The Age Old Question

Considering this is Probably Kenny Roger's last year and no one really knows what to expect from Dontrelle Willis, I might as well bring it up right? Should Joel Zumaya be a starter?

2008 is also likely Todd Jones last year as a Tiger as well. It was basically a done deal for Zumaya to become the closer, that was until he went dirt biking... I mean helped move his family during the San Diego fires. But, now with the emergence of Freddie Dolsi, could he become the closer instead of Zumaya.

Dolsi is not as electric as Zumaya, and they could certainly be a nice combo at the end of games, but I think the question needs to be asked, Should Zumaya be a starter?

(For your information, the "It worked for Joba Chamberlain argument will never appear in this blog other than now to dismiss it).

If you all remember in 2005, Zumaya started the Futures game in Toledo as a starter. He was drafted as a starter, and expected to be a starter in this organization. He didn't used to throw 100 MPH, that change only happened when he knew he would only be throwing one inning.

So yeah, it has been 3 years since he has been a starter and he might not have the same stuff. But, he has starter stuff. He throws an above average fastball and breaking ball. And as a nice compliment he throws a decent change up. 3 solid pitches. Plus he is young, he could easily be stretched out to be a stater again.

But, Zumaya is that guy who everybody loves to come into the game. When his music gets blasted the crowd loves it. The crowd also loves to look at the radar gun after every pitch. He sells tickets and is very effective in the 7th or 8th inning.

But here is the kicker. The Tigers took a ton of relievers in the draft this year. It may be need based, and considering they have a weak bullpen as is. But, it could be a reaction to trying to make Zoom a starter again.

Dolsi has been a nice surprise. Could he be the starter? Leyland has already expressed that he could. So is Zoom destined to be an 8th inning guy forever? Lets not forget he will probably command a lot of money some day. If he was a starter it would be justifiable, but maybe not for a guy to throw 12 pitches every other game.

Here is what I think. If Rodney proves to be a reliable reliever again, stretch Zoom out. If not, you are locked into keeping Zoom in the back end of that bullpen. The same reasoning surrounds Dolsi, he needs to prove he can consistently get major league players out. Last night he blew the game for us, but he has been solid for the most part since coming up.

Zoom was a very promising starter, who says he couldn't be again?

Porchello is still probably a year away from the majors. Dontrelle is... yeah. So who is gonna fill that 5th starter? Seems like the easiest option's last name starts with a Z.