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Tigers bullpen still the weak link

Jayne Kamin / USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers have their strengths in order. Victor Martinez is healthy and hitting, Ian Kinsler is getting on base and scoring runs, reigning MVP Miguel Cabrera is finally waking up, and the starting rotation continues to rack up quality starts. 

Their biggest weakness sits just beyond the left field fence, looming over every lead the Tigers take into the late innings. 

To be blunt, the Tigers bullpen is terrible in 2014. 

Having already surrendered 33 runs through 18 games, the Tigers cannot afford to feel comfortable in any game that isn't completed by one of their two Cy Young winning starters. 

The bullpen's 5.60 ERA is the worst in the American League, second-worst in all of baseball, with only the Philadelphia Phillies posting a higher number. 

Free agent acquisition Joe Nathan is a mess to begin his Tigers career. His ERA stands at 7.04 after allowing six earned runs and a pair of home runs in eight appearances. 

Phil Coke has been even worse, allowing eight hits and six runs for a 13.50 ERA in four innings of work. Luke Putkonen (27.00 ERA), Al Alburquerque (5.40), and Joba Chamberlain (4.05) have all added to the bullpen woes. 

The most frustrating part for the Tigers is the drop off once the bullpen doors open, as Detroit posted the second best starters ERA in the American league with an enviable 2.96  mark through 18 games. 

Reliever Phil Coke couldn't deny that the struggle of the relievers is becoming palpable among fans and the organization alike. 

“There seems to be a lot of unrest out there,” Coke told the Detroit News. "I understand that. I'm not asking anyone to not care. I expect fans to care that much. They care. I care."

With the adversity piling up and the numbers building a case against him, Coke spoke fiercely about having a shot at redemption. 

"I want back out there so bad. Honestly, it could be even a tighter situation. I'm the only guy out there? Good. I want to show everybody that I'm not washed up, I'm not done. I'm here to compete. I'm here to win." 

If he and the rest of the Tigers bullpen can turn things around, winning is a thing the team will do more often than not. 

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