Maybe it's the economy...

Maybe it's the economy(or maybe not), but as usual, there are some baseball players and teams that quite haven't lived up to expectations this season. I realize we've still got another month to play, but for the most part the dye is cast and these disappointments are in stone for 2008:

• The Detroit Tigers' pitching staff. Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers, Jeremy Bonderman, and Nate Robertson are a combined 28-37 with ERAs of 4.60, 4.94, 4.29, and 6.09 respectively. Only one (Verlander) has thrown a complete game this season. And let's not forget off-season acquisition Dontrelle Willis who was part of the blockbuster Miguel Cabrera deal. He's been wilder than the Tasmanian Devil and spent half the season in the minors. Only one Tigers' pitcher right now has over 10 wins and that's Armando Galarraga and thankfully he's been pretty good. But when compared with 2007, when Verlander won 18 games with a 3.66ERA and pitched a no-hitter, and in 2006, when Bonderman, Rogers, Verlander, and Robertson all won at least 13 games and Rogers and Verlander both won 17 and all did it with ERAs averaging in the 3's, the pitching for the Tigers just plain sucks. And that is the main reason why one of baseball's most talented and expensive teams won't make the playoffs.
• Speaking of losing playoff hopes, the New York Yankees' Jorge Posada has been a huge disappointment after a wonderful 2007 season and signing his big contract extension in the offseason. Posada has gone from a .338 Batting Average in 2007 to a .268 Batting Average in 2008. He's gone from 20 Home Runs in 2007 to 3 Home Runs in 2008. He had 90 RBIs in 2007 and 22 for 2008. He's only played 51 games this year and unfortunately injury has kept him out. Injury is not his fault, but it's sad and it's still a disappointment. Here's hoping he comes back next year stronger than ever because the Yankees need a good Posada in order to win.
• The Texas Rangers signing Kevin Millwood. When the Rangers signed Millwood before the 2006 season, they thought they finally had their ace. Millwood had lead the league in ERA the season before. But sadly, he's been a disappointment for the Rangers and he's often hurt. His record thus far through three seasons is 33-33 with ERAs of 4.52, 5.16, and 5.24 each season. He's only thrown 4 complete games and his Strikeout total has decreased by a good number every season. He's gotten worse each season and he has not been an ace worthy of staff ace money. He may be a good guy, but he's not a good investment.

More later...