Thursday, March 29, 2007

Tigers deal out Gambler

This is why it is so tough to win, much less repeat. The Tigers say Kenny Rogers will miss at least 1 start with arm fatigue. Rogers, a crafty 42-year-old lefty, was put on the 15-day DL.

Last year, the Tigers were relatively healthy throughout the season; only injuries to Mike Maroth and Placido Polanco were big blows and by the time Polanco was hurt Detroit had a pretty good hold on a playoff spot.

Just recently I read a blog by Tigers reliever Todd Jones where he said he would take a healthy team over a more talented team when it comes to winning the division.

I don’t know what it means for Rogers’ future if he’s got arm fatigue at this point. Hopefully, this is precautionary. Rogers threw well this spring, posting a 2.05 ERA in 22 IP.

Chad Durbin will move from the bullpen to the rotation and lefty Bobby Seay will be called up to take over in the pen. Durbin has impressed by giving up just 8 hits and 3 walks in 16 IP heading into today.

Given Verlander’s struggles this spring, things are getting unexpectedly interesting with the pitching staff.

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