LHP - Bobby Seay
Situational lefty, that usually does the job very well. At times Seay comes in for only one or two guys, as his 28.2 IP in 33 appearances would indicate; however, he usually comes in at a high pressure situation and usually handles himself well.
Grade: B-
RHP - Zach Miner
Recently sent down for control issues, Miner may find himself called up on a spot start early next week. He’s got some good stuff, but can’t seem to put it all together when the Tigers really need him. His stats are padded with a couple of lengthy appearances where the Tigers are either up or down by a bunch. Will spot start.
Grade: C-
RHP - Aquilino Lopez
Great control as Lopez throws mostly strikes. He has been a pleasant surprise and even after being sent down to the minors, came back and picked up where he left off. Could become a key element should Fernando Rodney get moved.
Grade: B+
RHP - Freddy Dolsi
Has handled some serious situations with veteran like skill. Has a tendency to lose a batter every now and then with control issues, but I have liked what I have seen.
Grade: B
LHP - Casey Fossum
Still wondering why they signed him, and even moreso what he is still doing up with the big club. His 7.24 ERA and ridiculous 1.74 WHIP should send him back to Toledo.
Grade: D-
RHP - Fernando Rodney
Rumours have been rampant that the Tigers may move the erratic fire-baller. They have perhaps messed with his head by throwing him back into the mix a bit too quickly, but Rodney hasn’t seemed comfortable throwing since the 2006 season.
Grade: C-
RHP - Joel Zumaya
Don’t let the excellent 1.59 ERA fool you, Zumaya hasn’t been tremendous. He has averaged over 1H and 1BB since his early return from shoulder surgery. (11.1 IP, 12 H, 12 BB) But the fact of the matter is, Zumaya has over-powering stuff and has shown the ability to fool hitters with masking his pitches and changing speeds. Hopefully he’s putting it all together for next years’ closer duties.
Grade: B
RHP - Todd Jones
Constant dramatics ensue when Jonesy enters a game. While he has closed out 17 of the 19 save opportunities he has been presented with, it isn’t necessarily due to his stuff. He has been hit with relative ease this year (opposition is batting .297 against him) and with an ERA a shade under 5.00 (4.95 to be exact) he isn’t striking fear into anyone at this stage of his career.
Grade: C-
OVERALL GRADE: C-
The ‘pen has been a constant concern of the Tigers this season, with big leads being chipped away at, or close games suddenly pushed out of reach the back end has been the Achilles heel for sure. Getting back Rodney and Zumaya was supposed to provide a boost, but with only ½ of that tandem showing their truly back, these boys still find themselves struggling when called upon.
Trading to upgrade is always an issue as you don’t want to overpay for a commodity. Hopefully, the staff will continue to go deep as they are averaging nearly seven IP since mid-June and the bullpen can remain fresh and have their best stuff when they enter a tight game.
