The Darkside of the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is filled with blessings and hard work. With that though comes sadness. The end of a journey or a beginning of a new journey depends on how you want to look at it.

With only two rounds in the NBA Draft and 60 players being taken many players are left on the outside looking in.

We’re going to take you through a list of players who would like to forget the night of June 25, 2009.

The following players decided to leave school early and declare for the NBA Draft. None were taken in the NBA Draft tonight and now they must look for alternative options. Either try to make it as an undrafted free agent in the NBA and play in the summer league in three weeks. Or they can pack their bags and go sightseeing overseas like many college players do when not selected in the NBA. A player can make a nice living over there playing professionally- one thing is for certain though, good luck keeping tabs on them. They will fall off the radar.

What were they thinking! Leaving school early. Maybe they just didn’t want to go to class!

Brandon Costner: Junior PF (NC State) – a former McDonald's All-American may not be in America much longer as most expect him to depart overseas to continue his basketball career.

Eric Devendorf: Junior SG (Syracuse) – off the court issues and character problems forced Jim Boeheim’s hand at pushing Devendorf out the door. So much for another McDonald’s All-American who played at the Oak Hill Academy.

Daniel Hackett: Junior PG (USC) – Money overseas was too good for Hackett to pass up. Not much was coming back to the Trojans with Demar Derozan and Taj Gibson departing plus coach Tim Floyd.

Paul Harris: Junior SF (Syracuse) – A player who made leaps and bounds from his first two years this past season. Apparently tried to take one too many leaps. Will have a good chance of getting signed as an undrafted NBA free agent because he is a hard worker. But how motivated will he be to stay in the states playing possibly in the NBDL.

Shawn Taggart: Junior C (Memphis) – Coach Calipari left and so did Taggart. Not wanting to go back to classes much like Costner. Most likely another college player you’ll forget about playing overseas.

Dar Tucker: Sophomore SG (DePaul) - The most disappointing decision to leave early lies in Tucker’s hand. A former High School standout in the State of Michigan. He has lots of potential and the most talented player of this bunch of poor decision makers. He couldn’t take losing anymore in Conference USA, maybe he should have made a better college choice. Hopefully we see his name on an opening day roster next October in the NBA.

Here are some very good college seniors who were unfortunate on draft night 2009.

These four players all chose to declare for the 2008 NBA Draft before making good decisions by withdrawing and returning for school for their season seasons. Each of them got one more year in the spotlight and got a chance to play in another NCAA Tournament. Something the guys above missed out on!

A.J. Abrams: PG (Texas) – Has size problems playing in the NBA. That’s the reason he didn’t get drafted tonight. He is a specialist- a sniper from beyond the arc. Teams need shooters. He get a chance to show his game in the summer league.

Josh Shipp: SG (UCLA) – A lack of athleticism hurts Shipp’s game plus he is injury prone. Great basketball IQ and can do a lot of solid things on the court. A player similar to Danny Green (who did get drafted in the second round) but less explosive and not as efficient defensively. Should get a look by a few NBA teams come July.

Jerel McNeal: SG (Marquette) – A guy who knows how to win, just has been inconsistent throughout his career. Certainly has a career waiting for him overseas or he can take the Travis Diener (former Marquette Golden Eagle) approach and fight his way onto an NBA roster.

Jeremy Pargo: PG (Gonzaga) – Pargo would have been better to stay in the 2008 NBA Draft in my mind. He got exposed the more he played in the NCAA. Sometimes it happens to players although most don’t have a brother in the NBA. Should get a look by some teams because of his toughness on the floor as a floor general.

More seniors who will have to battle to make an NBA roster or who could be in for a long flight across the Atlantic.

Dionte Christmas: SG (Temple) – June is not Christmas time. A scorer who can flat out get to the rack in college. Scouts questioned whether or not he could continue to do that if he got to the league. He can create his own shot and he will make it on a summer league team as a result.

Luke Nevill: C (Utah) – Has great size but just didn’t show up on a nightly basis in the NCAA. Inconsistent play in the WAC will get you undrafted. A career overseas is waiting for the Australian born player.

Kyle McClarney: SG (Notre Dame) – Went through emotional ups and downs collegiately in South Bend. Can shoot the rock from well nearly 30 feet out. A contract is waiting for him overseas.

Justin Dentmon: PG (Washington) – A draft full of point guards wasn’t for Dentmon. He will have to fight in summer league to show his skills. Certainly has quickness and a basketball IQ. But sometimes becomes a ball hog and only looks for his own shot.

Josh Heytvelt: C (Gonzaga) – Another player who had off the court issues and run-ins with drugs. Has a lot of potential because of his size and skill around the hoop. Just has to find the determination and bring the effort every day. That’s because he will be a practice player for a couple years if the NBA comes calling. His career is up in the air.

Jeff Adrien: SF (UCONN) – A hybrid player playing the small forward or power forward spot. He is the ultimate tweener and it hurt him when it came time for the league. Does everything solid but nothing great. A perfect game for the Euro league.

Marcus Landry: SF (Wisconsin) – His brother plays in the NBA much like Jeremy Pargo. Fight is something Landry can do because that’s all he did in the Big Ten every night. He brings toughness to a team and will get an opportunity to play some summer ball for NBA teams to show if he can do more.

These guys stayed in school and withdrew from the 2009 NBA Draft. College basketball has to be happy about it and for some of these players they could wreak the benefits.

Devan Downey: Junior PG (South Carolina) – A small point guard at 5’9. He can score and is a tough point guard. It’s going to be tough to make the league at his height but it’s possible i.e. Earl Boykins (only 5’5). One last year as a Gamecock as he tries to lead his team to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Luke Harongody: Junior PF (Notre Dame) – Dajuan Blair is a decent comparison. The closest one I could come up with in this years draft. He has an attitude and a toughness about him that any team would like to have especially the Fighting Irish. They have a good team coming back with a pair of transfers in Scott Martin and Ben Hansbrough becoming eligible during the 2009-2010 season. Martin from Purdue and Hansbrough from Mississippi St (younger brother of Tyler).

Damion James: Junior SF (Texas) – James is very similar to Mitchell except a better shooter. James has to improve his shot selection and be more consistent in the Big 12 this season. I like him getting taken in the late first to early second round in next years draft.

Tasmin Mitchell: Junior SF (LSU) – Mitchell has been through injuries. He is another hybrid forward who will need to continue to improve his shot and defense on the perimeter. I like his game and think he can be a late first round pick next year.

Patrick Patterson: Sophomore PF (Kentucky) – A highly talented player coming back for college basketball next year. Woo-hoo goes Dick Vitale! I applaud Patterson for coming back to school. The Kentucky Wildcats are loaded next season and have as good of a chance as any to reach the Final Four. Patterson can score, block, rebound, and has a lot of improvement left in his game. Expect the lottery to be calling his name this time next year.

