Kenny Rogers is technically on the list of free agent starting pitchers, but teams looking to add a wily veteran will have to look elsewhere. Lynn Henning of the Detroit News quotes Rogers as saying he’ll either play for the Tigers in 2008 or retire. He’ll be 43 in November, after all.
No doubt the Tigers would want Rogers back on a one-year deal if he can prove he’s healthy. This year he’s dealt with an arterial blockage in his pitching shoulder and a barking elbow. Most likely the two sides would get creative, maybe agreeing on $4MM guaranteed and another $4MM in incentives.
Without Rogers the Tigers can enter 2008 with a rotation of Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson, Andrew Miller, and Jair Jurrjens. That’s a solid group, even though the 2007 rotation has been a collective disappointment. Still, it’d be nice to add a sixth decent arm to the mix.
