Jose Valverde is Back

With great drama, on the night of April 24, 2013, a familiar ritual was performed in Comerica Park. Jose Valverde, AKA the fat potato, spit his water, did his dance and ran onto the mound in the ninth inning to save a baseball game for the Detroit Tigers. Some fans cheered, some fans booed, and Twitter went crazy. He accomplished a 1-2-3 inning with his half dyed beard, and left all in Detroit to wonder if he will be the answer to their bull pen woes (see previous post). This post will examine three reasons why he is the answer, and three reasons what he is not the answer that Detroit need to make a run at the world series in 2013.

Why he is the answer.

1.) The Tigers are in desperation mode. Not because of their record or how they are playing, but because the literally don't have someone to close. Papa Grande has been there and done that.

2.) He threw 95 mph last night. (Its not the 98, as reported, but 95 could get it done.)

3.) He brings a great presence with him. Who cares if he takes 3 minutes between pitches! The drama is ripe for watching. 

Why he is not the answer.

1.) He is 35 years old. 35 year old pitchers don't get better unless they are Bartolo Colon with a syrynge in his leg.

2.) It doesn't look like he can throw his splitter. All of his pitches last night were fastballs.

3.) It doesn't matter if he is throwing 95. Ninety five, without 85 is useless.