Scottie Reynolds: Junior PG (Villanova) – A great college player, but his game doesn’t translate to the NBA level quite the same. He needs to continue to improve his quickness and decision making with the basketball. I still like him to get drafted next year in the early second round because he is too good of a scorer.

Tyler Smith: Junior SF (Tennessee) – I’m a big Smith fan and I really like his game at the next level. He is a tough minded player with a great basketball IQ plus he’s a great passer. He will need to continue to improve his shot from the outside but I like him to go in the late first round of next years draft.

Jarvis Varnado: Junior PF (Mississippi St.) – If your looking for a shotblocker – you have found your man. Varnado has a flurry of potential. His skills are raw and I am excited to see what he can do during his senior season. He is trying to make the Bulldogs relevant next year. Varnado will be relevant during the 2010 NBA Draft as I would expect to see him go in the lottery.

Greivis Vasquez: Junior PG (Maryland) – A tough minded player who will be ready for a good senior campaign. Vasquez is a really good college player and could be the best point guard in the ACC entering next season.

Michael Washington: Junior PF (Arkansas) – A player who really improved this season. Needs another year of improvement in order to hear his name selected in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Nic Wise: Junior PG (Arizona) – He’ll have to deal with another head coach in Sean Miller. But at least he will be playing basketball in the states on TV next year. Something that wouldn’t have happened if he kept his name in the hat for the draft this year.

If you enjoy this check out the my sports talk radio show called the Sports Inferno every Monday and Thursday from 4-7 p.m. EST throughout the summer. Listen live on http://thewhale.org and search Sports Inferno on Facebook.com for more details!

Bullpen Report

Coming into the season there were a lot of question marks surrounding the Tigers bullpen. After two months of play, many of those questions still remain.

Do the Tigers have a dependable closer? Do they have the tools to be successful during late innings? Many experts have their opinions on both of those questions.

In a few months these questions will be answered by the players on the field.

(Note: grades will be based on expectations most experts had at the beginning of the season.)

The Good

Joel Zumaya (Age 24) 2009 Salary (735,000 Million)
Current 09 Stats 3-1 Record 3.60 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 8-3 Record 3.60 ERA

Zumaya has returned from injuries the past two seasons and appears to be healthy. He is throwing 100+ mph again, so lots of things are hopeful. The question is just how long will it last? Plus, Zumaya still doesn't have secondary pitches that can keep hitters guessing. He gets in predictable counts and just tries to throw heaters by players. As you can see with his ERA, even though it isn't bad, he has run into trouble from time to time. Lots of questions remain with Zumaya. Can he be a MLB closer? No one really knows the answer to that besides Zumaya.

Glaring stats-has collected 18 strike outs in 20 innings pitched. Zumaya is four innings away from surpassing last years innings pitched total.

Grade: B-. They will need him to continue to play well as the setup man for Rodney. The Tigers will be happy if Zumaya can stay off the disabled list the rest of the season. He just needs to keep producing month after month in an effort to get his confidence back to where it was during the 2006 season.

Bobby Seay (Age 30) 2009 Salary (1.3 Million)
Current 09 Stats 0-1 Record 4.76 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 0-3 Record 4.76 ERA

Seay does his job. He is the left-handed specialist coming out of the bullpen. Nothing Seay does is pretty, but he is usually quite effective. He does what he is asked to do and that is get left-handed batters out.

Glaring stats-has not given up a home run this season in 17 innings pitched. Seay did not give up a run in 11 innings pitched in the month of April. Has posted a 2.70 ERA at home this year and also has tallied up a 2.08 during night games.

Grade: B-. Seay has been a mainstay in the bullpen because he is a specialist. The Tigers will need to get hitters like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau from the Minnesota Twins out down the stretch.

The Bad

Fernando Rodney (Age 32) 2009 Salary (2.7 Million)
Current 09 Stats 0-1 Record 4.68 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 0-3 Record 4.68 ERA

Rodney has had a solid season as the closer of the Tigers. He has converted on all 11 of his save opportunities this season. That is the number one goal of any closer, although as of late he has looked erratic with signs of the old Rodney coming back. The old Rodney is wild, inconsistent, and cannot throw fastballs for strikes. He has always had an incredible changeup, but his fastball has been anything thing but that over the last few years. I see signs of Rodney's wheels turning off so to speak in the last two weeks.

Glaring stats-Is 11 for 11 in save opportunities this season. Is only three saves away from surpassing his record of saves during a single season (13). In May, Rodney posted an 1.38 ERA in 13 innings pitched. June hasn't been so nice to Rodney as he is 0-1 with 13.50 ERA in five games. During day games Rodney has posted a 2.57 ERA.

Grade: C+. With Rodney the question has always been consistency, can he throw fastballs for strikes? Can Rodney be a full time closer at the big league level over a full 162 game schedule. I have my doubts, Rodney will get a chance to answer them over the next few months.

Zach Miner (Age 27) 2009 Salary (438,000)
Current 09 Stats 3-1 Record 4.74 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 8-3 Record 4.74 ERA

Miner has been the long relief pitcher coming out of the pen this season. He has started a few games this year, but currently is on the outside looking in as far as the rotation is concerned. He may get another opportunity in a few weeks if the struggles of Willis and Galarraga continue. I like Miner in his role out of the pen currently, because he can get outs. He is a sinker ball pitcher and is made for the 6-4-3 double play behind him.

Glaring stats-has not given up a home run against a left-handed batter this season. Is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA on the road while he is 1-1 with a 7.94 ERA at home. In the month of May, Miner posted a 1-0 record with a 3.07 ERA.

Grade: C+. Every player is important on the 25-man roster and the same can be said for Miner. He may get an opportunity to jump back into the starting rotation and if he does he must take full advantage of it. As of now though, he is a crucial part of the bullpen being the long reliever.

Nate Robertson (Age 31) 2009 Salary (7 Million)
Current 09 Stats 1-0 Record 5.19 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 3-0 Record 5.19 ERA

Robertson has the same job as Miner-long reliever. Robertson is a lefty coming out of the pen and is helping this year as a left-handed specialist as well. I like Miner in the role as a long reliever. Robertson is a starter, a No. 5 starter at best, but that is what he does. He has made it clear to the Tigers organization that he is not happy coming out of the pen and wants to start. I completely understand him, but he just has to do the best he can with the situation he's in right now. If given the opportunity to start, he has to have a good outing.

Glaring stats-Has not given up a home run at home or against a right-handed batter this season. During the month of May, Robertson earned an ERA of 1.13 in eight innings pitched. This is Robertson's first season in the MLB that he has not started a game.

Grade: C+. Robertson's season has been interesting thus far. It could get more especially if he gets traded to a different club. It may be in Robertson's and the teams best interest for him to go elsewhere. We'll see if he gets traded, gets the starting nod, or continues to be coming out of the pen the rest of the year. One thing is for certain stay tuned.

