My first post back from hiatus will obviously be about our 2015 Detroit Tigers. What are my thoughts about this year, you ask? Well, let's start with pitching. For the first time in about 4 years, I am not confident about our starting pitchers. So, since my blog is named after the guy, AND I just posted a picture of him, we will start with Max Scherzer. I had a gut feeling that the Tigers were not going to resign him this past off season. My gut was right, as he signed a monster contract with the Nationals that will pay him 210 million dollars. In all honesty, good for him. He knew he could go out there and get paid, and he did. Anyone who says they wouldn't do the same is silly. What this means for the Tigers is that they lost a crucial part of their once lights out starting lineup. Initially, I was happy that the Tigers didn't resign him. Now, I think that since the Tigers are in such a win right now mentality, and with the kind of season Scherzer is having this year, Detroit should have given him all of the money. The 2015 Detroit Tigers starting rotation consists of (in no particular order) Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez, Alfredo Simon, David Price, and Shane Greene.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander was once the golden boy of the Detroit Tigers. There was a time when he was considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. That seems like some time ago. To be fair, he has only made 3 starts in 2015. What started off as arm cramping became something that he was sidelined with for quite some time. The past couple of seasons Verlander has struggled, and injury has gotten the better of him. Since his career has started, he has pitched a lot of innings, and it has finally worn him down. My prediction is that he will be a middle of the road pitcher for the rest of his career, with flashes of his old brilliance.
Anibal Sanchez
This year has been a struggle for Sanchez. The 2013 ERA champ is giving up the longballs this year. He has already given up 18 home runs, and that is 2 less than the most he has allowed in an entire season.There are times when Anibal looks lost on the mound, and the Tigers need him to be consistent if they hope to make the playoffs this year.
Alfredo Simon
To be honest, I didn't know a whole lot about Alfredo Simon before he came to the Tigers this year. I knew that he came to the Tigers from the Reds, and that he had a pretty good first half of the year last year, but fell off in the second half. His first few starts in Detroit were more than could be asked of him. He has starts where he's on, and then he has starts where is seems like batting practice for the other team. I don't honestly know what to think of him, except hope that he gives the Tigers a chance when he's on the mound.
Shane Greene
I know, I know, I know, Shane Greene has been sent down to the minors. He did, however, start the season on the big league roster, and was expected to become a contributing member to the starting staff, so I'm gonna discuss him. His first 3-4 starts were amazing. He actually is reminiscent of Rick Porcello with his pitching style, since he is also a ground ball pitcher. Unfortunately, his next several starts did not go so well. This lead to him being sent down to AAA Toledo, where he hopefully will figure things out. I still think that Shane Greene can be a decent starter, so I am choosing to be optimistic here.
David Price
I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but David Price has been our best starter this year. Then again, he is David Price. His one downfall is that he is not returning to Detroit next year. It would be a huge surprise of he came back, since it seems pretty evident that he is not happy in Detroit.
What Does This Mean?
For the past 4 years or so, starting pitching has not been an issue for the Tigers. This is the first year that Detroit has not had 3-4 starters that would be an ace on another team. The Tigers need to be active at the trade deadline, and starting pitching should be a priority. Price won't return next year, and Sanchez will be in his final year in 2016. It's definitely time to think about rebuilding the pitching staff.
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