Henning's article kind of reads like you think (and hope NOT) the Tiger's thought process is: completely realizing the guy's done, they're still going to keep him in the closer's role to start the season. Cut the guy loose, and force yourself to find answers as you move along. There is no scenario where Nathan will get people out with his stuff: no velocity and no movement......doesn't work in the big leagues. I actually think DD knew this early last year, but, again, a move that looked pretty good failed (Soria). In late June, DD says "we have our closer....". Tiger fans groan, because they know it's pretty evident Nathan's washed up. But then DD gets Soria in an "undetermined role".....i.e., if/when Joe definitively shows he's finished, soria's your insurance policy. Of course, Soria stumbles/gets hurt, and they're stuck with JN for the duration. Possible solution after dumping JN (and it's not a perfect one, by any stretch): rotate Soria and Rondon until one takes over. Rondon you have to spot in there because of his rehab. Soria has to prove healthy, as well (blisters/fully recovered from last year's injury). The fear is, it's a moot point, the bullpen as a whole will never hold up in October......DD's Waterloo is going to be his bullpen, never being able to put one together.
Goodbye Joe
Goodbye Joe
