Quickly as it came, the first decade of the 21st Century has come and gone. With a decade or century or millenium ending, as we've all experienced within the past 11 years, people need to compile lists. So with that, I have taken the initiative to compile the All-Decade Team for our beloved Detroit Tigers for the 2000s.
A few notes, stats only compiled from the beginning of the 2000 through the end of the 2009 seasons are counted for this team.
Now, you may notice that this list will be heavy on players who have played for Jim Leyland, as Leyland's tenure as manager coincided with the team getting good. There's a reason for that. For the first six seasons of this decade, the Tigers were awful. From 2000 through 2005, the Tigers were the worst team in baseball. The team's record was an abysmal 386-585 for a winning percentage of .399, finishing an incredible 199 games under .500. The team lost atleast 90 games five years in a row (2001-2005), lost over 106 games twice (2002 & 2003) and tied the Major League record for losses in a season with 119 in 2003. That 2003 team is also the worst team in American League history. Phil Garner, Luis Pujols and Alan Trammell guided the club and all of them suffered atleast 96 losses in that period, the most wins the team had was 79.
Since 2006, with Leyland as manager the team has incurred an incredible turnaround, how much credit due to Leyland is debateable, but the numbers don't lie. Since 2006, the team is 343-306 and in 2006, made the post-season for the first time since 1987, made the World Series for the first time since 1984 and captured the franchise's first Wild Card berth. After suffering 12 straight losing seasons from 1994 to 2005, Leyalnd's Tigers have had three winning seasons in four years. Also, the Tigers lost the AL Central Division Championship in 2009 in the 163rd game of the season, losing to the Minnesota Twins in a one-game playoff.
With that, it is no wonder that Leyland is the All-Decade's team Manager.
Now, the easy way out would be to just name a starting line-up with a couple of pitchers, but not from this blogger. So, what I will give is an entire 25-man roster. Let's get to the starters:
CATCHER - IVAN RODRIGUEZ
STATS: (2004-2008) 611 Games, 709 Hits, 2,382 At-Bats, 300 Runs Scored, 140 Doubles, 17 Triples, 62 Home Runs, 300 Runs Batted In, 106 Walks, 418 Strikeouts .298 Batting Average
The man who helped restore credibility to the Tiger organization. After Mickey Tettleton was allowed to leave the Tigers following the strike shortened 1994 season, the Tigers had an impossible task in finding an everyday catcher before the man known as "Pudge" arrived. The team had 19 different people start at catcher during that period. It seems like the team's only option was to trade for Brad Ausmus about every other year and then to trade him or to force Brandon Inge to play catcher, basically against his will. Before his arrival, the Tigers lost a record tying 119 games and were hopeless. Rodriguez, coming off a 2003 season in Florida where he was the NLCS MVP and helped the Marlins win the World Series, couldn't find a team to give him the $10 million per season that he wanted. Desperate for something to give their fans any hope, the Tigers caved in and gave Rodriguez a 4-year, $40 million contract. Rodriguez had his best season as a Tiger in 2004, hitting .334 with 19 home runs, 86 RBI and 32 doubles and was a major contributor in the 2006 World Series run, hitting an even .300, leading the team to a 29-win improvement. There is little doubt that this Hall of Fame player made a huge impact in his four-plus seasons in Detroit.
FIRST BASE - MIGUEL CABRERA
STATS: (2008-2009) 320 Games, 378 Hits, 1,227 At-Bats, 181 Runs Scored, 70 Doubles, 2 Triples, 71 Home Runs, 230 Runs Batted In, 124 Walks, 233 Strike Outs, .308 Batting Average
Little doubt here, as the man Rod Allen affectionately has dubbed "The Big Fella," has made a huge impact in his short time in Detroit. Oddly enough, Cabrera started his career in Detroit as the team's third basemen, and wasn't moved to first base until midway through the 2008 campaign. Cabrera got off to slow start in 2008, after signing his $152 million contract extension but recovered to lead the AL with 37 home runs and also drove in 127 runs, despite hitting a career low .292. He rebounded average wise in 2009, hitting .324 and hit another 34 home runs and is on pace to hit a career high 45 home runs in 2010. He arrived late in the last decade but there is little doubt that "The Big Fella is a cornerstone for the next one.
