Jonesy Returns to the DL; Baffling Roster Move Ensues

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 17, 2008 11:03 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

As it turns out, Todd Jones was so awful on Friday night because his shoulder is still bothering him. Or the 38 pitches he threw in that outing brought the soreness back. Whatever the reason, the Tigers put him back on the 15-day disabled list today. This isn't a repeat. I'm not trying to recycle posts to keep the site updated during these dog days of August.

So much for being able to dismiss injuries in causing Jones's struggles. Still, as was the case with his previous DL stint, you have to wonder if this is something the Tigers did to prevent putting Jones through the indignity of being designated for assignment.

Here's the head-scratching follow-up move: To replace Jones on the major league roster, the Tigers called up Gary Glover from Triple-A Toledo. Not Clay Rapada. Or Francisco Cruceta. Or Ian Ostlund. Or Casey Fien. Gary Glover. Maybe your reaction was the same as mine: Who the $#@% is Gary Glover? I didn't even know he was in the Tigers' organization.

Actually, he wasn't before last week. Glover signed with the Tigers on August 9. Before that he was with the Tampa Bay Rays, who released him after allowing 42 hits in 34 innings, during which he compiled a 1-2 record and 5.82 ERA. In his last two appearances with Tampa, he allowed 10 runs (and nine hits) in 1 2/3 innings. Gee, why do you think the Rays released him?

Glover's career record is 28-25 with a 5.02 ERA. In three appearances with the Mud Hens (covering four innings), he allowed no runs, along with three hits and four strikeouts.

I don't get this move at all. I wonder if even Jim Leyland is flabbergasted and shocked at this one. Why not give some of these younger relievers a look? Are the Tigers worried about using up minor league options or burning up service time? Why not get a look at the future and start planning for next year, instead of calling up a journeyman reliever who hasn't done anything of note with any of his previous employers? Oh, he throws strikes? Yes, and batters mash them.

What the hell is going on here?

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Comments

Absolutely right, Ian.

This makes no sense whatsoever. The only possible reason is to not burn up someone else’s minor league options.

I am sure DD has a reason. I think.

by rook34 on Aug 17, 2008 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

I think the minor league options sounds like a good reason…let’s face it, the chances of us getting to the playoffs are, well, you know. bring in somebody to finish the season then get rid of him at the end. let the hens get all the playing time they can now in toledo, and remake the bullpen for next year. there’s really no point in bringing them up right now unless DD really honestly thinks they will make the difference.

by wepri31 on Aug 17, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Options

Exactly. Why burn options on guys that might make a difference when it matters when you can call this guy up instead? We’re not chasing the playoffs anymore. We’d have to go on quite a tear to take the division, our best chance at the playoffs (let’s face it, the East is getting the wild card this year). Should we actually threaten, I’m sure the 40-man roster will suffice. For now, this is what DD and the front office think is right for the team.

by john.kmiecik on Aug 17, 2008 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

gary glover

who and the hell is this guy? Gary glover? that name sounds made up or something.

by PBURGTIGER on Aug 17, 2008 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Isn’t he the guy who did “Rock & Roll, Part II”?

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 17, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I've almost given up

trying to make sense of this club’s decisions. They don’t even get the benefit of the doubt with their sub-500 record

Mack Avenue Tigers

by Kurt Mensching on Aug 17, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

That’s the thing ~~- we’re sub~~.500 on August 17th. Making the playoffs simply isn’t going to happen at this point. There isn’t a compelling reason to bring up medicore to good pitching for the bullpen to waste options and decrease playing time when they can be left to work on their stuff at the developmental level, where they belong.

by john.kmiecik on Aug 17, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions