Andy Oliver and Casey Crosby to compete for the fifth starting spot – MLB Detroit Tigers’ News
Detroit Tigers have looked in commanding form since the start of 2012 Spring Training Sessions. Tigers’ sensational 6-1 win-loss record suggests that they have raised the level of their game play significantly. The hitting line-up is packed with the likes of Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch. Other American League Central teams will certainly find it tough to cope with the depth and quality in Tigers’ batting attack.
Tigers’ pitching line-up looks as solid. Justin Verlander, Tigers’ ace will be leading the pitching pack. With an impressive 24-5 win-loss record last season, Verlander helped his team win the American League Central title in 2011. He also became the only pitcher of the season to win the Pitching Triple Crown Award.
However, the fifth starter spot in Tigers’ pitching rotation is still there to be grabbed. In an interview with a top sports website, Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland had stated that the Tigers will be looking for left handed thrower for the available position. Andy Oliver and Casey Crosby, who are lefty throwers, will have an excellent opportunity to impress their manager before the regular season kicks off in a few weeks.
"This is what I've done all my life, and this is what I'm going to continue to do until I get done," Leyland said. "I don't care whether it's spring training, winter ball, regular season. How does the guy get the hitters out when he throws the ball in the strike zone?”
"Sounds corny, but I think it's pretty good. How does his stuff play when it's over the plate. If it's not over the plate, it don't play in the big leagues. You get occasional swings ... don't get me wrong. They chase bad pitches, too, like everyone else."
Both pitchers have struggled with their control and accuracy in the past and it will be interesting to see if they can bring consistency in their game play to become a permanent part of Tigers’ bullpen. While there are plenty of factors that can affect Leyland’s final decision, reliability and durability will certainly be the key for him.
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