SECOND BASE - PLACIDO POLANCO
STATS: (2005-2009) 632 Games, 806 Hits, 2,589 At-Bats, 393 Runs Scored, 139 Doubles, 13 Triples, 37 Home Runs, 285 Runs Batted In, 146 Walks, 162 Strikeouts, .311 Batting Average
One of the greatest coups in Tiger history is when Dave Dombrowski traded disgruntled former closer Ugeth Urbina and utility infielder Ramon Martinez to the Philadelphia Phillies for Placido Polanco. Polanco was hitting .316 in 43 games for the Phillies at the time of the trade, but the Phillies had a prospect by the name of Chase Utley ready to play second base, and Polanco was the odd man out. Urbina went 4-3 with one save in 56 games for the Phillies in 2005 and has not pitched in the Major Leagues since and currently is sitting in a Venezuelan prison. Martinez had 56 total at-bats for the Phillies. We see Polanco's career numbers as a Tiger. He hit .338 as a Tiger in 86 games and his .331 combined average between Detroit and Philadelphia was the highest in baseball, but he didn't have enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title in either league, so he went down as an uncrowned batting champion in 2005. He had a career year in 2007, hitting .341, collecting 200 hits, starting the All-Star game and winning a Gold Glove. His defense also defined his time in Detroit. He set a major league record for second basemen by playing in 185 consecutive games without committing, his 910 consecutive chances without an error was also a record. His errorless streak began on July 2, 2006 and ended April 8, 2008. Polanco was also the 2006 ALCS MVP and won his second Gold Glove in 2009 and returned to Philadelphia as a free agent after the 2009 season.
SHORTSTOP - CARLOS GUILLEN
STATS: (2004-2009) 721 Games, 801 Hits, 2,660 At-Bats, 435 Runs Scored, 167 Doubles, 33 Triples, 86 Home Runs, 402 Runs Batted In, 301 Walks, 435 Strikeouts, .301 Batting Average.
Picking just one position is not the most easy thing to do when it comes to Carlos Guillen. In his now seven seasons with the Tigers, Guillen has been the starter at shortstop, first base, third base, desiginated hitter, left field and second base. But at shortstop is where Guillen made his mark as a Tiger, starting at the position for his first four years as a Tiger. Guillen is another steal by Tigers President, CEO and General Manager Dave Dombrowski. Guillen, who was once traded for Randy Johnson, was acquired by the Tigers in 2004 for Ramon Santiago (who is back with the team) and Juan Gonzalez (no, not that one. This one was a minor league infielder who has done nothing of consequence in baseball). If this team had a captain, it would most likely be Guillen. You know what, this is my team, so Guillen is the captain. He's a three-time All-Star as a Tiger and had his argubly best year in 2006, where he hit .320, with 19 home runs, 85 RBI and 41 doubles and finished tenth in the AL MVP voting. Guillen is the second longest tenured position player and despite missing significant time with injuries in 2005, 2008 and 2009, is second in most offensive categories for the decade.
THIRD BASE - BRANDON INGE
STATS: (2001-2009) 1,153 Games, 901 Hits, 3,823 At-Bats, 449 Runs Scored, 173 Doubles, 31 Triples, 123 Home Runs, 494 Runs Batted In, 339 Walks, 975 Strikeouts, .236 Batting Average
As shocking as it might be to think, Brandon Inge is your Mr. Tiger for the decade, statistically anyway. Inge is the most tenured Tiger on the team by far and thus, is the overall leader in every offensive category with the exception of triples (he's third) and his .236 batting average is the lowest among the 14 position players selected for this squad. Inge has had a whirlwind career in Detroit, from being making his big league debut at 23 as a catcher to being a utility player who has made starts in the infield and outfield, to becoming the Tigers everyday third baseman in the middle of the 2004 season, to being replaced at third by Miguel Cabrera and being relegated back to his status as catcher and super sub to eventually ending up at third again. He's certainly one of the most polarizing players on the Tigers, as fans either adore him or completely hate him. His sensational defense at third is what keeps him in the lineup, as he's never hit for power or average consistently and strikes out way too often and he's never won a Gold Glove. Maybe not coincidentially, his two best offensive seaons, 2006 and 2009, where he hit 27 home runs in each season is when the Tigers have made serious post season runs.
