The Hero for the Detroit Tigers post-season run just one short year ago, Kenny Rogers, is sputtering along on fumes this season. In fact, he's sitting on the DL...again. The center of a pine tar controversy, but nonetheless a simply magical and unhittable post-season run left many wondering just what Kenny Rogers had left or more importantly what he was putting into his tank to stay that rejuvenated. And to think the taboo word like, oh I don’t know STEROIDS has never been mentioned, now has it?
The main argument about Rogers performance last season was the substance on his hand in the World Series. Perhaps, they are barking up the wrong tree?
I know; we'd all like to keep that kind of stuff on the hush-hush. Look, let’s not jump to any conclusions. I’m just saying is all…could it be possible that Rogers was, um enhanced last year? How else could we really explain a 41 year old pitcher with a career history of post-season struggles and overall mediocrity, suddenly become “lights out” at the most crucial moment of his career? Most pitchers wilt away, not get better.
I know; we'd all like to keep that kind of stuff on the hush-hush. Look, let’s not jump to any conclusions. I’m just saying is all…could it be possible that Rogers was, um enhanced last year? How else could we really explain a 41 year old pitcher with a career history of post-season struggles and overall mediocrity, suddenly become “lights out” at the most crucial moment of his career? Most pitchers wilt away, not get better.
By no means am I saying he did use "something" to enhance his abilities, much like I believe Roger Clemens to have done, rather I'm just bringing the question into light. Rogers was nothing short of phenomenal last season, regular and post-season. He managed 17 wins against 8 losses with 3.84 ERA. The thought of ever hearing the words "Rogers stuff was electric tonight" roll off the tongue just seemed laughable for the longest time.
It just doesn't get electric without the aid of um, something...right? This season Rogers has struggled with the normal wear and tear we could expect from an aging pitcher. He's battled injuries and managed to spend the majority of his 2nd season in Motown on the DL. He's rallied to a 2-3 record with an ERA well over 5.00. His "stuff" has been anything, but electric or phenomenal.
Sure, we can always attribute age, injuries and what not to the diminished results. However, Rogers has lost any edge or velocity he may of ever had this season alone. It can't just go into the tank over night. In his last few starts before exiting stage right to the DL he was serving up gopher balls, fucking batting practice. He was peppered to the tune of 5,7,7 earned runs in each of his last three starts. However, the down slide started pretty much from the moment he hit the mound this season.
Again, just to clear the air...I'm not saying Kenny Rogers EVER did Steroids and I'm certainly not accusing him of doing so. Yet, it's also my right to imply the notion and ask just maybe, just maybe the pitcher we watched in awe last October wasn't all natural. The Kenny Rogers we are watching this season is a far cry from the guy who was pouring champagne over the police officer after the Tigers beat the Yankees in the ALDS. He's not the dude on the mound that was talking to himself, fist pumping, intense as fuck and all out filthy.
The Gambler has lost his mojo and whatever that mojo was...I'm not quite sure. Either way, maybe he just didn't know when to fold 'em or know when to hold 'em, because this ain't the guy who led the Tigers to their first World Series appearance since '84. And I'm asking myself why is that? And what happened to Kenny Rogers?
3 comments:
Kenny Rogers is a fucking loser.
The success of numerous older pitchers (Rogers, Clemens, Moyer, Johnson, et all) in the last decade, when in the decades previous 99% of all pitchers declined precipitously in their mid-30's, does give reason to suspicion.
One thing in Rogers' defense, he missed the entire 1st half of the season due to something entirely flukish. I'm not doctor, and don't play one on TV, but I don't think 'roids caused the blood clot in his shoulder.
Be it steroids, greenies, cortisone, beer, whatever got The Gambler thru 2006, he wouldn't be the 1st older pitcher to use up his arm while having a career year in a pennant winning season.
An '84 Tiger that comes to mind is Milt Wilcox. He was a career .500 pitcher, yet he went 17-8, and won 2 postseason games, in 1984 at age 34. He totally blew out his arm in the process, and his career was basically over.
I'd hate to see that happen to Rogers, as I like the Tigers' postseason chances a Hell of a lot better with The Gambler taking his regular turn.
And was it really pine tar? The Tigers homer in me prefers to think it was, as Todd Jones said, "Chocolate cake."
I agree whole heartedly that it was chocolate cake. One thing is certain if did try the juice...he is off it now and he hasn't used for the past five years like say, Roger Clemens.
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