Zumaya Drama (detroit tigers)

As pitchers and catchers report to spring training, word is coming out of Lakeland that Joel Zumaya is feeling good and ready to battle for the closers role.

Nothing too surprising here, since 2006 Joel has had numerous stops and starts in what has become an ongoing effort to recover from multiple injuries. The circumstances surrounding the injuries are well documented, from “moving boxes” to avoid a fire at home, to playing a video game, to hurting his  esophagus doing a keg stand, Joel is nothing if not interesting.

So forgive me if i’m a bit skeptical of this latest comeback. What I found interesting from his recent comments in Lakeland was not his bravado or confidence. We’ve heard that before. No, it was a more subtle remark he made in recounting his offseason. The context was in dealing with a fracture that was healing slower than he expected. “So I stopped going to the doctor’s. I just cut it — didn’t even answer the phone calls telling me I had an appointment.”

Say what? Does this sound like a measured and rational approach to dealing with an injury? Sounds like more of the same irrational immaturity from Joel. Evidence that we should probably expect more of the same this year.

The good news is that Tigers officials have finally developed a contingency plan around Joel. With the acquisition of Lyon, we at least have alternative options besides the dynamic Zumaya/Rodney combo.

Should be a fun spring.