He's another player out of a big-time program. We need to wait and see what he does at the next level. He has major-league power. He has to improve a little defensively with quickness, but he's a good player. |
He's pitched well for us and I think he's the right man to step forward and pitch for us. We got him where we want him ? coming out of the gate in the first game. |
His biggest problem isn't his arm ? he has a great arm. His problem is his inconsistency. One time he looks good, the next time he fails to get it over the plate. If it's 3-1 or 3-2, hitters will rip you. He has to do it today, then do it five days from now. |
I've always appreciated that. But frankly, I thought it wouldn't be long before I was playing for him and we'd both be in Detroit. Then the Sparky (Anderson) thing happened, and Jim kind of got lost in the shuffle. |
It seems like it was a while coming. But we're more comfortable here and feel like we're going to win each game. |
It's certainly not the ideal situation, but we have good arms in the bullpen. We have some guys who can step up. |
It's no different at any level. You goes as far as your pitching takes you. ... What hurt us in the playoffs was not having Vasquez healthy. He was 7-0 and that's tough to lose guys like him. |
The guys became more comfortable with the surroundings. We played Tri-City and Lowell early, so we weren't getting beat by anybody who wasn't good. |
There's not a situation that can come up that he hasn't been through and can't give you advice on. It'll be a tremendous loss for the Tigers' organization. These kids listen to him and learn a lot from him. |
They are trying to find their niche. Most of these pitchers coming out of college were starters. It's an adjustment for them. |
When I played for him at Evansville, I wasn't the only one who thought the next stop for him would be managing the Tigers. |
You never know what to expect in your first year. It all boils down to your players. They performed and did a great job. We had some nice ballplayers and some kids that have a chance to move up in the organization. |