The Ugly

Brandon Lyon (Age 29) 2009 Salary (4.25 Million)
Current 09 Stats 2-3 Record 4.66 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 5-8 Record 4.66 ERA

Lyon has had a rough season this year. The ERA is not extremely high, but not where he would like it. As for the wins and losses. Lyon has blown two saves this season, both ending in a Detroit Tigers loss. Lyon has not been a clutch pitcher, he has reminded me all too much of Todd Jones. He throws strikes but most often too many strikes to the point where they end up as hits. Sometimes it's okay to walk people or pitch on the corners, Lyon doesn't do that. He will need to pitch better this summer if the Tigers pen is going to get better.

Glaring stats-Lyon had two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks where his ERA for a season was under four. Lyon originally came up in the big leagues as a starter with the Toronto Blue Jays. Lyon is 0-2 with an ERA of 18.00 on turf this season. In the month of May, Lyon had an ERA of 8.10.

Grade: D+. Lyon was signed to a one-year deal in the offseason so he is playing for a contract if not with the Tigers the rest of the MLB. He needs to take over the 7th inning role and flourish in it. Perry is going to be battling him all season for that spot, and personally I think Perry will win it. If that happens don't expect to see Lyon in a Tigers uniform come next season.

In Minors

Ryan Perry (Age 22) 2009 Salary (400,000)
Current 09 Stats 0-1 Record 3.13 ERA
Numbers in Minors N/A

Perry showed a lot of promise with his 23 innings of work this season with the Tigers before he was sent down to Toledo to make room for Jeremy Bonderman on the roster. One thing is for certain, Perry will be back. The question is when? I feel he could be back as soon as late June or sometime just before the All-Star break. He has a power fastball that can go as high as 99 mph. His problem at the big league level was his walks. He collected 22 strikeouts and surrendered 19 base on balls. Clearly that is something that he can work on down at Toledo. I was surprised to see him go down, but in the same token I understand why it was him. He will have a chance to harnish his skills more and get more reps in the closer's role. A role which he will have an opportunity to earn and flourish in for the years to come with the Tigers.

Clay Rapada (Age 28) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors 1-1 Record 2.18 ERA

Rapada has had a terrific season with the Toledo Mudhens so far.Earning more than a strikeout per inning. He is a left handed pitcher who specializes in getting left-handed batters out. Like every left-handed specialist they usually need to work on getting right-handed batters out. He has been progessing with that since last season where he spent some time with the Tigers. If the Tigers didn't have Bobby Seay or Nate Robertson in their bullpen--Rapada would be up their. Right now their is just no need for another left-hander in the pen. So he must just continue to work hard and continue to play well. You never know when your number will be called especially with a long summer ahead.

Fu-Te Ni (Age 26) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors 2-0 Record 2.63 ERA

Ni is from Taiwan and he has come over to the states to perform well. That he has done with the Toledo Mudhens this season. The combination of himself, Rapada, Dolsi, and others have made the Mudhens very formidable in the International League. Ni is still learning, but taking things in like a sponge. He is in the same position as Rapada, waiting for his call up. It could happen if some players from the big league club get injured or traded away. Both Rapada and Ni are paying close attention to Robertson who could be on the trading block.

Freddy Dolsi (Age 26) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors 2-2 Record 4.91 ERA

Dolsi has not had the season so far that he dreamt. He came in as the closer for the Toledo Mudhens this year but struggled early on. He had some success with the Tigers last season and I'm sure Dolsi was hoping to be back with the big-league club by now. It just hasn't happened yet. Inconsistency has plagued him and until he can find some balance on the rubber he will be staying in Toledo. He has a power arm, something other teams would be interested in getting in return of a possible mid-season trade. Dolsi's services could be going elsewhere if the Tigers look to acquire a big bat before the July 31 trade deadline.

Starting Rotation Report

During the 2009 season the starting pitching has played the most important role in leading the Tigers to their current spot atop the AL Central standings.

A few players have stood out head and shoulders above the others. While some are trying to work hard on shaping current performances like past ones.

(Note: grades will be based on expectations most experts had at the beginning of the season.)

The Good

Justin Verlander (Age 26) 2009 Salary (3.68 Million)
Current 09 Stats 7-2 Record 3.02 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 19-5 Record 3.02 ERA

Verlander has had a spectacular season this year in Detroit. He continues to excel as the summer months are nearing. Verlander has taken over the leadership role of the pitching staff for the Tigers. He is a leader by example and what an example he is showing out on the mound. He started off the season rough, but showed that he can fight through adversity. With that he showed everybody what kind of character he is made of. Cy Young kind of character. With the most recent stretch he has put together since the end of April he has surged in the discussion for AL Cy Young Award winner along with Zach Greinke of the Kansas City Royals and Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Glaring stats- leads the AL in strikeouts with 106 in 13 starts this season. Has pitched two complete games and thrown one shutout. Is well on pace to break his innings pitched and strikeouts thrown during a season. Has not given up a home run to a right handed batter all season. Verlander is 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA at home. During day games he is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA. In the month of May he was 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA in six starts. Verlander is currently on a remarkable streak--has thrown nine consecutive quality starts.

Grade: A. The leadership role he has stepped into and really has taken advantage of for the starters contributes to this grade. The talent, poise, and confidence he possesses on the mound is putting Verlander in the class of the top five to ten pitchers in the game today. Verlander will need to continue to toe the rubber at a high level if the Tigers plan on making a run come October. Verlander could win 20 games for the first time in his career.

Edwin Jackson (Age 25) 2009 Salary (2.2 Million)
Current 09 Stats 6-3 Record 2.25 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 16-8 Record 2.25 ERA

Wow is how you sum up Jackson's season thus far. He is currently ranked second in the AL in ERA just behind Zach Greinke (who leads just about everything pitching besides wins--but come on look at his team the Royals). Jackson was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of a high school and was touted as a can't miss prospect. But when he came to the Dodgers and was more like couldn't hit (as in strike zone) because he walked too many batters. Jackson has come a long ways since then and his control problems seem to be history. Jackson had his best year of his career last year with Tampa Bay Rays. Good thing for Tigers fans--he is having an even better one this year. Jackson and Verlander have become very good friends and seem to be feeding off each other. As in they are trying to match each other start after start. With the numbers these two have been putting up lately--they have single-handedly kept the Tigers in contention every game out.

Glaring stats-had his seventh consecutive quality start snapped by the Chicago White Sox this afternoon. Has yet to hitter a batter this season. Has thrown one complete game and is 3-2 with a 1.55 ERA on the road this season. During starts at night, Jackson is the only Tigers starter with an ERA of less than two.

