Around the Horn: Turnbow an Option in Detroit?
-Dexter Sports
1:40 AM
Derrick Turnbow once saved 51 games for a lowly Brewers club. He was an all-star reliever in a town that hadn't had a winning season until last year. Recently, the leash was let loose and Turnbow was designated for an assignment. The Brewers literally could not find a way to control him. Now many teams in the league who need bullpen help will look into taking a chance at harnessing a pitcher who has not been the same since 2005. If any team can do it, he could be the biggest asset this season. He has the stuff to make it happen, he just needs new scenery, and the right pitching coach. Mike Maddux, the Brewers long time pitching coach has given it all he has, now it simply comes down to: who wants to take on the challenge?
Now that we know that the Rangers are probably not suitors, lets take a look at a few ball clubs that should at least think about signing Turnbow.
Detroit Tigers- Though the pen has been a lot stronger in the last few weeks, losses of Jason Grilli via trade and Denny Bautista to injury, open up a spot for Turnbow. Pitching Coach Chuck Hernandez has been a key factor in developing young fireballers Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya. He could be just the right guy to resurrect Turnbow's career. This Bullpen could be the best in baseball by the trading deadline. Fernando Rodney, Derrick Turnbow, Joel Zumaya and with the emergence of Clay Rapada and Denny Bautista could shape up nicely come playoff time. If Fransico Crueta works out, then this pen could be in tip top shape. The only problem is that turnbow might not be willing to take a middle relief job. That might be the only work available though.
Seattle Mariners- Why not shorten your bullpen a bit and give this guy a shot? Mark Lowe has been horendous and with the loss of George Sherrill, this team doesn't have a bullpen leader. I'm not saying that Turnbow can be that, but he can bring 95 MPH heat with a nasty bending curve if he is harnessed well. None other is better than pitching veteran Mel Stottlemyre who was the genius behind the beautiful Yankee pitching in the '90s and 2000's.
New York Yankees- Speaking of the Yanks, Joe Girardi could use someone down in his pen, especailly if Joba Chamberlain makes his move to the bullpen. Kyle Farnsworth and Latroy Hawkins have been atrocious. Turnbow might not be any better, but he at least has the potential to. I really think it would be wise for the Yankees, considering there is not much relief depth available at the deadline.
Chicago Cubs- Though I would be surprised to see Turnbow land with the Cubs, it would be a bad move in their part to scoop up Turnbow. I could see him coming to Chicago just for the rival factor and I can see Chicago pursuing him. Beyond Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood, this team lacks any dominant righties. Turnbow is a better solution than Chad Fox or Micheal Wurtz.
1:40 AM
Derrick Turnbow once saved 51 games for a lowly Brewers club. He was an all-star reliever in a town that hadn't had a winning season until last year. Recently, the leash was let loose and Turnbow was designated for an assignment. The Brewers literally could not find a way to control him. Now many teams in the league who need bullpen help will look into taking a chance at harnessing a pitcher who has not been the same since 2005. If any team can do it, he could be the biggest asset this season. He has the stuff to make it happen, he just needs new scenery, and the right pitching coach. Mike Maddux, the Brewers long time pitching coach has given it all he has, now it simply comes down to: who wants to take on the challenge?
Now that we know that the Rangers are probably not suitors, lets take a look at a few ball clubs that should at least think about signing Turnbow.
Detroit Tigers- Though the pen has been a lot stronger in the last few weeks, losses of Jason Grilli via trade and Denny Bautista to injury, open up a spot for Turnbow. Pitching Coach Chuck Hernandez has been a key factor in developing young fireballers Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya. He could be just the right guy to resurrect Turnbow's career. This Bullpen could be the best in baseball by the trading deadline. Fernando Rodney, Derrick Turnbow, Joel Zumaya and with the emergence of Clay Rapada and Denny Bautista could shape up nicely come playoff time. If Fransico Crueta works out, then this pen could be in tip top shape. The only problem is that turnbow might not be willing to take a middle relief job. That might be the only work available though.
Seattle Mariners- Why not shorten your bullpen a bit and give this guy a shot? Mark Lowe has been horendous and with the loss of George Sherrill, this team doesn't have a bullpen leader. I'm not saying that Turnbow can be that, but he can bring 95 MPH heat with a nasty bending curve if he is harnessed well. None other is better than pitching veteran Mel Stottlemyre who was the genius behind the beautiful Yankee pitching in the '90s and 2000's.
New York Yankees- Speaking of the Yanks, Joe Girardi could use someone down in his pen, especailly if Joba Chamberlain makes his move to the bullpen. Kyle Farnsworth and Latroy Hawkins have been atrocious. Turnbow might not be any better, but he at least has the potential to. I really think it would be wise for the Yankees, considering there is not much relief depth available at the deadline.
Chicago Cubs- Though I would be surprised to see Turnbow land with the Cubs, it would be a bad move in their part to scoop up Turnbow. I could see him coming to Chicago just for the rival factor and I can see Chicago pursuing him. Beyond Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood, this team lacks any dominant righties. Turnbow is a better solution than Chad Fox or Micheal Wurtz.
