Thankfully I was out and about when the Tigers game ended today. The combination of Ryan Perry and Phil Coke could not close out the game to secure the 4-2 victory in the 9th. Where was Valverde you ask? Oh, well he threw 60 pitches last night so he wasn't available today. Yes, that is a lot of pitches. No, he didn't enter in a save situation last night. I realize he had not pitched in a game in four days, but listen, Jim, he's a CLOSER. His only job is to get three outs when the team is ahead by three runs or less or a scenario where the Tigers are in danger of losing the game. I have never understood Managers bringing their "closer" in just to get their work in during a blowout (winning or losing). There is a stat out there about how much worse closers do in that situation as compared to trying to earn a save (someday I'll look for it too). The Tigers had the game well in hand last night before Valverde entered. 60 pitches and a grand-slam later they escaped with a 6-5 win erasing any chance of Valverde pitching in a meaningful position should it present itself during the Saturday day game. Let Valverde get his necessary work in if he must in meaningful game scenarios where the pressure is on (you know, like a save situation) so that he doesn't lose his edge (like last night). I realize Leyland isn't playing with his optimal roster, but he isn't doing himself any favors with the way he is managing his bullpen (or the grab bag lineup that changes every day).
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