Grade: A. Jackson has been there for Verlander every time out in an effort to show MLB teams that they have a 1-2 punch in the rotation. Jackson must handle the summer months which can be long and hard as a big league pitcher in the humid Detroit air. He has the tools to do it, but can he get his mind right to maintain focus start after start. If the Tigers have a chance at being the best team in the AL this season it's imperative they have a starter who can stay close to Verlander's performances. Jackson has done it so far. Will he keep it up?

Rick Porcello (Age 20) 2009 Salary (2.1 Million)
Current 09 Stats 6-4 Record 3.98 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 16-11 Record 3.98 ERA

Coming into the season nobody knew how good Porcello was going to perform in a Tigers uniform. Not even he could be sure. At the ripe old age of 20 and in his first professional season, the pressure was mounting. That is if you feel pressure. Porcello does not. He is as calm as they come and it shows with his mound presence out there. That presence helps maintain Porcello's confidence. He has that look in his eye that he has been here before. But yet we know he hasn't because he isn't even legal to drink alcohol. Porcello has cemented himself as the No. 3 starter and is here to stay for a long time to come in the big leagues.

Glaring stats-was 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA in the month of May--which gave him even better numbers than Verlander in that very same month. Has yet to throw more than 100 pitches in one game this year.

Grade: A-. He is off to a great start, he has had stellar performances already. The thing I like about Porcello so much is he stays even keel. When bad things happen--he doesn't get too down. In turn when good things happen--he doesn't get too high. That is something that has carried Verlander and if Porcello can maintain that it will go along way in his MLB career. Can Porcello keep up throughout the summer? Or will the Tigers have to shut him down due to tiredness or just being cautious with him? The Tigers won't take any chances with this rookie phenom--at the first sign of struggle he will be shutdown during the 2009 season.

The Bad

Armando Galaragga (Age 27) 2009 Salary (435,000)
Current 09 Stats 3-6 Record 5.19 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 8-16 Record 5.19 ERA

The sophomore slump can hit everybody in their second season in any sport. Some players can get through it while others get caught up in it. Galarraga is in the midst of that skid right now. He is battling and fighting doing all he can to show the Tigers he should be in the starting rotation. After winning 13 games last season and posting an ERA of 3.73 in 28 starts last year he deserves every right to have some patience. He was one of very few bright spots during the 2008 campaign, one in which most Tigers would like to forgot about--excluding Galarraga.

Glaring stats-leads the Tigers in home runs given up this year with 13. During the month of April, Galarraga was 3-0 with a 1.85 ERA. May was a month he would like to forget about as he went 0-5 and posted an ERA of 8.49. Even with all his struggles this year, he has managed to put together six quality starts in 12 games started. During day games Galarraga is 3-0 with a 3.38 ERA. But during night games he is 0-6 with a 6.37 ERA.

Grade: C- The six losses and high ERA hurt. Although Galarraga has shown signs of turning it around and Jim Leyland is going to give him a chance to turn it around. It doesn't hurt that Bonderman and Willis aren't exactly lighting up batters either. Galarraga will at least get one more start. He needs to make the most of it, or else he could be moving to the bullpen, or even worse--taking a trip to Toledo.


Dontrelle Willis (Age 27) 2009 Salary (10 Million)
Current 09 Stats 1-3 Record 6.60 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 3-8 Record 6.60 ERA

Ups and downs pretty much sum up Willis' season this year. First he was placed on the disabled list due to a social anxiety disorder. He first made it back on May 13 against the Minnesota Twins in which he gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. Willis has been shaky with some good starts and some starts he would like to forget about since that time. He has to improve his control over his next start, needs to focus on throwing more strikes, which will ultimately lower his pitch count so he can go further into games.

Glaring stats-Willis has put together two quality starts in six opportunities. he has walked ten batters in his last two starts. Against right-handed batters this year he has walked 15 and struck only eight. Has yet to surrender a home run at home.

Grade: D+. Weather or not Willis wants to think about it. This is a pressure packed season for him. If he strings together two or three bad starts, their is a decent chance he could be sent down to the minors or released altogether. It's a make or break year for the D-Train with the Detroit Tigers. It promises to be an interesting ride. Will it be a memorable one for Willis?

The Ugly

Jeremy Bonderman (Age 26) 2009 Salary (12.5 Million)
Current 09 Stats 0-1 Record 13.50 ERA
Projected Season Numbers 0-3 Record 13.50 ERA

Bonderman has had a dismal season thus far. Sure it has been brief with the Detroit Tigers as he only lasted four innings this past Monday in his season debut against the Chicago White Sox. He gave up six earned runs on eight hits in his start. But when you include how long it took Bonderman too recover from his shoulder surgery which ended his season last year in June. It's been a shaky ride and Bonderman still isn't 100 percent. At least he is pain free. The velocity on his fastball is down to the upper 80's topping off at 90. Talk about a change from the guy who pitched 200+ innings back in 2006. At that time Bonderman's fastball ranged from 94-97 mph. A drastic difference and one that Bonderman will have to adjust too. It was announced yesterday that Bonderman will head to the bullpen as Willis will be the No. 5 guy in the rotation for the time being. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Only Bonderman will be able to decide that as needs to just focus on getting better everyday.

Glaring stats- Bonderman has never won 15 games in a single season. Along with that Bonderman has never scored an ERA of less than four in any one season. Bonderman is only 26 years old but he has pitched nearly 1,000 innings and has started 164 games in his career so far.

Grade: F. For a guy who is making 12.5 Million during the 2009 season. Both Mike Illitch (owner) and Dave Dombrowski (general manager) will be expecting big things from Bonderman during the second half of the season. Tigers fans have been expecting big things from Bonderman for a long time now. His talent and star power have now been surpassed by three pitchers who are performing better in Verlander, Jackson, and Porcello. Forget asking the question of whether or not Bonderman can be an ace in the big leagues. Can he be a quality starter again? Anytime a player goes under the knife, the question must be raised.

In Minors

Chris Lambert (Age 26) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors 2-5 Record 5.14 ERA

Currently down with the Toledo Mudhens at the Triple-A level. Lambert has had a tough season thus far in 11 starts with the Mudhens. Although Lambert does lead the team in strikeouts with 54 this season. Lambert is reaching that age where its go time, meaning he must make it to the big league level soon or else he could just be known as a Triple-A starter. Lambert is a pitcher who throws in the low 90's and could be included in a possible mid season trade along with a Ramirez and other prospects. Lambert was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals for Mike Maroth in 2007.

Luke French (Age 23) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 Stats 0-0 Record 0.00 ERA
Numbers in Minors 4-3 Record 3.53 ERA

French got a chance to make his big league debut coming out of the bullpen with the Tigers this season in mid-May against the Oakland Athletics . French is a left-handed starter with the Toledo Mudhens. French was originally drafted back in 2008 by the Tigers in the eighth round, so he has been in the minors for a while. It's taken French some time to adjust to professional hitters coming out of high school but he seems to be improving every season. Look for French to have a possible opportunity to play a role in the Tigers bullpen as a left-handed specialist in years to come.

