Why Todd Jones… Why?

 

Anyone remember the last time they saw Todd do that?

 

*Chugs a quick beer*

Ok I think I’m ready to write.

Tonight I spent my time split between watching and listening to this horrendous excuse for a loss.  Both Mario Impemba and Dan Dickerson were in great sound tonight.  Both sounding equally disappointed when they watched and called Jermaine Dye’s homerun over Magglio Ordonez head. 

Speaking of heads, I demand Todd Jones head on a platter after tonight.  I don’t want him to pitch another game.  I know that isn’t an actual reality but one fan can hope. 

To quote Jones after tonight…

"Sometimes you get beat. Sometimes you beat yourself," said Jones, who was trying not to give Dye a good pitch to hit. "I don’t think I beat myself tonight. I think I just got beat. Dye hit a two-run homer. I guess that’s the way it goes. There’s nothing I can say. He got me. I have to live with that."

No shit, Sherlock.  Except I have to disagree with Jones on this:  Jermaine Dye just hit the lob that you threw over the plate so you beat yourself as well Mr. Jones.   Speaking of which, is anybody else sick of hearing about how Todd Jones “Has to live with it” … I get the impression that this is his default excuse for every time he sucks it up out there…And I’m sick of hearing it… Thoroughly.

What happened? What were you thinking?  Just wanting to play with the fans? Making us think that maybe… just maybe you might have a quick 9th inning? Ugh…

No, instead, to quote the general feeling among the fans at the Bless You Boys forum, “you kicked us in the gut”. 

One can only hope Leyland is ready to make a change.  I don’t care who they throw in there. As long as its not Jones.  I’ve never seen a team look so confident at the plate when they face Jones.  Its like their thinking “Hey, he’s gonna hurl something over the plate that we can hit.”

I guess the only next question is… Where do we go from here?

Well, you look to your ace, Justin Verlander, to steal a game, and then take back this series.  And obviously you hope to not have to go to Jones again.

Should there be a trade?

Personally I think not.  Unless you can package Sheffield and Renteria for some decent pitching (starting or closing), I think the Tigs should stay put. 

What should you do with Jones?

Personally, I’d just try to hope he works his stuff out… Preferably down in the Minors for a bit.  But likely what they’ll do is save him for a game where we have large run lead and see if he can’t blow it.

Who would be his replacement?

The answer I want to say is Joel Zumaya.  BUT I don’t think he’s ready yet, he just gives up too many walks.  I think he has the talent, he just has to play some more games and get the command back.  So, the question becomes, where do you go? Dolsi? Rodney? Fossum? Who?  The honest truth is I don’t know. That is Mr. Leyland’s decision to make… and based on his decisions so far this season, I don’t know how confident I am with him. 

Should Jim Leyland still go?

Yes. I will not repeat myself.

*Chugs another beer* 

Ok, I’m done.

 

P.S. FIRE CHUCK HERNANDEZ!