Detroit Tigers Bullpen Set, Brad Ausmus’ Big Gamble
By Tony Fischer
The copetition for the a spot in the Detroit Tigers bullpen is all but over. Manager Brad Ausmus has penned in six of the seven names that will be listed on the bullpen roster. The seventh spot being the only left up for grabs.
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According to a report by Chris Iott of MLive, the bullpen will include Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria, Joba Chamberlian, Tom Grozelanny, Al Alburquerque and Bruce Rondon.
"“Those six, it’d be surprising if they weren’t on the team,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Friday morning. “Something strange would have to happen just based on their performances from the past.”"
The seventh sport will be likely reserved for another left handed pitcher to back-up Tm Grozelanny.
The last part of the Brad Aumsus’s quote is a little scary considering that the Tigers bullpen has consitently ranked near the bottom of the league for the last four seasons. To be fair neither Bruce Rondon or Tom Grozelanny were part of the Tigers bullpen collapse last season. But it still seems wise to at least wait until spring training games begin before naming your bullpen, right?
"“It won’t necessarily be what their ERA is,” Brad Ausmus said. “A lot of it will be what their stuff looks like, how the hitters react to their stuff, what we know about them from last season, etc.”"
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It might be wise to wait especially in the case of Bruce Rondon. After missing last season while recovering from elbow surgery, Rondon has been throwing well during bullpen sessions this spirng but has yet to pitch in a game. Leaving the competition open might help some of the other Detroit Tigers prospects develop rather than just going through the motions knowing their fate lies in Toldeo following spring camp.
This is just another curious move by Brad Ausmus as he enters just his second year as Tigers manager. Hopefully is trust in players like Al Alburquerque, Joba Chamberlain and Bruce Rondon isn’t misplaced. Otherwise the Tigers could end up in the same boat as they did last year but this tme without a paddle.