Eddie Bonine (Age 28) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors 0-3 Record 4.08 ERA

Bonine is known as a strike thrower because that's exactly what he does. Your not going to see too many walks being drawn when Bonine is manning the rubber. He is currently a starter with the Toledo Mudhens. Bonine got a chance to showcase his skills with the Tigers last season for a couple starts in the summer months and he posted a record with a ERA. He is not a bad option as a spot starter and with the right opportunity he could be a fifth starter at the MLB level. Don't expect Bonine to get that opportunity anytime soon though with the Tigers because their is a logjam at the position currently.

Infielders Report

Every role is big on the team. This year the Tigers have been much better defensively thanks to their infield.

It's given the Tigers a better chance to win ballgames. Inge is producinglike an All-Star but Polanco is producing like a dud.

The Tigers will need a lot more from their infield as far as offensive production is concerned over the next few months. They must get on base so Cabrera can drive them in.

It all starts with Polanco. The Tigers have a lot of minor league infield players that are playing well throughout the organization. We'll take a look at a few.

Brandon Inge (Age 32) 2009 Salary (6.3 Million)
Current 09 Stats .273 AVG 13 HR 40 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .273 AVG 35 HR 108 RBI

Inge is having his best season as a major league player this year. Inge is producing power numbers like a top five third baseman in the league. No one has seen this from Inge throughout his MLB career. He has changed his swing some and it is wreaking havoc on AL pitchers this year. Defensively he is as good as they come down at third base, his range is phenomenal along with his tremendous arm. Inge has been the best infielder on the Tigers this season. He has also produced the best power numbers on the team. Inge is making a bid for an All-Star reserve spot at this years Midsummer Classic. If he gets that average up to .290 and continues this power surge their is no reason why he won't be suiting up for the AL team in St. Louis.

Glaring stats-Tied with Granderson for the most home runs on the team this season (13). Leads the team in rbi's at 40. Has struck out 59 times which is the most on the team. Was batting .327 back on April 27 and hit seven home runs in that very same month. Inge is batting .367 against left-handed pitchers this year. Has hit seven home runs in 49 at bats against left handed pitching. That means he has hit a home run every seven at bats against southpaws. Inge has hit 11 home runs during night games this season.

Grade: A. Inge has had a terrific season. Can he continue to play this well over a course of 162 games? That is the question, I think he can, this season Inge looks like a different player.

Miguel Cabrera (Age 26) 2009 Salary (14.38 Million)
Current 09 Stats .329 AVG 11 HR 39 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .329 AVG 30 HR 108 RBI

Cabrera got off to a terrific start this season which in turn was much different than last season. Over his career, he has been known as a slow starter, but once the summer comes around. Look out. Cabrera can slug it with the best of them. Cabrera is a prototypical cleanup hitter and if the Tigers can get more runners on (Polanco) he will have more rbi's. Cabrera is the most feared hitter in this linuep but is currently not getting the protection in the order in which needs to be at his best. Ordonez needs to start living up to his contract and driving the ball in the outfield.

Glaring stats- Cabrera was batting .406 back on May 5. Leads the team in slugging percentage at .535. Leads the team in hits this season with 70. Second on the team in doubles (11) and in rbi's (39). Third on the team in home runs (11).

Grade B+. Cabrera is doing his best to represent the Tigers in the All-Star Game. He is going to have to get hot to do so. Cabrera is the best hitter on the team and can do the most damage. How much damage is the question? They will need him to play like an All-Star this summer in hopes of making a push towards October.

Ramon Santiago (Age 29) 2009 Salary (825,000)
Current 09 Stats .287 AVG 4 HR 21 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .287 AVG 18 HR 92 RBI

Santiago has thrived this year in sharing shortstop duties with Everett. Leyland has done an excellent job putting Santiago in positions where he can succeed. In very limited at bats, Santiago is putting up very nice numbers. If you add up both Santiago and Everett's numbers they will match any AL shortstop out there. So this tandem has worked so far this season both offensively and defensively.

Glaring stats-has hit the same amount of home runs (4) this year as last season. Santiago is batting .308 versus right-handed pitching this year. Santiago is batting .385 this season at home. During day games he is batting.429 while in night games he is batting .182.

Grade B+. Santiago has had a very good year. He is doing what is asked of him, taking advantages of the opportunities given, and performing on the baseball diamond.

Adam Everett (Age 32) 2009 Salary (1 Million)
Current 09 Stats .272 AVG 2 HR 24 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .272 AVG 7 HR 82 RBI

Everett is a classy baseball player. He is good in the clubhouse with leadership, he is a veteran who knows what it takes to win from his time with the Houston Astros. When he was in his prime with his double-play partner Craig Biggio in Houston they were one of the best duo's in baseball. Everett just know how to play the game, he has been a cheap addition to the Tigers. He is living up to his contract and that is great to see during this time in the economy.

Glaring stats-has already surpassed his rbi total from last season with the Minnesota Twins. Everett was batting .311 on May 21. Everett is batting .333 against left-handed pitching. While he is batting .411 in day games and during night games he is batting .175.

Grade B. He has a good season thus far. Hopefully this duo of Everett and Santiago can continue to play well and push each other to get the maximum performance out of their bodies everyday.

Gerald Laird (Age 29) 2009 Salary (2.8 Million)
Current 09 Stats .221 AVG 2 HR 14 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .221 AVG 6 HR 42 RBI

Laird is doing about what I expected him to do when they signed him this offseason. He is a very good defensive catcher, throws out a lot of would be base stealers, and calls a good game behind home plate. One thing he doesn't do so well at is hit the baseball. He doesn't have much power and at times he doesn't make contact with his bat. Is he an everyday catcher? Well Texas didn't think so and I don't either. I feel Laird is a very good backup catcher. He is having an opportunity this year to start and really isn't taking advantage of it offensively.

Glaring stats- Laird was batting .195 back on May 15. Laird has yet to hit a home run at home. During the month of May Laird had a .178 batting average.

Grade: C. Admirable pretty much sums up Laird's play this year. He isn't the biggest problem in the lineup but then again he is no Pudge Rodriguez offensively. He must pick it up over the summer months in hopes to get his average to climb to the .240 range.

Placido Polanco (Age 33) 2009 Salary (4.6 Million)
Current 09 Stats .249 AVG 1 HR 24 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .249 AVG 3 HR 68 RBI

Polanco is not having a typical year. His average is way down from past seasons. This is very strange to see from a player who is a career .300 hitter. It's Polanco free agent year as he will be just that during this offseason. Maybe he is trying too hard and feeling the pressure of struggling now after a few months of play. He just needs to go back to the basics of what made him a .300 hitter. The Tigers need him to bat .300 out of the No. 2 hole in the lineup. They need to runners on base when Ordonez and Cabrera come up to bat. All too often this year the runners haven't been on base.

