MLB: The Tigers’ Bullpen is an Embarrassment

Posted on | June 15, 2009 | No Comments

Yesterday I wrote about the American League Central and the National League Central. I wrote that the Tigers have a decent chance of taking command in their division. They have the bats and they also have starting pitching. However, they certainly don’t have the bullpen. At least not the last couple of days.

Two day ago the Tigers started Dontrelle Willis on the mound. His return was okay. He didn’t walk anyone (and that’s huge since his control last year is what got him dropped from the Majors) but he still gave-up about a run per inning. However, the Tigers hitters did their job. They came back from 4-2 to take a 5-4 lead. That quickly disappeared into a 7-5 hole thanks to the bullpen. Then the Tigers came back and regained the lead 9-7. But the bullpen allowed the Twins to tie the game. The game went to extra innings. The Tigers took a one run lead in the top of the 13th inning. The Twins answered with 5 runs in the bottom of the inning.

Then Justin Verlander took the mound for the Tigers yesterday. For the 4th straight game, Verlander was dominant. Verlander went 6.1 innings and left with a 5-0 lead, one out, and men on 1st and 2nd. Before the bullpen could get 2 measly outs, they allowed 6 runs to plate. The Tigers lost 6-5.

So, the bullpen has totally let the team down these past 2 games. The Tigers have been good enough to win both games. The bullpen has been horrendous.

The only bright spot is Zumaya and Rodney. They can work the 8th and 9th innings for the Tigers. But the Tigers at least need someone who can pitch the 7th. That looked to be Bobby Seay but he’s been in the middle of these last 2 games. In fact, he’s been mostly to blame.

If the Tigers hope to be good this year, they better find some relievers or the ones they’ve got better get a whole lot better.

Related posts:

1. MLB: Dodgers Stay Hot, Look Out for the Tigers
2. MLB: Wild Friday Night in Baseball
3. MLB: Time to Play Game 163 – Tigers at Twins
4. MLB: Hey Tigers… Those Objects in Your Rearview Mirror are Closer Than They Appear
5. Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox

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