Rotation

[D-Fresh]

Who do you think will be out of the rotation when Kenny comes back?

I think it is between Maroth and Robertson, and my choice would be Maroth. This guy just doesn't have good stuff, he has strong starts to the season, but teams figure him out. I know that some will say Durbin is out, but the tigers have not lost when he has taken the mound in the last 10 games or something like that, and he is 5-1, his era is a little high, mainly because of his first couple starts. So I say Maroth is out, trade him, send him away because he doesn't have the stuff, not even to come out of the pen!

[RJF]

I don't want to say Keny Rogers is an old man, but let's be sure he can contribute before getting rid of a starter. The long layoff might be tough for him to recover from. Much tougher than for a young pitcher. Maroth can get people out for six innings. That's a very valuable cog.

Zach Miner loked good the other day. He spoke like he might like pitching in relief.

[FASTRNU]

How about putting Kenny in the bullpen? Just thought of this today. Don't have to break up the rotation and get another lefty out in the pen. I can see bringing Miller up later to replace a starter.

[Jumpshootin']

At his age Rogers may not be able to return to the rotation. But would make a good closer. Maroth may also be better suited for the bullpen now. Robertson has been iffy, but has the stuff to turn it around.
Bring up Andrew Miller again and plug him in. Durbin isn't going anywhere with his consistancy. He's been a very pleasant suprise. Bonderman, Verlander, Durbin, & Miller are going to be the backbone of this staff for years to come.
I think we're still a couple/few years from seeing the best to come of Verlander. Barring injury he'll be a superstar.

[radiohead]

Maroth will be the odd man out. Leyland has never been a big fan of Maroth. He didn't really give him a shot to win his job back last year after his injury and kept him off the postseason roster without even letting him pitch in the bullpen. Its no secret the Tigers need left handed help in the bullpen, Maroth will fill that role.
No way will Rogers not get his starting gig back. He will be fine coming off the injury, he's not a power pitcher so even at 42 he can come back just fine.



At his age Rogers may not be able to return to the rotation. But would make a good closer. Maroth may also be better suited for the bullpen now. Robertson has been iffy, but has the stuff to turn it around.
Bring up Andrew Miller again and plug him in. Durbin isn't going anywhere with his consistancy. He's been a very pleasant suprise. Bonderman, Verlander, Durbin, & Miller are going to be the backbone of this staff for years to come.
I think we're still a couple/few years from seeing the best to come of Verlander. Barring injury he'll be a superstar.

[Brown duck]

I like Rogers in the rotation - he's a crafty guy that gets the job done. Can no longer be a starter at his age? He started the All-Star game in 2006 - from my calculations, that means he was only 1 year younger than he is now. Remember - starters don't always adjust well to the pen - shorter warm-up time, coming in with runners on base, pitching out of the stretch, batters have already had a couple at bats - a lot different than starting.

And what's the rush bringing up Miller? The kid hasn't even had a year in the minors, and if memory serves me, he struggled there early on this spring. Sure, he had a good start vs. the Cards, but one start does not a season make. And why waste him in the pen? Patience. Rogers won't be around forever, Robertson and Maroth are looking shaky, free-agency is bound to strike soon. Next year sounds better to me, at least in Miller's situation.

I think Robertson will turn it around - the first few starts were great, just lately has he gone downhill. Right now, I'd have to say Maroth is the odd-man out.

[greelhappy]

Sure glad others picked Maroth as odd man out. I have not liked his pitching style since day one. That herky jerky motion drives me nuts. 10 hits in five innings is a good outing for him. He is, by all accounts, a real nice guy, a rarity in todays sports world, but that herky jerky pitching style still DRIVES ME NUTS.

[augustus0603]

I really think it will be Durbin. The Tigers need righties in the bull-pen more than another lefty. Durbin has an "out" pitch where Maroth doesn't.

Leyland is a pretty loyal guy and I don't think Maroth has pitched bad enough to lose his spot. I think 90% of the teams in the league would love to have him as a fifth starter. He gives you innings and keeps your team in the game.

[D-Fresh]

I really think it will be Durbin. The Tigers need righties in the bull-pen more than another lefty. Durbin has an "out" pitch where Maroth doesn't.

Leyland is a pretty loyal guy and I don't think Maroth has pitched bad enough to lose his spot. I think 90% of the teams in the league would love to have him as a fifth starter. He gives you innings and keeps your team in the game.

Leyland is loyal to one thing only, and that is doing whatever it takes to win. He is not in it to make friends or do anyone a favor just because that player has been in the rotation longer. When Kenny comes back he will replace the pitcher who has not had success, and Durbin has been waaay more consistent than Maroth.

As far as Maroth coming out of the pen, I really don't like that either. Byrdak and Seay (with the exception of a couple bad innings) are better pitchers than Maroth, just my opinion. I am biased against Maroth because I have never liked him and in my opinion he just doesn't have the stuff it takes in the big leagues.

[FASTRNU]

Just looked at Kenny's career stats. He was a reliever his first 4 seasons. It wouldn't be like it was new to him.

[D-Fresh]

Geez after tonight, I might be leaning more towards Nate! 0.0 innings pitched, 6 runs, 2 BB's...that was UGLY! I realize every pitcher is going to be off now and then and have a terrible start, but this is like 5 in a row for him! Good thing we can hit!