Still Waiting for Closure on a Closer
December 18th, 2009 Posted in Bobby Seay, Brandon Lyon, Cody Satterwhite, Daniel Schlereth, Dave Dombrowski, Fernando Rodney, Jeremy Bonderman, Joel Zumaya, Ryan PerryIt’s no secret that the closer role is currently vacant in Motown. Although GM Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that “there is no fire sale going on here!”
(sigh)
It’s becoming crystal clear that our “closer” will more than likely be a committee compiled of in house relievers.
Brandon Lyon has signed a three year $15 million deal with the Houston Astros. The roller coaster also known as Fernando Rodney is drawing interest from many teams not named the Detroit Tigers. 2008 draft picks Robbie Weinhardt and Cody Satterwhite could possibly find there way into a relief role next season. However, neither of them are remotely close to being “closer” ready yet.
With that being said, let’s evaluate some of our in house candidates.
Joel Zumaya:
If, and may I be very clear on this, IF Zumaya stays healthy he could be a very effective closer. While I realize that his health has hindered him since 2007, he still is a very solid option. Hide the guitar hero and get serious Joel. You have wanted this opportunity for a long time. Silence the haters and become the Zumaya that we all know you can be!
Ryan Perry:
I believe Perry is Zumayas biggest competition. With minimal minor league expirience he logged 61 2/3 innings, striking out 60 and posting a 3.79 ERA last season. If he can keep the walks down he could get the ball often in save situations.
Bobby Seay:
Last season Seay went 6-3 with a 4.25 ERA in 48 2/3 innings. Though solid, those numbers are not to impressive. However, considering his final 5 1/3 innings he surrendered 7 earned runs, it’s not to shabby. Though Seay is mostly known as a situational lefty, he held right handed batters to a .239 average. Though unlikely, with an abundance of lefty relief pitchers perhaps Seay gets a chance.
Daniel Schlereth:
Schlereth was tagged future closer material before even throwing a single pitch in professional baseball. His minor league numbers (though brief) do a pretty good job of backing that theory up.
After logging 39 2/3 innings down on the farm, Sclereth left an impressive 1.15 ERA behind. Although he was walking batters at a clip of 5.3 BB/9, his strikeout numbers were almost insane at 13.8 k/9.
In Arizona however his numbers were less than impressive. In 18 1/3 innings he posted a 5.89 ERA and issued 7.4 BB/9.
Throwing him into the majors last year was obviously a mistake. Throwing him into the closer role next year would be an even bigger mistake. Let the kid get his feet wet!
Jeremy Bonderman:
Alright, I’m only talking about Bondo in a relief scenerial because many folks are all in on this idea. My opinion, not going to happen and for all the right reasons. Jeremy is in the final year of his contract. He will start and impress us all. (being optimistic)
Although it’s much to early to tell right now, one thing is certain.
These days us Tigers fans are still waiting for closure on a closer.
6 Responses to “Still Waiting for Closure on a Closer”
By Joe Schmoe on Dec 18, 2009
Clearly this guy knows nothing about Tiger baseball, Ill just talk about Seay… You bring up his last 5 innings and how he gave up 7 ERs ….. You forgot to mention he was hurt with a strained pectoral muscle, You also forgot to mention that his first 13 innings or so he gave up 0 runs, He has been the most consistent reliever the Tigers have had in the last few years for their bullpen….. He will get a chance LOL he is a shoe in, and if he wasnt they wouldve traded him or non tendered….. Get with the program boss
By Rogo on Dec 18, 2009
Joe-Read it again. He brought up those last five innings to justify the high ERA that Seay posted for the year. He wasn’t knocking Seay, he was defending his overall numbers. Thus, the “not too shabby”.
I think this is Zoom’s year to be make or break. If he doesn’t put it together now, I think his time in Detroit will be about over.
By Blake VandeBunte on Dec 18, 2009
Couldn’t agree more about Zumaya. I think this is it for him as well. He hasn’t been reliable since 2006 and even then, he was hurt at the end of the season and could not play. I wonder if he has any value via trade?
By JAY RC on Dec 18, 2009
Rogo- thanks!
I was scratching my head wondering how he thought that I was knocking Seay.
Joe- Like it or not I was just tossing around names that legitimately have a shot at getting the ball in the nineth. I like Bobby as much as the next guy, but stating that he “is a shoe in” on December 18th is pretty bold. Hell even saying that when pitchers report down here to Lakeland is bold.
We all have our own opinions and that’s fine. Attacking my knowledge or love for our Detroit Tigers though is pretty harsh though.
By Don_Imus on Dec 18, 2009
Joe Schmoe……clearly you know nothing about nothing. Learn to read the entire article and look at all the facts. Then go back and read some of JayRC’s other post. Its an opinion, dont read more into it, boss
By Don_Imus on Dec 18, 2009
I agree its probably likely the closer is already somewhere on the team as the Tigers are not actively pursuing any at this time. That could change, as we all know. I agree with you and Blake about Zumaya. its time to put up or get put out.