Background: Kenny Rogers began his pro career in 1982 in the Gulf Coast League as a skinny 160-pound kid. He grew into his frame, threw a no-hitter for the Rangers and sits on 201 career victories as a member of six different teams. It’s a function of the 24-hour media cycle that he’s more famous for shoving a cameraman than zipping any fastball past a hitter. Rogers was suspended from July 27 to Aug. 10 last season for assaulting a Fort Worth, Texas, cameraman who had the audacity to point the lens in Rogers’ direction as he emerged from the Rangers’ dugout.
What’s up: Rogers was appropriately vilified for his boorish behavior last season, making his appearance at the All-Star Game awkward at best. Now Rogers is returning as the American League starter. Manager Ozzie Guillen confirmed as much earlier last week, saying, “In my mind, I want him to be the first guy. He will be rested and he deserves it with the great first half of the season he’s had.”
What’s next: The irony of Rogers getting the nod Tuesday in Pittsburgh extends beyond his criminal actions a year ago. For all of his success, Rogers has had a reputation for disappearing in big games. He fought through his two-year stay with the New York Yankees, and he’s not remembered as fondly in Oakland as his record suggests he should be. Rogers’ behavior and age – he’s 41 – created a tepid free-agent market. But he has proven a worthy investment for the Tigers at $16 million over two years, winning 11 games and eating up innings.
Renck’s take: The Rangers did the right thing by severing ties with Rogers. Sometimes, it’s best for both parties to get a fresh start, regardless of the talent involved. Most impressive about Rogers is that he’s aging better than Sharon Stone. He dumped his sinker and relies more on a four-seam fastball that he commands at will. That sets up a big curveball. Rogers doesn’t produce a lot of strikeouts, but negates that point with his nifty defense – he’s won four Gold Gloves, including two straight. Critics will say that Rogers isn’t even the best pitcher on his team, let alone the all-star team. But the Tigers are the big leagues’ best club, in part, because of Rogers’ calming influence on their blossoming young pitching staff.