Glaring stats-was batting .273 on May 7 and has dropped 24 points since. Polanco is batting .314 versus left-handed pitchers. Polanco has only been above .300 for three days in early April. Leads the team in doubles with 16 this season.

Grade: C-. It's do or die time for Polanco. He will not be resigned to the Tigers during the offseason if he continues to play at this level. The Tigers need more out of him and he knows it. Polanco must play better over the next couple months.

Dane Sardinha (Age 30) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 Stats .097 AVG 0 HR 3 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .097 AVG 0 HR 31 RBI

Sardinha is a Triple-A catcher at best. I'm not trying to rip on the guy, I'm just being real. He can
throw well and call a good game but that is about it. He is one of the worst hitters in MLB currently and yes that includes pitchers throughout the league. His career average currently stands at .125. So every time you see Sardinha collect a hit-act surprised because you will be.

Glaring stats- has 10 career hits in 80 career at bats during his big league career. Has never hit a home run in his MLB career. Sardinha has not collected a hit on the road or during a night game this season. While he is batting .273 at home this season.

Grade: D+. Offensive production has not been there, I feel it's only a matter of time before Dusty Ryan gets promoted to the big league club. He is performing well down in Toledo and his number will be called very soon.

Matt Treanor (Age 33) 2009 Salary (750,000)
Current 09 Stats .000 AVG 0 HR 0 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .000 AVG 0 HR 0 RBI

Treanor was supposed to be the backup catcher heading into this season. Until he got injured that is, he is out for the entire season now due to injury. He signed a one-year deal with the Tigers and don't expect him to get resigned. This was the first of many disappointments for the Tigers this season.

Glaring stats-only had 13 at bats this season and did not collect a hit during the 2009 season. Only played four games this year.

Grade: D-. We'll see what the backup catcher's position looks like the rest of the season. I expect a change coming with Ryan up and Sardinha back down to the Toledo Mudhens.

In Minors

Jeff Larish (Age 26) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 Stats .216 AVG 4 HR 7 RBI
Numbers in the Minors .296 AVG 2 HR 5 RBI

Larish has been with the Tigers this season for quite a few games. He didn't get as many at bats as he would have liked. That was in part to has average and his strikeout numbers. Their is no secret that Larish has struggled with breaking balls at the big league level. He is a dead fastball hitter and until he corrects his deficiencies he is going to be on the outside looking in with the Tigers. Larish had a terrific college career with the Arizona St. Sun Devils. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of college, but just has never lived up to those expectations. You only get so many chances and then teams decide to leave you alone. Larish must correct his swing and when given another chance take full advantage of it. Because it could be his last with the Detroit Tigers organization.

Brent Dlugach (Age 26) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .284 AVG 6 HR 26 RBI

Dlugach is the starting shortstop for the Toledo Mudhens. He is having a pretty solid season. He is someone to keep an eye on down at Triple-A Toledo especially with Iorg struggling at Double-A Erie. Dlugach may get an opportunity to showcase his skills come September.

Dusty Ryan (Age 24) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .246 AVG 7 HR 21 RBI

Ryan got off to a horrendous start this year with the Toledo Mudhens as their starting catcher. He was batting around .180 for the entire month of April. That is why the Tigers chose to go with Sardinha over him as the backup catcher in the big leagues. Ryan has taken notice since then and has really picked up his offensive numbers. I still feel that Avila is the catcher of the future but Ryan is the backup. Ryan is better than both Laird and Sardinha offensively. He could make a large presence in the Tigers lineup especially at this time when they are struggling so much. Look for him to get a callup very soon.

Don Kelly (Age 29) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .339 AVG 3 HR 22 RBI

Kelly has been a prototypical Triple-A player he gets called up to the big leagues every once and a while but never stays. He produces in Triple-A but struggles to find consistency at the major league level. Kelly brings versatility to any lineup because he can a play a number of positions from third base, second base, first base, and any of the three outfield positions. Kelly may get another shot in the big leagues, but his time is limited as he is 29 years old.

Cale Iorg (Age 23) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .215 AVG 5 HR 15 RBI

Meet Iorg one of the most highly touted prospects in the Detroit Tigers organization currently. Iorg is proclaimed as the future Tigers shortstop. Not if he continues to struggle at the plate. Iorg has great range and a terrific arm. Although, he is going to have to find his swing to get promoted. Iorg still has some time as he is very young. I feel the Tigers would like to see him as their everyday shortstop in two years. Let's hope Iorg finds his swing for the rest of the summer.

Scott Sizemore (Age 24) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .306 AVG 9 HR 33 RBI

Sizemore plays second base currently with the Erie Seawolves at Double-A. Sizemore has had a spectacular season at that level. You would think with these numbers he will get promoted to Triple-A soon and compete with Dlugach. There is always competition going on as no spot is safe especially in the minor leagues where you are just a number as a prospect.

Alex Avila (Age 22) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .295 AVG 5 HR 26 RBI

Avila is the future of the Detroit Tigers at the catchers position. He doesn't really have too much competition within the Detroit Tigers organization. Ryan is very good offensively and has a lot of power. Avila has it all though, solid power, great average, calls a great game, and is excellent defensively. He is young and just needs time to mature at the minor league level. I look for Avila to be the everyday catcher at the start of the 2011 season. He should get called up in September of this year and may see time with the big league club next season. Avila is the real deal and could have a very good career at the major league level. I compare him to Yadier Molina catcher of th St. Louis Cardinals except for the fact that Avila bats left-handed.

Ryan Strieby (Age 23) Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in Minors .289 AVG 14 HR 43 RBI

Strieby is a first baseman with the Erie Seawolves. If you are looking for power, you have it with Strieby. He was named the best power hitter in the Detroit Tigers organization by Baseball America. He was also named the 2008 Detroit Tigers minor league player of the year. He hit 29 home runs last year homering in every 14.52 at bats at the Single-A lakeland. Look for him to get promoted to Triple-A very soon.

Outfielders Report

As we continue are good, the bad, and the ugly series. We'll start off taking a closer look at the Detroit Tigers outfield during the 2009 season.

It's been a group of players that had the opportunity to showcase their skills during the 09 campaign.

Not two outfielders are the same on the Tigers. Many of these players bring a different set of skills when it comes to the game of baseball.

We're going to look at their current numbers, ages, 2009 salaries, projected stats, analysis based on their play and finally I am going to give them a grade on their season thus far.

(Note: grades will be based on expectations most experts had at the beginning of the season.)

