Nine Reasons Why Joel Zumaya Should Close

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland announced that Fernando Rodney would take over for Todd Jones as the teams closer today. However, Detroit should be sending out Joel Zumaya in the ninth inning if they really want to have chance at making the playoffs. Here are nine reasons why Zumaya should be Detroit's ninth-inning man:

1. He Throws Over 100 MPH- Zumaya throws absolute gas. During an American League Divisional Playoff game against Detroit last year, New York Yankees third baseman and American League MVP Alex Rodriquez said he didn't even see Zumaya's 104 MPH fastball. Last year, Zumaya hit over 100 MPH on the radar gun 2

2. The Numbers Don't Lie- Rodney is 0-2 with 2 blown saves in 15 games so far this season. He also owns a 5.17 ERA and has walked 10 hitters in 15.2 innings so far. On the other hand, Zumaya has no record, but owns a 2.o4 ERA in 17.2 innings. The only blemish on Zumaya's season so far is the 16 walks he has allowed.

3. Detroit Wants To Go To The Playoffs- The Tigers currently sit 6.5 games behind both the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central and the Boston Red Sox in the race for the American League Wildcard. They cannot afford any blown saves by the struggling Rodney. Zumaya is a much safer bet to put the nail in the coffin in the ninth inning.

4. Detroit Can Develop Younger Talent- If Detroit plugs in Zumaya as the teams closer, it allows the 23-year old Zumaya a chance to get accustomed to the role he will likely fill eventually. It allows him to take his lumps but learn from his mistakes at the same time. Zumaya has the potential to be baseball's most dominating pitcher. Detroit should introduce him to the closer's role, where a dominating closer is something almost every team needs.

5. The Fans Love Him- The Tigers have played well below expectation so far this year, and if they continue to do so, they may have trouble bringing fans to the park. Zumaya could change that. He is very exciting and fans love seeing someone light up the radar gun with so much emotion. Zumaya is a very big draw for fans and could become an icon.

6. It's A Great Story (Part 1)- Zumaya grew up with very little money. At one point, his family was forced to sell their house and move in the Joel's uncle. Zumaya is a role model to underpriveledged children, and could give them hope to realize their dream if he plays a bigger role for the Tigers.

7. It's A Great Story (Part 2)- While helping his parents move away from the San Diego wildfires last year, Zumaya tore a ligament in his shoulder. By working his way back through tough rehab and staying focused, Detroit should reward Zumaya for the tough breaks he has gotten and the hard work he has put in to overcome them.

8. Intimidation- By having Zumaya lurking in the bullpen waiting for the ninth inning, it gives a sense of doom to an opposing team if they trail by the time Zumaya comes in the game. It is similar to the situations in Boston and New York, respectively. Both those teams have dominating closers (Jonathan Papelbon for Boston and Mariano Rivera for the Yankees), and it shortens the game for them, forcing opposing teams to win the game before the ninth inning rolls around.

9. He Is Lights-Out- Besides his 100-plus MPH heater, Zumaya owns a dominating slider. He has proven himself when he has been healthy and deserves a shot at closing. In 2006, the only full season of his career so far, Zumaya went 6-3 with a dominant 1.94 ERA. In addition, Zumaya had 30 holds, and allowed just 56 hits and 42 walks in 83.1 innings, all while striking out 97 hitters. Keep in mind, that was his rookie season and Zumaya was just 21 years old at the time. The Tigers should let him grow into the closers role where he can feel comfortable and return to his 2006 form.