Apparently it’s the 2012 MLB playoffs all over again for the Detroit Tigers! Clearly they can’t rely on their “closer”, Jose Valverde, when they need him most. The Tigers were in a slump, losing three straight and struggling to score runs. Friday night, Detroit took a comfortable 5-3 lead into the 9th inning at Baltimore, against a tough Orioles team. Considering the Tigers were dealing with a the losing streak, a save by your “closer” in a crucial game, shouldn’t be too much to ask for, right?
Wrong, again, in the 9th inning, Jose Valverde gave up a home run to Nick Markakis, making it 5-4 Tigers. To make things worse, two more men get on base, and with two outs, Chris Dickerson (8th hitter in the Orioles lineup, batting DH) jacks a three run, walk off home run, to win the game, 7-5.
This is now Jose Valverde’s 2nd blown save, in just eight chances. Making him a modest, 6-2 in save opportunities. The Detroit Tigers need a solution at closer, and fast, if they want to feel comfortable heading into the 9th inning.
We’ve all seen this movie before, but for some reason the Detroit Tigers keep replaying the movie over and over again. I’d honestly rather see Jim Leyland go with almost anyone else on the pitching staff. Jose Valverde offers up way too many home run balls, making it easy for opposing teams to have comeback victories.
How frustrating is it when a pitcher like Max Scherzer goes 8 strong innings for your ball club on the road, dealing with a three game losing streak, then your so called closer comes in and gives up two home runs?
Okay, I’m done, but it’s time the Tigers find a different option at closer. Detroit let him go after the 2012 season for a really good reason, he just couldn’t close out baseball games anymore. It’s obvious folks, Valverde needs to be done with Detroit. Jose is no longer a quality MLB closer. It’s nice to see the guy got another chance, because everyone deserves second chances. But in my opinion, it’s over, the relationship between the Detroit Tigers and Jose Valverde needs to be over with.
What would you do if you were Jim Leyland, use another pitcher in the bullpen as your closer, closer by committee, or stick with Jose Valverde?
- Justin Verlander (6-4) takes the mound for Detroit, Saturday, June 1st, while Jason Hammel (7-2) pitches for Baltimore. The Detroit Tigers are on a four game losing streak, standing at 29-24, now tied with the Cleveland Indians for 1st place in the AL Central.
Sports Blog with Zachary L. Miller 