The Good

Curtis Granderson (Age 28) 2009 Salary (3.5 Million)
Current 09 Stats .267 AVG 14 HR 37 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .267 AVG 38 HR 100 RBI

Granderson has manned the center field position for the Tigers the past three seasons. He continues to improve as a player as he is about to head into his prime years of his career. This season he has really improved on his power numbers from past seasons and is on pace to break his record for homers in a season (23) and rbi's (74) which he put together back in the 2007 season. Granderson has been a true backbone of this team willing to due whatever is necessary for team success. This year manager Jim Leyland has moved Granderson around in the lineup with him batting third, fifth, sixth, and of course leadoff. Leyland has never tried to hide the fact that he sees Granderson as a prototypical number three hitter in the lineup. The only problem is right now the Tigers don't have a leadoff hitter and Granderson is their best bet until they find one.

Glaring stats-only batting .223 at home and .227 during day games. Granderson only has two triples this season. Back in 2007 he collected 23 three baggers and tallie up 13 last year. No errors through 59 games this season. Ranks ninth in the American League (AL) in home runs.

Grade: A-. The reason for this grade is Granderson has been stellar in the outfield this season and has produced terrific power numbers. Granderson needs to continue to improve his batting average in an effort to get it near .280. as well as his hitting against left handed pitchers. Granderson has come a long way from his days of playing college ball at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The Tigers will need him to continue to play well in hopes of returning to the playoffs in the 2009 season.

Clete Thomas (Age 25) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 stats .237 AVG 4 HR 17 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .237 AVG 16 HR 70 RBI

Thomas has been a solid contributor to the Tigers team this season both offensively and defensively. No hit was bigger for him in his career than his grand slam against the Los Angles Angels on June 7 which powered the Tigers to a much needed series victory. Defensively Thomas has the best arm in the outfield on the team showing both strength and accuracy. He also runs the bases well, can lay down a bunt, and can spray the ball all over the field. He will be a solid backup outfielder at worst for the Tigers for years to come. If he can stay out of hitting slumps, Thomas could start for the Tigers on a consistent basis starting next season.

Glaring stats- On May 11 he was batting .306 and after last night's game on June 10 he stands at .245. Thomas has a better batting average versus left handed pitchers at .259 compared to his .241 average versus right handers. Not a usual statistic to see for a left handed batter.

Grade: B. Thomas has had a solid second year season with the Tigers. Thomas has to consistently get better at the plate and continue to make adjustments throughout the second half of the season. He brings versatility in the outfielder and youthfulness something Magglio Ordonez nor Carlos Guillen have.

Josh Anderson (Age 26) 2009 Salary (400,000)
Current 09 stats .252 AVG 0 HR 10 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .252 AVG 0 HR 32 RBI

Anderson has been a nice pickup at the start of the season from the Braves. Anderson is undoubtedly the best base stealer on the team. Right there with Thomas and Granderson as the best base runners on the squad as well. Anderson is a versatile player who has a lot of tools to help manufacture runs. He can bunt, run, and as we have talked about steal.

Glaring stats- Anderson's next steal this year which will be number 11, will be his career high in a season. His average has dropped from .341 on April 29 to .252 now. Anderson is batting .421 in day games in 36 at bats this season.

Grade: C. Anderson still has a long ways to go in order to be a consistent everyday player. Anderson fits the mold of a leadoff hitter but doesn't quite have the tools yet to be a successful one.

Ryan Raburn (Age 28) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 stats .229 AVG 3 HR 13 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .229 AVG 14 HR 60 RBI

Raburn has the most power at the plate of the three backup outfielders (Anderson and Thomas) but he has the less range in the outfield than those two. So as a result Raburn is not as dependable in the outfield. Raburn does one thing they can't do. That is play multiple positions in the infield. Raburn could play every position there if need be including first base, second base, shortstop, third base, and catcher's role.

Glaring stats- All of Raburn's three home runs have come against left-handed pitchers. Raburn batted .300 in the month of May in 40 at bats.

Grade: C. He has been relegated to a utility player in the major leagues. He just has to take advantage of every opportunity he gets and make the most of it. It appears that if Guillen comes back? Yes that is a big if. Raburn would be the likely one to get sent down to Triple-A Toledo.

The Bad

Magglio Ordonez (Age 35) 2009 Salary (18.97 Million)
Current 09 stats .279 AVG 2 HR 21 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .279 AVG 6 HR 62 RBI

It's been a disappointing season for Ordonez thus far especially for a player who is nearly making 19 million during the 2009 season. The power numbers stick it like a sore thumb. Ordonez is a player who has hit 20+ home runs eight times and hit 100 rbi's seven times during his career. He is not on pace to do either of those this season, a year in which he will make more money than any other previous one during his 12 years of Major League Baseball (MLB). He did have a 16-game hitting streak going in the month of May. That showed some signs of improvement, although during that same streak Ordonez failed to hit a home run.

Glaring stats- His average has jumped from .241 on April 29 to .279 now. Ordonez hit .315 in the month of May but did not hit a home run. Has not hit a home run since April 27.

Grade: D+. This is based on his power numbers in combination with the amount of money he is making this season. He has not lived up to that money so far. Tigers fans must hope Ordonez finds his groove as the summer months arrive. They will need him if the Tigers have any chance of making some noise come October.

Marcus Thames (Age 32) 2009 Salary (2.3 Million)
Current 09 stats .297 AVG 1 HR 3 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .297 AVG 10 HR 29 RBI

This season has been a tough one for Thames. He has only played in 11 games and missed seven weeks of baseball due to a rib injury in which he sustained in mid-April. This injury came after the announcement that the Tigers were letting longtime designated hitter Gary Sheffield go. Thames had to think it was his season to breakout with finally collecting 500 at bats and having a chance to hit 30 home runs on top of possibly driving in 100 runs. Then he got injured.

Glaring stats-Thames has only played one game in the outfield this season. Has played in five straight games since coming of the disabled list. Thames is batting .375 during home games this season.

Grade: D. During a year where the Tigers were ready to depend on Thames, he hasn't produced. Thames will get an opportunity to produce numbers throughout the summer. Will it be enough for him to come back another year with the Tigers? He is a free agent this offseason.

The Ugly

Carlos Guillen (Age 33) 2009 Salary (10 Million)
Current 09 stats .200 AVG 0 HR 6 RBI
Projected Season Numbers .200 AVG 0 HR 32 RBI

Currently Guillen is on the disabled list. An all too friendly place for Guillen's career. Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand and Jim Leyland do not know when Guillen will be back. They have moved on from him defensively. They are clearly missing his bat though. A career .288 hitter who has hit 19+ home runs and 80+ rbi's three times in a Tigers uniform

Glaring stats-In 90 at bats this season Guillen has yet to hit a home run. At home this season Guillen is batting .136. Has not played since May 4.

Grade: F. Forget Ordonez and Thames, Guillen has had the most disappointing seasons among them. Before the season it was announced Guillen would play left field. Many people were skeptical, he had a lot of critics to prove wrong, and has yet to prove anything other than the fact he is injury prone. His career could possibly be coming to an end due to injury problems. We'll see when and if Guillen can come back to the Tigers lineup this year.

