The Pressbox

A week or so ago it appeared that the Detroit Tigers would not make a deal at the trade deadline. They seemed content to wait for Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya to return from injuries.

But last week probably changed all of that. The poor performance of the pitching staff, coupled with the injury to Kenny Rogers probably will force Dave Dombrowski to make a deal, if for nothing else to prove to the team that the organization is serious about winning this year.

Ouch!

The Tigers had another painful pitching performance again Saturday. The really need a solid performance from Jeremy Bonderman today.

Everyone has been talking about the bullpen problems for the Detroit Tigers. Is it possible that now they face a problem with the starting rotation?

Kenny Rogers has been bad the last three outings and last night Nate Robertson put the Tigers in a huge hole before settling down to pitch a few solid innings. On top of that, rookie Andrew Miller has been a little shaky at times.

Can the Tigers survive with two solid starters (Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander)?

There are a lot of reasons for the Tigers’ recent success, but don’t overlook the contributions of the minor-league system.

When the Tigers need someone to fill in because of an injury, they can dip down into the Toledo Mud Hens roster and can find someone to help them.

Ryan Rayburn and his seven RBI Wednesday night is the most recent example. Mike Hessman, Timo Perez, Virgil Vasquez and a several relievers also have made valuable contributions in short stints with Detroit.

Just when you think the Detroit Tiger bullpen might be getting straightened out, they have a nightmare performance.

Manager Jim Leyland had to be doing a slow burn as he watched a 7-1 lead slip away in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader.

I was beginning to think the Tigers wouldn’t make any moves at the trade deadline, now I am not so sure. It will all depend on whether they are confident that Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya and return and pitch effectively.

The Tigers have the best road record in the major leagues at 32-17, but are just 25-20 at home.
It’s hard to figure out.

They just came off an impressive three-game sweep of Minnesota to complete a 5-2 road trip then were bombed 10-2 by last place Kansas City at home Friday night.

It doesn’t make much sense.

Marcus Thames went on the disabled list today. He hurt himself making what probably was a game-saving catch Wednesday night.

That’s a tough break for him, but it could be a break for Craig Monroe. It might be his last chance to fight his way back into the lineup. Too bad for him that he is ailing at the moment, too.

Timo Perez was called up from Toledo to start in left field Thursday. Perez deserved a shot at the big leagues. He’s having a great year for the Mud Hens.