year.
I think putting a rookie in at starter with someone like Colon available would be a mistake. His spring hasn’t been stellar but we can know what to expect. Letting the young guys come out of the pen for now would let them adjust to all the other aspects of the regular season. Having said that I’d like to know why the Tigers arn’t considering 6 starters? The better question might be that why does it work well for Chicago? To get out of our Division we only have to beat the World Series Champs right?