Not only does the present of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff look good, but so does the future. In addition to Bonderman and Verlander, the youngster who will form the top of the rotation for years to come, the Detroit system is getting quality efforts from their pitchers at AAA Toledo. Jordan Tata, who was with the big club pitching out of the pen, has just joined the rotation. He got roughed up in his first outing, but has shown he has the ability to pitch in the big leagues. Tata in a sense was promoted from the Tigers to the Mud Hens to work back into a starting role. The 24 year old Tata is not far from a return to the Tigers. Roman Colon replaced Tata in the Tigers pen after not allowing a run during his time at Toledo.In seven starts Wilfredo Ledezma has pitched well striking out 43 batters in just under 40 innings of work. He is only 2-3, but has a 3.18 ERA and has only walked eleven batters for a 1.21 WHIP. Ledezma is a rule five pick from a few years ago that was expected to battle for a spot in either the rotation or the bullpen for the Tigers. He started last season in the rotation and with his lack of control quickly pitched his way back to the minors.
Chad Durbin is putting up great numbers. He is 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 42.2 innings. Durbin has struck out 32 while walking only 8 and has a 1.15 WHIP. Durbin is 28 years old with major league experience with KC, Cleveland and Arizona. Chad has not had much success at the big league level so far in his career.
Tiger fans are aware that the trade of Kyle Farnsworth brought Roman Colon who is now in the Tigers pen. The other pitcher involved in the trade was Zach Minor. The 23 year old is pitching lights out and according to Colon is ready to be in the big leagues. Minor is 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in seven starts. He has walked 17 and struck out 31 while only allowing 31 hits in forty innings. He could turn out to be a major part of the Farnsworth trade instead of a throw in.
The final starter for Toledo is Colby Lewis with a 1-3 record but a solid 3.23 ERA. Lewis is 26 years old and formerly part of the Texas Rangers organization. He won 10 games for Texas in 2003 with a 7.30 ERA. He made three starts going 1-1 with a 4.11 ERA in 2004 before having to miss the rest of the season following rotator cuff surgery on his throwing shoulder. He adds some depth with some big league experience.
Lance Davis also made 4 starts, but he struggled going 0-2 with a 6.41 ERA. Davis will turn 30 in September and was a 16th round draft choice of the Reds in 1995. He is no longer in the Hens rotation.
The pitching for the 2005 International League Champs continues to be strong. Signs are looking up for the future of the Detroit Tigers.
