Todd Jones' experience invaluable - 07/21/2008

07/21/2008 8:20 PM ET
Jones' experience invaluable
Veteran closer leading the way for reliever Zumaya
By Mark Dent / Special to MLB.com

KANSAS CITY - When the Tigers needed one out on Sunday, manager Jim Leyland turned to Todd Jones. He got it, closing out the game.

That kind of consistency and durability is something Leyland believes can't be underestimated.

"He knows how to prepare himself and get himself ready," Leyland said. "That's part of the battle. He does a really good job of living with the ups and downs of a closer."

Jones didn't get a save for closing out the 5-1 Tigers win on Sunday, but he's converted 18 of 20 opportunities this season. He already is Detroit's career saves leader with 235.

Earlier this season, Leyland said he wanted to rest Jones slightly more. On Saturday, a night when Jones didn't pitch, the Tigers were unable to close the game in a loss to the Orioles. Reliever Joel Zumaya blew the save.

Zumaya has been a consistent setup man throughout his career. This season, despite injury problems, he has a 1.88 ERA. He had gone eight straight outings without giving up a run before the outing against Baltimore.

It was an experience Zumaya needed in order to see if he had the same type of closer mentality as someone like Jones.

"I don't think you find out until you have to get the final three [outs]," Leyland said. "I don't think you'll ever know until you have to get to the final three as much as possible on a nightly basis. Some guys you think are going be perfect for it and can't do it. Others you think wouldn't have the mentality get good at it."

Of course, Leyland said someone like Zumaya would have to be a closer for a full season, rather than just for spot saves, before anyone could find out if a reliever had the right makeup for a closer.

Jones has been doing it for several seasons, and that's why Leyland thinks he is so special.

"Two or three years ago, whenever we signed him," Leyland said, "people were probably wondering what the heck we were doing signing him and Kenny Rogers, but it worked out pretty good."

Mark Dent is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Todd Jones should be the closer until he retires in another 3-4 years

Jones Rules

Greatest Relief Pitcher in Tigers History

Greatest rain break entertainer in MLB!

laprimamirala wrote:

Greatest rain break entertainer in MLB!

true!

Where you always get a free ride. He does his job most of the time but i have to admit that i always have to close my eyes and therefore have no clue how he does his job.

:lol:

gs78 wrote:

Todd Jones should be the closer until he retires in another 3-4 years

he knows he's got a tough job! that fans love him one day and are ready to crucify him the next!

I wish I was Zoom's shoes. I so want to be mentored by Todd Jones.

you gotta show up at the ballpark and say you want him to adopt you!

Not Me

Always support Jones


Jones Rocks!

Maybe Jones can take over for Paws?

tigersaint wrote:

Maybe Jones can take over for Paws?

And get Cheerleaders like the Marlins Have



The DTE ENERGY SQUAD IS SO LAME


WHO WANTS TO LOOK AT A BUNCH OF 16 YEAR OLD GIRLS IN BAGGY SHORTS/ PANTS and ORANGE T SHIRTS DANCE ON THE DUGOUT?


I DON"T!

Then Again MR FAMILY VALUES ILITCH WON"T GO FOR THAT

His idea of entertainment is having a couple of 8 year old kids dance in that stupid text message contest they have on the scoreboard