I figure that at least 10%, maybe as many as 30% of Fort visitors, follow the Tigers with some degree of ardor, so with Spring Training here, I'd like to present my assessment of the state of their pitching staff
J. Verlander- 80% surehe's back as the top of the rotation guy. Maybe not the J.V. of 2010-2012, but much better than2014-15.
J. Zimmerman- Glad we got him, but he's no Price or Scherzer. I'd be happy if he goes 14-10.
A. Sanchez- Probably the key to the Tigers return to the post-season. A terrific pitcher when right, but I'm skeptical.
M. Pelfrey- Less likely to throw shutout than A. Simon, but more consistent. We need him to win as many games as he loses. Not sure he's a good bet to.
Danny Norris- I'm naturally a pessimist on Rookies (and with good cause), so it is that I'm making it 50/50 that Norris stays in the rotation throughout 2016. Hope he does as he'd be our lone lefty.
F. Rodriguez- not likely that he'll be Joe Nathan, part II, but don't look for him to be one of baseball's top closers. Anything should be an improvement over last year, however.
B. Rondon- Absolutely the one guy I wish they could peddle and even get something for.
Mark Lowe- Pencil him in as the set-up guy until he shows otherwise. Most likely the closer if KRod is shelved.
Alex Wilson- Color me unimpressed. Despite his relatively solid 2015 season, I had the feeling that he's not good under pressure. Hoping he's only used in long relief.
Justin Wilson- If I have doubts about Alex, I am more optimistic with Justin. My biggest fear is that Ausmus turns him into a one-out pitcher, because he looks like he could alternatie with Lowe as set-up man.
Blaine Hardy- See Alex Wilson. Blaine had more good outings than bad last year, but often failed when the game was on. the line. I wouldn't be shocked if he's gone by Memorial Day.
Drew VerHagen- Looked super in September, almost a lock to come North for the regular season. If he shines in long relief, may get a shot at starting.
Shane Greene- After three starts last April, thought this guy was our next Max. Actually has electric stuff, but will he ever put it together consistently?
Buck Farmer- Is he a starter, long relief we, or just a pretty good minor-leaguer? I opt for the last option (not a fan).
Matt Boyd- Since he's a southpaw, he'll likely get an opportunity to start some games for the Tigers this year (when injuries inevitably force them to bring people up). Needs to show more than he did in last season's tryout.
Other Possibilities- Mike Fulmer (#1 prospect), Kevin Ziomek (left-handed who has shown promise in the minors); Jeff Ferrell (missed most of 2015)
Kyle Ryan (yes, he's still around).
Long Shots- Beau Burrows, Joe Jimenez, Montreal Robinson, SpencerTurnbull, Adam Ravenelle, Josh Turley. These are all almost certainly future Tigers (unless injuries or trades prevent same) but need more seasoning.
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J. Verlander- 80% surehe's back as the top of the rotation guy. Maybe not the J.V. of 2010-2012, but much better than2014-15.
J. Zimmerman- Glad we got him, but he's no Price or Scherzer. I'd be happy if he goes 14-10.
A. Sanchez- Probably the key to the Tigers return to the post-season. A terrific pitcher when right, but I'm skeptical.
M. Pelfrey- Less likely to throw shutout than A. Simon, but more consistent. We need him to win as many games as he loses. Not sure he's a good bet to.
Danny Norris- I'm naturally a pessimist on Rookies (and with good cause), so it is that I'm making it 50/50 that Norris stays in the rotation throughout 2016. Hope he does as he'd be our lone lefty.
F. Rodriguez- not likely that he'll be Joe Nathan, part II, but don't look for him to be one of baseball's top closers. Anything should be an improvement over last year, however.
B. Rondon- Absolutely the one guy I wish they could peddle and even get something for.
Mark Lowe- Pencil him in as the set-up guy until he shows otherwise. Most likely the closer if KRod is shelved.
Alex Wilson- Color me unimpressed. Despite his relatively solid 2015 season, I had the feeling that he's not good under pressure. Hoping he's only used in long relief.
Justin Wilson- If I have doubts about Alex, I am more optimistic with Justin. My biggest fear is that Ausmus turns him into a one-out pitcher, because he looks like he could alternatie with Lowe as set-up man.
Blaine Hardy- See Alex Wilson. Blaine had more good outings than bad last year, but often failed when the game was on. the line. I wouldn't be shocked if he's gone by Memorial Day.
Drew VerHagen- Looked super in September, almost a lock to come North for the regular season. If he shines in long relief, may get a shot at starting.
Shane Greene- After three starts last April, thought this guy was our next Max. Actually has electric stuff, but will he ever put it together consistently?
Buck Farmer- Is he a starter, long relief we, or just a pretty good minor-leaguer? I opt for the last option (not a fan).
Matt Boyd- Since he's a southpaw, he'll likely get an opportunity to start some games for the Tigers this year (when injuries inevitably force them to bring people up). Needs to show more than he did in last season's tryout.
Other Possibilities- Mike Fulmer (#1 prospect), Kevin Ziomek (left-handed who has shown promise in the minors); Jeff Ferrell (missed most of 2015)
Kyle Ryan (yes, he's still around).
Long Shots- Beau Burrows, Joe Jimenez, Montreal Robinson, SpencerTurnbull, Adam Ravenelle, Josh Turley. These are all almost certainly future Tigers (unless injuries or trades prevent same) but need more seasoning.
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