LEFT FIELD - CRAIG MONROE
STATS - (2002-2007) 672 Games, 607 Hits, 2,348 At-Bats, 324 Runs Scored, 130 Doubles, 9 Triples, 101 Home Rums, 379 Runs Batted In, 153 Walks, 488 Strikeouts, .259 Batting Average
One of the lucky few, along with Mike Maroth and Brandon Inge who were around to experience a few 100 loss seasons and fortunate enough to be around for the 2006 World Series run. Affectionately dubbed "C-Mo," Monroe made his name by forming a pretty good two headed monster with Marcus Thames in left field and as a DH. There is no doubt that Monroe's best season was in 2006. In that miracle year for the Tigers, Monroe lead the team with 28 home runs and was second with 92 RBI and hit many a clutch home run to steal victory from the jaws of defeat, with his late inning heroics. Monroe was known for his majestic bombs that he would often send into the left field seats at Comerica Park.
CENTER FIELD - CURTIS GRANDERSON
STATS: (2004-2009) 674 Games, 702 Hits, 2,579 At-Bats, 435 Runs Scored, 125 Doubles, 57 Triples, 102 Home Runs, 299 Runs Batted In, 274 Walks, 618 Strikeouts, .272 Batting Average
Another easy choice, as Granderson took over the center field job in mid-2005 and didn't relinquish it for the rest of the decade. Funny to think that Granderson actually had to beat out Nook Logan in spring training in 2006 to be the team's opening day center fielder. Granderson's soft spoken, well mannered personally was tailor made for Detroit and his hard work and exciting play on the field and dedication to the community quickly made him a fan favorite in Detroit. His mix of power from the lead off position and speed in the outfield made him a key cog in the Tiger lineup. Granderson's banner year undoubtedly came in 2007, as his 23 home runs, 38 doubles, 23 triples and 26 stolen made him only the third player is major league history to achieve at least 20 home runs, doubles, triples and stolen bases in a single season. He also achieved career highs in batting average (.302), RBI's (74) and runs scored (122). His trade in the 2009 off-season was a shock to Tiger fans, but the team acquired the man who many feel will be the center fielder for the next decade, the talented Austin Jackson.
RIGHT FIELD - MAGGLIO ORDONEZ
STATS: (2005-2009) 671 Games, 807 Hits, 2,519 At-Bats, 363 Runs Scored, 159 Doubles, 5 Triples, 90 Home Runs, 442 Runs Batted In, 255 Walks, 342 Strikeouts, .320 Batting Average
Just like Ivan Rodriguez, nobody wanted Magglio Ordonez. They didn't want his surgically repaired right knee that had just undergone an experimental procedure in Austria. They certainly didn't want to give into his lofty contract demands. On the other hand, the Tigers were desperate, still. Not as desperate as they were coming off a 119-loss season, but still desperate for a legitimate star who could help draw fans back to the ballpark. The Tigers gave Ordonez $105 million reasons to come to Detroit. After a injuries cost him half of 2005 and limited him to only 8 home runs, the shaggy haired right fielder paid dividens in 2006. His 104 RBI were the most by a Tiger since 2000 and his dramatic, game-winning Grand Slam off of Oakland A's closer Huston Street propelled the Tigers to their first World Series appearance since 1984. He followed that up with a career year in 2007, by leading the American in batting with his .363 average and in doubles with 54, both which were career highs. He also set a career high in RBI with 139, in hits with 216, runs scored with 117 and finished second in the AL MVP voting. After a rocky 2009 marred with personal problems, Ordonez has recovered and is one of the main offensive threats in the Tigers 2010 lineup.
DESIGNATED HITTER - MARCUS THAMES
STATS: (2004-2009) 485 Games, 358 Hits, 1,463 At-Bats, 216 Runs Scored, 72 Doubles, 3 Triples, 99 Home Runs, 255 Runs Batted In, 128 Walks, 411 Strikeouts, .245 Batting Average
Thames gets the nod over Gary Sheffield at DH simply based on the fact that Sheffield is unlikeable prick and due to overall tenure. Thames was mostly a platoon player at left field and DH in his time in Detroit and didn't often make contact. But when the man known as "Country Strong" did make contact, the ball went very far. Thames hit a home run every 14.8 at-bats during his time in Detroit. His best year in Detroit came in 2006 when he set career highs with 26 home runs, 60 RBI and a .260 batting average.
