Absolutely not.
Would you trade Todd Jones for a pitcher that was 23 for 24 in save opportunities with a 3.19 ERA?
Probably, but what is the name of this pitcher I speak of?
Todd Jones. Really.
At the All-Star break, if you were to remove Jones' worst three outings, these are the stats you would get. Yes, he has given up 22 earned runs in 34 innings, but if you remove the three, he has given up 11 in 31 for a 3.19 ERA--quite respectable for a closer.
Let's look at those three outings, by the way. In only one of those outings did he take on the stereotypical closer role. The other two, he gave up a whole mess of runs in his second inning of work. If the games weren't in extra innings, or the day after the Tigers depleted their bullpen, he would not have even been in the game.
Face it, Jones is a one-inning-pitcher. He is not made to go any longer. His fastball has lost a little, and after Zumaya, Bonderman, Rodney, etc, it is easier to hit. When Giambi hit the two-strike fastball out of the park to help the Yanks win it in extra innings, everyone knew that a curveball was coming. Fact is, that Jones wouldn't have even been pitching to him under normal circumstances.
And let's talk "normal circumstances" they have been the case in about 30 of Jones' 33 appearances (91%). Over 162 games, that would be about 150 being normal. A team wants to win 66% under normal condititons and split the other 12 games. that would be a record of about 106 wins, which would win any division pretty much any time. If Jones doesn't have to pitch more than an inning, he is a much better pitcher.
When it comes to the playoffs, there are so many rest days that the entire bullpen is available. The Tigers will have six starters. If it comes down to the 12th inning, they will put in a starter that is rested, not Jones. If Jones pitches with a tie, it will be for only one inning. Truth be told, he is just fine in that situation.
Jones has given up zero runs in his last five outings--all exactly one inning long--and just one run in his last eight. He does seem always let a runner on base, but he is cool and does not let it get to him. He blew a couple in a 10-game span, and just kept pitching (with fine outings in between). He is a veteran, and he has the most saves in Tigers' history. He should be treated accordingly by the fans.
Sure, it is scary to watch him pitch, but he walks so many less batters than Rodney or Zumaya, and he usually only gives up singles. Let him play, and get off his back. He'll hold down the fort when it counts.
