Tracking the Tigers: Rogers resigns leaving others fighting for last spot
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by Oneflydude
The biggest priority for the Detroit Tigers this offseason was to re-sign their left handed pitcher, Kenny Rogers. The long expected return from the Gambler is now official as of today. He signed a one year contract to return to the Tigers for his 20th major league season.
At the end of the season, Rogers wasn't sure if he'd even play another year. He was injured most of the time in 2007 and only made 11 starts. He went 3-4 with a 4.43 ERA. Once he decided he wanted to play another season, Scott Boras caught the Tigers by surprise by telling them that Rogers would test the free agency market. Other teams were expressing interest in the lefty such asthe Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariner, but Rogers continued to state that returning to Detroit was his first priority.
It looks like Kenny kept his priorities straight by agreeing
to a one year deal on Friday. The terms of the deal haven't been
released yet but it should be similar to Curt Schilling's deal.
Over 19 seasons, Rogers is 210-143 with a 4.19 ERA and is a four-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner.
This is great for the Tigers. They will need that veteran presence in the rotation to accompany Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson, Jeremy Bonderman and another pitcher, pending on the results of the remaining offseason.
Two names who will most likely be competing with each other
for that fifth spot will be the two youngsters; right hander, [[Yorman
Bazardo]] and left hander, Andrew Miller. Three of the relievers for the
Tigers also have experience starting; Chad Durbin, Zach Miner and Jose Capellan. They could possibly end up in the hunt for that fifth spot
but Bazardo and Miller are the favorites. Miller did struggle in the
'07 season. He started off pitching great, but he ended up 5-5 with a
5.63 ERA before getting sent down to the minor leagues. Bazardo showed
up from the Toledo Mud Hens and went 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in '07.
Dave Dombrowski still might not be done with the pitching. Pitching is a
main priority for this offseason and there is more to come from the
bullpen and minor league prospects who could possibly take that fifth
spot in the rotation.
