Bonderman Not Bombing

The bullpen was one man lighter upon hearing the news that Jason Grilli had been traded to Colorado (thank goodness), so the Tigers needed a good outing from Jeremy Bonderman.

Needless to say, Mr. Bonderman delivered.

The first inning was a good sized roadblock, as it usually is for Jeremy. He loaded the bases with no one out, and two of the runners came in to score. Playing behind the Yankees in the Bronx usually leads to bad things, but Bonderman never allowed them to get going again. After the patient lineup worked his pitchcount very high in the first four innings, they lost it for whatever reason. Bonderman threw less than 40 pitches in the following 3.2 innings. Since I'm ever the pessimist, I did find the fact that Jeremy only struck out one batter very alarming. As concerning as that is, to only walk two batters against the Yankee lineup is impressive nevertheless. Hopefully this start will be something that Bonderman can gain confidence from.


Andy Pettitte was very good until the fifth inning, when Detroit started to really make him work. Marcus Thames and Placido Polanco both had big home runs to snatch a lead that wouldn't be relinquished. Gary Sheffield went 2-4 with a run scored, and Curtis Granderson came in after Pettitte left the game and reached base twice.


Since the Tigers have had quality starts in their last two outings, there won't be quite as much pressure on Nate Robertson to have an amazing start. If he can manage to keep the Tigers in the game, the bullpen will be rested enough log some innings if needed (Francisco Cruceta? Yes please) and possibly guide the Tigers to a series sweep.