RESERVES
OUTFIELD/DESIGNATED HITTER - GARY SHEFFIELD
STATS: (2007-208) 247 Games, 225 Hits, 912 At-Bats, 159 Runs, 36 Doubles 1 Triple, 44 Home Runs, 132 Runs Batted In, 142 Walks, 154 Strikeouts, .247 Batting Average
The unlikeable prick can't crack the starting nine but is good enough to make the team, but we all know that realistically he wouldn't accept a spot as a backup. His tenure in Detroit was short but did yield some results. He was hot in the summer of 2007 but a shoulder injury slowed him down and he never recovered. His acquistion was a success, as the prized prospect he was traded for, Humberto Sanchez, immediately had arm problems with the Yankees, only appeared in two major league games and now is pitching in Taiwan. When Sheffield was released in 2009, he was just one home run shy of 500 for his career.
OUTFIELDER/DESIGNATED HITTER - BOBBY HIGGINSON
STATS: (2000-2005) 691 Games, 676 Hits, 2,525 At-Bats, 363 Runs, 133 Doubles, 19 Triples, 83 Home Runs, 353 Runs Batted In, 325 Walks, 371 Strikeouts, .268 Batting Average
Probably the biggest surprise on this squad, as most people would just like to forget about Bobby Higginson. But truth be told, Higginson was the face of the Tigers for the first part of the decade and had a truly great 2000 season to kick off the decade. In that season, Higginson collected career highs in batting average (.300), hits (179), runs scored (104), home runs (30), RBI's (102) and doubles (44). That, earned him a 4-year, $36 million contract extension that never panned out. He never hit more than 17 home runs or had more than 71 RBI again as a Tiger and Dave Dombrowski once said of Higginson, "You try and trade him." His career as a Tiger ended poorly, he was demoted to a backup in 2005 after the signing of Magglio Ordonez and went 2 for 26 with one RBI before being put on the disabled list in early May. He never played another game as a Tiger or in the major leagues. His last act in Detroit was buying a "Thank You, Detroit" ad in both local newspaper that few people noticed and even less cared about. But his tremendous arm and a left handed power bat makes him perfect for a spot on the bench.
CATCHER - BRAD AUSMUS
STATS: (2000) 150 Games, 139 Hits, 523 At-Bats, 75 Runs Scored, 25 Doubles, 3 Triples, 7 Home Runs, 51 Runs Batted In, 69 Walks, 79 Strikeouts, .266 Batting Average
Finding a second catcher for this team proved to be difficult. As mentioned above, the Tigers collection of catchers before acquiring Ivan Rodriguez. In all honesty, Brandon Inge was the second best catcher for the Tigers of the decade, but he's at third base. Former Tigers' GM Randy Smith either loved or hated Ausmus, nobody could tell. It was Smith, while the GM of the San Diego Padres, who traded for Ausmus from the Colorado Rockies in 1993 and brought him to the big leagues for the first time. Soon as Smith came to Detroit, he acquired Ausmus. Then, he traded Ausmus to Houston. Randy Smith only dealt with San Diego and Houston. Then, like a 5-year-old who gives something away and then gets jealous when he sees somebody else enjoying it, he traded for Ausmus again before the 1999 season. After reacquiring the toy he couldn't live without, like many 5-year-olds do, he again became bored with it and traded Ausmus a final time, sending him back to Houston after the 2000 season. After reading that, I might get seasick. Smith was fired six games into the 2002 season before he could trade for Ausmus anymore.
