Is Bruce Rondon ready to be the closer for the Tigers in 2013? Will Victor Martinez be able to contribute to the Tigers at the level he was before the injury? Will Torii Hunter work out for Detroit? These are the big question facing the Tigers as they meet in Lakeland for spring training. If the answers to all these questions turn out to be yes, then it should be a very successful year for the Tigers. After the disappointment of last year’s performance in the World Series, being swept by San Francisco, Detroit is looking to make that last step and win their first title since 1984.
A good closer is one of the big steps in the quest for a title. Last year Jose Valverde was the closer but lost his job in the post season after two bad outings, including a blown save, and was allowed to go to free agency. As soon as this was announced all the talk centered around who would replace Papa Grande? Early indications were that Tigers minor league pitcher of the year Bruce Rondon had the inside edge. In fact Jim Leyland himself said it was Rondon’s Job to lose. Let’s take a look at Mr. Rondon was born in Valencia Venezuela he will turn 23 on December 9th 2013 he stands 6’2” 190lbs he throws and hits right. He fits the profile of the prototypical closer- High strikeout rates, occasionally unhittable stuff, but mixed in with bouts of wildness. He has 100+MPH velocity and at least three pitches. A fastball, a changeup and a slider and, he might be trying to add another one. Dave Dombrowski said he is a “rare talent” and he also stated he would probably be the closer in 2013. So the powers that be have blessed Rondo as the closer, it is still to be seen if he can do it. He started out 2012 at Class A West Michigan and was promoted to AAA Toledo after appearing in the Midwest League All-Star Game, where he struck out two batters both on fastballs over 100 MPH. Rondon only threw eight innings at Toledo before the end of the season, which is not much of a body of work to look at, but Dombrowski and Leyland must be very sure about him. If the Tigers have any hope of repeating their trip to the World Series and winning then a solid closer is vital. Time will tell if Bruce Rondon will be that closer or if the search will continue.
Another important question for the Tigers going into spring training is the status of Victor Martinez. How will the injury and the year off effect him? Martinez had torn his ACL in off-season workouts before the start of spring training in 2012. He had surgery to repair the tear and was out the entire 2012 season. The Tigers missed his bat in 2012 and had to rely on Delmon Young to fill the gap. With the return of Martinez, young became disposable and was allowed to go to free agency. Young is good but his numbers just don’t compare to V-Mart. In 2012 Young hit .267 with 18 homeruns, 74 RBI’s, 20 walks and 112 strikeouts. In 2011 Martinez hit .330 with 12 homers, 103 RBI’s, 46 walks and 51 strikeouts. Martinez is also a switch hitter rather than just a right handed hitter like Young. The question becomes; will Martinez be able to make a comeback and play at the level he did on 2011? If he can make a full recovery and comes even close to the numbers he put up in 2011, then the Tigers will have another significant bat in their lineup. Right now it looks like it will be Austin Jackson leading off, Torii Hunter hitting second, Miguel Cabrera up third, Prince Fielder in the cleanup spot and Martinez hitting fifth. I think this should put the fear of god in the hearts of opposing pitchers. Martinez has had a whole season to recover and work that knee so he should be ready for the start of the 2013 season, although one never knows what might happen, especially with ACLs
If Rondon lives up to Dombrowski and Leyland’s expectations and Martinez remains healthy and has a decent season and there are no surprises in other areas ie: injuries or poor play then the Tigers should be able to return to the playoffs and maybe even end the long championship drought Detroit has suffered. Although over a 162 game season who can tell what will happen. It will be pleasure and hopefully yours to watch and find out.
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