Revised Playoff Roster

Who will step it up to take the final roster spots?

The countdown from 18 games begins Tuesday, and it isn't clear who will be the most valuable players to make the playoff roster as reserves; no one is distinguishing themselves at this point, and it isn't a given that Oakland appears be the first round opponent, as the Tiger free-fall continues. It still has to be assumed that the Tigers will carry 11 on their pitching staff. With the quality of arms in their stockpile, they probably could get by with 10, but picking 11 will be slighting one of them of a deserving spot, but they will need more depth at the plate, to have a chance to advance to the ALCS. Let's look at the pitching options.

With the Division Series being a best of five format, the top three starting pitchers will be called upon, with a fourth probably not slotted for a start, but available for a long relief role. These would be my selections in this order:

1. Kenny Rogers ~ Game 1

2. Justin Verlander ~ Game 2

3. Nate Robertson ~ Game 3

4. Jeremy Bonderman ~ Long Relief

Let's flip to the end of games to round out the bulk of the essentials:

5. Todd Jones ~ Closer

6. Fernando Rodney ~ Set-up

7. Joel Zumaya ~ Set-up

With four spots left, there are five viable options to choose from:

Jamie Walker, Jason Grilli, Wil Ledezma, Zach Minor, and Mike Maroth. I fill out the pitching staff as follows:

8. Jamie Walker

9. Jason Grilli

10. Mike Maroth

11. Wil Ledezma

A healthy Mike Maroth must be included on the relief corps, as he brings experience and versatility. Overall, comparing the stats of these five, Zach Minor would appear to be the one left off, provided Maroth is ready to go.

Maroth and Ledezma are the best options vs. left-handers, while Walker and Grilli fare the best against right-handers. Over the past month, Maroth, Grilli, and Ledezma have had the most successful outings. With Bonderman available for relief duty, Miner is the most expendable.

Later in the week, I'll review the 14 hitters, who give the Tigers their best hope for advancing to the ALCS.

garold