INFIELDER - RAMON SANTIAGO
STATS: (2002-2003, 2006-2009) 405 Games, 288 Hits, 1,152 At-Bats, 142 Runs Scored, 40 Doubles, 12 Triples, 17 Home Runs, 110 Runs Batted In, 83 Walks, 207 Strikeouts, .250 Batting Average
Ramon Santiago's most valuable contribution to the Tigers didn't even come on the field, it came in being traded to Seattle for Carlos Guillen. Santiago spent two uneventful years in the Seattle organization, playing in just 27 big league games while we all know what Carlos Guillen has done as a Tiger. Santiago is the perfect utility infielder, as he can play second base, shortshop and third base very effectively has been known to collect a clutch hit every now and then, to go along with his smooth defense. His best season as a Tiger came in 2009 when he was part of a very effective platoon at shortstop with Adam Everett, hitting a career high seven home runs and driving in a career high 35 runs. His .267 average was his best for any season which he's had more than 200 at-bats.
INFIELDER/OUTFIELDER - OMAR INFANTE
STATS: (2002-2007) 494 Games, 403 Hits, 1,592 At-Bats, 192 Runs Scored, 81 Doubles, 17 Triples, 32 Home Runs, 154 Runs Batted In, 100 Walks, 363 Strikeouts, .253 Batting Average
Once thought as the second baseman of the future, Infante turned into a versatile utilityman who could conceivably start at every position except pitcher and catcher, and I bet he could do both those if he had to. Infante would be this team's super sub. He has some pop in his bat and has slighty above average speed and a decent arm. His best season as a Tiger came in 2004 when he had career highs in games played (142), hits (133), runs scored (69), triples (9), home runs (16) and RBI's (55).
STARTING PITCHER - JUSTIN VERLANDER
STATS: (2005-2009) 132 Starts, 65-43, 3.92 ERA, 840 Innings Pitched, 792 Hits, 393 Runs, 366 Earned Runs, 282 Walks, 746 Strikeouts
The undisputed ace of the staff. 2006 AL Rookie of the Year. 2007 & 2009 All-Star. No Hitter in 2007. Three times in four full seasons he's finished in the top seven in the AL Cy Young voting. Simply put, Verlander is the man. After a long stream of prized pitching prospects such as Jeff Weaver, Seth Gresiniger, Justinn Thompson, Nate Cornejo, Matt Drews, Kenny Baugh, Kyle Sleeth et. all failed to live up to the hype, Verlander has been the real deal. His 65 wins, 3.92 ERA and 840 innings pitched all lead the team for the decade, his 746 strikeouts are second and his 132 starts are third. Verlander collected 35 wins in his first two full seasons and helped lead the Tigers to the World Series in 2006. After a rough 2008 when he lost 17 games and had a 4.84 ERA, Verlander's 2009 cemented his status as a dominant ace in the American League. He tied for the league lead in wins with 19 and led the league in strikeouts with 269, innings pitched with 240 and starts with 35, all which were career highs. He finished third in the Cy Young voting and had a career best 3.45 ERA and is producing more of the same in 2010.
STARTING PITCHER - KENNY ROGERS
STATS: (2006-2008) 75 Games, 74 Starts, 29-25, 4.66 ERA, 440.2 Innings Pitched, 472 Hits, 251 Runs, 228 Earned Runs, 158 Walks, 217 Strikeouts
His 2006 seasons earns a spot on this team alone. 17-8, 3.84 ERA, starting the All-Star Game, winning a Gold and pitching 23 scoreless innings in the playoffs, pine tar incident in the World Series not withstanding. Rogers was what the Tigers needed and had lacked since the days of Jack Morris, a true ace. While the team hoped that young arms such as Jeff Weaver or Jeremy Bonderman would step up and take the mantle, they ultimately never did during their time in Detroit. Rogers did and helped provide guidance for a young pitching staff and in Detroit, ultimately overcame his own post-season demons while starrring for the Tigers. Injuries ultimatelt affected his numbers and effectiveness, but his impact in 2006 should be forgotten.
