Why are Tigers Fans Pinching Brad Penny?

Hating on Brad Penny during this season for the Tigers is the equivalent of bemoaning a single cloud in the sky on an otherwise magical day when you don't have to work and you have a tee time waiting.

You’re looking for something negative in a sea of positives.

As of this writing, Penny is 10-10 with 5.07 ERA. His WHIP, if you’re into that sort of thing, is 1.53. He has struck out 71 batters this season, a mere 167 less than Justin Verlander.

He is, as the stats say he is, an average major league pitcher.

But what else would you expect out of a fifth starter?

In the 28 games he has started this season, the Tigers are 14-14. He has stayed healthy all season, and has been a reliable arm every fifth day.

There’s not much else you can ask from, historically speaking, the worst pitcher in your starting rotation.

But a couple of days ago, the Detroit News reported that Penny might not make the playoff roster. This was met with a roar (get it? Roar?) of approval from Tigers fans who expect all of their pitchers to win 23 games and throw 150 pitches every time they toe the rubber, I guess.

Have we grown cocky during this winning streak? Do we harbor an opposition to pitchers with sketchy facial hair?

I’m befuddled by this hatred for such an unimportant player on a team that has so many other positives to enjoy.

If you have the answer, leave it in the comments and enlighten me.