Maroth Best Bet For Rotation Spot

Certainly, Jim Leyland has a good idea of what he's going to do with Mike Maroth when the lefthander's rehabilitation period is done, and he's ready to return to the Tigers' active roster. For sure he has already tipped his hand, at least to GM Dave Dombrowski -- if not to Maroth himself.

Here's to hoping that Leyland's decision is to insert Maroth into the starting rotation, replacing the struggling rookie Zach Miner.

Miner is fading, and a return to the bullpen is in order for him. But toss Maroth into the fray, and take your chances with the young veteran.

Such is the free advice offered by another riff-raff blogger.

But it's sound, I believe (naturally). No need in trotting Miner out there every fifth day, in the heat of a pennant race, when you have the more experienced -- and lefthanded -- Maroth available.

Miner's ERA since the All-Star break is around 7.00. He is laboring more and more in each start, it appears. The team yanked Chris Shelton away from the fire to correct his swing. Perhaps the same treatment can be afforded to Miner -- shy of sending him to Toledo, however.

There would be absolutely no shame for Miner if he would be pulled from the rotation. He rescued the team, in a way, when he was recalled from Toledo to replace Maroth in May. Under the circumstances, he's done a whale of a job; it could have been a lot worse, after all. But it's time for him to step out of the rotation and let Maroth do his thing.

Yesterday I wrote how important Leyland will become in September. One of his most important decisions, I believe, will be to iron out the fifth starter dilemma.

My vote is for Mike Maroth.

Isn't the manager lucky to have me around?