STARTING PITCHER - JEFF WEAVER
STATS: (2000-2002) 81 Games, 80 Starts, 30-39, 3.97 ERA, 551 Innings Pitched, 552 Hits, 268 Runs, 243 Earned Runs, 153 Walks, 363 Strikeouts
Weaver is the type who has a million dollar arm and a ten cent head. Weaver is another young Tiger arm that was rushed up to the Major Leagues way too early, spending less than a year in the minor leagues. After a promising 6-3 start in his rookie year, he proceeded to go 13 starts without a win and finished the rest of his Tiger career 24-36. Weaver was a horse as a Tiger, pitching over 200 innings twice and having 10 complete games in the decade, though sometimes he let his temper get the best of him and could never quite become the ace the Tigers hoped he would. He was having his best season as Tiger when he was traded in 2002, compiling a career high three complete game shutouts and posting a career low, 3.18 ERA. His trade to the Yankees worked out for nobody. Carlos Pena and Franklyn German were busts for the Tigers and Jeremy Bonderman has been average at best for the Tigers. Weaver could not handle the pressure of New York, went 12-21 for the Bronx Bombers and bounced back and forth between the starting rotation and the bullpen and surrendered a game losing home run in Game 4 of the 2003 World Series. In what had to have created awkward moments during the Weaver family Thanksgivings, Jeff was released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2006 in favor of his brother Jered. But in a silver lining, Jeff was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals later in the 2006 season and Jeff won the clinching game of the 2006 World Series for the Cardinals, by defeating the Tigers.
STARTING PITCHER - JEREMY BONDERMAN
STATS: (2003-2009) 177 Games, 164 Starts, 59-67, 4.78 ERA, 1005 Innings Pitched, 1,058 Hits, 578 Runs, 534 Earned Runs, 344 Walks, 817 Strikeouts
When acquired in the Jeff Weaver traded in 2002, Bonderman was thought to be the future of the franchise, but he's never quite lived up to the billing. He's the longest tenured pitcher on the team currently, and his 817 strikeouts lead the team for the decade and his 59 wins and 164 starts are second most. To describe Jeremy Bonderman, it would have to be a mixture of good and bad. His career ERA is near 5, he's never won more than 14 games in a season and has never had an ERA for a season under 4. He was staked to a six-run lead at home vs. Kansas City on the final day of the 2006 season and ultimately blew that lead and ended up costing the Tigers the divison title. Yet, he rebounded to pitch dominating baseball in the 2006 post-season after the Tigers limped in as the Wild Card team. He's shown flashes, racking up numerous double digit strikeout games and injuries has slowed him down lately, he's recovered to become the second most consistent starter in the Tigers rotation in 2010. He's never going to be the top of the line ace he was envisioned to be, but he can a quality No. 3 starter on this team.
STARTING PITCHER - RICK PORCELLO
STATS: (2009) 31 Starts, 14-9, 3.96 ERA, 170.2 Innings Pitched, 176 Hits, 81 Runs, 75 Earned Runs, 52 Walks, 89 Strikeouts
Rick Porcello in 2010 may have struggled to the point where he's been demoted to Toldeo, but in 2009, Rick Porcello was the wunderkind of the Tigers rotation. As guys like Jeff Weaver and Jeremy Bonderman failed to live up to the hype, Porcello did. As a 20-year-old, Porcello eventually emerged himself as the Tigers No. 2 starter, became the first rookie to have five wins in a month since Dwight Gooden and was cool under pressure during the Tigers' divison race in 2009. He started the one-game playoff at Minnesota and kept the Tigers in the game, but his bullpen blew that game. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting and if he can work out his problems at Toldeo, figures to be a huge part of the Tigers starting rotation for years to come.
CLOSER - TODD JONES
STATS: (2000-2001, 2006-2008) 287 Games, 16-21, 146 Saves, 4.18 ERA, 279.2 Innings Pitches, 311 Hits, 149 Runs, 130 Earned Runs, 99 Walks, 181 Strikeouts
The rollercoaster had two stints as the Tigers' closer and both ended poorly, but you can't argue the results. He's the all-time saves leader for the Tigers and his 146 saves far and away lead the team in the decade. Dubbed "The Rollercoaster," by the late Ernie Harwell, his saves were never easy and when he didn't have his best stuff, the results were disastrous. Jones best season as a Tiger came in 2000 when he lead the American League with a career high 42 saves and posted a 3.52 ERA. His return to the team in 2006 produced seasons of 37 and 38 saves before losing his position as closer in 2008.
