Bonderman Ready to Return?

by Ian Casselberry on Jun 1, 2009 8:30 AM EDT in News Comment 9 comments

Will we see Jeremy Bonderman in a Detroit Tigers uniform for the first time this season next Monday in Chicago?

In his fourth minor league rehab start (third with Triple-A Toledo), Jeremy Bonderman showed major progress, the kind of jump that makes it look as if he's ready to rejoin the Detroit Tigers. In eight innings of work last night, Bondo allowed no runs on six hits, with five strikeouts and no walks. He threw 98 pitches, 66 of them for strikes. So it appears that his control is fine and his stamina has built back up. But has his velocity returned to full strength?

According to the Toledo Blade game story, Bonderman consistently threw "in the 80s." Jason Beck says he was in the 88 to 90 m.p.h range, which sounds better. In post-game remarks, however, Bondo insisted he was more concerned about using an assortment of pitches and working on his overall game, rather than try to blow away opposing batters.

Might that pitching repertoire have included the ever-elusive change-up? Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish told reporters that Bonderman got "some weak swings" from left-handed hitters with a change-up, and also threw a good slider throughout the game.

So is Bondo ready to be added to Detroit's starting rotation? Team officials wouldn't say what the next step is, but I think Billfer has it right: The Tigers will need a sixth starting pitcher a week from today for a day-night doubleheader versus the White Sox at Chicago. Someone would likely have to be called up anyway, so if Bonderman is ready, this would be the ideal opportunity.

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I Think That.....

……You are right on Bonderman pitching one of the games in the Double Header next monday…..Then I think Galaraga moves to the pen and your rotation looks like this.

JV – Jackson – Pocello – Willis- Bonderman

I really like that rotation

by BennieBladesFan on Jun 1, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Marcus Thames homered too

Which is good because I think the Tigers are missing a bit of “country strong” from the lineup right now. But I want to see him be a bit more consistent before bringing him back to face major league hitting.

Mack Avenue Tigers

by Kurt Mensching on Jun 1, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Im not sure thats.....

…..really that important with a verteran on a rehab assignment……Im sure he wants to get back to Detroit and that starts to hurt his approach…..Remember the lighting isnt that good down there and that can also affect his hitting…..I think hes ready and i dont know what they are waiting for….Hope hes up soon.

by BennieBladesFan on Jun 1, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

striking out a third of the at-bats was in the plans either.

I know Brent Clevlen made a comment about the lighting being better in the majors, but I think you’re taking that too far. Guys who move from AAA to MLB tend to see their numbers go down, not up. Maybe the lighting is better in the majors, but so is the competition.

Maybe what they’re waiting for is for him to be ready….

Mack Avenue Tigers

by Kurt Mensching on Jun 1, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree

The lighting is the reason for an average around .100? Ridiculous. He’s not ready. I like our OF in the majors more anyway, at least they’re not Pedro Cerrano.

As for Bondo, put him in the bullpen until he shows his velocity is there. I don’t know how Blades Fan there can have such faith in Bonderman, Dontrelle, and Marcus, but not in Armando.

ABC baby, always be closing.

by ALWAYSBCLOSING on Jun 1, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My opinion...

When Thames gets back send down Raburn. Use Bonderman for the double header and buy yourself a little more time to decide on what to do with the rotation…probably best to move Willis to the bullpen and try trading someone (Nate, Miner). Also, PLEASE send down Sardinha and bring up Ryan. Carlos won’t be back for a while which is fine because the platoon with Anderson and Clete seems to be doing well.

by Tagne13 on Jun 1, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Phillies

With Brett Myers being out for most of the season, and with Jamie Moyer having an up and down season, they seemingly are in need of some pitching help (they said they don’t want to put Chan Ho Park into the rotation). I personally think a change of scenery would do Nate a world of good…

by peazgrl on Jun 1, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Speed

I was at the Mud Hens game last night and mid-80s is probably a better description than 88-90 range. But Bonderman, other than the velocity, was GREAT. I think he’s ready for a return. And Thames might be ready but not sure. He looked healthy and sharp, bu I think his average is in the lower .100 range, which is scary. But yesterday , at least, he had all the power he did before.

Actually every Hen got a hit except for Brent Clevlen…

Alan Goldsmith

by alangoldsmith on Jun 1, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bondo

I think I want him back more for a sense of accomplishment than anything else. He would be a great addition, but I like the guy and I just want to see him throw again.

-s
trumbullandmichigan.com

by seanheyboer on Jun 2, 2009 12:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs