Tom Gage

Tigers might have new Rogers

One is 23 years old and just beginning his major league career.

The other is 44 and just ended his.

We never got official word Kenny Rogers retired. He just doesn't pitch anymore. But when he pitched, not only did he do more than his share of winning, he was a rotation's dream as an alternative.

Stick him between two hard throwers and watch the hitters struggle for their timing.

Now back to the 23-year-old, who happens to be left-hander Luke French -- who happened to win his first major league game Wednesday against the Royals at Comerica Park -- and he doesn't throw hard.

That's not to say French throws as softly at the beginning of his career as Rogers did at the end. But he's not a flame-thrower.

And that's the point as the Tigers move into the second half of the season with French as part of their rotation in a pennant race. And yes, it becomes a pennant race next Friday when Detroit's season resumes in New York after the All-Star break.

New arm helps

So far, it has been a good first half. A hopeful first half. A half which will leave fans wondering if the Tigers can keep it going.

Actual contention begins in the second half, however. It's meant for August and September, not May and June.

Into their intention of contention, however, the Tigers take these starters: Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson, known commodities; Armando Galarraga, showing signs of returning to last year's effectiveness; rookie Rick Porcello, needing the mid-summer breather he's now getting, but coming off a fine first half.

And French, who's new to practically everyone.

Can the Tigers keep a second rookie in their rotation? Can French continue to pitch presentably? And where in the 1-5 order of the rotation is the best place for him to pitch?

On Wednesday, after French beat the Royals, manager Jim Leyland said this about any team facing a pitcher for the first time, as the Royals did with French:

Newness is a "huge factor."

"There were definitely a couple of times, because of the fact they hadn't seen him, that he got by with a couple of pitches he might not get by with next time," he said. "But I was really pleased with him.

"I have a lot of confidence in (Toledo manager) Larry Parrish and he really likes him. Yeah, he got away with a couple, but that's OK. Next time he might not throw (those) pitches."

The advantage for a pitcher facing a team for the first time?

"Hitters just aren't sure of the tilt on a breaking ball, the speed of a change-up or movement on a fastball," Leyland said.

Nice contrast

So there's no outward sign of trepidation in going forward.

And as for where to use French, pitching after the hard-throwing Verlander, as Rogers did in 2006, might be advisable. That's not to say French will enjoy the same success as Rogers, but his style of throwing presents the same contrast.

Isn't that right, Mark Teahen?

"He was all right, but we didn't help ourselves at all," the Royals third baseman said of French. "I think he benefited from throwing right after Verlander because everybody is jumping at the ball, and he's throwing off-speed stuff."

Just like you, Kenny.

And by the way, you are retired, aren't you?

tom.gage@detnews.com