Tiger Geist

Yes, he won’t pitch again for the Tigers.  But why not?

Not in a meaningful way.  But Jones has had a very positive impact on the team, via two different stints (with two very different teams).  I doubt he’ll pitch again in the majors.  But why not have him throw out the first pitch?

No, not the ceremonial first pitch… the FIRST PITCH.

Last game of the season is at home, against the Rays, on a Sunday.  I know Leyland’s worried about fielding the best teams against playoff contenders.. but for the last game, let’s try this.  Have the starting pitcher do their warm up tosses in the bullpen.  Have Todd strut out, throw the first pitch of the game (most likely a pitch out), and have Leyland yank him.  Crowd goes wild, Detroit shows their appreciation for Jones, and he walks out one last time.  Have the real starting pitcher run out from the bullpen to pitch to the batter (maybe let him throw a warm up or two).

How can this be bad?  They’d have to put Jones back on the active roster (which i don’t think is an issue after Sept 1)… they can talk to the other team and umpires about how they want to do it as a gesture and how it won’t disrupt the flow of the game, just maybe delay the start by a few minutes.  Seriously, how much of an asshole would the Rays manager have to be to be against this?