Missing the mark with Miner
It's interesting to hear the Tigers talk about their 2009 starting rotation and to learn that Zach Miner seems to be only a contingency.
I don't know what Miner has to do to convince a team that he's a starter, not a reliever.
When he starts, the chances of him pitching six capable innings are quite good. When he relieves, his control goes down a notch and he is a so-so bet to be any kind of bullpen plus.
Still, the Tigers talk of him being a reliever in 2009. If I were them, I would commit to acquiring true relievers and name Miner to the starting staff today.
I would leave it up to Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis to unseat Miner. That's assuming Jeremy Bonderman will be ready to go. If he isn't ready at the start of the season -- indications are that he will be fine -- then Miner probably becomes Bonderman's replacement.
In any event, I'd make sure every one of Jim Leyland's starting five would be at least as reliable as Miner before I sentenced Miner to the bullpen.
The man is a starting pitcher. Period. Use him as such, and this team will get an automatic boost in 2009.
