Pudge is on the decline?????

[richie hebner]

I sure disagree with whomever quoted that Pudge is on the decline. He is 36 and is in as good of condition as most on the team. Just watch his face when he is playing. He is a real winner. I would keep him even if it meant him catching 110 to 120 games a year.

Pudge knows the importance of this year, and barring any serious injuries he will be a great asset to any team this year and beyond.

GO Tigers.

[KCGHOST]

Pudge is 36 and has hit the wall. He has averaged 132 games a year for the Tigers. He was a monster in 2004, but has seriously declined at the plate since then. In two of the last three seasons his OBP has been below .300 which is horrendous.

[Go get em Tigers]

Pudge has had a good spring

Apparently he has put back on some of the weight he lost a couple of years ago. He must be hitting the "weights" again. His career isn't over and his contract is up this year. I expect a better year out of him offensively than we've seen the last couple of years.

[slugger33]

He must be hitting the "weights" again.

Do you mean what I think you mean?

[shtawbs]

Just watch his face when he is playing.

I don't care if his face looks like Kate Beckinsale's if he hits like she does, which unfortunately, he does at this point in his career. I've always loved Pudge regardless of where he played, and it's a shame that his career - at least offensively - is basically over, but I'm afraid that's the case. As a Royals fan, there was absolutely no fear in my mind when he stepped to the plate the past couple days.

[Blackout]

pudge is probably an ex steroider, he's BEEN on the decline

[moldyoldie]

Folks, of course he's on the decline -- HE'S 36 YEARS OLD AND NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER!

The issues are can he perform the tough catching duties on a regular basis better than anyone else available, hit well above his weight, and for management types, justify his outsized salary? In other words, can he help deliver a championship to Detroit?

After only three games, it's still too soon to tell. At present, no hitter on this team is justifying his salary.

[slugger33]

Yes, he is on the decline. He was never a patient hitter, but 9 walks is ridiculous for anybody. He swings at almost every pitch. It kills me that he bats 6th in this lineup, when be belongs in the 9 hole. I kind of feel sorry for him though. In his first season as a Tiger, he was the best hitter on the team. Now he is the worst. It would never happen, but I think it would benefit the Tigers if Inge was the starting catcher.

HE'S 36 YEARS OLD AND NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER!

Barry Bonds hit 73 homers when he was 36.

[moldyoldie]

Barry Bonds hit 73 homers when he was 36.

Yeah, but Barry Bonds isn't a catcher!

[sturg1dj]

um...look at Pudges career....he may still be a top catcher...but he is definitely on the decline

[Captain Cold Nose]

pudge is probably an ex steroider, he's BEEN on the decline

Whether or not he did use in the past, it would be very stupid for Pudge to be currently using at all, obvious decline or not. Right now he has mere suspicions and accusations and bigger profile players taking all the heat. It would be foolish for him to risk it any furhter than he has.

Thankfully, his offense isn't as crucial as it once was.

[sturg1dj]

Whether or not he did use in the past, it would be very stupid for Pudge to be currently using at all, obvious decline or not. Right now he has mere suspicions and accusations and bigger profile players taking all the heat. It would be foolish for him to risk it any furhter than he has.

Thankfully, his offense isn't as crucial as it once was.

there is no question he used...but unlike many others you can plainly see that as soon as the drug testing came about he stopped using.