In Minors

Wilkin Ramirez (Age 23) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Current 09 stats .333 AVG 1 HR 1 RBI
Numbers in the Minors .275 AVG 6 HR 18 RBI

Ramirez made a brief appearance with the Tigers this season back on May 20 against the Texas Rangers. In his third big league at bat, Ramirez hit his first MLB home run. Currently he is playing in Triple-A with the Toledo Mudhens. Ramirez is a player who has the capability of being a five tool player. Meaning he can excel at hitting for average, hitting for power, baserunning skills and speed, throwing ability, and fielding abilities.

Ramirez has also stolen 18 bases in 43 games with the Toledo Mudhens. He will bring great speed to an outfield when he becomes an everyday MLB and base stealing threat to every big league pitcher out there. Ramirez must cut down on his strikeouts though. Right now in my mind Ramirez is the No.1 prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization. I the Tigers look to pick up a big name player at the trade deadline this year, look for Ramirez to packaged in because many teams will be interested in talking then.

Brent Clevlen (Age 25) 2009 Salary (league minimum)
Numbers in the Minors .250 AVG 5 HR 20 RBI

Clevlen is currently with the Toledo Mudhens and has played for them during the entire 2009 season. Clevlen has had three separate stints with the Detroit Tigers ranging from the 2006-2008 seasons. Clevlen excelled in limited at bats back in 2006 but due to inconsistency he could never stay up with the big league club. In his career he has compiled 73 big league plate appearances in 55 games. Clevlen has always been great in the outfield and has an arm on the same level as Clete Thomas. Although he has struggled with slump after slump at the plate. Clevlen may be best suited for a change of scenery with a fresh start with a new MLB team. He may get that chance during the trade deadline this year.

State of the Tigers After June 8th!

The 2009 Detroit Tigers have been one of the most inconsistent ball clubs in the majors this year. They have had some performances in which they look like they could contend for the World Series in October. While other times the Tigers look like they could go on a skid and fall out of the race in the American League (AL) Central.

Let's start with the good, then we will go to the bad, and finally we'll finish with the ugly.

The good-- the pitching staff. They have carried the club so far this season with an ERA as a team of 3.98 which ranks them second in the AL to the Seattle Mariners. They would not be in first place in the AL central at 31-26 without the staff. Let's look at Edwin Jackson and Justin Verlander first. They are most likely the only Detroit Tigers representatives at this time that would make the 2009 All-Star Game in St.Louis, MO.

Verlander and Jackson both had excellent pitching performances in the month of May. Verlander has put together eight consecutive quality starts. A quality start is when a starting pitcher pitches at least six innings of work while giving up less than three earned runs in a game. No small feat in Major League Baseball (MLB) especially for eight consecutive starts spanning over three months. During the month of May, Verlander went 5-0 with 1.52 ERA and notched 56 strikeouts in six starts. That month has helped place Verlander currently first overall in strikeouts at 97 in the AL. Verlander is 6-2 with a 3.52 ERA this season.

As for Jackson he currently ranks second in the AL in ERA at 2.16 only trailing Kansas City Royals pitcher Zach Greinke. Jackson leads the Tigers in innings pitched at 83.1 which ranks him fifth in the AL in that category. Jackson has compiled nine quality starts in 12 games started this season. Jackson is coming off of his second career complete game and first as a Tiger this past Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. It's safe to say Jackson has made GM Dave Dombrowski a very happy man for acquiring him in an deal during the offseason from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce. If you want to know the winner of the trade--the numbers don't lie. Joyce is batting .207 with three home runs and six runs batted in with 29 at bats this season with the Rays.

When talking about the Tigers pitching staff you can't forget about 20-year old rookie phenom Rick Porcello who has been lights out so far this season as a first year player. The bullpen has also been very productive with Fernando Rodney taking control of the closer's role this season and converting on all 11 of his save opportunities. Joel Zumaya and Ryan Perry have been quite effective in the setup relief duties over the past two months as well. Although Ryan Perry got sent down to Triple-A Toledo before tonight's game against the Chicago White Sox to make room for pitcher Jeremy Bonderman on the roster. With that said expect to see a lot more of Brandon Lyon in late game situations for the Tigers. As a result you may want to go to your local pharmaceutical store as soon as possible to get some high blood pressure medication!

The bad-- the offense. It's been atrocious at times, just mediocre in some, and better than average in a variety of contests especially during day games where the Tigers are 16-5 this season. Brandon Inge currently leads the team in runs batted in at 39. Inge has had a great season but with all due respect to him--when Inge is leading the team in that category you have a problem. Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera have had very good seasons thus far as well. It's guys like Magglio Ordonez, Placido Polanco, Marcus Thames, and Carlos Guillen who have all struggled and need to step up the production for the summer run.

Ordonez is starting to raise his average which stands at .284 currently. The disappointment comes when you look at his power numbers. Two home runs and 21 runs batted in. Two years ago Ordonez put up a monster year of 28 home runs with 139 rbi's while batting .363. Currently Ordonez is on pace to hit six home runs and drive in 65 runs. For a guy who is set to make nearly 19 million during the 2009 season those statistics would be abysmal.

As for Polanco he is a career .300 hitter but not looking anywhere close to it during the 2009 season. He is batting .249 right now and has been below .300 since April 15. Over the past six weeks his average has consistently dropped as each week has gone by.

With Thames and Guillen they have both been hampered by injuries. Thames is back in the lineup and he must produce immediately especially with the long ball. The Tigers rank 9th in the AL in home runs with 56. As for Guillen he has had an injury plagued career at times. The only position it seems that he can play now is DH (one where it doesn't involve him going out in the field). It's a sad reality but it's absolutely true. There is no timetable set for Guillen's return to the Tigers lineup, but Tiger's fans can only hope it's sooner than later.

The ugly--inconsistency as a team. Like I said before it's just been an up and down season of sorts for the Detroit Tigers. Just when you think they have turned the corner as a team they start to fall back and let the rest of the AL Central back into the race. They currently lead the Minnesota Twins by 3.5 games in the Central Division.

The more telling stat is that the Tigers are currently ranked in fourth place in the AL standings as a whole trailing the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers. Sure it's early in the season but this team has high expectations to fill and if they can somehow maintain a level of consistently playing good baseball for a long stretch their is no reason why they can't be in first place overall in the AL come August.

Jim Leyland is in the last year of his contract as Tigers manager and the Tigers need to play like a desperate team because you never know how many opportunities you will have as a franchise to play in the World Series. They may have to acquire some pieces to get there such as an Adam Dunn or Matt Holliday who could both be on the trading block come July. Although with the pitching they have picked up so far this season, if the offense could due their part their is no way in telling how far the Tigers could go come October.

If you want to take a closer look at some individuals who have performed good, bad, or ugly. Look for a new column coming out in the next few days!