If you're a Tigers fan, you know that Todd Jones is an emotional guy. When his first stint in Detroit ended with a trade to the Twins, he cried in front of reporters. And when the Tigers clinched a playoff spot in 2006, he cried in front of reporters. So really, when reporters gathered around his locker to ask about his being yanked from the closer role, they had to expect a little water works, right? As Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News relays, Jonesy didn't disappoint.
"I've been to the depths of everything emotionally, but this is just one of those things you have to go through, too," Jones said, his eyes reddening. "You know, you're born into the big leagues and then you're born a closer and then one day you're no longer trusted with the brunt of the load in the ninth inning. My day came -- what is it, July 27? -- so there's no spilled milk here."No spilled milk, but plenty of crying. Look, I'm not trying to poke fun at Jones. He seems like a likable enough fellow (well, unless you're gay), and if you listen to the audio of the interview, it's hard not to feel a little sorry for him. But on the other hand ... wow, he really didn't see this coming?
Jones stopped and referenced [Jim] Leyland, who always stood behind him but couldn't do it now.
"I mean, I love that guy," Jones said, his lip quivering, his voice cracking. Finally, he turned away.
He's an awful closer, and he's been an awful closer for some time. Since the beginning of May his ERA has hovered dangerously close to 6.00, and it's only by the grace of God that he's only blown three saves this year. If anything, he's living proof that the closer role is one of the most overrated in all of sports -- even a mediocre pitcher should be able to last three outs when handed a three-run margin of error.
And Jones can no longer even do that. I'd be shedding a tear if I were him, too.
