Zoom Zoom
February 17th, 2010 Posted in Joel ZumayaI’ve learned to expect nothing from Joel Zumaya. I also feel as though I made this exact post the last two years. If the Tigers are able to get anything out of Zumaya in 2010 we should all just consider it a bonus. In spite of all of his injuries, Zumaya remains one the hardest throwers in the big leagues. If he is on and healthy there are very few batters that can catch up with what he features. From ESPNs Jerry Crasnick:
Zumaya made one appearance after the All-Star break before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder in August. After pitching 83 1/3 innings in 2006, Zumaya has logged a total of 88 innings in the three years since.
The Tigers signed Jose Valverde to be their closer, but the bullpen would look a lot more formidable with Zumaya throwing pellets in the seventh and eighth. At last check, Zumaya was working out at Detroit’s spring training complex in Lakeland, Fla., and the team was pleased with his progress.
Pitching coach Rick Knapp said Zumaya is throwing with his hand a “tick higher” on the baseball, which gives his pitches more late, riding life as they approach the strike zone. But it won’t matter much if he’s on the DL in April or May.
A healthy Zumaya makes the Tigers pitching staff better. You could argue that he makes the team significantly better. What Joel will show up in 2010?
2 Responses to “Zoom Zoom”
By jayrc on Feb 18, 2010
I agree with you Blake…
I guess I just try and look at the positives…
He doesn’t make a ton of money and like you said, when he’s on he’s untouchable!
This is a make or break year for Zumaya. Next season the 2008 draft class will be anchoring the Tiger bullpen.
By stephen grosberg on Feb 18, 2010
Good post and I agree with Jayrc on the class of 2008 with our favorite Robbie Weinhardt. We’ll see more during the seaso on Zumaya and who they move to Erie and hopefully Toledo. In the meantime Spring Training should be an eye opener. I’m still looking for more of what the Tigers SHOULD DO like make Phil Coke a starter or trade Fu-Te Ni to make room for Dan Schlereth. Someone should tell Zumaya that he doesn’t have to WOW the fans with 100, just get the ball over at 95-97. It’t like getting Clete Thomas to shorten his swing.