That should be the last time we see Valverde

[tomdalton22]

I think they should just do match ups for the rest of the series. I would even use Porcello out of the pen.

 

[hungry]

I believe he has no choice honestly. I guess it all depends if Dave and the rest of the brass had any conversations with Jim? I would almost certainly believe that they have by now. But then again Jim is the manager so I suppose the decision overall is his to make.

But I would say that he is backed into a corner on this one, because something has to be done. Valverde is now a liability. And you really can't risk putting him out there in a close game.

Yep, he is backed into a corner. He'll be forced to use Valverde again as a closer and in any closing situation. He's got to stick with his guy. He doesn't have any other choice.

 

[tigersofjustice]

I guess the other night in Oakland when Valverde blew that game Dotel was urging Miggy to say something in the locker room but he wouldn't do it. I heard that on Valenti and Foster so take it with a grain of salt. I don't think he's comfortable being that guy. But it was nice to see them pissed about last night. And it was even better to see him back up the frustration by drawing the walk and scoring the winning run.

I don't know if this will be the complete end to Valverde this year. But I have to imagine that you cannot pitch him in NY unless he's the last pitcher left. That porch is just too short. And you could make the same argument for Benoit in NY.

Benoit could be avoided in Yankee stadium, he does give up home runs.

However, he's also very effective against lefties for a right handed pitcher. So he can deal with lefty heavy lineups with as much effectiveness as a lefty like Coke but with the added benefit that he is equally effective against righties, unlike Coke.

One run game in Yankee stadium is probably a bad spot for him, any other time should be fine.

 

[tigermud]

Jim has requested that nobody boo Jose when they get back home. reasonable request..

 

[kalinecountry]

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/video/...nager_postgame
Webvideo Leyland on Valverde situation.
Jim Leyland explains his plans for the team's bullpen, and clarifies how Jose Valverde will be used in the postseason.

 

[jdeb]

I heard on the radio today that they found a mechanical flaw in his delivery and Jones was working with him today. He is still the closer.

 

[byco42]

Yep, he is backed into a corner. He'll be forced to use Valverde again as a closer and in any closing situation. He's got to stick with his guy. He doesn't have any other choice.

Really? After winning two games: one without him and one in spite of him? I say give him mop and bucket duty and not have a designated closer. Turn the whole paradigm on its ear. If there's a way to show he's injured and the league would approve his deactivation, I'd pursue that possibility as well.

 

[tigermud]

if mechanical flaw why does it always take so long for anyone to spot it, adjust, coach and work it out.. he's been struggling a bit this year, he throws 90+% fastballs and hitters are just sitting on it, this has been the case much longer than just in this post season. mechanical flaw? he's trying to get by on 1 pitch.

I don't get why not working on this "mechanical flaw" long ago (if in fact it's accurate).. either way I don't want to end up like Yankee's fans so I shall not boo. albeit still don't want to see him back until he's throwing something effective beside fastballs and if that never occurs well then it never occurs..