RELIEF PITCHER - JOEL ZUMAYA
STATS: (2006-2009) 140 Games, 11-11, 4 Saves, 3.15 ERA, 171.2 Innings Pitched, 137 Hits, 67 Runs, 60 Earned Runs, 103 Walks, 176 Strikeouts
The hard throwing right hander has been an enigma during his time as a Tiger. When he's been healthy, he is quite possibly the best set-up man in baseball with a fastball that tops 100 MPH on a consistent basis. When he's not healthy, which has been often, he has been very, very hittable. His rookie year was far and away his best seasons with Zumaya posting career bests in games (62), wins (6), ERA (1.94), innings pitched (83.1) and strikeouts (93). In his injury plagued 2007, 2008 and 2009 seaons, he went 5-8 with a very average 4.30 ERA, never appearing in more than 29 games. With his health apparently in order though, Zumaya is having a career year serving as the primary set-up man for closer Jose Valverde.
RELIEF PITCHER - FERNANDO RODNEY
STATS: (2002-2003, 2005-2009) 308 Games, 15-30, 70 Saves, 4.28 ERA, 330 Innings Pitched, 300 Hits, 172 Runs, 157 Earned Runs, 170 Walks, 314 Strikeouts
Many not remember Fernando Rodney's first two years as a Tiger, I certainly didn't and his numbers certainly don't look like anything he posted in his career year. Rodney went 2-6 with three saves a 6.04 ERA in 47 games in 2002 and 2003 before Tommy John surgery cost him the 2004 season. Rodney may have had the best changeup in baseball but command issues always his appearances very Todd Jones-esque, and don't even get me started on how he wore his stupid hat. He saved a career high 37 games in 2009 in lone season as the Tigers' closer but was allowed to leave via free agency. With how Jose Valverde has been easily saving games, I doubt anybody really misses him.
RELIEF PITCHER - BRANDON LYON
STATS: (2009) 65 Games, 6-5, 3 Saves, 2.86 ERA, 78.2 Innings Pitched, 56 Hits, 25 Runs, 25 Earned Runs, 31 Walks, 57 Strikeouts
Lyon's short tenure in Detroit got off to an awful start but finished with him emerging as one of the top set-up men in baseball. Lyon started off 1-3 with a 6.89 ERA in 13 games and was universally hated by Tiger fans but went on to finish the season 5-2 with a 1.86 ERA over 52 games and became the top set-up man for Fernando Rodney. Even though his time in Detroit was short, he had one of the best single seasons for a Tigers reliever during the entire decade.
RELIEF PITCHER - JAMIE WALKER
STATS: (2002-2006) 327 Games, 12-12, 5 Saves, 3.33 ERA, 270 Innings Pitched, 258 Hits, 114 Runs, 100 Earned Runs, 59 Walks, 205 Strikeouts
Every team needs a situtaion, rubber armed lefty and this team's is Jamie Walker. Waker led the Tigers in appearances in 2003, 2004 and 2005, appeared in over 70 games twice and posted a career best 2.81 ERA in 2006. Walker's 327 appearances are the most by far for any Tiger reliever for the decade and his 3.33 ERA is second best for the team, if you don't count the lone year Brandon Lyon spent in Detroit. Walker was a valuable left out of the bullpen that the Tigers have struggled to replace since he left.
RELIEF PITCHER - ZACH MINER
STATS: (2006-2009) 157 Games, 35 Starts, 25-20, 1 Save, 4.24 ERA, 357 Innings Pitched, 375 Hits, 184 Runs, 168 Earned Runs, 145 Walks, 217 Strikeouts
Just like every team needs a situational lefty, every team needs that spot starter/longer reliever and Zach Miner fits that bill. Miner's stuff has never been quite good enough to stay in the starting rotation but he has been good enough to stay in the bullpen and be the team's "6th" starter, he's started atleast one game in all of his four big league seasons and started 16 in 2006 and 13 in 2008. He had a career best 3.02 ERA in 2007 appearing primarily out of the bullpen and had a career best eight wins in 2008. Arm problems that led to Tommy John surgery cost him his 2010 season.
This team may not be a juggernaut and certainly wouldn't be a World Series favorite but the team is no slouch and has some good young talent which should make up the core of the All-Decade team for the 2010s.
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