Catching up on the Tigers
Two weeks of vacation presumably make you fresher and sharper. We'll see. Here's what I've been observing from afar about the Tigers as they take their own summer break:
*Curtis Granderson made the All-Star team, and I can't figure out why. He has one statistical area of achievement in 2009: home runs. And that's not enough for a leadoff batter who should be hitting with a lot more potency than Granderson has brought to the picture in 2009.
*Armando Galarraga's problems are real and could cost the Tigers the division. But how do you replace him? There aren't any starters ready to go in the minors, and getting help by way of the trade market will gut your minor leagues of talent needed to sustain the Tigers over the long term.
*The bullpen is like most teams and their bullpens: mercurial. Fernando Rodney drives everyone nuts. So, too, does Joel Zumaya because of his recent meltdowns. I'd hang on if I were the fans. Relief pitchers with good arms usually straighten out. The Tigers have to hope these guys settle in soon.
*Deciding to platoon Magglio Ordonez was smart, at least contractually. It gets the Tigers out of having to pick up his option years in 2010 and '11. But how do you put Magglio in the lineup even against left-handers and think he's going to contribute to a victory? You don't. Add in his bad defense and he's an ongoing liability.
Carlos Guillen's potential return puts more pressure on the Tigers. Who does the team cut if a corner outfielder with defensive liabilities needs a place on the roster?
That's why I continue to believe the Tigers will be forced to release Ordonez.
*Pitching? We could go on forever. Some personal thoughts will be shared later this week.
And, yes, it's good to be back.
