So Long, Zach
By Blake VandeBunte • Mar 21st, 2009 • Category: 2009 Season, Zach MinerZach Miner is no longer in the running for a spot in the Tigers starting rotation. It probably has something to do with his awful stats and performance this spring. What do you think? From Jason Beck at MLB.com:
Miner’s stretch to compete for a starting job is over, but his time to compete for a spot on the pitching staff is not. With three scoreless innings Saturday against the Yankees, he made the most of the work he had.
It’s looking more and more like Nate Robertson has a spot in the rotation which now looks like this:
- Justin Verlander
- Armando Galarraga
- Jeremy Bonderman
- Edwin Jackson
- Nate Robertson
If Robertson can piece together a .500 season with an ERA of 4.50 that would be outstanding. His last two outings have gone pretty smoothly. With Robertson emerging as the fifth starter, the only real question remaining in the rotation is the health of Bonderman.
We are about two weeks away from opening day and it remains to be seen how his body holds up over that period.
Miner must now compete for a bullpen spot. He could still be sent to the minors to start the season, but if he pitches the rest of spring like he did today against the Yankees, he should land a job as the long reliever. I don’t see why he couldn’t fill the role that Aquilino Lopez played last season.
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If he takes the role that Aqui Lopez had in 08, I hope he is better with the inherited runners Not scoring.
Seriously. Although, I would not count on that. That’s always been a problem of Zach’s as well.