Job Posting: Detroit Pitching Coach

It was announced Monday after the 8-2 debacle against the White Sox that the Detroit Tigers' pitching coach Chuck Hernandez, and bullpen coach Jeff Jones, have been canned like last year's harvest.

When asked to comment what new voice could reach the pitchers, the ever direct Leyland replied dryly, "I would have to say, at least one of the apostles."

Good one, skipper.

The pitching rotation experienced difficulties from the beginning. After spending $29 million on a 3-year contract with Dontrelle Willis, he walked 21 batters in 11 1/3 innings in his second start after coming off the DL with a hyper-extended left knee. Ouch.

Nate Robertson, Tigers Reach Deal

Nate Robertson and the Detroit Tigers avoided salary arbitration Wednesday, settling on a $21.25 million, three-year contract.

The 30-year-old lefty, who has helped the Tigers become serious contenders over the last few years, was 9-13 with a 4.76 ERA in 30 starts last season. His best year came in 2006, when he went 13-13 with a 3.84 ERA, aiding in Detroit's trip to their first World Series since 1984.

Robertson is pretty pumped about the new deal, considering he and his wife, who live in the Detroit area during the offseason, are expecting their first child.

"The timing has been perfect," he said.

Motown's established rotation already includes youngsters Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman, veteran Kenny Rogers, and new-comer Dontrelle Willis, who was acquired along with third baseman Miguel Cabrera by way of trade with the Florida Marlins this winter.

[Detroit Free Press]

Tigers' Nate Robertson on the DL

The Detroit Tigers placed struggling starter Nate Robertson on the 15-day disabled list today with a "tired arm."

Okay, we're just making stuff up, now. A tired arm? Fatigued groin?

Robertson faced only six batters on Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers, but allowed two walks, two singles, a triple and a grand slam before manager Jim Leyland pulled him. The Rangers went on to a 7-4 victory and Robertson was handed his fourth loss in five starts.

After the game, Robertson insisted there was nothing wrong with him, but Leyland thought otherwise.

So, the skipper had a 45-minute discussion with the left-hander prior to tonight's game against the Rangers. Afterward, Leyland announced that Robertson would be scratched from Sunday's start against the New York Mets and placed on the disabled list, refusing to answer any questions about the move.

Robertson didn't say that his arm was hurt, but admitted that his stuff sucks as of late. He called it a "beneficial decision for the team."

Lefty Andrew Miller will be called up from the AA Erie SeaWolves as Roberton's replacement for Sunday's start against the New York Mets.

[Detroit Tigers] | [Bless You Boys]